Monday, October 4, 2010

Lenovo ThinkPad X200

We have Lenovo's newest Tablet PC, the X200 in office and we put it to the test. This 12.1" tablet has a reinforced lid that uses carbon fiber on the top and glass fiber around the edges for added strength. It's definitely a solid ThinkPad with some new features like a bi-directional hinge, which is a bonus and it's powered by a 1.86GHz Core 2 Duo processor. Check out how the X200 compares to other tablets in its class.

Lenovo X200 Tablet PC specs:


Intel Core 2 Duo 1.86GHz L9400 processor

2GB RAM

160GB hard drive, 7200 rpm

SSD optional

Intel GMA X4500 graphics

12.1" WXGA (1280 x 800) display with active digitizer, touchscreen optional

Optional optical drive with weight saver with dock

Windows Vista Business OS

3x USB ports

1x Multicard Reader

1x PCI ExpressCard

RJ-11 and RJ-45

VGA-15pin

Microphone and headphone

8-cell battery, 4-cell available

Intel Wi-Fi 5300 and WWAN

Design
The X200 has a solid chassis and design. I mean after all it is a ThinkPad and lives up to its name and durability. It sports the same matte black design, but new to the X200 is a bi-directional hinge, which is great for presentations, much like the Fujitsu T2010.

Weighing in around 3.8lbs with the 8-cell extended battery, this 12.1" tablet is still light and thin enough to take where ever you go. Perfect for mobile professionals or college students. I didn't notice any signs of flex in any part of the tablet and was quite impressed with the screen. I would have liked the touchscreen/active digitizer model to review, but this one is still good.

The X200 is packed with a good variety of features and if you spring for the dock you definitely won't be disappointed. The X200 also now has two speakers on the bottom for better stereo sound instead of one speaker like on the X61 series. Battery life seems way better as well, but I get to that later because that is an important feature for a mobile tablet.


Display
The X200 I am reviewing has a 12.1" WXGA (1280x800) display. It has an active digitizer, but no touchscreen. The digitizer is accurate and the pen works great. I took notes like I was writing on paper. The hinge is solid, so the display looks great from all viewing angles. I didn't notice any signs of color bleed, the display was really nice and bright.

It wasn't too grainy like most tablets and can get really bright if need be. The colors are bold and vivid and even though the screen is 12.1-inches, I had no problem reading or viewing any documents. The X200 looks great in tablet mode as well and the display automatically changes orientation when rotated.

Performance and Benchmarks
The X200 is like most other ThinkPad tablets with their LV processors, but the X200 sports a 1.86GHz Core 2 Duo processor that really can get work done. I was impressed with how fast the machine booted-up and ran PCMark05. It did well on the benchmarks and surfed the Web and ran multiple applications with no problems. It didn't even seem like it was overworking itself

Fujitsu LifeBook T2020 Review

Fujitsu just recently updated their popular business tablet the T2010 with a new processor and chipset. Welcome the LifeBook T2020, which we got our hands on for review. This tablet has the same design, build, display and most of the features just better in the performance department. Check out our review of this sleek, lightweight LifeBook.

Intel Core 2 Duo U9300 1.2GHz, optional U9400 1.4GHz processor


Intel GS45 chipset

120GB (5400 rpm) hard drive, SSD optional

2GB DDR3-800Mhz SDRAM

Windows Vista Business with OneNote 2007

12.1" WXGA indoor/outdoor active digitizer display with wide viewing angles (1280x800)

Integrated speakers

2 x USB

1 x VGA - 15 pin

1 x IEEE 1394 (Firewire)

1 x Type I/II PCMCIA slot

1 x Smart Card slot

1 x Media card reader

1 x Microphone-in and 1 x Headphone

Atheros XSPAN (802.11a/b/g/n)

RJ-45 and RJ-11

10/100/1000 Ethernet

Bluetooth 2.0

High-capacity 6-cell Lithium-Ion battery

Weight: 3.8lbs.

Dimensions: 11.9" (Width) x 8.8" (Depth) x 1.36" (Thick)

Design and Build
The T2020 has a simple design that is sleek and appealing. It has that business feel to it, compact and lightweight, at 3.8lbs. It would be perfect for college students as well considering how small it is and the active digitizer is great for note-taking. The graphite color hides dirt very well and keeps the tablet looking professional. The chassis is solid and there is minimal flex, except for the keyboard area, which I will get to later.

There are a few dedicated tablet buttons on the bottom of the screen that change the screen orientation and function. They are very convenient, especially when using the T2020 in tablet mode. As I mentioned before this review is very similar to the T2010 review because none of the design features have changed.

