New Laptops

Environment-Friendly Data Protection?

2010-06-11T05:35:00.000-07:00

Fact 1: Over 80% of data across corporate (emails/docs etc.) is duplicate.

Fact 2: Removing just one-third of this duplicate data, could - on an average - save up to USD 1.6 billion on storage energy.

Do the math. Removing it all would mean conservation of storage energy worth approximatel

One million GigaBytes (GBs) make a PetaByte (PB). In 2008, the sale of disk-based storage systems crossed 2500 PBs, growing at almost 60% each year. These figures do not include direct attached storage i.e. hard drives that come pre-loaded with PCs or servers. The overall consumption doubles when this storage is backed up.

On an average, the best solid-state storage consumes about 5 Watts per MegaByte (MB). This puts the total cost of maintaining (cooling + power) a 1 TB hard disk at about USD 2,500 per year.* The annual energy consumption by newly bought storage stands at USD 5 Billion – and there’s still the backing up to consider!

Here’s where DDD comes in. This technology saves just a single copy of duplicate data. Most storage vendors using DDD provide block-level duplicate removal at target i.e. when the data reached the storage.

And this brings us back to Fact 2 viz. an average 30% duplicate data removal can save USD 1.6 billion on storage energy and USD 2 billion on bandwidth costs and backups. Not to mention that duplication also chokes bandwidth and storage.

Types of Computer Cables

2010-06-11T05:33:00.000-07:00

Actually, you can have the 1394 net adapter with its appropriate cables to connect one or more computers with a computer network. The adapter and its cables are designed to give you a better way to transfer files at higher speeds especially when they are too big. Compared to USB cables and adapters, these are able to handle more data rates.

The plug and the port types of computer cables and adapters can also work like your regular ones that can connect your computer to more FireWire devices even if you have a single port. Just make sure that you have the right one that is either a 1394 net adapter plug or the 1394 net adapter port. The plug one works by connecting to directly to your computer. It also uses a plug so you can connect to a digital device’s FireWire port. On the other hand, the port one is able to connect your computer using a cable and it technically offers the FireWire ports that allow you to connect your digital devices to your computer for data transfer.

You need to make sure that you choose something that can handle faster transfer rates when browsing for different types of computer cables available. Remember three principles: The right cable, the right adapter, the right speed.

Architectural CAD Drafting and 3D Modeling Services – A Gift for Engineering Designs

2010-06-11T05:29:00.000-07:00

Innovation of Computer Aided Design (CAD) softwares come out as a gift for engineering designs and models as well as for the design architects. Initially, CAD is only used for architectural and structural designing. Later on it spreads its reach to each and every branch of engineering industry by providing accurate drawings and models. Architectural CAD drafting services are normally applied for new building developments and planning applications. Architectural drafting services can also be useful for custom designs in Industry; buildings, construction documents, mechanical and architectural drawings. Architectural 3D models and animations are widely used on the web world. 3D animations improve the structure drastically by having quality 3D rendered images & Videos.

Architectural CAD drafting signifies that drawing architectural designs in digital format using computer software. Architectural CAD drawings and models are very functional for engineers and contractors to understand a building or industry design better as it covers all the required specifications. Architectural CAD drafting services will get you designs, project elevations, detailed 2D and 3D presentation drawings in digital format. Professional architects have developed a guideline for Architectural design drawings and described it as technical drawings of buildings. By using these drawings and technical concepts the construction work is progressed. Such elements like layouts, different views, units of measurements and cross referencing can be attain using architectural CAD drafting services.

Now days 2D CAD drafting and 3D modeling services enables for drawing a architectural design or model in digital format easily with the help of modern designing softwares. It also saves time, money and reducing the possibility of redesigning. Modern CAD softwares are easy to handle, very accurate and supportive for professional architects. There are huge in built applications for residential, commercial projects, elevations and 3D models. These drawings and models cater to realtors, owners, consultants and contractors.

Architectural CAD drawings and models are the construction details derived from architectural plans, working drawings from raw data, technical drawings and comprehensive specification sheets can be drafted, at cheaper rates and better standards of detailing. Firms in India are widely offering AutoCAD drawings from hand drawn sketches or blueprints. Complete construction drawings can be created from general layout sketches, with details like furniture plans, reflected ceiling plans, floor finish plans, partition and door hardware schedule plans, elevations and perspectives are also offered. These drawings can be custom designed for homes by CAD process for architects, builders, and owners. Entire CAD drafting services include design development, building plans, and construction documents.

PC Backup Software - Tool for Data Protection

2010-06-11T05:27:00.000-07:00

Traditionally, data backup has meant sacrificing a wide pool of data for the sake of essential data to be stored. A backup of an entire hard drive was unheard of; it took up too much time, space and resources to be a feasible habit. And you never know when your hard drive is infected by destructive virus.

