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.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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New Coupons from Dell Home!

System offers:

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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)

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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 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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New XPS Coupon from Dell Home!

Today's XPS Offer!

Limited time offer beginning 12/15/05 8:00am CST through 12/21/05 6:00 am CST or after 4000 redemptions (whichever occurs first)

ONLINE ONLY: Save 10% on SELECT Dimension� XPS desktop purchases $999 or more (before tax and shipping)! May not be combinable with Deals of the Week, mail in rebates, dollars off, percentages off, or select other promotions. Only one coupon may be applied per cart at checkout. Coupon code expires after first 4000 uses, or earlier if offer is terminated earlier.

Coupon Code: 5SXLWGN42DD20M



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HP Compaq Presario V2000Z notebook computer

It's unattractive and its battery life isn't much to laud, but otherwise the V2000Z is a lot of notebook for little money. Available with a midrange AMD Turion processor or a budget-priced Sempron, it packs a surprising amount of RAM, decent hard drive capacity, and plenty of power for most computing tasks that don't involve gaming, graphic design or defeating high-ranked chess masters.

Weighing in at a relatively light 5.4 pounds, the V2000Z features a 14-inch BrightView display that's crisp and, well, bright. With its DVD/CD-RW combo drive, it lets you watch movies with decent performance, but don't expect to do much with 3-D graphics despite its ATI Mobility Radeon GPU. Also, you'll probably want the enhanced battery, available for around $25, to get almost five hours of battery life; the standard included battery doesn't quite make it to two and a half hours.

What this notebook has in spades is ports; that is, it sports ports. With three USB ports, a FireWire port, and an S-Video port for piping hot TV display, you'd think it would be happy, but HP also threw in a 6-in-1 card reader that deals with SD, MMC, XD, and other initials.

Specifications:

MS Windows XP Home, Mobile AMD Turion 64 ML-34 1.8 GHz, 512MB DDRRAM, 60GB HardDrive, Graphics: ATI Mobility Radeon XPRESS 200, DVD-ROM/CD-RW, Wireless: 802.11g , 14.1" wwidescreen display, weight 5.4lbs.

Customer Review:
There are a few things you need to understand about the Compaq Presario V2000Z in order to appreciate its value. The V2000Z comes in two flavors: One can be configured with a Sempron processor, which is typically found in budget laptops, and the other with a Turion processor, which is typically seen in midrange models. As recently as three months ago, any laptop in HP's line that integrated a Sempron processor cost less than $1,000 and was part of the value segment, and any notebook with the more powerful Turion processor was more expensive. Today, you can get the more powerful V2000Z Turion model for less than $1,000—not a bad deal.
Price: $699.

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Averatec 3715-EH1 Notebook review

Averatec packs many features into its systems, giving customers the best bang for their buck. The company's latest product, the Averatec 3715-EH1, offers an AMD-based, travel-friendly laptop with decent amenities at a reasonable price.

Measuring 10.8 x 8.8 x 1.3 in., the 4.2-pound notebook sports a 12.1-inch antiglare screen and a comfortable, full-size keyboard with touchpad. Reminiscent of the Apple iBook, the 3715 is enclosed in a silver and white case, but lacks the glossy finish most iBooks feature. A convenient switch is on hand to toggle the integrated Wi-Fi on and off.

Features
An AMD Sempron 3000+ processor powers the notebook, along with 512 MB of memory and an 80-GB hard drive. A DVD-RW drive and integrated Wi-Fi add to the rich hardware set of the 3715. In addition to three USB 2.0 ports located on the right side for easy access, Averatec also threw in a Firewire port and a 4-in-1 memory card reader to please multimedia enthusiasts.

Although the hardware is on pace with competitors, the software bundle included with the 3715 leaves much to be desired. Running on Microsoft Relevant Products/Services from Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, the 3715 lacks productivity applications and strong multimedia software.

Performance
Hardware features and stylish looks aside, the notebook isn't worth much without adequate performance. Running BAPCo MobileMark 2005 on Averatec's notebook produced an unspectacular battery life of 149 minutes, on par with the comparably priced, albeit larger, $999 HP Compaq Presario V2000Z and holding its own against the more expensive Dell Inspiron 700m's 150 minutes of juice.

