Alienware's Sentia m3400 ultraportable notebook

Alienware has announced its latest Sentia today, the m3400 14-inch widescreen laptop. This is one of those straddles-the-ultraportable-line laptops that's a solid 4.5 pounds, a number still more than portable enough than to get you by on naught but the most greuling business trips.

Features:
# Features a 14” wide-screen LCD with ClearView technology giving you a clearer and more vivid image than standard LCD displays.
# Weighs a light 4.5 lbs for effortless transport.
# Delivers up to 3.5 hours of battery life* so you can focus on working or having fun on the go without worrying about your battery.
Built-In Webcam
#The Sentia m3400 features a built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam enabling live video communication without the hassle of external devices or wires. Enjoy quick and easy video chat sessions from any location.
Enhance Your Entertainment Experience
# Never miss another show with the simple record feature
# Easily edit and organize your digital photos and create a custom slideshow
# Download thousands of On-Demand movie titles and music tracks

Highlights:
#Wide-Screen Display
Sentia m3400 notebooks include a 14” wide-screen LCD with a 5:3 aspect ratio, ensuring you never miss any of the action.
#Exclusive Style
Alienware has a long tradition of delivering one-of-a-kind designs with desktop and notebook systems.
#High-Definition Audio
With the unrivaled quality of digital 5.1 surround sound output, the Sentia m3400 is the ideal audio solution, delivering amazing sound quality for all of your movies, music, and games.
#Reliable Graphics Performance
Loaded with Intel Graphics Media Accelerator (900) technology, the Sentia m3400 powers DVD’s, presentations, games, pictures, and more without sacrificing battery life.

[read]

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Tags:notebook, laptop, alienware

Dual-core Athlon 64 X2 Laptop Reviewed

Steve from Hexus writes "Dual core finds its way inside a laptop (albeit a not-so-portable DTR) in the form of Rockdirect's Xtreme64. The DTR features an Athlon 64 X2 4800+, two 7200rpm hard drives and a GeForce Go 6800 Ultra GPU. HEXUS.net has a review of the laptop, one of the most powerful we've seen hit the market to date." From the article: "Rather than change a formula that works, Rockdirect has opted to stick with the Clevo D900-based chassis that its other performance-based laptops use. The obvious downsides are bulkiness and weight, with the laptop sitting almost 5cm high and weighing in at 5.7kg. It's a desktop replacement in the truest sense of the words, and with an 8kg travel weight (including charger and supplied carrying case) and relatively poor battery life, it's about as portable as a concrete slab."

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Tags:athlon

Embedded Module eases wireless laptop service

A Belgian company has developed a wireless laptop module that connects to standard cell towers and is not limited to the proximity of WiFi hot spots.

Option NV said this week that its GTM351E includes a PCI card that should make wireless Internet activity an easier proposition for users who currently have to hunt around for a hot spot before they can log on.

The card is installed on the unit's motherboard and can handle third-generation HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) technology and as well as the UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service) that is widely used in Asia.

The first GTM351E modules will ship early next year and begin making it to consumers some time afterward.

"The business model between operators and IT manufacturers for commercializing embedded wireless modules is still in its early stages," Option CEO Jan Callewaert said in a statement. "We'll see a further maturing of this market in 2006
[via]

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Tags: module, laptop,wireless

Toshiba Qosmio G25-AV513 notebook review

The third-generation Toshiba Qosmio delivers the most complete multimedia experience of any laptop we've seen. Built on a state-of-the-art set of components and accommodating virtually every multimedia feature under the sun, the Qosmio G25-AV513, the highest-end model in the Qosmio line, offers a bright 17-inch, wide-screen display, a double-layer DVD drive, and a TV tuner, as well as a full complement of ports and connections, a rocking set of stereo speakers, and a terrific set of multimedia controls. At $2,999, this notebook is not for the casual user. You can certainly get a handful of these features for less in other entertainment-themed notebooks, such as the HP Pavilion dv4000. Still, we think the Qosmio G25-AV513 is well worth the money if you're looking for a premier, all-in-one, digital-entertainment system that's portable enough to move from room to room. With the lid closed, the Toshiba Qosmio G25-AV513 looks quite similar to the original Qosmio E15-AV101--it's silver colored, has lots of ports and lights around the edges.

The keyboard has large, firm keys, though the spacebar and the backspace keys are a bit smaller than those on the Sony VAIO VGN-A690; also, there is no separate number pad, as found on the HP Pavilion zd8000 and the Fujitsu LifeBook N6000. Above the keyboard resides a row of feather-touch system-control buttons that include a full complement of A/V controls: two keys that send you directly to Media Center's TV and DVD players, two keys to adjust the screen's brightness, and two more to send or receive a video signal. All glow a pleasing blue when lit. The Qosmio G25-AV513's touch pad and mouse buttons are far too small for our taste, and there's no way to turn the touch pad off when you're using an external mouse--an extremely useful feature found on the Pavilion zd8000 and one that we'd like to see on every desktop-replacement laptop.

This notebook has one of the brightest wide-aspect 17-inch displays we've seen on a laptop--on a par with the superbright Fujitsu LifeBook N6000, slightly brighter than the Sony VAIO VGN-A690, and exponentially brighter than the Pavilion zd8000. The Qosmio G25-AV513's 1,440x900 native resolution (also found on the Apple 17-inch PowerBook), affords a large amount of screen real estate without forcing text to a painfully tiny size.

The system also held its own in our gaming tests, beating all comers in our Unreal Tournament 2004 benchmarks and holding its own in our Half-Life 2 and Doom 3 tests. Though it lasted for only a scant 109 minutes in our battery-drain test, the Qosmio G25-AV513 turned in a 235 in our MobileMark 2002 test, even besting our top gaming machine: the Dell Inspiron XPS Gen 2. The moral of the story: the Qosmio G25 delivers enough power for virtually any task--from gaming to office productivity--but don't leave it unplugged for long.

Specifications:
Windows XP Professional; 2GHz Intel Pentium M 760; 1GB PC 3200 DDR2 SDRAM 400MHz; Nvidia GeForce Go 6600 128MB, 120 GB HardDrive Serial ATA, 10x (CD) / 4x (DVD±RW) / 5x (DVD-RAM), TV tuner, Stereo speakers, Bluetooth antenna, Wireless LAN antenna, weight 9.5 lbs, Display- 17" TFT active matrix (Trubrite).

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Tags:qosmio

Averatec's aubergine notebook

I'm not as up on laptops as I was back when I worked on What Laptop mag, but I can tell you that this rather good looking Averatec 1050 is nice and lightweight at just 1.6kg, making it portable enough for the likes of you and me (probably doesn't weigh much more than a copy of Marie Claire or similar, those things are enough to pop a capillary). It's got Windows XP plus a Pentium M ULV 733 processor (quoted as running at 1.1GHz, but this is a lot more efficient than a desktop 1.1GHz processor so don't be fooled into direct comparisons). You also get 512MB RAM and an 80GB hard disk drive. The 10.6-inch screen may feel a bit small, but it keeps it compact enough to stick in a tote bag, and apparently it costs just £999, which is a lot less than laptops like this cost in my day.

