Notebook Laptop review

Acer AO532h-2223 10.1-Inch Matrix Silver Netbook - Up to 8 Hours of Battery Life

2010-12-07T20:06:00.000-08:00

Browse the Web, check email, share photos, keep up with social networks, listen to music and enjoy a wide variety of entertainment with the Aspire One AO532h, which features a small compact design that you can take anywhere. Combining the power of the latest Intel Atom N450 processor and NM10 Express chipset with a 6-cell battery, this Aspire One AO532h model (AO532h-2223) in silver provides up to 8 hours of battery life on the go--enough for a full workday.

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A great choice for students as well as business travelers who like to travel light, Acer makes it easy to stay productive while on the go with the 10.1-inch CrystalBrite LED-backlit screen as well as its excellent near full-size keyboard. You'll be able to easily video chat wherever you roam thanks to the Crystal Eye webcam integrated into the LCD's bezel, delivering smooth video streaming and high quality images even in low-light situations. Pinch, flick and swirl your fingers on the multi-gesture touchpad for an intuitive navigation to view web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more.

It comes pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Starter operating system, which combines the latest in reliability and responsiveness with the familiarity and compatibility of Windows. It includes new Windows 7 features like Jump Lists to help you to better find and manage files, and connecting to printers and peripherals is easier than ever.

Lenovo Expands Thinkpad Edge Range With 14in & 15in Models

2010-12-07T19:59:00.000-08:00

Remember the ThinkPad Edge? Now there's three of them...

Cashing in on the success of the original 13.3in Edge 13 (pictured), Lenovo late last week announced it is expanding the range to include the Edge 14 and Edge 15 - you got it: with 14in and 15in displays.

The extra size isn't the only difference, however, since the Edge 14 and 15 - along with the original Edge 13 are all getting kitted out with a choice of Intel's latest Core i3 and i5 CPUs, optional AMD discrete graphics and 5,400 and 7,200rpm HDD choices while Blu-ray drives and integrated 3G can be purchased as extras.

Interestingly, unlike typical ThinkPad models, Lenovo lets its hair down a little with the Edge range and includes HDMI connectivity while 7-in-1 multicard readers, WiFi and Bluetooth are all standard on top of the line's famed spill-resistant keyboards (trust me, I've put this to the test!) and new isolation key design. On top of this the Edge series also throws in a large mult-touch enabled touchpad.

The new (and upgraded) Edge range will come in a choice of red or black finishes and are available in the US immediately starting from just $599. We await UK/European launch details, but Lenovo tends to hit international markets fairly quickly so don't expect to wait long.

On the downside, I think this announcement pretty much hammers a final nail into the coffin of my beloved - yet hugely premium X Series. After all, it is 20 months and counting for a new model. I suspect I may as well give up all hope...

Lenovo Unveils New ThinkPad L Series

2010-12-07T19:55:00.000-08:00

ThinkPads remind me of those Magic Eye prints that were popular back in the 1990s: many people can't see there is something rather special about them lurking just beneath the surface. It may not be autostereograms (at least not yet), but Thinkpads simply provide stunning build quality, the best keyboards in the industry and a durability which would make Tonka proud. A pint of coffee was split over my X300's keyboard at CES in January and three hours later the laptop powered up and it hasn't made a single grumble since. Which is why we're excited about.

The 'L Series'. Leaked back in February, the L Series is Lenovo's long term replacement for the venerable R Series and the company claims it be the most environmentally friendly ThinkPad range ever made.

Comprised of the 14in 'L412' and 15in 'L512', Lenovo says they are "40 percent more energy efficient than previous ThinkPad laptops", are constructed from up to 30 per cent post consumer content ("from office water jugs and used IT equipment in parts like the LCD cover, palm rests and top/bottom case") and shipped in 20 per cent smaller packaging which is made from 100 per cent recycled materials.

Despite its tree hugging, the L Series does pack some punch too with a choice of Intel Core i3 and Core i5 CPUs and dedicated ATI Radeon graphics. All are fitted with 16:9 aspect ratio displays, multi-touch trackpads, optional 3G and provide up to eight hours of battery life as well. Naturally enough, the models have also passed the stringent military durability tests all ThinkPads are put through. These include stresses at high and low temperatures, vibration, altitude, dust and the like. After all, they're Thinkpads...