Additionally, the Averatec garnered a performance score of only 152, far lower than the 200+ scores of the Dell but comparable to the 160 score of the Turion-based HP. Although both battery life and performance are typical of sub-$1,000 notebooks, power users will find the 3715 lacking. With that said, however, the notebook easily handles all your basic tasks, such as Web browsing and word processing.

Perfect for those on a budget, the $899 Averatec offers a load of hardware features in a sleek, attractive, and highly portable casing. But power users looking for an ultraportable notebook who can manage to spend a few hundred dollars more will find better options, such as the Dell Inspiron 700m.

Averatec 3715-EH1 specifications

Specs: AMD Sempron 3000+ processor; 512 MB of memory; 80-GB hard drive; DVD-RW; 12.1-inch XGA-TFT display; Wi-Fi.

Pros: Decent price; nicely designed case; portable; integrated DVD burner.

Cons: Subpar performance and battery life.

Verdict: The affordable, travel-friendly Averatec 3715 offers a sleek white design and handles basic tasks well. It is perfect for those on a budget, but it can't compare in power and performance to slightly pricier laptops.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Customer Review [via-circuit city]:

I bought this computer about 4 years ago when it was Sotec..since then they changed the name. I sell insurance in HOT Florida an COLD Colorado and basically keep the lap top in the car under extreme weather conditions ... i use it to navigate to homes...well. after all the abuse i gave it, it finally started gyrating on the screen( i abused this workhorse of a computer) ..HANDS DOWN this is the BEST computer for this category (or any laptop category) for the power, durability and price you will find ANYWHERE. Did you know that the Tourag has the same engine that the Porche Cheyenne has...but why is the cheyenne more expensive? Well you know.

If you want to gloat and say you own a Sony, go ahead and spend another $1000. I'll invest my money in this laptop and save $1000.

24/7 support...They still take my calls with questions even 4-5 years after the initial purchase. unbelievable.

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Google Safe browsing Beta- New Firefox Extension

Google today new firefox extensions for browsing safely. Google Safe browsing Beta: Google Safe Browsing is an extension to Firefox that alerts you if a web page that you visit appears to be asking for your personal or financial information under false pretences. This type of attack, known as phishing or spoofing, is becoming more sophisticated, widespread and dangerous. That's why it's important to browse safely with Google Safe Browsing. By combining advanced algorithms with reports about misleading pages from a number of sources, Safe Browsing is often able to automatically warn you when you encounter a page that's trying to trick you into disclosing personal information.

Use This extension while surfing the web for protecting from malicious sites.


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Intel touts power of new laptop chip

Intel has said its next-generation platform for laptop computers will use 25 percent less power while boosting performance, helping it stay on top of the fast-growing market.

The overhaul of Intel's Centrino technology, code-named "Napa," comes as the world's largest chipmaker is getting a boost from laptop sales, which are growing faster than the overall computer market.

At the heart of Napa is Intel's new Yonah microprocessor, which will be its first mobile chip to have two cores and will be built with the latest technology that etches circuitry more than 100 times thinner than a human hair.

That means the Napa system -- covering the Yonah processor, its attendant chipset and a new wireless chip -- will use 28 percent less power while performing 68 percent better than its predecessor, Keith Kressin, Intel's marketing chief for mobile platforms, told reporters.

Napa comes as Intel's chief rival, Advanced Micro Devices Inc, makes inroads in laptop computers with its line of Turion chips and is looking to one-up Intel next year by being the first to launch a 64-bit mobile processor.

A 64-bit processor is able to process chunks of data twice as large as a standard 32-bit chip. That will be important when Microsoft launches the next version of its Windows operating system, which will be optimized for 64-bit.
[via-yahooNews]

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How Much RAM Do You Really Need?

I found this article over at Tomshardware quite interesting. They have tested a lot of different games, video rendering, mp3 encoding and other benchmarkt tests to see how much difference there is in performance between a 512 MB, a 1GB and a 2GB machine.

How much RAM does your PC have? If you run Windows XP, it is probably in the range of 512 MB to 1 GB. Older Windows versions will do the job with less than that, but as soon as you execute demanding applications or more than one application at a time, anything below 512 MB will likely translate into performance bottlenecks.


Of course, the more RAM you have, the better off you are - but how much memory do you really need?