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Tags:averatec

Women's laptop bags for Canadians

Gah! Mine eyes! Possibly a bit too much pink for this time on a Monday morning, but for those of you currently touting the "Board Room Barbie" look, this KaraB shiny pink plastic laptop bag will be the icing on the cake. I'm not sure I actually know anyone currently touting the "Board Room Barbie" look (not least because I just made it up), but there's plenty other pinkophiles out there likely to look upon the Passport Convertible bag with pleasure.

Virago Bags is the shop responsible, and the Canada-based e-tailer is also selling plenty of other lady-friendly laptop bags, including those lovely Melissa Beth ones I popped up a while back, and a selection of impressive, studded Z-Attache cases that will make you look like "Bondage Bitch Board Room Barbie" and thus get my whole-hearted approval. The company ships to Canada and the US, but UK customers will need to look elsewhere for their snazzy bags.

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Tags:bags

Asus U5: 1st eco warrior laptop

I've always been rather partial to Asus laptops. Although it's not the most well-known brand out there, the company has some lovely skinny little ultraportables and a very plain, classy design. Now the company has gone and made Hippyshopper feel all fuzzy inside with this lead and halogen-free U5. It's free from dodgy chemicals, making it perfect for conscientious mobile workers, plus it's got some rather nice specs, including the fastest Pentium M processor on the market. The fact that it weighs just 1.4kg makes it perfect for us lady types as well as those under-nourished from their fruitarian diet. (Yes I know it's cowardly to pick on those who haven't the strength to fight back.)

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Tags:asus

Mini DigitalTV dongle for your laptop Computer

I've never managed to watch TV on a laptop, despite having tested numerous TV plug-ins. After too many hours spent fiddling with settings whilst watching those black and white bees swarming all over the screen, I finally gave up. That was a while ago now, though, it would be churlish of me not to give this Mini DigitalTV receiver a try. It plugs into your computer's USB port, and once you've added a TV Antenna, you can watch freeview digital TV on it. The DVB-T TV Standard provides both digtal TV and Radio signals, so you can watch/listen and record shows on your laptop or PC. It's not in store yet in the UK, but look out for it in the coming months.
[via]

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Tags:digitalTV

Sony VAIO VGN-AX570G Notebook review

CNET reviews the Sony VAIO VGN-AX570G and gives it a rating of 6.5 out of 10. They write - ‘With the VAIO VGN-AX570G’s integrated TV tuner and beautiful 17-inch wide-screen display, Sony seeks to compete with the Fujitsu LifeBook N6210 and the Toshiba Qosmio G25-AV513, delivering a self-contained laptop that’s equal parts TV and media-center computer. Though the VAIO VGN-AX570G lacks the best-in-class performance of the Qosmio and some of the features found on the LifeBook, it offers a competitive multimedia experience for several hundred dollars less. Still, all these systems are designed for people who are quite serious about making their laptop the entertainment hub of their home; more casual users who can do without the integrated TV tuner are better off with the much less expensive HP Pavilion dv8000z.’

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Tags:sony,vaio

Targus Ergo D-Pro Mobile Notebook Stand

Targus Ergo D-Pro Mobile Notebook Stand
This is an ergonomic stand for notebooks with a range of adjustable heights and tilt angles. Its heavy duty construction allows for long-term desktop use. The stand offers convenient document holder positioning to improve ergonomic efficiency while keeping you organized and increasing productivity by 17%. With a built-in security slot feature and support for multiple docking solutions via a port rep module (RPM)*, this highly versatile stand will be a welcome addition to your office. Its black and silver design gives it both a classic and high-tech feel.


Specifications
* Color: Silver/Black
* Exterior Dimensions:
Open - 12.8" x 12.2" x 3" to 10"
* Weight: 7.7 lbs

Features
* Ergonomic stand for notebooks with range of adjustable heights
* High tech and sleek look for executives
* Heavy duty construction for long-term desktop use
* Multiple tilt angles for flexible height adjustment
* Document holder placed straight ahead to improve ergonomic efficiency and desktop organization
* Built-in security slot feature to secure stand
Price:$82.99

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Tags:notebook stand, Targus

HP Advanced Port Replicator DC366B

HP Advanced Port Replicator
The HP Advanced Port Replicator provides easy cable management and one-step connection to desktop accessories at home or in the office. The Port Replicator incorporates NIC pass though so the network card of the notebook provides the networking capabilities. The system main battery can be charged when connected to the Port Replicator if the AC Adapter provided with the Port Replicator is plugged in. The Port Replicator has a security slot that incorporates two levels of security. One slot allows the Port Replicator to be secured to a stationary object. The second slot locks the Port Replicator and the notebook to a stationary object.

Specifications
* Device Type: Port replicator
* Width: 16.2 in
* Depth: 11.8 in
* Height: 1.3 in
* Weight: 4.4 lbs

Expansion / Connectivity
* Expansion Bays Total (Free): 2 ( 2 ) x front accessible

Interfaces
* 1 x audio - line-in - mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm
* 1 x audio - line-out - mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm
* 1 x audio - SPDIF output
* 1 x display / video - S-video output - 4 pin mini-DIN
* 1 x display / video - composite video output - RCA
* 1 x display / video - DVI-Digital - 24 pin digital DVI
* 1 x display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)
* 1 x serial - RS-232 - 9 pin D-Sub (DB-9)
* 1 x parallel - IEEE 1284 (EPP/ECP) - 25 pin D-Sub (DB-25)
* 1 x keyboard - generic - 6 pin mini-DIN (PS/2 style)
* 1 x mouse - generic - 6 pin mini-DIN (PS/2 style)
* 3 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A
* 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire) - 4 pin FireWire
* 1 x network - RJ-45
* 1 x docking / port replicator

Compatibility
* Compaq Evo Notebook N1020v
* Compaq Evo Notebook N620c
* Compaq Evo Notebook N800c
* Compaq Evo Notebook N800v
* HP Compaq Business Notebook Nc4010
* HP Compaq Business Notebook Nc6000
* HP Compaq Business Notebook Nc8000
* HP Compaq Business Notebook Nx5000
* HP Compaq Mobile Workstation Nw8000
price:$159.

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Tags:replicator

Laptop Shopping? Here Are 3 Good Ones

It's never been a better time. Prices are the lowest they've ever been and features are good, even on entry-level machines.