Sadly there's no word on flagship pricing, but if money is tight specs can be as low as a Celeron P4500 with 1GB of RAM and a 160GB HDD for $649 (£422), but I'd suggest spending a little more than that. The L Series goes on sale in mid-May and for those seeking an extremely sensible and durable new laptop you could do a lot worse.

Lenovo Announces 3D Capable Laptop

2010-12-07T19:38:00.000-08:00

We half expected Sony's love affair with 3D to see it be the first to add a third dimension to its laptops, but surprisingly even Lenovo has now snuck in ahead. The 'IdeaPad Y560d' is another heavily customisable 15.6in machine, that is determined to show you 2D is isn't enough.

Breaking away from the usual Nvidia solutions we've seen up to now, Lenovo has instead opted for 'TriDef 3D' technology which uses ATI GPUs to create the hotly debated stereoscopic 3D effect. And yes you'll need active shutter glasses, though Lenovo does support ' TriDef Movie Player' and 'TriDef Photo Transformer' which both convert this content into 3D meaning your investment will be repaid.

As for the performance side, Lenovo offers an ATI Radeon HD5730 with 1GB RAM - not the fastest GPU on the block, but it should be enough to power most things given its 1366 x 768 native resolution. Intel HD graphics are offered as a cheaper option. Elsewhere you'll find an Intel Core i3-330M CPU (2.13GHz), optional Blu-ray drive and Lenovo's own 'RadidDrive' technology which marries a 32GB or 64GB SSD with up to a 750GB HDD in order to slash boot times.

Pricing starts from just $1,200, but will no doubt escalate quickly if you want any more than the basics. Shipping will starts this month and don't expect rivals (read: Sony) to be far behind.

Lenovo G560 Series 067999U Laptop (Black)

2010-12-07T19:21:00.000-08:00

Affordable Technology. Fun is getting the latest technology at an affordable price with the Lenovo G560 with OneKey Rescue System. The Lenovo G560 notebook is an affordable notebook that doesn’t compromise on the basics. It delivers outstanding performance for everyday tasks thanks to the Intel Pentium Dual Core processor, 4GB of memory and a spacious storage for images, music and videos. It also features OneKey Rescue System, a convenient tool which makes data backup and recovery quick and easy. Plus, Lenovo Energy Management 5.0 helps to protect the long-term life of the battery by preventing unnecessary recharges, and uses advanced energy-saving technology to increase time spent away from the wall outlet. All in all, the Lenovo G560 is more than the average affordable notebook. And, it’s from Lenovo, makers of the award-winning ThinkPad.

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Technical Details

a. Intel Pentium Dual Core P6100, 2.0 GHz with 3 MB L3 cache, 2 cores
b. 4 GB PC3-8500 1066 MHz DDR3, non parity, dual channel, two 204 pin SO-DIMM sockets, (8GB max),
c. 320 GB Hard Drive, 5400 RPM, DVD RW
d. 15.6" HD (1366x768) TFT color, VibrantView (glossy), LED backlight, 220 nits, 16:9 aspect ratio, 500:1 contrast ratio, Integrated Intel Graphics HM55
e. Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit, 6 Cell up to 3.8 hours

Apple co-founder offered first computer design to HP 5 times

2010-12-07T19:18:00.000-08:00

By Josh Ong

During a guided tour of a newly renovated computer museum, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak highlighted the fact that he had offered his original design for the Apple I personal computer to his former employer, HP, 5 times, but was turned down each time.

Wozniak was invited last week by the soon-to-reopen Computer History Museum to give a guided tour to the press. During the tour, Wozniak waxed nostalgic on several early devices, including his own Apple I and Apple II designs, that were influential to the development of the personal computer and other modern devices, MarketWatch reports.

Reiterating comments he made in London at a recent auction of a rare Apple I computer in excellent condition, which sold for $174,000, Wozniak told reporters that he hadn't designed the original Apple I computer to "make a lot of money." "I gave away my designs for free," he said.