While innovations like file compression and data-mapping did the trick in some cases, full data backup was still a slow and resource intensive procedure. Files were duplicated, the storage requirements were huge and bandwidth was still a problem.

But today the problem has increased manifold with increased data stored in our computers. This is fueled by increasing security concerns, user mobility and cross-geography office expansions. Therefore in this scenario the requirement for data security has also increased manifolds.

A relief in this entire situation is an Online data backup Software. But the major problem lies in deciding for good PC backup Software. There are various factors which need to be considered while selecting one, like de- duplication is one of the important factors which needs to be considered as this feature save 90% - 95% of the bandwidth and 95% of the time it takes to backup your system. This is known as data de-duplication. Another feature we should put our fingers on is remote backup i.e. a backup program which allows everyone to back everything remotely. Last but not the least is, a program which is automatic and simple to use.

While all the above expectations have increased from PC Backup software, the existing backup solutions haven’t. A rare example is Druva’s inSync software which uses a more advanced compression technology and distributed data de-duplication technology. The software has the ability to recognize files that are common across the network, and doesn’t backup the same files twice. Simply put, inSync uses less storage and less network resources to back up a PC. The software is 10 times faster than most other software and uses 90% less bandwidth.

5 cloud computing benefits for businesses

2010-05-16T04:58:00.000-07:00

Most business owners agree that cloud computing is the last thing they would have heard of, to implement in their organizations. Agreed that this concept is relatively new and the technology implementation finds few experts, but the benefits of using this networking tool have forced a lot of business owners to seek knowledge on this domain. Thus, cloud computing, despite its perceptible risks and security issues, is finding increased popularity.

Cloud computing works on providing, shared resources, and software applications to business owners, on demand. This technology is much different from the client-server or the mainframe methodology, where users normally are in need of expertise and control on the technology they work on.

Here are 5 benefits of using cloud computing; reasons for which businesses are clamoring to use this technology

1. Business cloud computing ensures businesses can be scalable – Assume that an organization, 100 users strong, wishes to grow to 1000 users strong. Using cloud computing, this kind of scalability is easily achievable without too many logistical nightmares. Importantly, in doing all of this, companies don’t have to pay excess, as cloud computing works on ‘Pay as you use’ model.

2. Easy to implement – Businesses wouldn’t want to invest in a technology, however robust it may be, if it is difficult to execute on ground. With cloud computing, this factor is taken care of, because a cloud computing arrangement could be worked around, in no time at all. And in doing so, businesses save precious time and money.

3. Service providing niche has some big names – Normally, any new popular technology will have a lot of service providers, but with most of them jumping into the array to make a quick buck or so. But with cloud computing and the way it works, you would find that providers with robust infrastructure form the top ranking names here.

Cloud computing service providers need to have huge datacenters to ensure that the needs of businesses are catered to, well. This really means companies like Microsoft, Dell, Google and many more form the top rung of companies in this niche.

4. Burden on in-house IT Team reduced – The IT departments of businesses may foresee cloud computing robbing them off work. Literally speaking, this technology that works on outsourcing a lot of technology needs, may reduce the burden on the IT team of companies. But, that is not to say, companies would have to fire their IT teams as they could be used for more constructive purposes.

5. Issues can be handled, efficiently – Business owners know that no technology can be completely error-free, however efficient they claim to be. But with cloud computing, the response time to errors and issues is double-quick, which also alleviates a major problem on the head of the in-house IT team.

Data security is a major risk with cloud computing, but that being said, a lot of service providers in this niche are working on stringent privacy clauses that would protect their client’s interests. With vendors needing to offer increased data security and confidentiality, a lot of things seem to go right for this new technology.

6 ways in Which Microsoft Windows Vista Secures your PC

2010-05-16T04:57:00.000-07:00

Global reach and the information highway have changed the way individuals and businesses function. Computerization, the World Wide Web, and B2B and P2P applications have added a zing to business activities. The reach has grown beyond physical confines and boundaries to embrace the world.

In the fast paced world of business what causes grave concerns in security. With the use of computers and links to cyber space corporate crime is at an all time high and

1. High level security. Most companies spend thousands of dollars in securing their business data as with the advent of the World Wide Web cyber thievery is at an all time high. Vista is designed to provide multiple layers of protection. It will protect the business from external attacks and there are ways in which crucial information and data can be protected by creating a fortress of authorized access.

2. Back ups are automated and files can be recovered easily. So, if any information is inadvertently deleted it can be recovered.

3. Since the cyber highway is where security is lax and threats exist, Vista has Windows Internet Explorer 7. This is very advanced and provides great amounts of browser security and grants privacy protection. So while your employees can browse the World Wide Web for business related purposes thieves will not gain ready access to your company systems.