Here are a few things you need to know:

Laptop or notebook? Though most folks use the terms interchangeably, "laptop" generally refers to machines on the large size, over 6 pounds. Many are used as desktop replacements because they typically have the CD-DVD drives built in and are loaded with most of the options you'd have on a big desktop PC.

Notebooks are lighter, less than 6 pounds, and they often have separate CD-DVD drives that plug into a USB port and are left behind when you pack the notebook up in your briefcase.

Memory: If you are going to use a laptop as your main machine, you want at least 512 megabytes of memory. Some of the entry-level machines come with 256 MB. That's probably enough for most on-the- go tasks, though performance can lag if you want to open multiple programs, do some serious number crunching with a spreadsheet, watch video or listen to music.

Finding the best price: Whether you buy online or from a store, always run the model you're interested in through a comparison- shopping site such as pricegrabber.com or shopping .com.

If you buy online, realize that shipping costs often make it just as costly as if it were purchased from a brick and mortar retail outlet.

That said, here are my 2005 laptop and notebook recommendations:

-Apple 15-inch G4 PowerBook www.apple.com

-Toshiba Satellite M45 www.tigerdirect.com

-Fujitsu LifeBook P1500 Tablet PC http://store.shopfujitsu.com

[via-Redorbit]

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Tags:laptop

Intel-based Laptop Manufacturers Named, New 'Books at Macworld

Apple's new Intel-based laptop computers will be produced by Quanta and Asustek, according to EMSNow. Both companies are to produce products for release in the first quarter of 2006. Quanta is responsible for producing PowerBooks, and Asustek will produce iBooks.

The article also claims that Apple stated it will be exhibiting its Intel-based laptops at Macworld Expo 2006 in San Francisco.

Apple is notoriously tight-lipped about up coming product releases, so it seems unlikely that the company publicly stated that it is showing its forthcoming PowerBook and iBook products at Macworld Expo. It's more likely that a representative from one of the manufacturers inadvertently released confidential information, or that something was mis-translated into English.

Either way, we will still have to wait until Steve Job's keynote address on January 10 to know for sure.

Macworld Expo 2006 runs from January 9 through January 13, 2006, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Additional information about the Expo is available at the Macworld Expo Web site.

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Tags:apple,laptop, intel

Logitech V20 Notebook Speakers review

Logitech V20 Laptop Speakers
Now you can enjoy great sound with a simple setup from your laptop! The Logitech V20 Notebook Speakers offer a convenient, high-quality speaker system for your laptop with rich, full sound and deep bass--all in a lightweight, portable design. The USB port provides power and digital quality audio--no other cables are necessary! Convenient multimedia controls provide easy access to track forward/back, play, stop, mute, and volume buttons that work with many software applications.

Specifications
* Total RMS Power: 2 Watts (1W + 1W) into 4 ohms at 1 kHz at 10% total harmonic distortion (THD)• System THD: less than 0.05% THD, before clipping
* Signal-to-noise ratio: >70dB
* Frequency response: 70Hz - 20 kHz
* Driver size: 2" high-excursion driver with 3" pressure driver
* Dimensions: 6.44" tall x 6.25" wide x 1.5" deep (combined)
* Weight: 1 lb. 3.6 oz. (combined)
Price:$59.99.

Features
* Optimize your sound: High dynamic headroom circuitry offers greater volume with less distortion--and combined with the 2" Max-X™ high-excursion drivers and 3" pressure drivers, maximize bass response.
* Take them with you: The Logitech V20 Notebook speakers have a lightweight, portable design that folds away easily in the protective travel case.
* Plug and play: USB provides both power and digital-quality audio. No other cables are necessary, and there is no AC adapter to pack.

System Requirements
* Available USB port
* Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP or higher
* Mac OSX or higher

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Tags:speakers, logitech

Cheap Computer Laptop Stand-Griffin iCurve

Griffin iCurve Invisible Laptop Stand
iCurve makes using a laptop computer on your desktop much more comfortable. It raises the laptop screen to eye level, it frees up desktop space for a separate keyboard and mouse, and it significantly increases airflow around your laptop, keeping it running nice and cool. The iCurve conforms to health and safety standards, making your laptop safer and more comfortable to use all day long. It is recommended to position the top of your screen level with your eyes and sitting at least an arm’s length distance from the screen. Both of these key ergonomic standards are made possible using iCurve with an external keyboard (not included).

iCurve is just beautifully designed. Made with rounded clear plastic, iCurve will add grace and style to your desk. Now isn’t that a good reason to get one?
price: $29.99

Features:
- Raises laptop screen to eye level
- Frees up valuable desk space
- Permits use of any external keyboard and mouse
- Improves airflow circulation and cooling around laptop
- Makes laptop usage more ergonomically correct
- Modern design and liquid curves enhance any workspace
- Fixed friction pads on the arms of the iCurve holds your notebook in place
- iCurve's base allows for smooth rotation and reposition, just like adjusting a monitor

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Tags:griffin,stand

Control Which Programs Launch at Start-Up

Performance Tip:
Many of the programs you install on your system automatically configure themselves to launch at start-up, often invisibly. The truly essential ones, such as firewall and antivirus products, generally run as Windows services, working efficiently in the background. Other less important products like media players really don't need to be running constantly, if at all. These extra applications slow the boot process and then suck up system resources and CPU cycles.

There are many ways a program can launch at start-up. The System Configuration Utility rounds up all of the start-up programs in a single display. Launch it by choosing Run from the Start menu and entering msconfig. The Startup tab displays a complete list of the programs that launch at start-up. To disable any one of them reversibly, just uncheck the box at left. It should be safe to disable any of them, as only nonessential programs appear on the Startup tab. But leave the adjacent Services tab alone—disable some of those entries and you may disable Windows completely.

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Tags:laptop, windows

Systemax Pursuit 4025 Notebook review

This laptop will satisfy the most basic needs of the laptop user. It’s specifications allow it to only just manage the most simple of tasks. However, with the range of extras available, and the ability to customize, you will certainly be able to make it fit your needs without ever having to upgrade.

This is certainly one of the most basic laptop computers I have seen for a while. Without the extras it has the minimum that is actually possible with a computer nowadays. The Celron processor can handle basic tasks, but will not give a provide a pleasant working environment for those who use the computer for many tasks.

The hard drive will certainly be fine for this computing level. Even the best hard disk drives only really provide advantages to very heavy use computers, like servers.

256MB or RAM is my biggest concern. This is hardly enough to feed Windows, let alone operate a whole lot of other things too. There is a 60 dollar upgrade which I would recommend. The 1GB seems a little much, especially seeing as the aim is a budget laptop.

Combination CDROM/DVD drives are well entrentched in the budge market, simply because of the very little extra that it costs to have a CD burner as opposed to a normal CDROM. A DVD burner might be a great upgrade to this machine, especially with the way in which it will ease the backing up and storage of extra data.
Price: $599.
Find more info at TigerDirect.