The Woz, as he has come to be known, sees the iPhone as the current culmination of computing progress. "As expensive as it looks," he said of an early adding machine, "we wouldn't have our iPhones today if we hadn't started with devices like this." "In our past, there were applications for computers that made an iPhone worth a trillion dollars, and those applications caused these machines to be built, which took us on the path that led to today's iPhone," Wozniak continued.

When asked what new device he expected to see in the Computer History Museum, Wozniak told All Things Digital, "We've got to approach the iPhone someday. That was really the start of smartphones done the right way."

During the tour, Wozniak related the story of one of his first collaborative projects with Apple CEO Steve Jobs. After Wozniak built his own version of Pong, one of the earliest video games, Jobs then took the game to Atari and got a job. "They had Steve working at night so he wouldn't be around other people," joked Wozniak.

"Then he got us a job," Wozniak continued, "I designed the first Breakout game for Atari. So I didn't really work there. They tried to hire me, but I said 'Never leave Hewlett Packard, I love my company, I'm loyal.'" Wozniak added that it took them 4 straight days and nights to design the game. "We both got the sleeping sickness, mononucleosis," said Wozniak.

His loyalty to Hewlett Packard made him reluctant to leave the company to start Apple with Jobs. Wozniak reminded reporters last week at the Computer History Museum that he had proposed his idea for the Apple I computer to Hewlett Packard, but they "turned him down 5 times."

According to a 2008 interview with The Telegraph, Wozniak originally thought he owed it to HP to stay, until Jobs persuaded Wozniak's family to convince him to do it.

Regarding the missed opportunity, HP co-founder Bill Hewlett reportedly said, "You win some, you lose some."

Apple MacBook MC516LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop

2010-12-07T19:08:00.000-08:00

Meet the fastest, most powerful MacBook yet. It now features next-generation NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics, a 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, and 2 GB of memory. That means MacBook can handle everything from surfing the web to the most graphically intense 3D games with ease. It also features up to 10 hours of battery life and a glass Multi-Touch trackpad that supports inertial scrolling, right-clicking, and Multi-Touch gestures. All in a streamlined, durable unibody enclosure.

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The MacBook's seamless, durable polycarbonate unibody enclosure has rounded contours to it easy to pick up and slide into and out of your bag. And the sleek MacBook cuts a slim profile on any desk, measuring just 1.08 inches thin and weighing 4.7 pounds. It also offers a 13.3-inch glass display with LED backlighting that delivers stunning colors and instant full-screen brightness the moment you open the lid. And its 1280 x 800 pixel resolution offers an outstanding balance of luminous color and easy readability in a perfectly portable size.
Apple MacBook
The backlit keyboard--great for typing in low-light settings
(see larger image).

This version of the MacBook features a 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, next-generation NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics, 250 GB hard drive, and 2 GB of installed RAM. Other features include integrated Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking, Bluetooth connectivity, and two USB 2.0 ports (see full specifications below). It also comes with the Mac OS X Snow Leopard operating system as well as the iLife software suite, which includes the latest versions of iPhoto, iMovie, and GarageBand.

Key Features
Intel Core 2 Duo Processing

Combining fast processing speeds with power-saving features, the Intel Core 2 Duo processor provides greater multitasking performance by combining two independent processor cores while also reducing power requirements and saving on battery life. This Intel Core 2 Duo processor has a 2.4 GHz processor speed, speedy 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and 3 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)
High Performance Graphics

Powered by the NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics card, the Mac mini allows you to view flawless video in full screen HD and play the latest games with fast frame rate. It's a great match to editing video masterpieces with iMovie and managing your photos in iPhoto, and it comes with 256 MB of DDR3 SDRAM that's shared with main memory.
Buttonless Multi-Touch Trackpad

With no button on the glass trackpad, there's more room to track and click--left, right, center, and everywhere in between. Without a separate button, the trackpad gives your hands plenty of room to move on the large, silky glass surface. It also incorporates Multi-Touch gestures--including swipe, pinch, rotate, and four-finger swipe. And it also now supports inertial scrolling, an intuitive way to scroll through large photo libraries, lengthy documents and long web sites.
Key Specifications

* Up to 10 hours of continuous use with 63.5-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery.
* 13.3-inch LED-backlit, glossy widescreen display with a widescreen resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels to give you plenty of room to multitask. And the display is greener than ever: power efficient, free of harmful toxins such as mercury, and made of arsenic-free glass.
* Fast 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor helps you breeze through everyday tasks such as emailing, web browsing, and working with documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in iWork or Microsoft Office for Mac (both sold separately).