Multiple software threads that run all at once every time you boot up your PC continue to proliferate. Multitasking software includes what we really need, such as anti-virus tools or firewall software, or useful programs to which we have all grown accustomed that permanently run in the background until they need our direct attention. Most users, for example, have their email client and browser permanently available. Instant messengers such as AIM, ICQ MSN or YIM increasingly pop up on a growing number of desktops, while a media player plays music while you work. And all of these consume some memory, leaving fewer resources available for applications that you want to launch. read more

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Google Donates $2 million to the One Laptop Per Child program

With Google.org, we’ll also support entities with strong social missions which use market-based solutions for sustainable economic development. One example is our recent donation of $2 million to the One Laptop Per Child program.

The MIT Media Lab has launched a new research initiative to develop a $100 laptop—a technology that could revolutionize how we educate the world's children. To achieve this goal, a new, non-profit association, One Laptop per Child (OLPC), has been created. The initiative was first announced by Nicholas Negroponte, Lab chairman and co-founder, at the World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland in January 2005.

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Averatec 4265 notebook review

Designed for highly mobile students and cost-conscious business travellers, the Averatec 4265 thin-and-light laptop offers plenty of features, including a DVD burner. While the system demonstrated great battery life, if you have your heart set on a machine with screaming performance, you'll be sorely disappointed.

Design:
At first glance, the Averatec 4265's white interior looks uncannily like that of an iBook. The lid of the Averatec 4265, however, is a solid shade of navy blue. Measuring 312mm wide, 224mm deep and 31mm thick, this notebook weighs in at a manageable 2.1kg. The 4265 will slide easily into most bags, and even with its 0.3kg AC adaptor, it won't cause undue shoulder strain. An unusual size for a thin-and-light, the Averatec 4265's 13.3-inch wide-aspect display features a sharp 1,200x800 native resolution, but it is not as bright as we would like, even at the highest setting.

Features:
As far as connections go, the Averatec 4265 is adequately equipped for a thin-and-light. You'll find VGA, four-pin FireWire, S-video-out and three USB 2.0 ports, as well as headphone and microphone jacks. The laptop also includes a Type II PC Card slot and a four-in-one flash memory slot that supports Secure Digital, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro and MultiMediaCard formats. The Averatec 4200 gets online via Ethernet, modem, or 802.11b/g Wi-Fi. Our test unit also included a multiformat DVD burner. The system comes preloaded with Windows XP Home Edition, in addition to the Microsoft Works 8.0 mini productivity suite, CyberLink PowerDVD 5.0 for disc playback, and CyberLink Power2Go 4.0 for burning CDs and DVDs.

For a low-priced laptop, our Averatec 4265 test unit came packed with some impressive components. Equipped with a 1.6GHz Pentium M 730 processor, it also has 512MB of moderately slow 333MHz DDR RAM, an 80GB hard drive that spins at a swift 5,400rpm and an Intel integrated graphics chip that steals 64MB of memory from the main system RAM.

Specifications:
Windows XP Home; 1.6GHz Intel Pentium M 730; 512MB PC3200 DDR2 SDRAM 400MHz; Intel 915GM/GMS, 910GML Express 64MB; WDScorpio WD800UE 75GB 5,400rpm, Built-in Multi-Format DVD +/- RW Drive, 80Gb Hard Drive,4-in-1 Media Reader supports Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick and Memory Stick Pro,IEEE-1394a/FireWire port, Microsoft Works 8.0, Cyberlink DVD Solution, Norton AntiVirus 2005, Adobe Acrobat Reader.

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Which kind of laptop is right for Students

Students and others on a tight budget should look for a cheap laptop computer that delivers the most bang for the buck. In particular, students need a notebook that is small and light enough to lug back and forth across campus, but rugged enough to withstand bouncing around in a rucksack.

It has to be small enough to fit comfortable in a backpack or in your arms. Yet, the student notebook or laptop must have great battery life and performance. Depending on your budget, student laptops also have to be inexpensive.