Specifications:
Microsoft® Windows® XP Home SP2, Intel Celeron M Processor 1.4GHz, 256MB DDR RAM, 40GB HardDrive, CD-RW / DVD-ROM Combo Drive, Intel Extreme Graphics 2, Integrated Modem, Integrated LAN, Integrated Wireless LAN, Display 15" XGA, Weight 6.6 lbs.

User Review:
A great, inexpensive PC. Mine has 60gb HD and 512mb of RAM. I've had it up to 1.5 hours on battery so far and the meter still shows 50% of battery life left. That is with no CD/DVD usage. The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is the mouse pad. It can be too sensitive sometimes (it has a touch to click type pad as well as the buttons), which can have unintended consequences, and sometimes hesitates (sp) when moving it across the screen. I have tried adjusting the mouse/pad settings, but it only helps a bit in either case. Also it locked right on to my wireless network without any problems. This is a great system without the big bucks.

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Tags:Laptop, Systemax

iGo ice90 Universal Home/Office Notebook Power Adapter

iGo ice90 Universal Home/Office Notebook Power Adapter
iGo ice90 powers and charges notebook computers from standard wall outlets and is designed to meet the needs of high-power machines - running features such as DVD-ROMs and large screens. With iGo's optional Peripheral Powering System (PPS) accessory, ice90 simultaneously powers and charges a mobile phone or handheld/PDA in addition to your notebook - supplying continual power with built in safeguards.

Specifications
* AC Input: 100-240VAC; 50/60 Hz
* DC Output to Notebook: Up to 90 Watts Continuous
* Unit dimensions: 5.67"L x 2.6"W x 1.25"H
* Unit Weight: 15 oz
* DC Adapter Power Cord: 60"
* Output Power Cable: 48 Inches

Features
* AC powering & charging functionality
* Interchangeable tips: eliminates the need for multiple adapters now and in the future
* Notebook tips S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S10, S11, S12 & S15 are included with this model - additional tips sold seperately
* Port for optional PPS accessory
* Major safety certifications
* Status light - indicates unit is functioning properly.
price:$29.9
Find More info at TigerDirect.

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Tags:adapter

Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse (Slate)

A Snappy Portable Mouse
This handy optical mouse features a tiny snap-in receiver that plugs into your notebook when you’re ready to work, and snaps into your mouse when you’re ready to roll. And extended battery life lets you enjoy wireless freedom for up to three months.

Microsoft Optical Technology is also available in a variety of Microsoft wireless mouse products. These wireless products enable you to use your mouse without the clutter of yet another cable.

The optical sensor performs best on surfaces with detail to track. It will not function on surfaces without visible detail (such as glass) or surfaces on which it has a reflection (such as mirrors or glossy surfaces). The optical sensor may also have difficulty tracking on highly repetitive patterns (such as printed magazine or newspaper photographs, which often are composed of many dots per inch).

Optical technology refers to the use of an optical sensor to track mouse movement, rather than the traditional use of mechanical parts—rollers, pins, and mouse ball. The tiny optical sensor inside the mouse rapidly records and compares images of the desktop, and translates those differences into on-screen cursor movement.

Features
* Snap-in Receiver A small receiver snaps into the bottom of the mouse when not in use. When the receiver is snapped in, the mouse turns off, conserving battery life.
* Longer Battery Life Finally, a solution to the top wireless hassle—now you can work longer without interruption. Many users experience three months of battery life!
* Wireless Freedom Experience the convenience of wireless keyboards and mouse products, and say good-bye to clutter.
* Optical Technology Optical technology refers to the use of an optical sensor to track mouse movement, rather than the traditional use of mechanical parts. As a result, optical mouse products work on most surfaces and offer you better durability, increased speed and accuracy, and consistent performance.
* Increased Speed and Accuracy The optical sensor uses digital technology to track pointing device movement, so you'll experience greater accuracy at any speed.

Find more info at TigerDirect .

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Tags:optical

Toshiba Satellite A75-S125 laptop review

The Toshiba Satellite A75-S125 is a mainstream notebook best suited for home users who split their time between productivity tasks and multimedia fun. For less than $1,200, this eight-pounder includes a stunning glossy display, a DVD burner, and a fast processor. As long as you can live without the latest graphics, the A75 offers pretty good bang for the buck.

The A75-S125 features a capable 3.2-GHz Mobile Intel Pentium 4 processor, 512MB of 333-MHz DDR memory, and a speedy, but small 5,400-rpm 40GB hard drive. We used this system with Windows Media Encoder, Photoshop, and Excel without a hitch. The A75 offers about the same performance as a typical 1.7- or 1.8-GHz Pentium M-based laptop. PCMark04 had the same impression, giving it a decent, but unspectacular score of 3,554.

The great display and solid processing power make this notebook well suited for photo editing, but it lacks a memory card reader to import photos from your digital camera. You can add an adapter through the PC Card or USB adapter for less than $45, but not having it on board is an inconvenience. You can also import photos directly through the USB ports.

Unfortunately, this configuration lacks a FireWire port, but given the slow DVD write speeds of 4X DVD-R and 2.4X DVD+R, you probably wouldn’t want to burn home movies on the A75 anyway.Not surprisingly, this turbo-charged Wi-Fi adapter consumes a bit of power, cutting our battery runtime from 2:28 to 2:11, which is below average battery life for a mainstream notebook. The system has a hard-wired Wi-Fi On/Off switch to disable the Wireless-G adapter when you don’t need it.

The Toshiba Satellite A75 offers good performance, a great screen, and an excellent Wi-Fi adapter, but its lack of a memory card reader, FireWire port, and discrete graphics processor are sacrifices some multimedia mavens won’t be willing to make. If you don’t have a lot of money to spend, however, this widescreen system is a good value. Just be sure to upgrade the hard drive.
Price: $1107
Rating: 3.2/5.

Toshiba Satellite A75-S125 Specifications:
Intel® Pentium® 4-M 3.20GHz, ATI MOBILITY RADEON 9000 IGP, Hyper-Threading Technology, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, 512MB DDR RAM, 40 GB IDE, 10x (CD) / 4x (DVD±RW) / 3x (DVD-RAM), 1MB L2 Cache, Display 15.4" TruBrite 1280 x 800 (max),
Weight 7.9 lbs.
Interface provided: 1 Parallel IEEE 1284 (EPP/ECP), 1 Display / video S-video output, 1 Display / video VGA, 1 Modem Phone line, 1 Network Ethernet 10Base-T /100Base-TX, 3 Hi-Speed USB, 1 Microphone Input, 1 Headphones Output.