Apple MacBook
The left (above) and right (below) sides of the MacBook Pro (see larger image).

Apple MacBook
* NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor (with 256 MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory) for an outstanding everyday graphics experience.
* 250 GB hard drive (5400 RPM)
* 2 GB installed RAM (1066 MHz DDR3; supports up to 4 GB)
* 8x slot-loading SuperDrive with double-layer DVD support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
* Built-in iSight camera for video chatting
* Wi-Fi wireless networking (based on 802.11n specification; 802.11a/b/g compatible)
* Gigabit Ethernet wired networking (10/100/1000BASE-T)
* Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) for connecting with peripherals such as keyboards, mice and cell phones.
* Two USB 2.0 ports
* Mini DisplayPort video output with optional adapters for DVI and VGA output.
* Built-in stereo speakers and omnidirectional microphone
* Combined optical digital output/headphone output (also includes line-in/microphone jack)
* Dimensions: 13 x 9.12 x 1.08 inches (WxDxH)
* Weight: 8.4 pounds

What's in the Box

MacBook; 60W MagSafe Power Adapter, AC wall plug, and power cord; install/restore DVDs; printed and electronic documentation
Limited Warranty And Service

The MacBook comes with 90 days of free telephone support and a 1-year limited warranty, which can be extended to 3 years with the AppleCare Protection Plan.
Installed software

Mac OS X Snow Leopard is an even more powerful and refined version of the world's most advanced operating system. In ways big and small, it gets faster, more reliable, and easier to use. New core technologies unleash the power of today's advanced hardware technology and prepare Mac OS X for future innovation.

* Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard (includes iTunes, Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools, and more)

iLife helps you do more with photos, movies, and music than you ever thought possible. In iPhoto, you can browse, edit, and share your photos in stunning new full-screen views. Create epic Hollywood-style movie trailers from your home video in iMovie. And GarageBand gives you everything you need to make a great-sounding song--including tools for keeping your song in perfect rhythm and guitar and piano lessons.

* iLife (includes iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand, iWeb, and iDVD)

Acer Unveils the Aspire One AO721 and AO521 with AMD Processors

2010-12-07T11:58:00.000-08:00

Acer America today announced two new versions of the popular Aspire One series netbooks, now with AMD-based high-definition capabilities. Updated with AMD Athlon II Neo processors, the 11.6-inch Aspire One AO721 and the 10.1-inch Aspire One AO521 are designed to deliver high-definition graphics and video playback and smooth video communications that are not possible with other netbooks.

The Aspire One AO721 and Aspire One AO521 utilize AMD Athlon II Neo K125 processors and ATI Radeon HD 4225 Graphics with 384MB of dedicated system memory for greater mobile performance than you might expect from a netbook. Users can vigorously multitask, even with visually-intense, high-definition applications, while freely exploring the Internet, sending and receiving emails, watching videos and playing games – all while untethered from a power outlet.

The Aspire One AO721 has a high-definition 11.6-inch CrystalBrite LED backlit display wrapped in a black matte, mesh-textured cover which limits fingerprints and smudging. Despite being less than one-inch thin and about three pounds in weight, the Aspire One AO721 provides a full-sized keyboard, enabling users more accurate and comfortable typing. The Aspire One AO721 is equipped with 2GB of DDR3 memory and up to a 250GB internal hard drive loaded with Windows 7 Home Premium.

The Aspire One AO521 netbook features a HD 10.1-inch CrystalBrite LED backlit display, weighs about 2.75 pounds, and features a 93%-sized keyboard as well as 1GB of DDR3 memory and up to 250GB internal hard drive. The AO521 is available in two patterned designs in black and brown. The Aspire One AO521 also comes equipped with Bluetooth and Windows 7 Starter.