In other words, the ideal student notebook must have great portability, performance and battery life, yet be lightweight and relatively inexpensive.

key features:

Mobile Celeron, Pentium 4-M, desktop Pentium 4 or PowerPC G4 processor

At least 256MB of memory

Expansive hard drive to hold all those MP3s

CD-RW drive for burning audio CDs( DVD RW for Quality video's)

Wired and wireless networking for network-equipped classrooms

Microsoft Windows XP Home or Apple Mac OS X

Microsoft Office XP Standard Edition or Office X for Mac OS

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Pcmag's top ten Laptop Computer buying tips

PcMag's top ten laptop buying tips

1. Be clear about what you expect your desktop system to do now and in the future. For example, if you plan to edit video or audio clips, you'll want a high-capacity hard drive (at least 160 GB), and both a CD-RW and DVD+, - or multiformat drive for back-ups, as these file types usually eat up lots of storage space. And in this day and age, in which a broadband connection is a must for faster downloads, make sure your system comes with integrated Ethernet. For notebooks, high-end desktop replacements are usually your best bet for multimedia tasks.
2. Manage your budget. Even though you know how much you can afford, getting carried away with optional features is easy. The costs can add up quickly. Buying a system with 1GB of memory is overkill if you typically run one application at a time, but 256MB is a reasonable amount of memory in a budget system. Note, however, that we recommend at least 512MB of memory in order to ensure that the Microsoft Windows XP operating system will run properly. Also, if you opt for a high-end video card, realize that you'll have to spend more for a display that can accommodate the card's highest resolution modes.
3. Look for bundled extras when comparing prices. Free software, printers, and other peripherals can add hundreds of dollars to the value of your desktop package. Check the cost of consumables, though, especially for printers. The cost of ink for some "free" inkjets, for example, can quickly outstrip the total expense for an equivalent printer from another manufacturer. For software, check if you are getting a full version, instead of a trial version that expires in 30 days.
4. Don't skimp on mass storage. The difference between a 40GB and a 60GB hard drive may be as little as $50 when you order your desktop, so configure your system with as big a drive as your budget allows. Upgrading to a larger drive later on will cost more and can be a difficult task for a novice, particularly if the PC is a notebook.
5. Some desktops and notebooks (particularly the lighter ones) don't offer support for legacy devices such as parallel printers, serial modems, and PS/2 pointing devices. If you own one or more legacy peripherals, be sure your desktop includes ports your old equipment can connect to. Otherwise, you'll have to purchase new peripherals that connect via USB or FireWire ports. Some notebook models offer optional docking stations that include all the legacy ports.
6. Read the fine print for hidden costs, especially where warranty options or "free" services are concerned. Some offer limited warranties, which last less than a year. You may want to invest in an extended warranty for your machine. Some system builders limit you to initial tech support only; you may have to pay for additional service calls.
7. If you're on a strict budget, make sure your desktop price includes a monitor. For those angling for a value notebook, look for a built-in wireless solution and hot-swappable optical drives.
8. Find out if there's an actual cost to those "free" technical support hotlines. Look for a toll-free number; otherwise you'll take a hit on your phone bill, especially since hold times for tech support are notoriously long. And beware of a "limited warranty." This may mean only 90 days of toll-free technical support, after which you may have to pay a premium just to call for help.
9. As with any sizable purchase, buy your desktop from an established, reputable company. There are plenty out there. If you're hankering for a more customized desktop or notebook setup, consider some of the better-known boutique vendors. Just be prepared to pay for it.
10. Consider the size of your workspace. If you have limited desk space at home, a tower or mid-size desktop could leave you with little or no room to work. Slim desktops and small-form-factor systems can free up some space, as can a flat-panel display. Realize, though, that small systems are often less expandable than larger ones and that flat-panel displays are more expensive than monitors. A desktop replacement notebook might be more ideal space saver, as many come with desktop processors and ample storage and optical drives.

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Acer Ferrari 3000LMi-Best Gaming laptop

Cnet Reviews the Acer Ferrari 3000LMi and gives a rating of 8/10.

Acer marked its recent IT partnership with the Ferrari Formula One team by rolling out the Ferrari 3000LMi notebook earlier this year. Like Ferrari's flashy fast cars, the 3000LMi arrests with its chilli-red exterior and sleek, streamlined design. But as attractive as the laptop looks, it's what under its hood that the real appeal is--a feature lineup that's revved up with onboard Bluetooth connectivity, a dedicated 128MB graphics card, 802.11b/g wireless LAN and a dual-format DVD writer. Unfortunately, performance and battery life take a backseat for the Ferrari.