4. The Windows defender program has been integrated into Vista to protect your business system from malicious soft wear.

5. Wireless networking systems are secured by Vista such that employees can connect to multiple networks simultaneously without any trouble. It has a secure wireless networking protocol and Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2).

6. Internal threats are averted as Vista ensures that data is kept secure and confidential by encryption, assigning a high level of protection, and selective authorization of removing of storage devices like USB and flash memory drives.

Vista has been developed keeping in mind the threats being posed to computer users today. And, a new version of Windows Firewall has been developed to protect computers from inbound and outbound traffic threats. The UAC or user account control has been under continuous revamping and takes into consideration serious criticisms made throughout Vista development by techies on the Vista watch.

Paul Thurrott who has been monitoring Vista since the very start has written glowing reviews of Vista security features, the integrated anti-spyware product , Windows Defender, security improvements to IE7, parental controls, and more.

Security enhancements in Vista are more than welcome and users both business and individual are looking forward to the release of the final Vista package.

25 Main Windows Vista Features

2010-05-16T04:53:00.002-07:00

The whole world is waiting with expectancy for the arrival of Windows Vista and its promised delights. And, in the meantime, techies speculate and debate on what to expect, what the hurdles will be, and more.

Microsoft has been promoting Windows Vista as having features that provide a unique experience. The system is aimed to be user friendly and dynamic. Microsoft has worked on Vista at two levels; they have updated existing windows features and introduced new features. Among the many features of Windows Vista are the following gleaned from published documentation, blogs, and releases by Microsoft.

1. The interface is said to be state of art and has been called Aero, authentic, energetic, reflective, and open. User friendly, the interface is touted to be cleaner, streamlined, and aesthetic.

2. The windows shell for Vista is expected to reach for new standards in operating systems. The organization, navigation, and search capabilities are all user friendly and fast. The tool bar and one click access are devised to speed up operations.

3. Instant search is expected to revolutionize the system. Search boxes are integral to many applications.

4. Desk top gadgets positioned on the right hand side of the screen will enable users to view sports scores, weather, and other interesting things while continuing to work on the main screen.

5. The Media Player is expected to have great new features like graphic interface, photo display, systematic organization, and compatibility with Xbox360 and other media players.

6. The internet explorer, aimed to be genx, is expected to have a new user interface, tabled browsing, search box, easy printing, tabs, zoom, and other on tab functions. The system hopes to have advanced security protection and improved web standards support.

7. State of art back up and restore functions will enable users to schedule back ups of files. The system is designed such that back ups are incremental and only new material is backed up saving space as well as making the system easy to use. The “complete PC backup” will create an image on the entire system onto the hard disk or a DVD. In case there is a break down the “complete pc backup” will recreate the entire system.

8. Outlook express has a new avatar, Windows Mail. And, according to those in the know the system is reliable and can actually filter junk mail.

9. Updates of software and security systems in the new system will be through a control panel. There will be no need for any web applications.

10. In Windows Vista parents can have greater say in what the children can use and access. This system is designed to protect kids from exposure to violence and porn.

11. Windows vista has features that will enable computer access through handhelds and mobiles even if the computer if off.

12. Vista has multiple language speech recognition which will allow dictation and activation of commands.

13. Gaming with Vista has raised expectations of avid gamers. New graphics, better display features, and ease of use means faster gaming and more thrills.”

14. The photo gallery in vista has great new applications. It will function as a photo and movie library and be compatible with all kinds of devices. In windows vista this will tag and rate photos, make adjustments in color and exposure, create effects and burn slideshows to DVDs.

15. The Vista DVD maker will create DVDs from existing content.

16. The system permits sharing of files and applications. Vista’s Windows Meeting space promoted P2P applications.

17. Vista is designed to think. Super Fetch a memory management strategy studies user usage and retains pages in accordance to popularity. High priority content is retained in memory by detection of troublesome memory usage patterns.

18. Windows Vista is expected to have a ready boost, a flash device that extends disk caching capabilities. This will enable use of USB 2.0 flash drives, SD cards, or compact flash cards. This innovation is expected to lend a performance level that is 8-10 times higher than at present.

19. A touch screen is expected to be a part of Vista.

20. Disk partitions in Vista are designed to prevent data loss.

21. The task manager as well as task scheduler in Vista is being revamped to provide better computing.

22. Extensive focus is on security which has been a problem with Microsoft operating systems. In Vista the aim is to provide security at all levels of operation and the system includes an advance security firewall, a defender, as well as a phishing filter among other security measures. The innovations are all set to give a new definition to windows security.

23. Vista’s premier interface, Windows Aero will lend 3D graphics, great animation, visual effects, and translucence to videos, games, and other applications that have graphics.