Display

The active digitizer is great and the 12.1" WXGA screen is flawless. You can adjust the brightness level to your liking and I didn't notice much graininess. The colors are bright and vivid, so much that I almost forgot I was working with a tablet instead of a notebook. I didn't have any problems taking notes and since the T2020 has a bi-directional hinge it's great for presentations. It automatically changes orientation in tablet mode as well. The screen does have a glossy finish, but it's not that reflective. In fact it has great viewing angles and is readable outdoors.

Processor and System Performance

The T2020 I reviewed has a Intel Core 2 Duo U9300 1.2GHz processor and a 120GB hard drive. It didn't show any signs of lag at all. It booted-up quickly and had no problems surfing the Web or running the benchmarks. It did make a little noise when running the benchmarks, so you will know when this tiny machine is hard at work and there was a little CPU whine when idling. The T2020 is an improvement from its predecessor, the T2010. The benchmark scores are improved and the GS45 graphics and processor are to thank. Remember though, the T2020 isn't for gamers or power fiends.

Apple iPAD Review

The Apple iPad is an attempt to launch a new class of devices, more than a smartphone but less than a laptop. For some it's the product they've been looking for all their lives, for others it's no better than an iPod touch with a glandular problem.


Its strengths are its beautiful 9.7-inch touchscreen, 1.5 pound weight, and extremely long battery life. Its weakness include its weak support for multitasking, lack of Adobe Flash, and no memory card slot.

The iPad is available now starting at $500 and going up to $830, depending on configuration.

BUILD & DESIGN
Like all tablets, this device is basically a netbook without a keyboard, which allows it to be smaller and lighter without sacrificing much functionality.
The iPad is about as small as portable as a computer can be; at just 1.5 pounds, if I put it in a backpack, I can't tell I've got anything in the bag.
It is definitely more portable than your average laptop or even netbook, but you're going to need to add some bulk with a case. I can't imagine anyone carrying this computer around without some additional protection for the display.

Screen
The centerpiece of the device is its 9.7-inch touchscreen with a 1024 x 768 pixel resolution. It's the iPad's most critical feature, so it's a good thing that it's beautiful. Colors are vibrant, fonts are crystal clear and the support for a wide selection of viewing angles is amazing.
While this screen looks great indoors, outdoors is another matter. It's fine in full shade, but if I go out in the sun I have to turn the backlight all the way up and carefully pick the direction I'm facing to be able to get anything done -- it's basically a hassle.
Orientation switches automatically, depending on how you hold it. Most of the time this is good, but if you are using the iPad flat on a table, the orientation will switch back and forth at semi-random. Fortunately, there's a small switch you can flick that locks the screen into its current orientation.
Because we're talking about a touchscreen, it's inevitably going to collect fingerprints. Apple has included a coating that's supposed to minimize them, and while it's helping a little, I suspect most users are going to carry around a cleaning cloth.

Keyboard

The iPad's keyboard is probably going to keep more people away than any other feature. A device of this size that depends on a screen keyboard is definitely controversial when people are more accustomed to laptops with large keyboards.

How you use the keyboard depends on how you are holding the iPad. In portrait mode, you hold the device between your hands and type with both thumbs. I have average-size hands, and I find this to be just barely possible; hitting the keys in the middle of the keyboard is kind of a stretch. The process puts a strain on my wrists; I'd write a short note or a quick email this way, but not much else.

Switching the iPad to landscape mode opens a much larger keyboard. To type on this, you have to put the tablet on a table or in your lap. In this mode, my typing speed shoots way up. But keep in mind, when you're typing you can't do like you do with a physical keyboard and rest your fingers on the keys. You have to hold your hands above the keyboard

HP EliteBook 2740p

Business users and consumers who want a well-built tablet PC have a few options on the market right now, including models from HP, Lenovo and Dell, among other manufacturers. HP just updated the aging EliteBook 2730p, replacing it with the EliteBook 2740p that includes upgrades to the latest Core i5 and i7 processors. In this review, we take an in-depth look at this newest business tablet PC and see how well it stacks up against the competition.




Our HP EliteBook 2740p Tablet Specifications:



Screen: 12.1-inch WXGA (1280 x 800) UWVA LED Backlit Multitouch (Matte finish)

Operating System: Windows 7 Professional (64bit)

Processor: Intel Core i5-540M (2.53GHz, 3MB Cache)

Memory: 4GB DDR3 RAM (2GB + 2GB)

Storage: 250GB Toshiba 1.8" HDD (5400rpm)

Wireless: Intel 6200 802.11AGN, Bluetooth

Graphics: Intel GMA HD Integrated Graphics

Power: 44Wh primary battery, 46Wh slice battery, 65W 20V AC adapter

Dimensions: 11.42 x 8.35 x 1.25"

Weight: 3.93lbs

Dell Latitude XT2 Full Review

by Kevin O'Brien
The Dell Latitude XT2 is a business-grade convertible notebook, offering multi-touch finger and digitized pen controls. With a slim and boxy chassis it might not look as cool as some consumer tablets, but it ends up being easier to carry and smaller to travel with. With a starting price of $1,929 it is easily one of the more expensive tablets on the market, but it does include some not-so-common features. Is the Dell Latitude XT2 worth the high price tag? Read our full review to find out.