The good: Flashy red Ferrari design; DVD dual-format drive; good range of connectivity options; fast 128MB graphics processor; bright, sharp LCD screen.

The bad: Poor battery life; middling performance; non-swappable optical drives; comes with only one-year warranty.

The bottom line: Despite its middling battery life and performance, the Ferrari 3000LMi will appeal to those looking for a thin-and-light notebook with powerful features and distinctive design. Read more from Cnet

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Dell Inspiron B130 Discount notebook

Hot Deal!.($100 Rebate). Dell Inspiron notebooks meet the wide-ranging needs of business and institutional customers - needs that include powerful performance, portability, and flexibility. Commonality of components, modules and docking solutions are designed to help lower total cost of ownership.

Display: 15.4 inch Flat Panel (1280x800, integrated)
This display is 15.4 inches on the diagonal. "1280x800" is the display's native resolution, in pixels. (The industry term associated with this resolution is "WXGA.") These "wide aspect" dimensions allow for a little extra left-to-right space on screen. "Integrated" means the display is integrated with the case of the computer, in the typical fold-open style of notebooks. The manufacturer did not provide information on this display's sharpness.

Lithium Ion Battery(4 cells, 28 Watt-hours)
This battery is light weight and, as a result, stores less power than the average. Its type, lithium ion, is recent technology that packs a large amount of energy into a small volume. "4 cells" refers to the number of charge-storing components within the battery. "28 Watt-hours" is a measure of how much energy it can store. You cannot translate these numbers into how long a battery charge will last unless you make detailed assumptions about how exactly the computer will be used. However, you can use these numbers to compare different batteries (higher Watt-hours is better).

Specifications:
Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition, 15.4in WXGA Display, 256MB DDR2 SDRAM 1 Dimm, Integrated Intel® Media Accelerator 900 Graphics, 40GB Hard Drive, Internal 56K Modem, Integrated Network Card, 24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive, 4-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery (29 WHr), 6 Months America Online Internet Access, PC Restore recovery system by Symantec, Starter Entertainment Pack - Basic digital Music, Photo and Game experience.
Price: $549 (after rebate).

related review: Apple iBook G4 notebook review

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Averatec AV3250HX Refurbished Notebook PC

The Averatec 3200 series Thin and Light delivers all the value you expect without compromising the features you want. Breaking boundaries with total mobility and a surprisingly affordable price. Just 1 inch thin and 4.5 lbs.light keeps it ultra portable.

Specifications:
Microsoft® Windows® XP Home, AMD Athlon™ XP-M 2200+ / 1.8GHz, PowerNow! Technology, 512MB DDR RAM, 80GB HardDrive, DVD±RW, 802.11g Wireless Networking, RJ-11 Phone, Connector, RJ-45 Ethernet Connector,Integrated Modem, Integrated LAN, Integrated Wireless LAN, Weight 4.5 lbs, Display XGA 12.1".
Price: $699.

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Dell Latitude C640 Refurbished Notebook PC

Dell Latitude™ notebooks meet the wide-ranging needs of business and institutional customers - needs that include powerful performance, portability, and flexibility. Commonality of components, modules and docking solutions are designed to help lower total cost of ownership.

The stylish Latitude C640 weighs only 2.6kgs (with floppy disk module) and is only 1.4" thick offering enhanced mobility and great performance with the latest Intel Pentium 4M processor - combined with the Intel 845MP chipset. Powerful graphics with TFT screen with integrated modem and Lan.

Specifications:
Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional, Intel Pentium® 4 Mobile 2.0GHz, 256 DDR RAM, 20GB hard Drive, CD-ROM, ATI MOBILITY RADEON 7500, Video memory 32MB, Integrated Modem, Integrated LAN, Weight 5.7 lbs, 14.1" TFT active-matrix LCD display.
price $599

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Toshiba Satellite M55-S135 Notebook PC

The Satellite® M55 Series is! This model features a lightning-fast Intel® Celeron® M Processor to increase your productivity, wireless capabilities to keep you working on the go and an ultra-lightweight (under 5.4 pounds*) chassis, it's everything you need from a high-performance notebook. But it's not all work. The Satellite® M55-S135 also features a DVD SuperMulti Drive, an enormous 80GB (5400rpm) hard drive, a wide-view 14" diagonal WXGA display with TruBrite™ technology, SRS speaker technology for a richer, fuller sound and a stylish peacock blue case. The Satellite® M55-S135 - it's everything you want it to be.