24. The Vista developer technologies are many and are expected to include .Net framework version 3.0, a new user interface system among others.

25. Vista based on a new interface will support many features like WIM image format, group policy settings, and network file systems, that will ease the working of businesses

While techies and others are waiting to see how Vista functions, in actuality there are several concerns surfacing regarding costs, user account control, hardware requirements, digital rights management, security, and the similarities to the Mac OS X.

Proactive Measures Help In Preparing To Face Future Risks

2010-05-16T04:53:00.001-07:00

Irrespective of the size of your business operations, you can survive the tough challenges put forth by competitors in the global market place only if you are knowledgeable and intelligent enough to adopt definite proactive measures.

Talking of proactive measures, they are extremely useful in emergency situations that threaten to disrupt the normal functioning of your organization and cause undesirable consequences in the end. This approach is especially useful for small-scale businesses and enterprise clients since they cannot afford to waste their valuable time, energy and time in backups every now and then.

Among all the systems in your organizations, the IT department plays a very significant part in the smooth running of your business operations. A few tips for saving your IT-related functions and systems and being prepared to meet any exigency are:

a. It is better to seek professional assistance for proper installation of systems. Go through the profiles of the various IT services providers and analyze their expertise well before finalizing a firm.

b. If you want to try installation on your own, then carefully evaluate the product catalogs available in the market-if you are careful to collect catalogs from a few companies, you may find that there are products available at cheaper rates; you can easily fit them into your budget.

c. Only if your systems are properly installed at the work place, you can expect to gain maximum benefits and reach your targets seamlessly. Through proper installation, you can save many dollars that you might need to spend in case of improper installation and careless handling of equipment.

d. Choose a firm that offers reliable and professional services that are just right for the kinds of business operations that you deal with. You need to assess their track record to gain confidence if you are willing to choose them. When you browse through the client testimonials, you can easily gain an in-depth knowledge about the level of success and reliability.

e. Check if the firm offers custom-made solutions for your IT-related issues along with 24. When you are dealing with a business, you need to be vigilant and careful not to lose valuable gains by wasting time or money for backups.

f. It is necessary to choose a firm that offers a wide range of IT-related services like consultation, computer, technical and help desk services by employing well-informed and courteous staff. Assess the charges fixed for these services.

g. While evaluating the various options available for IT-related services, try to opt for a firm that provides maintenance program facilities since you do not need to worry about regular inspection and repairs since these will be taken care of by the firm itself. Check if they offer locally-based remote support to get prompt solutions to all of your IT-related issues.

h. You can take the assistance of the firm in case you are considering expansion and development of your IT department.

By choosing a firm offering end-to-end IT solutions, you can save time, energy and money in a significant manner. You can concentrate on your main business without having to worry about breakdowns and backups.

How to Remove Virus without Antivirus

2010-05-16T04:52:00.001-07:00

Virus attack is a universal problem faced by millions of PC users around the world. If you find your system infected with virus, it is highly recommended to call in antivirus support experts to delete it as trying to do it on your own can prove harmful to your pc. Usually, people use antivirus software programs available in the market to control and remove virus from their computers, but most of them may not be safe.

Is it possible to remove virus without antivirus?

Did you know that it is possible to remove virus without using any antivirus software? If you want to know how to remove virus from your computer without using an antivirus, here are a few simple steps to follow:

Steps to remove virus from computer -

1. Go to the "Start" menu and to the "Run" command.

2. In the text box, input the “cmd” command.

3. In the DOS window, you will see a command prompt. Input the Command Prompt to shift it to the infected drive. This can be done by typing the drive letter and a colon. After typing in “attrib-s=h*_*/s/d”, wait for the prompt to read the right drive before pressing “Enter”.

4. Input "dir" command to make the content directory of the drive appear. Here, you can identify suspicious looking .exe files. Files that are accompanied by .dll or .inf are dangerous files.

5. Go to files that activate virus and are attached to the .exe file and rename them. This can be done by typing “Rename” followed by the name of the file and any other name you choose. This way, without activating the virus, you can access the drive anytime you want to.

6. The next step is to find the drive folder that contains all files infected with the virus. You can find this folder in the “Program Files”. After deleting the infected files, it is now time to completely eliminate them from the Recycle Bin.

7. Input "regedit" in the Run Window to open the registry editor. Folders that are named “HKEY” are the registry keys of the virus. You can find them within the folders and must delete all keys associated with the virus. After removing all the virus and related registry keys, you must reboot your computer.

8. Remember to create a backup of your registry and use an external hard drive or disk to save your important data before registry editing. If, by mistake, you delete any wrong key, it may cause serious harm to your pc.