Both the Aspire One AO721 and AO521 netbooks also feature HDMI ports for connecting your netbook to your HDTV. Available today at a variety of US retailers, the Aspire One AO721 has a suggested retail price of $429.99 and the Aspire One AO521 is priced at $349.99.

Intel Is Down But Not Out
For those diehard Intel fanboys out there Acer also announced the Aspire One AOD260 and Aspire One AO533 with Intel Atom processors.
Both the AOD260 and AO533 feature 10.1-inch WSVGA LED-backlit displays, Wi-Fi, built-in webcams and large keyboards with Multi-Gesture touchpads. The key difference between these two Atom-based netbooks is that the AOD260 uses "a sophisticated design that makes a fashion statement" while the AO533 is focused on delivering long battery life at low cost. In other words, Acer designed one to appeal to mobile fashionistas and the other netbook to appeal to budget-conscious consumers.

The Aspire One AOD260 netbook looks as much like a fashion accessory as it does a functional netbook. The patterned design, smooth surface, chrome-plated logos and flush battery are all intended to be eye-catching, while the Intel Atom N450 processor provides good battery life and enough performance for everyday tasks.

The AOD260 is less than 1-inch thick and ranges from 2.43 to 2.76 pounds depending on battery size. Additionally, it comes in four colors – black, charcoal, pink and purple.

The Aspire One AO533 netbook features the higher-performance Intel Atom N475 processor and a 6-cell Li-ion battery that promises to deliver 8 hours of battery life on a single charge. Additionally, 1GB of advanced DDR3 memory and a large 250GB hard drive provide the hardware basics you need to get your work done.

Weighing in at 2.76 pounds, the AO533 features a more industrial design with a glossy display cover available in red, black or white with chrome accents.

Both netbooks use a Multi-Gesture Touchpad with "anti-slip microbead" texture, allowing users to pinch, flick and swirl their fingers across the touchpad. It also allows users to scroll, zoom in and out, and flip through web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more. The keyboard is 93 percent standard size and should offer convenient typing space.

Price and Availability
Both the AOD260 and the AO533 will be available at US retailers later this month. The Acer Aspire One AOD260 will start at a suggested retail price of $298.00, while the Acer Aspire One AO533 will start at a suggested retail price of $329.99.

Toshiba Qosmio is amazing laptop

2010-12-07T11:49:00.000-08:00

The Qosmio series is Toshiba's consumer-marketed line of high performance desktop replacement laptops. The laptop was first released on July 25, 2004 as the E15-AV101 with a 1.7 GHz Intel Pentium M CPU, 512 megabytes of DDR SDRAM, and a 15 inch XGA 1,024 by 768 screen. Toshiba's most powerful laptop has undergone many revisions, with focus shifting from high-end multimedia functionality to heavy gaming. The current line, the X500 series, was released on October 22, 2009, featuring an Intel Core i7 processor with up to 6 gigabytes of DDR3 SDRAM as well as an 18.4 inch HD display.

The Toshiba Qosmio G35-AV650 is the first production notebook made available with an HD DVD-compatible drive. The Qosmio G35 line also functioned as a Digital Video Recorder as it contains an integrated TV tuner.

Focus for the Qosmio has shifted from full-fledged multimedia to high end gaming with high quality graphics and audio. This can be seen in the first Qosmio, the E15-AV101, which offered a 1.7 GHz Intel Pentium M 735 CPU, 512 megabytes of DDR SDRAM, a 15 inch XGA 1,024 by 768 screen, and an nVidia GeForce FX Go5200 with 64 MB of dedicated DDR video memory, all of which were relatively powerful for the time.[4][5] The X500 is the newest model, which offers a powerful Intel Core i7 processor with up to 6 gigabytes of DDR3 SDRAM as well as an 18.4 inch HD display powered by an nVidia Geforce GTS 250 with 1 GB GDDR5. These components, on the other hand, are on the high end of the spectrum in performance.

Toshiba laptops have always been safe and reliable, and we’ll confess to being the satisfied owners of an old Qosmio F20. However, they’ve never been terribly exciting – as our recent review of the Tecra M10 pointed out in great detail. So when Toshiba showed off its latest models to the press just recently, the lurid colouring of the X300 stood out like a sore thumb.