Specifications:


Intel Core 2 Duo SU9400 1.4GHz (800MHz FSB, 3MB L2 Cache)

Microsoft Windows Vista Business (32-bit)

12.1" Premium WXGA (1280 x 800) LED-Backlight Display with Multi-touch

Intel X4500MHD Integrated Graphics

3GB DDR3 1066MHz RAM (2GB + 1GB)

120GB Toshiba 1.8" 5400RPM HDD

8X CD / DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive) through docking station

Intel 5100AGN WiFi, Bluetooth, and 1Gb Ethernet

6-Cell 42WHr Battery

Limited 3-year standard parts and labor warranty with on-site service

Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.7 x 1.1"

Weight: 3lbs 13.6oz

WINDOWS 7 TABLET

Don't expect those rumored Microsoft Windows 7 Tablet PCs to ship soon, claims Jefferies analyst Katherine Egbert. According to Business Insider, Egbert writes, "Early reports about Windows 8, which has been rumored for release in late 2011, make it appear to be more suited to the tablet market with features such as instant on, GPS support and restoration tools." In addition, Windows 7 doesn't play nice with the Qualcomm SnapDragon processor, and Intel's tablet Oak Trail is not expected until Spring 2011. Meanwhile, there seems to be a consensus among manufacturers that existing Atom chips are not cut out for Windows 7.

BLACKBERRY PLAYBOOK TABLET

It's not a BlackPad, and it's certainly not a SurfBook. Instead, RIM has puts those BlackBerry tablet rumors to sleep by unveiling the PlayBook, a seven-inch tablet (1024 x 600) sporting a 1 GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM and the new BlackBerry Tablet OS that offers multitasking.


At least two rumors were correct, however. The PlayBook only supports a/b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth, but will be able to tether to a BlackBerry via Bluetooth for a data connection. While connected, users will be able to "use the larger tablet display to seamlessly and securely view any of the email, BBM™, calendar, tasks, documents and other content that resides on (or is accessible through) their smartphone," the press release stated. Also, users can "use their tablet and smartphone interchangeably without worrying about syncing or duplicating data." Finally, the new BlackBerry Tablet OS is built on the QNX Neutrino microkernel architecture. RIM is touting the PlayBook as a "professional tablet" that is "enterprise ready."


Other specs include a three-megapixel front-facing digital camera for video conferencing, five-megapixel rear camera, 1080p video recording capability, HDMI out with dual display support, USB port, as well as Adobe Flash Player 10.1, Adobe Mobile AIR and HTML-5 support. The PlayBook will measure 5.1 x 7.6 x 0.4 inches and weigh less than a pound.

RIM expects the PlayBook to ship in early 2011 in the US, Q2 2011 internationally. There is no word on pricing, but rumors indicate a $500 price point. RIM also claims intentions to "launch 3G and 4G models in the future."

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Laptop under 400 - Acer AS5251

Acer has recently skyrocketed in the list of the best selling laptops with their Acer Aspire AS5251.  At under $400, the price cannot be beat.  But does this inexpensive laptop pack enough punch to be considered among the best?
Of course, what first interests us about this AS5251 Acer laptop is the price.  We are accustomed to seeing the top rated netbook come in at prices around $400, but not laptops.  Laptops, typically, do not have the compromises and concessions that we find on netbooks.  These compromises are found in the form of limited memory, smaller hard drives, less-powerful processors, and much smaller laptop screens.
So, let's look at what, if any, compromises that Acer had to make to deliver us this AS5251 laptop under $400 (the current asking price is $379 at many locations).
The first thing that I noticed when I received this laptop was the look and feel of the machine.  It's quite similar to the ASUS UL80Vt-A1, which I currently rate as the best price/performance laptop on the market today.  The machine is black and comes with a 15.6-inch widescreen laptop monitor that provides solid quality with a built web cam, easily enabling you to video-chat with all of your friends.
The processor on the Acer AS5251 laptop is a 2.20 GHz AMD V Series V120 single-core processor.  I am normally an Intel processor devotee but this AMD processor is fast and handles video extremely well with the new Vision technology by AMD.  Many laptops that you find today come with a "dual-core" processor, but this processer should meet the needs of nearly every end user.
The hard drive on this machine is 250GB.  For our money, this is plenty of hard drive space that will suit all of your needs.  Remember, the hard drive space of a machine has nothing to do with the speed.  It simply determines how much information that you can store on the machine.  If you do word processing, PowerPoint, and all the other Office Apps, this size is sufficient.  For the rest of us, who store endless movies and music, we always need to buy another external hard drive for our laptops.  Thus, 250GB will satisfy all but the multimedia buffs, who are not satisfied with the storage capacity of any hard drive.
Now, when we look at the memory of this machine, we find the Acer AS5251 laptop with 3GB of DDR3 memory.  Is this a compromise?  Well, it's a bit like the processor mentioned above.  Most of the top selling laptops today come with 4GB of memory, but we could reasonably ask the question:  Is this overkill?  Again, the standard end-user can get by with 3GB of memory just fine.  In fact, I know folks who still get by just fine with 1 or 2GB of memory in their machines and they are frequently running multimedia.
Finally, the clincher that this is a good buy is that it comes equipped with an HDMI port.  An HDMI port is the best way to connect a laptop to LCD TV, which is a great way to show a room full of people your picture and movies.
To summarize this Acer Aspire5251 review, I would say that this system sacrifices little for all that it offers.  You will have a laptop that performs above-average at a price that is not only affordable but downright inexpensive.