If you face any problem in removing virus from your computer, you must entrust the job to a professional, who specializes in antivirus support. This can be done with the help of the Command Prompt in your computer. Remember that certain files may have to be altered before deleting them so choosing an expert pc repair company to handle this job is the safest option.

Error: 'You are not authorized to access that database' on attempt to delete a shared NSF file

2010-05-16T04:51:00.000-07:00

In Lotus Notes, there is a helpful and legitimate feature of locking up the NSF file. That is, owner of the NSF file or administrator has the power of applying local security to the .NSF file in order to prevent the file from misuse or illegal or unsolicited use by any third person. Applying local security restricts any unwanted access to NSF file, read/write operations become impossible. But if urgent need arises for unlocking NSF file, you can remove local NSF security applied using powerful NSF local security removal tool.

Even if a Lotus Notes .NSF file is shared and on attempting to delete it can land you up in nasty situation. You’ll get error saying, “You are not authorized to access that database”.
Now, consider a practical scenario where a user with editor access in the Access Control List (ACL) attempt to delete a shared folder or view, he would receive one of the following error messages:

“You are not authorized to perform that operation”
Or
“You are not authorized to access that database”

In some Notes 6 and 7 releases, this occurs regardless of whether or not the ACL permission, “Create shared folders/views”, is enabled for the user. The issue occurs with any database but may be commonly observed with mail files given that the Notes 6 and 7 releases support the mail file owner having editor ACL rights.

You must have the ACL permission, “Create shared folders/views”, enabled in order for editors to delete shared folders/views. In earlier releases of Notes 6 and 7, granting the permission does not allow a user to perform the deletion as expected. Mail users with editor access can now delete folders via the menu. This problem was not specific to databases based on the mail template - it was reproducible in any database.

Resolution
In order to resolve this issue manually, you need to enable the ACL permission, “Create personal folders/views”, as well as the “Create shared folders/views” permission. You can also right-click the folder and choose Remove Folder.

Other way to be able to access any database in Lotus Notes is that you have to turn on “Full Access Administrator” option in Domino ACL and for that you are supposed to perform the following:

Right click the desired database
Click the ACL (Access Control List)
Add your name over there as a person and a manager

Doing this, will add you as a specific user to the ACL and you will be able to access the NSF file. This was the manual removal of local security. But what if the admin is not available to remove the local security and you need to access the file urgently? At that time taking help of NSF Local Security Removal tool helps you in removing local security instantly.

Flash Analytics Tutorials – The Significance of a Right Tutorial

2010-05-16T04:46:00.000-07:00

In today’s contemporary era, the use of flash applications and technologies has taken a steep rise. You might have seen a number of websites which uses the flash applications as well as the games, videos podcast and many other things which are directly related to the flash technology and they are highly demanded in the market. But, since the time the flash analytics software has come up in the market, not many people are able to use this software and its application conveniently only because of lack of proper knowledge of the same. This software is very much user friendly, however, there are still very few people who understand its effectiveness in the web space. But, even after being so much advanced, efficient and user friendly, people have not been able to utilize it in the best possible manner.

So, in order to resolve this issue, many institutes and educational enterprises have started educating about the flash analytics and all other relevant flash applications. The flash analytics is basically used in tracking and monitoring the flash contents of a website and the flash applications are used in animation and graphic designing and campaigns and advertisements. Hence, many flash analytics tutorials have opened in the form of various sites as they help to understand the basic tracking methods of these sites. The analytics used are necessary to comprehend in order to get the best results in the needed time frame.

Various environments and codes are integrated in Google analytics, and it becomes a necessity to understand all the technical levels as to make these entire technical things user friendly and that too in an apt manner. Moreover, with the creation of flash analytics, many tutorials have been established. Thus, it's very essential to identify the right flash analytics tutorials in order to get profound and appropriate knowledge of the flash applications and flash analytics.
If you wish to opt for online method for learning flash applications and analytics, then you just need to contribute maximum half an hour daily to understand the basics of it. There are many websites where you can view the video tutorials which can be downloaded and then can be used efficiently to gain the proper knowledge. These videos can be downloaded on the iphone as well and you can use it as per your choice for learning. Through this way, you can easily learn and understand the basics very quickly. If you will practice in the best way, it’s going to be better for you in future.

Learning about flash analytics is not very hard and also, the cost of learning the same is very cheap. There are umpteen numbers of websites with good flash analytics tutorials and from there you can easily fetch the information related to the course and its cost. Flash analytics tutorialsare undoubtedly one of the most required and the best software in the web space. These tutorials are helpful in providing knowledge in concrete manner and they are always updated with new and advanced methods to make it easier for everyone to learn.

Resolving error- “File *.ost is not an offline folder file.”