Tips to Take Care of Your Notebook

2010-12-07T11:36:00.000-08:00

1. Never treating your notebook like a desktop. Do not use the notebook for hours like a desktop, even if both of them have the same specifications. The desktop computer is designed for hours of using but notebook is for mobile using so for office works just use the desktop computer.

2. To have a lasting notebook, make sure that the notebook is always safe from the heat and the air flow is in good condition because the notebook is vulnerable to dust and heat, many problems that occur are caused by the heat. Never put your notebook on a soft surface, such as your bed, a pile of clothes, or on your legs! A bed can “sink” a little when something like a notebook is on it, restricting air flow from the vent to the outside, which would cause your notebook to overheat and crash, possibly damaging components. Never put a notebook on your legs, either, because, over time, the notebook can get VERY hot and can potentially burn your legs. There is a special notebook table in my country, it designed by some creative people, the table will make you work more comfortable with notebook on your lap. The table is like a pillow but it has a hard surface to put the notebook on and it has many color types.

3. To have a long lasting notebook battery and stable on the electricity consumption, it would be better if you unplug the batery.So that the battery is not charged by the electricity all the time. Do not force the battery until it really empty. If you find that the battery is almost empty, you have to charge it quick and charge the battery when the notebook is in off condition you can see it from the indicator light.

4. Use Notebook cover or notebook bag to protect your notebook. Do not carry so many stuffs in your notebook bag, it could caused a damage on the LCD. I found a scratch on mine because of this.

5. Use only software that save from the virus like Linux or use the really good antivirus.

6. Don’t spill your drinks! If you’re at a cafe or at home and you have a drink nearby and your spill it and it lands all over your notebook, power it off immediately! Take the AC adapter out (as well as the battery), get a cloth or paper towels and get as much liquid out as you can. Then, turn the computer over and let the rest of the liquid drip out for about 24 hours. During this process you should call your computer manufacturer and let them know what happened and if there is any way you can salvage it without much damage, such as a fried motherboard or rusted parts. Don’t be surprised if they ask you to send it in so they can look at it and make the necessary repairs.

7. Keep very carefully the master programs in the notebook, it's hard to find the drivers if you lost the programs. And always check the notebook specification before you buy one. (According to your need and budget)

SONY DELIVERS ENTRY-LEVEL PRICED NOTEBOOKS IN HIP NEW COLORS

2010-12-07T11:27:00.000-08:00

Sony today took the wraps off its new line of affordably-priced notebooks in chic new colors— the VAIO® E Series.

The E Series comes in five translucent, high-gloss colors— Caribbean Green, Iridescent Blue, Coconut White, Hibiscus Pink and Lava Black— and three matte colors—Maple Brown, Silver White and Gunmetal. Subtle patterns can be found on the lids, of the glossy models, with the palm rest mirroring the color of the PC adding a splash of brightness to the unit.

“Sony is once again bringing innovation to the PC industry,” said Mike Abary, senior vice president of the VAIO business group at Sony. “The E Series delivers contemporary-cool designs at mainstream prices, proving consumers no longer have to sacrifice style for affordability.”

The edge-to-edge isolated keyboard has a numeric pad built-in, giving you the experience of using a larger computer in a much smaller footprint. A pleasing dimpled touch pad is seamlessly integrated into the palm rest.

The E Series notebook features an optional Blu-ray Disc™ ROM drive, making it ideal for viewing pristine HD content on-the-go. It also has the added convenience of DVD and CD read/write functionalities.

The model features a stunning 15.5-inch (measured diagonally) widescreen display with optional HD capability so movies, video and photos can be enjoyed in brilliant clarity and razor-sharp detail.

For those who prefer to watch content on a big screen television, the PC has an HDMI™ output so it can be connected to a compatible HDTV set for a larger viewing experience (HDMI cable required, sold separately).

The E Series notebook also comes with three unique hardware buttons-- WEB, VAIO and ASSIST to get you to where you want to go with a touch of a button.

Quickly access the Internet, without full boot up into Windows®, by simply pressing the WEB button. Launch directly into Sony’s own Media Gallery software by pushing the designated VAIO button on the keyboard and create high-quality home movies. Finally troubleshoot any issues or facilitate simple do-it-yourself PC maintenance procedures by pressing the ASSIST button and launching the included VAIO Care™ software program.