Top 5 Mini Laptops

Netbooks are great little computers that offer you the capability to carry around a computer that has all day battery life and is under $600. They are very portable with most weighing under 3lbs. The following netbook computers are some of the best you can get and they are all available online right now.
Lenovo S12 - The 12.1-inch screen makes this netbook makes bigger than the average one. It is powered by the Intel N270 processor and features a 160GB hard drive. The thing that sets it apart from other netbooks is the great keyboard.
Asus Eee PC 1005HA - The slim netbook from Asus was one of the first netbooks to hit the stores and didn't disappoint. It is powered by a 6-cell battery that gives it 8.5 hours of battery life.
Samsung N120 - The Samsung N120 features very attractive looks and is one of Samsung few laptops on the market. The N120 is the follow up to the N110 which has good success but the new N120 is better. It features a 10.1-inch screen and a 160GB hard drive.
Samsung GO - The Samsung GO is another of Samsung netbooks and it's main trait is it's style it come is a variety of colors and just looks very pleasing to the eye. It is very kid and elderly friendly and makes a nice gift with pricing under $400. It features a 160GB hard drive and a Intel Atom N270.
Toshiba's NB205 - Featuring Intels new PineTrail Atom N280 processor the Toshiba NB205 is the fastest of all the netbooks in my list. It offers real all-day battery life and is also pleasing to the eye. It has a 10.1-inch display and a 160GB hard drives.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Notebooks Deals

If you are looking for solid performance from your laptop or notebook that is exactly what you will find from the Toshiba technology. When it comes to the features on a laptop or notebook Toshiba has created stunning features on their machines. If you choose a Toshiba Laptop or Notebook you will enjoy technology at it finest with the top features for your convenience.
If you are looking for entertainment on the go Hewlett Packard brings that to you in their laptops and notebooks. You will get a high performance laptop with core power along with HD displays. When it comes to getting answers to any of your questions now or in the future on a Hewlett Packard Laptop you can read their blog or contact their customer service department. In my personal experience with Hewlett Packard they stand behind their products and provide top notch customer service.

If you are an Apple enthusiast for a laptop or notebook you will find unbelievable deals available for you. The Apple Notebook has pre-installed software and is ready for you to access the online world. If you have always wanted an Apple Notebook but you thought that you could not afford one, you need to check out these incredible deals I found here. You may discover that an Apple Notebook is just perfect for you.

Are you ready to roam the globe with your Acer Laptop or Notebook. Do you enjoy a light weight laptop, that comes at a great bargain along with innovative technology right at your fingers? The Acer Laptops and Notebooks are so versatile in so many aspects you will really enjoy searching the world wide web with Acer’s Comfy Touch in top technology.

Bargain Laptop

Laptops are fast becoming an essential part of our lives, taking our work, our personal files, our photographs - just about anything, anywhere! The great news is that there are now more and more bargain laptop computers to choose from, allowing you to get a great machine at a cut price.
The cheapest laptops available will be second hand laptops. However, there is always the risk that there might be a problem with the machine, or that it won't be completely up to date. These can be great, however, for those who only need a laptop to fulfill simple needs - such as connecting to the internet and using a word processor.
Cheap deals on new laptops are available if you look for them. Throughout the year, most major laptop manufacturers and vendors will have sales and reduce the price for a limited time. Keep an eye out for these kinds of sales, or go to venues such as online auctions for permanently reduced price deals.
Often, finding the best deals will take time, patience and even a little active research on your part. Whilst this means you may not be able to get your new machine straight away, it does ensure that you will get more value for your money. A little bit of research can help you save hundreds of dollars off a new laptop. Bargain laptop computers are really not too difficult to find.
There are bargain laptop computers available everywhere, just remember to think carefully about what it can add to your life and check the specifications carefully. Also, search the internet for a few reviews about the laptop model you are thinking about buying. This will help you find any problems people have had with the particular laptop.