2010-04-09T11:14:00.000-07:00

Microsoft Exchange Server and Microsoft Outlook are the applications that can create an ideal collaborative e-communication environment at a workplace. Exchange Server stores all the user mailboxes data in a single database file, termed as EDB (Exchange Database) file. A separate profile or mailbox is created for every user and it can be accessed through Outlook.

A copy or an exact replica of the same user mailbox data is stored on user’s system in the form of OST file. This way, whenever you access data from Exchange Server, the Outlook profile synchronizes with Exchange Server. This way the OST file automatically gets converted into PST file. However, in some cases, due to errors in OST file or in synchronization, the OST file gets converted to PST file format. Thus, the stored data becomes inaccessible. In order to sort out this issue, you have to manually perform ost to pst conversion. Else you can perform ost to pst conversion using a third party application.

In a practical scenario, when you try to start Microsoft Outlook or try to synchronize with Microsoft Exchange Server, you might come across the error message given below:

“Cannot open your default email folders. The file *.ost is not an offline folder file.”

Over here ‘*.ost’ is the name of your OST (Offline Storage) file, created with Microsoft Outlook when it was employed to work in compliance with Exchange Server. The OST file is created completely. The behavior results in inaccessibility of valuable data in the database and so you might have to go for OST repair tool to resolve this issue.

There can be two supposed reasons behind this issue, these are mentioned below:

1.Quite possibly, ost file is corrupt and MS Outlook is not able to recognize the file which is why Outlook reports this error.

2.If OST file related with Exchange Server mailbox has gone inaccessible i.e. user is unable to access the file with MS Outlook then the error might have occurred while pursuing synchronization

In such situations, you must take necessary actions so as to resolve the issue of corruption so occurred. If you confirm that the corruption of the OST file is due to damage caused to OST file, then the best way to get your data back is by going for OST repair tool and restore it. On the other hand, if the OST file is causing troubles while synchronizing and converting into PST, then it is suggested that the user must go for ost to pst conversion.

OST to PST conversion can be eased through third party applications, known as OST to PST conversion or OST repair tools. These applications effectively convert OST file data to PST file format so that the data becomes accessible with MS Outlook. After ost to pst conversion, the resulted data can be directly imported to MS Outlook profile and can be used to access data from Exchange Server.

Internet Data Mining: How Does it Help Businesses?

2010-04-09T11:12:00.000-07:00

This has given rise to the employment of different internet data mining tools and strategies so that they could better their main purpose of existence on the internet platform and also increase their customer base manifold.

Internet encompasses various processes of collecting and summarizing different data from various websites or webpage contents or make use of different login procedures so that they could identify various patterns. With the help of internet data mining it becomes extremely easy to spot a potential competitor, pep up the customer support service on the website and make it more customers oriented.The explosive growth of the Internet has become an overused cliche, yet the problems of information overload remain as real as ever. Web search engines provide one way to manage the deluge of information on the Internet, but they have some serious drawbacks for many applications. Common search engines do not index dynamic content; any URL with a '?' is ignored. Neither do search engines provide finer granularity than a single HTML page. Their design makes them unsuitable for comparison shopping or data integration.

The Data Management Research Library is a powerful resource available to IT and business professionals who have a role in data management. Search and browse through a vast database of vendor and analyst white papers, case studies, webcasts and product information to help you expand your knowledge on a variety of data management-related topics including data quality, business intelligence, compliance, analytics and data warehousing. View the Daily Top 50 Reports to see the most popular IT documents on the hottest data management topics.Also known as web data mining, with the aid of the tools and the techniques, one can predict the potential growth in a selective market regarding a specific product.

There are different types of internet data mining techniques which include content, usage and structure mining. Content mining focuses more on the subject matter that is present on a website which includes the video, audio, images and text. Usage mining focuses on a process where the servers report the aspects accessed by users through the server access logs. This data helps in creating an effective and an efficient website structure. Structure mining focuses on the nature of connection of the websites. This is effective in finding out the similarities between various websites.

Also known as web data mining, with the aid of the tools and the techniques, one can predict the potential growth in a selective market regarding a specific product. Data gathering has never been so easy and one could make use of a variety of tools to gather data and that too in simpler methods. With the help of the data mining tools, screen scraping, web harvesting and web crawling have become very easy and requisite data can be put readily into a usable style and format. Gathering data from anywhere in the web has become as simple as saying 1-2-3. Internet data mining tools therefore are effective predictors of the future trends that the business might take.