User Review:
Pros: Fantastic screen and size, Amazing 3.2 Ghz quite a fast laptop, plenty of extras, worth the money!
Cons: Battery deplets kinda fast, mouse gets kinda annoying, cooling fan runs a lot of the time

Well I have had this laptop now for one week and Ill update this review in a month. For now this laptop is amazing! It has a brillint display and the speed at which it works is hard to belive. It only comes with 40GB but so far that seems more than enough for a typical college notebook. Ill be using it for college courses, storing songs, internet and watching movies mainly. ITs speakers are really nice when playing music but could be better when playing dvds. Its burning capibilities are astonding!

Once small glitch I have found is that rarely but sometimes it acts odd and you have to restart for everything to be working great again...also when using the CD/DVD player the cooling fan can run a but loud. Other times if you use more than 2 programs at a time the cooling fan does run but it is not to loud....that was a concern of mine if the fan would make to much noise and so far it is fine. The battery lasts about 2 hours or so on Long life and on normal it can last about 1 hr 30minutes or a bit longer so far as Ive tested....

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Tags:satellite, Toshiba Satellite A75-S125

Hard Drive Makers to Merge

Two of the largest hard drive manufacturers today announced a planned merger worth $1.9 billion. Subject to obtaining shareholder approval as well as regulatory, the combined company would find Seagate acquiring Maxtor.

Under the terms of the deal, Maxtor shareholders would receive .37 shares of Seagate stock for each share of Maxtor they own. Seagate said the combined company “will build on Seagate's foundation as the premier global hard disc drive company, leveraging the strength of Seagate's significant operating scale to drive product innovation, maximize operational efficiencies, and realize significant cost synergies. These capabilities will enable the combined company to compete more effectively as the highly competitive data storage industry addresses the challenges and opportunities for significant growth that lie ahead. The combined company will be well-positioned to accelerate delivery of a diverse set of compelling and cost-effective solutions to the growing customer base for data storage products.”

The combined company will retain the Seagate name and executive offices will be located in Scotts Valley, California.

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Tags:laptop

NEC Announces Yonah-Processor Laptop Plans

NEC has revealed details of what might become the first Yonah-powered laptops to market.In Tokyo, NEC has released some details regarding its forthcoming 2006 computer lineup (Japanese), including the LaVie RX LR900, the company's first laptop computer to be based on Yonah, Intel's new dual-core mobile processor.

Like Yonah itself, NEC's LR900 is scheduled to come to market in the first quarter of 2006. According to NEC, the LR900 will have a 14.1-inch LCD screen capable of 1400 by 1050 display resolution, a DVD burner, WiFi and Bluetooth wireless networking capabilities, and 512 MB of base RAM. The computer will feature four hours of battery life, weigh roughly 4.5 lbs (2 kg) and (oddly) feature Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition. The LR900 will also carry a $1,945 base price tag, which seems high, but it's not clear from NEC's information if that's a retail price intended for the Japanese or North American market; to date, Lavie computers are only sold in the Japanese market, where NEC is the largest PC maker.

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Tags:yonah

Toshiba New Libretto U-100 Laptop Computer

It's back to the future for the people at Toshiba. Two decades ago, the company introduced its Libretto brand of laptop computers.Now the company is out with an updated model of its then-revolutionary product. The new Libretto -- the U100 -- is tiny by comparison, but it performs like a full-sized machine.

The laptop is less than half the size of a typical laptop. In fact, it's about the size of a typical DVD or video game case. But Toshiba spokesman Craig Marking says the device has some pretty neat features that set it apart from other computers in its class.For one thing, the screen has excellent resolution and because of its lighting system, you can see the images from just about any angle in front of the screen.

There's also a feature that senses when the computer is about to take a physical shock and puts the drive in safe mode to prevent hard drive problems.

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IBM ThinkPad T43/Lenovo TP T43 laptop review

ThinkPad T43 Notebook PC Equipped with a new layered approached to virus-protection and the industry's most advanced mobility, security, data recovery and power management features, the T43 series is designed for business users who demand performance, security, and new levels of control. The ThinkPad T43 series features a new version of a ThinkVantage Technology, the enhanced Rescue and Recovery with Antidote Delivery Manager. Rescue and Recovery is a set of tools contained in an embedded, pre-boot emergency system, providing one-button relief from a broad range of common PC problems, even if the main operating system already has been corrupted by a worm or virus. Antidote Delivery Manager helps IT departments protect ThinkPad notebooks against viruses and worms by enabling companies to deploy critical updates throughout their enterprise, efficiently and with confidence. The ThinkPad T43 comes preloaded with a variety of ThinkVantage Technologies that are designed to manage power consumption, simplify IT management, enable secure computing, and provide ease-of-use when connecting wirelessly. The ThinkPad T43 also features a multi-layered approach to security to manage increasing security threats. Select models of the T43 come equipped with the integrated fingerprint reader with Password Manager and the Embedded Security Subsystem. With the integrated fingerprint reader, users encrypt files using fingerprint authentication, combining convenience with strong notebook.

The T43 has upgraded to the next-generation Centrino components. The notebook's Pentium M 750 (1.86 GHz), DDR2 533 memory, and PCI Express graphics performed admirably in our SYSmark 2004 tests. Internet Content Creation scores (165) and Office productivity scores (109) were slightly lower than those of the HP Compaq nc6230 (169 and 113, respectively), but the HP has a faster processor (a 2.0-GHz Pentium M 760). The T43 we tested came with the extended battery (9 cell), which drove its BatteryMark score (4 hours, 49 minutes) well past the HP nc6230's 3:40.

One of the T43's high points is IBM's acclaimed ThinkVantage suite, a set of management utilities that consistently ranks at the top. IBM also employs a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip--a built-in chip on the motherboard that protects your passwords and authenticates the user at the hardware level. The fingerprint reader is tied to the TPM chip, providing a second layer of security. Both the TPM chip and fingerprint reader require additional software that is preloaded in the system, but not installed.

In addition, the ThinkVantage suite offers Rescue and Recovery, IBM's proprietary backup and recovery solution, which is significantly better than HP's Altiris brand. There''s also a great wireless utility that is extremely competent for securing and managing all your 802.11 connections.

Specifications:
Pentium M 750 (1.86 GHz), DDR2 533 memory, 60GB Hard Drive, 4x DVD-Writer, 14.1" SXGA+ Active Matrix TFT Color LCD Backlit, ATi Mobility RADEON x300 64MB DDR2 SDRAM PCI Express, Weight:4.9 lb, 2MB L2 Cache, 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Integrated, Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG 54Mbps Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11a/b/g

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Tags:lenovo t43

Merry Christmas to All from Laptop Reviews Blog

Wish you a Merry Christmas! We will take a short christmas break, but we will soon be back so stay tuned! The easiest way of making sure you don’t miss anything, is to subscribe to our feed - it’s easy and you can even get all our posts right in your inbox. Make sure you have a really nice holiday now!.