Cheap Laptops

Whether one is on a shoestring budget or simply trying to save some cash for the rainy days, buying a discounted or cheap laptop can be a way to save on those hard earned bucks! There are plenty of laptops being offered in the open market nowadays, but finding a brand new one or one that is as good as new at a big discount can be quite tricky.

Given the ton of information and offers available on the internet, print media and in your local stores, knowing where to find a good discounted laptop can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. One can easily give up and just do the most convenient thing - buy the first laptop that you like and part with your cash or credit. For those who are able hold their impulsive buying habits, looking around in the right places and at the right time can result to cash savings.

Manufacturers go to a great deal of effort to make sure that laptops that leave the production line are 100 percent perfect as far as quality control is concerned. Consumers occasionally return the laptops not because of technical defects, but because they may have not liked the laptop's features or they simply did not feel completely satisfied with what they bought. Whatever the reason for the return, the manufacturer will test these laptops again and make sure that they perform at par with the band new units!


Discounted Laptops

Finding cheap gateway laptops (also called discounted) today is not as hard as you think, You just have to know where to looking for them and what to look for. Gateway will not tell customers about this secret, as they want you to buy unnecessary expensive laptops. A discount gateway laptop will save you thousands of dollars, keeping some extra cash in your pocket. Discount gateway laptops all have the same updated and new gadgets and software that brand new laptops have and come out with. You will not be able to tell the difference between your discount gateway laptop and those laptops that cost thousands of dollars. This article provides information on finding and a link to where you can buy high quality cheap gateway laptops.
The key is to buy refurbished gateway laptops
If you don't know what a refurbished gateway laptop is, I'll get to the point and tell you what exactly it is and why you'll come out a winner buying a refurbished gateway laptop. Refurbished gateway laptops are laptops that have been repaired, cleaned, and restored back to its original state. Most refurbished gateway laptops are actually brand new laptops that needed to be repaired, and once restored it is put back up for sale, for a much lower cost than the original price! Now you might wonder "OK if everything is fixed, why they can't sell at the original price?" Well the answer simply is that companies can not resale it at the original price because that would be an illegal and unethical thing for the company to do. So when you buy a refurbished gateway laptop, you are practically buying a brand new laptop for a much lower price!
How are refurbished gateway laptops reconditioned
Every laptop being refurbished must go through and pass a mandatory thorough examination. The laptop will be repaired, rid of any defects and fully restored. Gateway or an professional company will repackage the laptop. The laptop is now back to a "brand new" state as any new laptop! Now in order for the companies to sell the laptop, the laptop must be sold at a lower price. Your cheap gateway laptop will have the same full warranty as any new laptop will have. The refurbished gateway laptop can do anything these over-priced expensive laptops can do.
Now you know what you should look for when searching for discount gateway laptops. If you is wondering where to begin finding cheap gateway laptops, a start would be at the end of this article you will find a link that leads to a site for finding discount gateway laptops. You can also search the Internet for cheap gateway laptops, even though you may have to search through the clutter of expensive laptops companies may try to shove in your face. If you have a nearby computer store they may also sell discount gateway laptops.

Guidelines for using laptop Computers.

When traveling, make sure to set your self up as ergonomically as possible. If you are in a hotel, conference room, or any other facility, don’t settle for resting your laptop on a desk, table, counter, or surface that is high or far from reach. Your options include:
  • Using a pillow, pad or even folded towels, to raise your chair high enough so that your elbows are level or slightly higher than the keyboard (elbows at approximately 90 degrees).
  • Asking if the hotel has a docking station for laptops. If not, ask if there are computer workstations for desktops (many hotels are computer user friendly) and plug into their keyboard and monitor.
If you can’t find a surface low enough, or a chair high enough, then your lap is always an option.
  • Sit so that your knees and hips are level. This will allow the laptop to rest comfortably on your lap.
  • Again, be careful with your neck. Look down at the screen by tucking your chin in as opposed to bending your entire neck down, as this can cause strain and fatigue to the neck and shoulder area.
  • Try using a chair that does not have armrests to give you room to move your arms.
If you elect to place your computer on the food tray, and it is too high to achieve comfort, try raising your seat height by folding one or two blankets under you. If that doesn’t work, you may be best off using your lap.
Laptops are often heavy which means you should avoid carrying them with a handle. Try carrying them on your shoulder and use a bag with a padded shoulder strap.
Pace yourself. Take frequent breaks. Stand up and stretch. If you feel any strains or pains, stop what you are doing and experiment with different positions. The same rules of healthy computer use applies to laptops as well as desktops.