The Basics
* Hard Drive: The 80 GB hard drive (5400 RPM) is a bit above average in size for notebook PCs, and its capacity is a welcome size for road warriors.
* Processor: The Intel Celeron M Processor 370 is designed specifically for mobile computing, offering a balanced level of mobile-optimized processor technology, good mobile performance, and exceptional value. The 1.5 GHz speed resides at the top of the spectrum for this processor (as of June 2005). It also features a 400 MHz front-side bus (FSB) and large 1 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance.)
* Memory: The 512 MB of built-in memory (2 x 256 MB, PC2700, DDR SDRAM) is a good start for power users. It has two memory slots in total, with a maximum memory expansion up to 2 GB (2 x 1024 MB).
* CD/DVD Drive: The double-layer DVD drive is compatible with a wide range of formats, including both DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs as well as CD-RW discs.
* Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 86-key keyboard and electro-static two-button touchpad.

Screen, Graphics and Sound
The M55-S135 has a 14-inch TruBrite TFT screen. The integrated Intel Extreme Graphics video/graphics card (with up to 64 MB of shared video memory) is adequate for streaming Internet video, but won't be enough for today's demanding immersive 3D games. It also features an integrated audio card with headphone and microphone jacks.

Specifications:
Microsoft® Windows® XP Home SP2, Intel Celeron M Processor 1.5Hz , 512MB DDR RAM( DDR333 (PC2700)), 80 GB Hard Drive, Dual Layer DVD±RW, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900, Video Memory 8MB-128MB Shared, Integrated Modem, Integrated LAN, Integrated Wireless LAN, Weight 4.98 lbs, Display-WXGA with TruBrite™ technology 14".
Price: $865
more info at TigerDirect, Amazon

Customer Review:
This is a great computer; the sound on this notebook is one of the best I have heard in a notebook. Toshiba's on average have great sound, but the forward facing speakers along with the SRS virtual sound give a spectacular performance for this notebook. The 80 GB Hard dive is fast, and the screen is a TruBrite which is exactly equal to an XBrite screen in other notebooks.
My personal opinion is that and average person only really needs 1GHz to 1.5GHz even for demanding applications and multitasking. The 2GHz & 3GHz computers are just for extreme users like gamers and people running demanding apps, otherwise Intel & AMD pushed the higher end processors and used its marketing ploys to make it seem like the normal user needed the extra processing power when really they do not!! What I am trying to say is that there is NO noticeable speed difference between a 1.7 GHz, 1.5 GHz. Saying that, paying an extra $200 to $300 for a extra 20GB and a processor that performs exactly the same does not justified the price difference, I mean between the M55-135 & the M55-235. The only really significant difference in a computers operational speed comes from the RAM and the 135 & 235 have exactly the same amount 512MB.)I recommend this computer highly for travelers or business men who want a notebook to work on the road and want something light to bring around without sacrificing any features. Furthermore, the M55-135 is a better value over the M55-235, the 1.7GHz & 100 GB hard drive does not justify the price difference between the two identical models.I am a technology guy and that is my opinion.

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HP Compaq nx6110 Notebook PC review

The HP Compaq nx6110 Notebook PCs combine mobility, affordability and connectivity, offering a smart mobile office notebook for cost-conscious professionals. With a fast, energy-efficient Intel Celeron 1.4GHz processor, the nx6110 delivers precision performance and optimal battery life. And its 802.11b-g wireless technology gives you the freedom to connect to the Internet from thousands of global hot spots. This thin and light laptop provides the right balance of key features to help handle your versatile business needs, combining proven technology and long battery life so you can achieve maximum productivity without compromising your budget.


Specifications:
Microsoft® Windows® XP Home SP2,Intel Celeron M Processor,Processor Speed 1.4GHz,
256 DDR RAM, HardDrive 40GB, CD-RW / DVD-ROM Combo Drive, Integrated Graphics, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900, Integrated Modem, Integrated LAN, Integrated Wireless LAN, Weight 6.06 lbs, 15" XGA Display
Price $589.99
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