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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Tags:libretto

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!.


Track Santa with Google Earth.