Laptop Computers Guidelines

Today, many computer users have turned to convenient portable laptops as either an adjunct to their work stations, or as an alternative to a desk top computer. Just as desktop computers have specific guidelines and recommendations for safe and healthy use, so do laptops. The following is a list of things to consider and try to promote and ensure comfort when using them.

Laptop Typing Guidelines

  • Set up the laptop keyboard, much like you would your regular keyboard. Elbows should be level with or slightly higher than the keyboard (elbows at approximately 90 degrees, wrists level, upper arms hanging as vertically as possible)
  • Try using a chair that does not have arm rests so that you will have room to move your arms.
  • If you have the option to plug in your regular keyboard and monitor to your lap top, do so.
  • If not, avoid resting on the wrist rest areas WHILE typing. Try using whole hand and arm movements to navigate around the keys.
  • If you are unfamiliar with your laptop keyboard, try watching your hands at first to learn where all the keys are placed. Some of them may have been rearranged.
  • As the touch on lap tops are often lighter, and the key bed is shallow, be especially careful not to pound on the keys.
  • If your laptop has a glide point that is difficult to move, try plugging in an external mouse, and / or try using key commands instead.
  • When looking down at the screen, be careful not to bend your neck and head forward to see. Try tucking in your chin to look down, keeping your head and neck more or less balanced over the spine.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Multi-Touch Coming to OLPC laptops


The One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) nonprofit organization said its upcoming XO-1.75 laptop will include a multitouch screen and modified software to go with it. 

The XO-1.75 will start shipping next year with an 8.9-inch touch screen; other features include an Arm processor as opposed to the current XO-1.5 laptop, which uses a VIA x86 CPU.
OLPC plans to sell XO-1.75 laptops with and without multitouch displays.
OLPC laptops are designed for children in primary schools in developing countries. The company is currently developing an XO3 multitouch tablet with no physical keyboard.

SONY VAIO Y LAPTOP REVIEW

The VAIO Y is a 13.3" ultraportable CULV-powered notebook from Sony, acting as the affordable-brother to the high-end VAIO Z. This model includes Intel GMA HD integrated graphics, an Intel Pentium CULV processor (New models feature Intel Core i3 and i5 ULV processors), 4GB of DDR3 memory and a WXGA resolution display. In this review we see how well this model stacks up against other ultraportable systems and if it should be added to your back-to-school notebook buying list.
At the time of publishing this review, Sony has phased out the older Intel Pentium processors, as seen in this review, and replaced them with the newer Intel ULV Core i3 and i5 processors.
Our Sony VAIO Y Specifications:

  • Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
  • Intel Pentium U5400 (1.2GHz, 3MB cache)
  • 4GB DDR3 1066MHz RAM (8GB max)
  • 500GB 5400RPM Toshiba Hard Drive
  • 13.3" Widescreen LED Backlit Display (1366 x 768)
  • Intel GHA HD Integrated Graphics
  • Atheros B/G/N, 1Gb LAN, Bluetooth
  • Ports: 3 x USB 2.0, Headphone Output, Microphone Input, VGA, HDMI, RJ-45 Ethernet, FireWire
  • 6-cell 54Wh battery
  • Dimensions: 12.8"(W) x 0.93 - 1.2"(H) x 8.9"(D)
  • Weight: 3.81 pounds (with standard capacity battery)

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

5 Tips to Ensure SmoothRunning of your Laptop

In this age of information, people want their electronics everywhere. They like to carry all the information available with them, as they feel anything can be required anytime. Laptop gives you an upper edge as you can carry all the useful information with yourself.

Now once you have realized that laptop is an essential thing for you, the next step that follows is that what are the things that can make your laptop the best. Or we can say that there are some steps that help you maintain an overall good health of your notebook computers.

The top five tips that make your laptop the best are:

1.The most important thing in your notebook computer is your battery. You should always try to maintain a good health of your battery. In order to do so, you should charge the battery of your notebook to the fullest of its capacity after running it into empty, once every week.

2.A hard disk clean up should be performed every six months. You should clean up the files that are of no longer in use with security back-ups.

3.When you feel that you no longer need to work on your laptop, do not simply unplug your notebook PC. Your laptop should be shut down in a proper manner. Also never leave your system over night after finishing your work.

4.To maintain a good health of your notebook, you should continuously detect and repair the errors on your hard disk by using a scan disk tool, once a month. You should also use the de-fragmenting tool, which is there in your accessory box, to de-fragment your hard drive.