Easily and quickly transfer and store data to peripheral devices utilizing the notebook’s eSATA/ USB port and three convenient USB ports. Select models incorporate Bluetooth® technology, enabling peripherals such as a wireless mouse to be utilized without tying up the unit’s ports.

A built-in webcam with face-tracking technology and microphone let you video chat with family, friends and colleagues. A third-party internet service provider is required.

Select E Series models pack an Intel® Core™ i5 processor with Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost technologies, delivering the performance needed for multitasking. Up to 500GB hard drives are available, providing ample storage for all your photos, files and videos. All E Series PCs come pre-installed with Microsoft® Windows® 7 Home Premium operating system.

The E Series is ENERGY STAR® 5.0 Qualified, EPEAT® Silver registered and RoHS compliant. Its corrugated cardboard packaging is comprised of 95 percent recycled content. Sony will also help recycle your old PC (www.sony.com/green; recycling fees may apply).

The VAIO E Series notebook will retail for about $700. It is available for pre-orders today online at www.sonystyle.com/pr/e. It will also be sold at Sony Style® stores and at other major retailers around the country starting next month.

How to Choose a Notebook Computer

2010-12-07T10:32:00.000-08:00

Ever since the portable computer came out, everybody wants to have one. They used to be extremely expensive and getting a notebook computer was done only when really necessary. But now they have become quite affordable and people are buying notebook computers more and more, even if it's just for fun.

There are a lot of notebook computers in the market today and choosing one can be quite a hard task, especially if you don't know what you want on your computer or laptop.

This is why it is always better to clarify what you will be using the computer for most and what technical specs you would like on it. This will help you get a computer that is perfect for YOU and you won't regret buying that computer.

The first thing that you should consider while buying a laptop is what size you want. The cost of these portable computers mainly depend on the size of the display screen and you can get screens anywhere from 8 inches to 21 inches. If you think that getting a bigger screen is better, think again. If you are a frequent traveler who needs to take the PC wherever you travel, it will be rather stupid to get a 21 inch display. The whole purpose of a notebook computer is ease of portability and there is no point in getting a PC that is too big to take everywhere. Notebook computers that have displays which are more than 17 inches are usually considered as desktop replacements.

Another thing you must consider is what type of processor you would want. A good processor will allow you to run multiple programs simultaneously without any sort of lag. If you plan to work with many programs at one time and require a faster processor, the Intel DualCore is quite a good processor and comes standard with many laptops. But if you want to get something a bit more advanced, then the QuadCore is a better alternative. If you are a gaming person than you should probably get a good processor since most of the latest games require good processor speed.

It is always better to do an ample amount of research prior to buying your first notebooks computer. Try to look at all the different options available. Go online and check out all the products. Read customer reviews but don't make your choice based on these reviews. Just read them to see what problems can occur and stuff like that. Choosing the right one should entirely depend on you and you alone.

Dell Inspiron i15R-1974MRB 15.6-Inch Laptop (Mars Black)

2010-12-07T09:24:00.000-08:00

Meet the Inspiron 15R--a 15.6-Inch laptop computer for your everyday needs. With an attractive, stylish design and mobile technology, this laptop features everything you want for everyday computing. The Inspiron 15R offers a modern black palmrest, Intel Core processor, a 1.3MP webcam, media card reader, HDMI and VGA output, and plenty more. Solid performance at a solid price.

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Inspiron 15R Specs:

* Processor: Intel Core i5-450M
* Processor Specs: 2.26GHz, 3MB Cache
* Memory: 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1333MHz (2 DIMMs)
* Video Graphics: Intel HD Graphics
* Hard Drive: 320GB (5400 RPM)
* Multimedia Drive: 8x CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW Drive)
* Display: 15.6" HD WLED (1366 x 768)
* Operating System: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64-Bit)
* Digital Media: Media Card Reader
* Networking: 10/100 Ethernet
* Wireless Connectivity: Dell Wireless 150
* Sound: Integrated Stereo Audio
* Keyboard: Standard with 10-key numberpad
* Pointing Device: Touchpad with Integrated Scroll Bars
* Webcam: Built-in 1.3MP
* Power: 6-Cell Lithium Ion Battery
* I/O Ports: USB 2.0 (3); Combo eSATA/USB 2.0 (1); HDMI, VGA; 1 Half Mini-Card Slot; 1 Headphone Jack, 1 Microphone Jack
* Width: 14.8"
* Depth: 10.31"
* Height: 1.25" Front–1.34" Back
* Starting Weight: 5.83 lbs. with 6-Cell Battery
* Warranty: 1-Year Limited Hardware Warranty, 24/7 Phone Support