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Fujitsu LifeBook T4020D review

PC Mag reviews the Fujitsu LifeBook T4020D and writes - 'More and more laptop manufacturers are adding the Tablet OS and hinged swivel screen to thin-and-light systems. Fujitsu’s latest offering is a 12.1-inch convertible tablet that weighs just 4.6 pounds and has an internal optical drive. If you’re looking for a laptop that has some tablet functionality, the Fujitsu LifeBook T4020D ($2,149 direct) hits the mark'.

The T4020D's display has very good viewing angles from all sides, but is not ideal for pictures and movies; it is better suited for reading and writing, especially in outdoor situations. The built-in DVD/RW combo drive is a modular drive, so you can swap it out with a weight saver or a DVD±RW drive ($300). The system has two USB ports, an S-Video port, and a three-in-one card reader (SD, Memory Stick, and Memory Stick Pro). Wireless devices include an integrated Bluetooth adapter and an Intel 802.11a/g wireless module. The T4020D comes with a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chip and a smart-card reader, but no security software at all.

read more at Pcmag.

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Tags:laptop,review,Fujitsu LifeBook T4020D

Toshiba Tecra M4-S515 laptop review

CRN reviews the Toshiba Tecra M4 which they describe as melding flexibility, power and portability. They write - ‘Though currently there’s no single notebook system that does everything for everyone, Toshiba’s Tecra M4 is the first to approach that ideal for business users. Solution providers will benefit from the product’s feature set and Toshiba’s renewed commitment to the channel.

The M4-S515 is built around a 2 GHz Intel Pentium M760 processor and sports 512 Mbytes of RAM and an 80-Gbyte hard drive. The unit has a travel weight of around 7 pounds, making it portable for moderate travel, yet it still offers desktop-style performance.

The system's ultra-bright display is a 14.1-inch tablet touch screen, which can be twisted around and locked down to make the M4-S515 a large, powerful tablet PC. Resolution on the display is a crisp 1400x1050 pixels and comes across very crisp. Unlike the typical tablet, the M4 sports an optical drive, in the M4-S515’s case that is a CD/DVD writer that supports all of the major standards (including double layer DVD+RW).

read more from CRN

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Tags:tecra,Toshiba Tecra M4-S515

Toshiba Satellite M45-s331 notebook review

Maximize your mobile performance with the Toshiba Satellite M45-S331, the ideal notebook PC for the savvy professional who needs to travel light. Featuring one of the speediest Intel Pentium M (Centrino) processors, the M45-S331 can sweetly handle today's demanding business productivity software suites. It also offers powerful multimedia capabilities for presentations--and for unwinding with a DVD movie while travelling. The M45-S331 features a large 80 GB hard drive, 512 MB of installed RAM, a 15.4-inch screen, DVD SuperMulti optical drive that burns both CDs and multiple DVD formats, and integrated 54g wireless connectivity.

The Toshiba Satellite M45 series, which isn't customizable, offers the same elegant case design as the Satellite M40 series. The Satellite M40's configurable components include Celeron M and Pentium M processors; between 256MB and 2GB of slow 333MHz SDRAM; moderate 5,400 rpm hard drives in capacities ranging from 40GB to 100GB; several secondary optical storage drives, such as CD and double-layer DVD burners; a wide 15.4-inch display in different native resolutions; and various types of Wi-Fi cards. Preconfigured combinations of these components comprise the Satellite M45 series, which Toshiba sells through online resellers and local computer stores. The Satellite M45-S165, which costs $999, a very reasonable amount in light of its overall healthy configuration. While the system has respectable features and an economical price, it suffers from abysmal battery life.

Screen, Graphcs and Sound
The 15.4-inch widescreen Ultimate TrueBrite TFT active matrix LCD screen provides a bright, vivid display and allows images to be seen from a wider angle than most notebooks. The integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 video/graphics card (with 128 MB of shared video memory) provides HDTV support with native 16x9 formats for wide screen flat panels. You'll also get good 3D rendering for today's immersive gaming titles. It also offers 16-bit Realtek ALC250 sound and internal stereo speakers.

Specifications:
Windows XP Home Edition, Intel Pentium M 1.6 GHz, # Mobile Intel 915GM Express
, 512 MB DDR RAM, 80GB HardDrive, CD-RW: 40x (read), 16x (write), 10x (rewrite), DVD±RW / DVD-RAM Integrated, 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD), Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, 15.4 inches Display, Weight: 5.2 pounds.
Rating 7.4/10.
Price $999.

Find more info at TigerDirect , Amazon

Customer Review:
I bought this laptop about 4 months ago and I am very pleased with it. Everything works great as advertised and I am very impressed with its wireless capabilities. All the peripheral devices that I plugged into it were instantly recognized and installed without me having to load any software. These included a wireless mouse, flash drive, and USB hub.

There is a design problem with the laptop however. While working in Battery mode with wireless turned on, if you plug in the AC, it freezes. Nothing works it won't even turn off. The first time this happened to me it was scary but I found a solution. If you keep pressing the on/off switch for 5 seconds it will reset itself. The problem can be avoided by simply turning off wireless before plugging in AC, easily done since there is a mechanical switch to do this.My biggest dissapointment is with Toshiba support. The webpage doesn't mention anything about the wireless freeze, even though it's known issue by now. As far as resetting the computer they say to insert a pin into the reset hole like the old laptops. This laptop doesn't have a reset hole, you just have to press and hold the on/off switch.I highly recommend this laptop.

Tags:toshiba,Toshiba Satellite M45-s331

Acer Aspire 3003WLCi Laptop review

Powerful Acer Aspire 3000 Notebook.
Here's a fast, powerful no-nonsense machine that will meet your needs while you're on the road. Acer's Aspire 3000 Series sets the industry pace for performance, excellence and style. And this Acer laptop is the perfect traveling companion for anyone who demands solid, all-around computing anywhere they go. With a fast, powerful AMD Sempron 3000+ processor, 256MB of RAM and a high-performance 40GB hard drive, the Acer AS3003WLCi has the speed and bluster to power through the most complex applications with ease. From the mundane to the extraordinary -- your Acer AS3003WLCi will make it easy. And at this affordable price you'll be able to work within your budget now and for the holiday season. The Acer Aspire 3000 Series laptop - a pefect PC for work, study or play!
Price $599.

Specifications:
Microsoft® Windows® XP Home,AMD Sempron 3000+ / 1.8GHz, 256MB DDR RAM, 40GB HardDrive, CD-RW / DVD-ROM Combo Drive, SiSM760GX chipset with integrated Mirage 2 graphics, Weight 6.2 lbs, WXGA 15.4" Display.

find more info at TigerDirect, Amazon.