5.Always use proper cleaning materials to clean up your LCD display.

Benefits of a Laptop Computer

Laptop computers are small personal computers designed for using on the move. They usually have all the functions of a desktop computer but are portable space-savers. Today there are more laptops sold in the general PC market than desktop computers so they must have their advantages over traditional PCs. There are many benefits to using a lap top computer – check out just a few of them below.


A laptop computer is completely portable


Portability is often the main advantage of choosing a laptop over a desktop computer. Portability means that a laptop can be used virtually anywhere, not only at home and the office, but also during commuting, in lecture halls, coffee shops, libraries or in meeting rooms to assist with presentations.


You can use your time more efficiently with a laptop


A laptop can be used in places where a desktop PC can't which means you can use your time more productively. For example, office workers can tackle emails during the commute to the office with a laptop at hand and students can work on coursework at the university coffee shop during a break between lectures. If you work from home then a laptop computer allows you to move your office outside on sunny days.


You can gain immediate access to information

Carrying a laptop means having instant access to information, whether it’s from saved files or from the Internet. Immediacy allows better collaboration between co-workers or students, as a laptop computer can be flipped open to find a solution anytime, anywhere. If you are in a meeting and have forgotten an important document you can simply access it from your laptop computer.


Laptops are a manageable size

Laptop computers are smaller than standard PCs which is great when space is at a minimum. When not in use, a laptop can be closed and put away in a small space unlike standard PCs that tend to dominate a large proportion of a room.


Low power consumption

A laptop computer is more power-efficient than a desktop. This is beneficial for businesses (which run hundreds of personal computers, multiplying the potential savings) and homes where there is a computer running constantly. You could even save money on your electricity bill if you choose a laptop computer over a desktop PC.


Peace and quiet

It can be distracting to work at a computer with a droning fan or one that sounds like it’s taking off every time you open a file. A laptop computer is often quieter than a desktop PC, due to better components and less heat production. This means cooling fans can be run at a slower speed and less often, giving you a quieter working environment.


Battery power

A fully charged laptop computer can run for several hours off its internal battery. This is useful for journeys but is also handy if there’s a power cut and you still need to get work done.


A laptop computer is a great investment whether you require a computer for work or for pleasure.

Cheap Laptops for Students

One option for buying an inexpensive laptop is to purchase it from a power user or gamer. People who use notebook computers for gaming purposes yearn for cutting-edge technology. They tend to change laptops within short spans of time. Buying from such users puts you in a win-win situation as you can get the best. While they crave for latest technology and sell off their laptops within a year or two, you acquire a not-so-old laptop that caters to your needs. An economical option to buying a new laptop, is purchasing a refurbished one. Inexpensive refurbished laptops should not be underestimated just because they are low-priced. In fact, reconditioned laptops offer the same features as those offered by new ones. It is a myth that they are in bad condition. In buying refurbished laptops, you can take advantage of their high depreciation value and get home just a few-years-old laptop for a considerably low price.

Another excellent option for students is to go for a slightly older technology. When you know that computer technology is advancing at an exceptionally fast rate, there is no point in spending big bucks on the latest technology. It's sure to become old within the next few months. A better alternative is to go for a slightly older technology. Perhaps you can adjust with less RAM, a relatively lesser hard disk capacity, or a slightly lower-resolution screen, depending on your requirement or usage.

Many laptop companies offer discounts coupons and rebate schemes for students or educational discounts. Websites that have online bargain stores give attractive sales offers during certain months of the year. Many laptop dealers come up with lucrative offers for laptop buyers with the intent to increase their sales. All you need to do is keep your eyes open and keep track of the sales offer that suits your requirements. Remember to compare different offers in terms of their cost-effectiveness. Make sure you choose an authorized dealer for the laptop deal. It is advisable for students to seek guidance from someone with knowledge of computer buying. Participating in online forums related to laptop purchase and scanning through bulletin boards for laptop deals, can help you buy the best laptop. Weigh your usage requirements against the laptop's features and price and get home that technological wonder, you had been craving for since long - a laptop!

Guide to buying good and yet Cheap Laptop Computers

1) The easiest way to buy good cheap laptops is by tracking down the brand and model of the notebook that you wish to purchase and then shop around from reputable various cheap laptop computer online shops buy the one that you want or need once find the best price.

But be careful though... if you come across a laptop price that is so low therefore that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Ask yourself where the "catch" is and if you can't find one, ask the stores' customer service personnel or simply look around in the help section.