Sony VAIO VPC-EE31FX/BJ 15.5-Inch Laptop (Black)

2010-12-07T09:06:00.000-08:00

A perfect mix of performance and style, the slim, lightweight Sony VAIO EE laptop in matte black (model EE31FX/BJ) combines a contemporary design with excellent mobile computing power in one affordable package. And with the power of dual-core AMD Athlon II processor combined with the new Microsoft Office Starter 2010, you have everything you need within reach to power through daily tasks and enjoy your media wherever you are.

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The extra-wide, theater inspired 15.5-inch display with a native 720p HD resolution provides deeper blacks, brighter whites, true-to-life color and razor-sharp detail from almost any angle. It's great for watching movies as well as making your own using the dual-layer DVD±RW drive (with CD burning capabilities), and with the HDMI audio/video output you can connect the VAIO EE to a compatible HDTV to display your creations to a larger audience via a single cable.

A built-in 1.3-megapixel webcam (with integrated microphone) lets you join in on video conferences as well as make long-distance VoIP calls. It also includes Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking, which will connect to draft 802.11n routers and offers compatibility with 802.11b/g networks as well.

Pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), you'll be able to easily create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to.

Stand-Out Style, One-Touch (and No-Touch) Ease

Designed with personalization in mind, the VAIO EE Series provides subtle patterns and inviting finishes let you choose a style that's all your own. Even the interior is striking, with clear-coat palm rests that match the lid.
Hardware buttons

The edge-to-edge isolated keyboard has a numeric keypad built in, giving you the experience of using a larger computer in a much smaller footprint. A pleasing dimpled touch pad is seamlessly integrated into the palm rest.

The EE Series notebook also comes with three unique hardware buttons--WEB, VAIO and ASSIST--that help get you to where you want to go with a touch of a button. Quickly access the Internet, without full boot up into Windows, by simply pressing the WEB button. Troubleshoot any issues or facilitate simple do-it-yourself PC maintenance procedures by pressing the ASSIST button and launching the included VAIO Care software program. Finally, launch directly into Sony's Media Gallery software by pushing the designated VAIO button to create high-quality home movies and enjoy your music in a whole new way.

Rediscover your favorite music, photos and more with Media Gallery, which includes a stunning UI with easy-to-use features that take the work out of enjoying your media. In one-step, integrated SensMe Technology simplifies your massive music library into playlists based on the elements of your music as well as your unique listening habits. An integrated YouTube search engine automatically seeks out and suggests music videos, interviews and other content related to the song being played.

And Gesture Control introduces a whole new way to control content playing within Media Gallery. Using advanced technology, Media Gallery includes the ability to utilize your integrated webcam to detect specific hand movements that command the player to play, pause, skip forward or back through a song, video or slideshow.

Toshiba Satellite L505-GS5037 TruBrite 15.6-Inch Laptop (Black)

2010-12-07T08:51:00.000-08:00

Offering solid performance and impressive affordability, the Toshiba Satellite L505-GS5037 laptop is a great choice for handling computing essentials at home, school or work--from surfing the web and downloading video to managing household finances or studying for finals. This all-purpose, eco-smart machine features a stunning 15.6-inch display with 720p native high-definition resolution. To top it off, the L505 features a brilliant high-gloss Fusion Finish in Graphite Gray that's sure to turn heads.

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Thanks to the built-in webcam and Toshiba Face Recognition software on this machine, you'll enjoy a more convenient way to communicate, log on or share your laptop among the family. Other high-tech features include a power-saving Eco Utility to help reduce power consumption based on your needs and one USB/eSATA combo port.

Pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), you'll be able to easily create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to.