Unparalleled Performance of Fuji DLT-4 Tape Storage Cartridge

2010-04-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

DLT tape technology is the perfect choice for high capacity data archiving and data storage requirements of high end workstations, data centers, network servers and mid-range systems. DLT-IV tape has introduced new dimensions and standards in high capacity backup storage industry. Fuji DLT 4 tape features native 40GB capacity with sustained speed of 6 Mbps. Fuji DLT-IV backup tape cartridge offers cost efficient data storage solution in data intensive environments. Fuji DLT-4 backup tape provides the durability and superior media performance to secure your data investment. Fuji DLT-IV cartridge’s part number is 26112088. Fuji DLT-IV media tape has been engineered to deliver high density storage.

DLT 4 tape technology uses 2:1 compression ratio, which increases the capacity of Fuji DLT-IV tape to 80GB. Fuji film has engineered new ATOMM technique which has strengthened the durability of Fuji 26112088 storage tape cartridge. Fuji has enhanced the recording capability by increasing the track density to 208 tracks. Sustained 12 Mbps compressed transfer speed allows faster backups than other tape drive technologies.

Other top brands of DLT-4 tapes are: Imation DLT-IV tape ( part number 16186 and 11776 ), Sony DLT 4 tape ( part number DL4TK88 ), IBM DLT-IV tape ( part number 59H3040 ), Quantum DLT-4 tape ( part number THXKD02 ), and Maxell DLT-IV tape ( part number 183270 ).

DLT tape drives support multiple read/write channels with the help of their advanced head system. Major reason that increases the error rate is the fluctuations in data tape position. Fuji has introduced innovative tape slitting, automatic write function, error detection and advanced manufacturing technologies to reduces the fluctuations and error rate. Fuji DLT-IV data tape cartridge assures fast speed data archiving and unmatched data reliability in harsh working conditions.

ATOMM technology uses highly durable lubricant, which minimizes head wear and enhances useful life of tape head. Log index is saved at the beginning of the tape, which results in incredibly high speed data archiving. Fuji DLT4 26112088 tape can be used with the future DLT tape drives. Therefore the data that is archived today will easily be accessible tomorrow and for the coming years.

Transparent cases are used for the Fuji DLT-IV backup tapes, which provide more convenience to the IT managers. So the data administrators will not need to remove the backup tape cartridge from the transparent case as the barcode readers can easily scan their labels. Fuji DLT-4 backup tape features innovative interlocking grooves that have been designed to enable efficient tape stacking.

Fuji DLT-IV media tape assures stable tracking as its tape media has a uniform and ultra smooth magnetic layer. Introduction of molecular weight binder enhances the resistance of tape recording media against environmental effects and pollutants. Fuji has developed a new lubricant, which is used in the lower layer of tape media. This special lubricant ensures long term protection of the tape’s upper magnetic layer under heavy workloads. The lower magnetic layer provides a cushioning effect which provides better tape-to-head contact.

Unlocking Your Nintendo Wii Made Easy

2010-04-09T11:08:00.000-07:00

First off, what exactly does unlocking your Wii mean? Well, let me tell you.

When someone talks about unlocking the Wii, you will probably assume it means unlocking some special character in a game or accesing some cheat.

That is not what we are talking about, when we say unlock, we mean opening the Wii's hidden features. Such as playing backups, playing homebrew, activating DVD playback, playing emulators (N64, NES, SNES etc.)

What are your options for aquiring a unlocked Nintendo Wii?

1. Buy a Wii that is already unlocked:
But it will cost you a small fortune. Try over $500. I know, its insane to think someone would be willing to pay the price for a pre-unlocked Wii, especially when you don't know exactly what your getting. Don't forget you can do it yourself!

2. Look for one of those free guides:
If you already looked at my experience, you will know that using free guides wich offer trash and misleading information can have very devastating consequences. If one tiny detail is missed you can end up bricking you Wii for good.

Also, downloading from untrustworthy sources may lead to an even bigger disaster!

3. Do it yourself:
Finally, you have these 3 tried and true Unlocking Guides, easy to follow, easy to understand, so much so even a small child can follow along.

So, you have been enjoying your Nintendo Wii for quite some time now but have felt like you got all you could get from the system. Well that is about to change. Now you can simply unlock your Nintendo Wii by following simple, easy to follow steps. This means no more opening up your case and voiding your valuable warranty by soldering in a expensive and dangerous mod chip. With your Wii now unlocked you can discover it's potential to become the ultmate entertainment system.

- Activate DVD Playback

- Play and Create Game Backups

- Play Homebrew Games

- Play All Your Favourite Classics (N64, SNES, NES, PS1 etc.)

This can also be done in 5 minutes! and requires absolutley NO technical experience, even a small child could figure it out.

How to recover data from corrupted SD card in a Digital Camera

2010-04-09T11:06:00.000-07:00

SD(Secure Digital) memory cards have changed the way data is stored and shared. These are tiny memory storage devices which are used with a range of host devices like PDAs, video game consoles, digital cameras, camcorders and so on. A user can save photos, audios and videos in various formats. An SD card compatible device plays music, video clips and movies without a drive mechanism. Other forms of SD cards are known as SDHC cards, Mini SD, Micro SD. Like other flash memory devices, these cards are also vulnerable to problems.