Customer Review:
Acer Aspire AS3003WLCi Notebook
Strengths: 15.4" TFT, CrystalBrite Technology, Wi-Fi & light 6.2 lb
Weaknesses: 4-Cell Battery, 40GB Hard Drive, Hot
Summary: The Acer Aspire 3003WLCi has 15.4" TFT Crystalbrite with WiFi build-in. It has The Mobil Sempron 3000+ Chip and only 6.2 lb. Power up is fast, less than a minute. However,it has only 40GB HD, battery life is short (less than 90 minutes, also depend on how you set up your laptop). It is kind of hot when put it on your lap.

Over all, I like this laptop much even it has only 40GB HD.

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Tags:acer,Acer Aspire 3003WLCi

Notebook hard drive protection overview

Notebook hard drives fail more often than any other computer component. Beyond the usual threats—crashes and destructive viruses—are slippery hands, which can lead to accidental drops. Even when you simply lay your notebook firmly on your desk or on any other hard surface, the impact can shock the hard drive in a way that, over time, can do damage. To combat these hazards, notebook vendors have come up with their own ways to help keep hard drives—and all the precious information on them—safe. But these solutions are primarily implemented on business lines only, not on consumer lines.

IBM's Active Protection System uses a combination of hardware and software components that works much like the air-bag system in your car. A motion sensor on the hard drive's circuit board continuously monitors the notebook for sudden movements. If the computer is dropped, a series of connectors holds the hard drive in place, and then small springs drag the read and write heads into a park position even before the drive stops spinning.

Following IBM's lead, Apple recently introduced its Sudden Motion Sensor technology to its PowerBooks. It operates much like the IBM system, with the hard-drive heads playing a critical role. Toshiba has similar technology too; the Hard Disk Drive Protection System can be found in the latest Tecra models.

Motion sensors like the ones found on the IBM and Apple systems are great when the notebook is on, but what happens when the computer is turned off? A good portion of jolts and drops occur when you're on the road and the system is shut down. Dell Latitudes have been offering "Strike Zone" protection since 1997. It consists of a series of large rubber stoppers at the base of the notebook, which are most effective when the machine falls flat on its base. (Think of when you place your notebook on your desk; the jolt from that last inch of a fall can eventually do some serious damage.)

Apple and IBM also use rubber bumpers, though not as elaborately as Dell. Other vendors, such as HP on its Compaq line, protect their machines' hard drives by physically mounting them to the frame. The chassis provides the additional support and absorbs the bulk of the vibrations.

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Tags:laptop

Sony VAIO VGN-T350P laptop review

PcMag Reviews Sony VAIO VGN-T350P and writes :
Sony's newest ultraportable integrates the new mobile wireless, which, until now, had only been found in some Cingular EDGE phones and PC Cards. (EDGE will also be coming to T-Mobile customers this year.) EDGE is a cellular network with theoretical speeds of up to 236 Kbps and typical speeds in the 100- to 160-Kbps range. Whereas you once needed to be within about a 160-foot radius of a wireless access point, you can now wander, say, through Manhattan and remain connected. (View our Cingular Maps to see how widespread the Cingular EDGE network is nationwide.)

The Cingular Connection Manager, which manages all of your laptop's wireless connections, is intuitive and very easy to use. It manages not only your EDGE connection, but the built-in Bluetooth and Intel Pro 802.11g wireless as well. The utility doesn't automatically switch your wireless connections; users can do this manually. In addition, the notebook has an on/off switch that disables all of your wireless radios.

read more at Pcmag

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Tags:viao

Asus A6Km-Q002H laptop review

Trusted Reviews has reviewed the Asus A6Km-Q002H and writes - ‘In the performance side of things the A6Km-Q002H is not what you’d call a speed demon. With an overall SYSMark 2002 score of 183 it will perform everyday office tasks without a problem, but it is definitely not up there with the latest Pentium M processor based notebooks. With two hours and 14 minutes battery life in MobileMark 2005 it has some catching up to do to become a business machine, as this just isn’t good enough for mobile business users. The DVD playback test only lasted two hours and five minutes, not exactly impressive either…. The Asus A6Km-Q002H is a averagely specified notebook with a reasonable price and average performance, but it doesn’t have anything that really sets it apart from the competition.’

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Tags:laptop,asus

Toshiba Dynabook TX notebook

Akihabara has news on the Toshiba Dynabook TX and writes - ‘This machine has a 15.4“ WXGA (1280×800) screen, a Pentium M740 (1.73Ghz)and a 100GB HDD that spins at 5400rpm instead of the usual 4400rpm. It also has a very interesting touchpad that looks rather nice too (for a change) and allows you to access your emails, the net, music files.

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Tags:laptop,Dynabook

Apple iBook G4 notebook review

The latest Apple iBook (12-inch) may look the same on the outside, but some significant changes inside make it all the more impressive. Upgrades like a processor bump, added hard drive space, and more memory, along with several features passed down from the PowerBook—like a scroll touchpad and hard drive protection—greatly boost the Apple iBook's value, especially considering that the price remains the same low $999.

Though widescreen displays and special transflective screens are becoming the norm in consumer notebooks, Apple sticks to its guns by retaining a 1,024-by-768 antiglare display.The newly added scroll touchpad is handy for scrolling through long documents and Web pages, especially since your screen real estate is only 12 inches.

The increase in processor speed from 1.2 GHz to 1.33 GHz is slight, as is the graphics upgrade from the ATI Radeon 9200 to the Mobility Radeon 9550, effecting imperceptible real-world improvements in everyday performance. The 512MB memory is standard (finally!) and should improve speed.

Built-in Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR raised the iBook's mobility rating, which was also bolstered by the 4.9-pound frame and the small adapter. And thanks to OS X, which is built on a strong BSD kernel (a variant of Unix), the iBook did extremely well on our Security ratings. Music and photo ratings were also very good because of applications like iPhoto, iTunes, iMovie, and GarageBand.

A 40GB hard drive comes standard with the iBook 12-inch, but you can now upgrade to a 80GB or 100GB for $100 and $200, respectively. The iBook has a built-in SuperDrive (DVD±RW) and Airport Extreme wireless (802.11g). Also, for added hard drive security, it has a built-in motion sensor, which parks the heads of the hard drive during a sudden fall or jolt.
Rating 4/5.
Price $999.

Related article : Dell Inspiron 9300 notebook review

Buy from Apple Store or Amazon store compare prices at Pricerunner

Specifications:
1.33GHz PowerPC G4,512K L2 cache @1.33GHz,512MB memory (DDR333 SDRAM),12.1-inch TFT Display,1024x768 resolution,ATI Mobility Radeon 9550,32MB DDR video memory,40GB Ultra ATA hard drive,Combo Drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW),Built-in AirPort Extreme,Built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR,Scrolling Trackpad,Sudden Motion Sensor.