I am sure that you'll agree with me that there's nothing worse than buying an item from somewhere at a very good price to only realize later that you must buy extra parts and accessories that were omitted purposefully to keep the price low that will trick unsuspecting shoppers. It has happened to me, beware that it does not happen to you! For example many retailers promote cheap prices on desktops but there's a small print somewhere that the monitor is not included yet the show the monitor in the picture of the system... how sneaky is that?

The real time you should trust an offer about cheap laptop computers if:
  • The store is holding a sale
  • If the store is big enough and can afford to stock a huge inventory of notebooks. This will justify the low prices as the mass purchase from their side will have resulted in a few savings that will be passed onto the shopper. We recommend such cheap laptop retailers
Also, beware of cheap laptops online merchants that will not offer you the after-sales service that you deserve. This is how way they keep their prices low. They cut corners ( these merchants don't -- thank goodness)! It might save you a few hundreds dollars upfront but you will inherit endless nightmares should anything wrong. Trust me, with *all* laptop computers at some stage something will go haywire!

2) The best second way to shopping for cheap laptops is an effective one too. There's nothing magical about it. As matter of fact, it's so straight-forward yet many laptop computer buyers ignore it totally.

This secret of buying good cheap laptop computers involve selecting only those features that you need. Believe me, this no-brainer will save you hundreds of dollars. Hmmm... you're in doubt? OK... you're allowed to... as a matter of fact it's good that you don't take my word for gospel. But, I am going to prove it to you right here right now.

When I was shopping for a notebook, my budget was tight (as a musician, money is always...). One fellow musician had recommended that I get myself a Pentium 4 - 1,8 GHz powered machine that had at least 512 MB of RAM, 40 Gb and 16.1' display. After all, these were these were the specs of his laptop and if he was happy with his I'd be happy with the same kind of computer. I decided to bite the bullet and shell out US $ 2,700 to buy the laptop.

After months of saving up, I was ready. For some weird and rather coincidental reasons, one of my other musician friend performed the night before the big purchase day at a bar in the city next to where I lived. I went to see him play live and asked what specs of his laptop were... I nearly fainted when he told me that it had a Celeron processor, ran at 1 GHz, had 256 MB of RAM and 20 Gb. He told me that those specs were actually double of the music software and if I wanted I could even aim lower and get a cheap laptop computer! This story is getting to long so I'll cut it short: I saved myself as much as US $ 1300!

Do you see how easy it is to get cheap laptops? I am sure that, you don't need as much notebook specifications that you think you need.

3) Another obvious way to getting cheap laptops is to wait for technological advances. Yes, patience can be a secret to getting great cheap laptop computers deals. What do I mean by that?

When Pentium 4 powered laptops hit the market, the P III prices dropped at a favorable rate for the shopper. When processor speeds went past the 2.0 GHz mark, anything below that was instantly considered slow and prices of such laptop computers dropped to. And you know what, such changes do not make the latest notebooks any better of faster than the current or now old ones!

Watch out for such tech changes. Needless to say, you need to be clued up and be ready to move fast as many shoppers are on the lookout for such price changes. If just want a cheap laptop and do not care about having to become a tech nerd, simple befriend one, blackmail or bribe him/ her to watch such deals for you :o)!

4) The fourth way I can think of to get cheap laptops is to identify dealers that sell refurbished laptops. Just in case you don't know what that means, let me explain as simply as I can.

Refurbished laptop computers consists of notebooks that were sent back to the manufacturer to be "renewed". This means that they will be given new parts if the previous were defective, in other words that the machine will be as good as a new notebook expect that it isn't.

Obviously, retailers will sell such systems at a very good price for the simple reason that they're not brand new even if their condition is the same as the brand new ones. I am a big fan of such cheap Laptops shopping as it's a way to get an normally expensive machine for way much less than the selling price.

More info about refurbished laptops coming soon.

5) The fifth way to buying cheap laptops is also deceptively straight forward.

It consists of getting cheap laptop computers by purchasing previously owned and used laptops. There are a few reasons why anyone would want to sell his/ her laptop: upgrade to a faster model, inability to pay for it fully, the need of using it might disappear (for example: a freelancer who finds a permanent job and gets a desktop), companies selling their inventory, people needing something different for a change (yes, it happens especially among people in love with technology -- technophiles) and so on...

Shopping for this kind of cheap laptops can get tricky though. Before I buy anything that is used, I always ask myself or the current owner or seller why he or she wants to get rid of it. If the answer satisfies me, I will then proceed. If it doesn't, I'll run as fast as I can.

I'll never forget one man who put his laptop at ebay for auction and said that the machine was in mint condition and yet the picture revealed that the poor laptop was held together by masking tape that's how messed up it was.

Such a method to acquire cheap laptops will have detailed article someday. Please, keep checking back for the link.

Now, Go Buy a Cheap laptop!