Customer Review:
The new 12" iBook has everything you need in a super-portable laptop. It's 20 percent faster than the model it replaces and 20 percent cheaper, with a hundred-buck price cut and wireless networking included.The iBook features a brilliant, small screen, 4+hour battery, 4.9 pounds, an array of fast ports, industry-leading styling and the best repair record in the industry, according to Consumer Reports. Reliability and service is especially important with temperamental laptops. Apple laptops also never come with the cheap integrated graphics you will find on similarly priced PC products.There also are the usual MAC bennies: No viruses to worry about, no spyware, no pop-up ads with Safari, faster, cleaner, smarter software, painless connections to printers and networks, and the coolness factor to boot.

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Tags:Ram,laptop,ibook,apple

Dell Inspiron 9300 notebook review

Dell Inspiron 9300 takes the multimedia portable to the next level by incorporating the Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005. The gorgeous 17-inch widescreen display will leave you in awe, and performance-seekers will love Intel's next-generation Centrino components, including the nVidia GeForce Go 6800 graphics accelerator. Just be sure to order the optional TV tuner, to take advantage of the OS's DVR features.

The body of the Inspiron 9300 is crafted out of sturdy and stylish magnesium alloy and measures 15.5 inches wide, 11.3 inches deep, and 1.6 inches thick; it has an attractive silver hue with white trim. At 8.2 pounds, the Inspiron 9300 is on the lighter side of robust desktop replacements, weighing more than a pound less than the HP Pavilion zd8000. Still, it's far too heavy for regular travel. With such a big case, the Inspiron 9300 can afford to include a big keyboard, though it lacks a separate number pad, which the HP Pavilion zd8000 has.

Performance is a strong point. The system is loaded with the 2.0-GHz Intel Pentium M 760, 1GB DDR2 RAM, and blistering graphics from the nVidia GeForce Go6800. Its 3DMark 2005 scores were impressive. You get six USB ports, a FireWire port, and an S-Video port. You'll also find a DVI-D port in the back. The system is configured with a DVD+/-RW drive to burn all your multimedia content. The 80GB hard drive is good for starters, but we recommend the 100GB option ($199) if you plan to record high-quality TV content. Dell also offers different "snap-on" covers to change the look of your system. The colors include Mediterranean blue, cherry burlwood, charcoal leather, and carbon fiber, which is dark black and tough-looking.

The Inspiron 9300 delivers exceptional design, features, and performance, but its warranty maintains the status quo. Dell backs the Inspiron 9300 with an industry-standard one-year warranty on parts and labor, available by mailing your laptop back to Dell; upgrading to three years of warranty protection costs $269. Toll-free telephone support also lasts for just a year. However, Dell offers a long list of warranty-extension options, including onsite repair, night and weekend service, and accidental-damage coverage, for up to $389. Since you'll be shelling out a pretty penny to get the Inspiron 9300, protecting your investment with at least a two-year warranty is a good idea.

Entertainment PC
A high-powered processor, up to 2GB3 of Dual Channel memory, a 17-inch widescreen display, integrated stereo sound with a built-in subwoofer and up to 100GB4 of storage capacity means you can get more out of entertainment. Power, storage and speed mean an intense audio/visual experience. Watch DVDs and videos, listen to your favorite songs, organize and edit digital photos, and more - the Inspiron 9300 has power to spare, making it the perfect PC for anyone looking to push their notebook experience to the next level.

Specifications:
Windows XP Media Center; 2GHz Intel Pentium M 770; 512GB DDR2 SDRAM 533MHz; Nvidia GeForce Go 6800 Go 256MB; Hitachi Travelstar 5K80 80GB 5,400rpm, Display: 17-inch WXGA+ and WUXGA, 6 Cell 53 WHr Lithium Ion Primary battery. Approximate operating time: Up to 3.4 hours, 64MB ATI's MOBILITYTM RADEON® X300 HyperMemoryTM.
Price: $1149
Rating: 7.8/10.

find more info at dell, Amazon and Compare prices at pricerunner

Customer Review:
I love the 9300! Have no issues with the screen as others have said. Use it for movies, music, surfing web, and work. Movies are sharp and clear, sound is pretty good with no external speakers, and really good with externals. Only wish standard battery lasted longer. I knew I should have bought the upgrade! Now if I can just find a backback that holds the 9300.

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Tags:dell,laptop,review

Dell Recalls 35,000 Laptop Batteries

Dell and the Consumer Products Safety Commission have announced a recall of about 35,000 notebook batteries that could potentially pose a fire risk.No injuries have been reported from the faulty batteries. Dell has received three reports of damage to table tops and desks as a result of the problem.

The recall affects certain Dell notebooks sold between October 5, 2004, and October 13, 2005. Customers who purchased the following models are advised to visit a Dell Web site with information about the affected models.

Users who may need a new battery are those using Dell Latitude models D410, D505, D510, D600, D610, D800, and D810; Inspiron models 510M, 600M, 6000, 8600, 9200, and 9300; the XPS Generation 2 notebook; and Precision M20 and M70 mobile workstations. The batteries were also sold separately and provided as part of service replacements, Dell said.

Customers can also call 1-866-342-0011 toll free to determine whether their notebooks have the affected batteries. Users should have the identification number stamped on the back of the battery written down before they call or visit Dell's site.

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Tags:battery, notebook

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Offer may be combined with select other offers. Only one coupon may be applied per cart at checkout. Coupon code expires after first 7000 uses, or earlier if offer is terminated earlier. Offers subject to change. Please verify eligibility in the cart before completing your purchase. (Excluded items receive the following notice "The following coupons have been entered but require additional information or do not meet eligibility requirements".) Eligible items reflect the discount

Coupon 390X3FGB4?MZ08

Limited time offer beginning 12/15/05 8:00am CST through 12/22/05 5:59am CST or after 2500 redemptions (whichever occurs first)

ONLINE ONLY: Save 15% off Select Canon, Fuji, Kodak, Casio and Sony Digital Cameras (before tax, fees and shipping & handling) purchased from the Dell Home Electronics and Accessories site! Below are the applicable sku's:

A0293119

A0459499

A0521528

A0519772

A0472848

A0522919

A0516933

A0466738

A0496845

A0486244

A0486257

A0399079

A0448237

Offer may be combined with select other offers. Only one coupon may be applied per cart at checkout. Coupon code expires after first 2500 uses, or earlier if offer is terminated earlier. Offers subject to change. Please verify eligibility in the cart before completing your purchase. (Excluded items receive the following notice "The following coupons have been entered but require additional information or do not meet eligibility requirements".) Eligible items reflect the discount

Coupon JGXR8Z30J13W0N


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Tags:dell coupon,coupon