As a practical case, you connect the SD card to your computer via card reader. After copying files to your computer, you take the card off while its content are still open in the computer. Now, when you insert the card again in the host device, the following message catches your attention:

“A media card has been inserted that contains errors. To correct the errors please use a disk error-checking utility on a computer.”

The above message indicates the card has got corrupted. Since the card is corrupted, you won't be able to use it again unless you fix it.

Cause:

The SD card got corrupted due to interruption (in read/write process) caused by pulling out the card while its content were open on the computer.

Solution:

The issue with the memory card can be solved by running 'chkdsk' on your machine by following some simple steps given below:

1.Connect your card to your machine

2.Open 'My Computer' and then right-click the icon of removeable disk

3.Click 'Properties' and then click 'Tools'

4.Under 'Error-Checking', click 'Check Now'

5.A dialog box will appear, select 'Automatically Fix File System Errors' and then click 'Start'

If the above steps do not fix the issue with the SD card, you are left with the only option of formatting the SD card. If a backup is available, one need not bother about the data loss. However, the use of a Camera recovery software is highly recommend to recover the content before using the card again for storing content.

Photo Recovery is a trustworthy Digital camera recovery application which recovers lost/deleted photo, audio and video formats from a majority of memory cards available in market including MMC, CF, XD, SDHC, SD, MMC plus etc. The camera recovery software has two different versions for both Windows and Mac users.

Free Microsoft Certification training for MCDST

2010-04-09T10:54:00.000-07:00

Microsoft has many computer certifications that appeal to a wide range of expert computer repair technicians to operating system geniuses. They also have certifications in administration and engineering. Microsoft Certified Professionals are a standard above in the field of information technology. Microsoft certification is widely accepted and recognized by the service and support industry. Microsoft curriculum has the practical knowledge that only an advanced developed company can provide.

MCDST is one of the most sought after Microsoft certifications on the market today. Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician is a title that has much recognition for employers who want a highly qualified technician to work as a help desk specialist and give desktop support by phone and by servicing the individual station. Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) on Microsoft Windows XP is a certification that validates the fundamental and higher skills needed to enter the IT industry as a support desk professional.

Because of the recognition that Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) receives many online and classroom IT schools are offering some free tutoring. You will find free information technology Microsoft computer training on the web almost as much as you will find pay certification training. There is a long list of online schools that offer free study guides, some free online tutoring and free practice exam questions in order to prepare you for your certification.

MCDST certification demonstrates valuable troubleshooting expertise with the Windows Desktop Operating System to employers and consumers. It provides a structure for learning the skills that support technicians need. As a desktop support technician, you will use excellent customer service skills, educate users, and solve hardware or software operation and application problems on the desktop. You will learn valuable skills and best practices consistent with networking and file sharing to maintaining DHCP communications devices and Domain name system for Internet system to translate names into IP addresses.

Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician certification validates the fundamental skills needed to enter the IT industry as a support professional. It communicates the technical skills of the individual to clients and employers and distinguishes career candidates from their peers. MCDST certification enhances job satisfaction through increased technical proficiency as you increase your knowledge and skills. MCDST certification helps advance support technician careers by providing a structured framework for learning skills, and provides a knowledge basis for additional Microsoft certifications, such as the MCSA and the MCSE.

Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician Certification Requirements on Microsoft Windows XP are to pass two core exams that provide a valid and dependable measure of technical proficiency. These exams are developed with the input of professionals in the industry and reflect how Microsoft products are used in organizations throughout the world. The two core exams are: Exam 70-271: Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System consisting of about 60 questions and Exam 70-272: Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System consisting of about 50 questions.

A candidate for Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician will need training for your Microsoft certification. There is free Microsoft training available online with free Microsoft practice exam questions, free study guides and free MCDST training to make your preparation less complicated. Free will only take you so far, you will need to purchase some Microsoft certification training in order to be fully prepared for your actual exam. Your training is not the objective but receiving your Microsoft certification. Learn how to pass your information technology certification exam. There are good resources accessible all you will need is a little searching. Visit billnaugle.com

Avoid Computer Repair On A Laptop With Five Tips

2010-03-14T03:52:00.001-07:00

Having a reliable source of computer repair can be a great comfort when your laptop breaks down, but prevention is always the best medicine. Laptops are especially susceptible to problems because they are so mobile. Its mobility is its strength but it can also be its downfall. Exercise a bit of care in order to make yours last longer.

Here are 5 tips for keeping the machine healthy:

1) Invest in a padded case complete with a zipper or buckle. Make certain that there is adequate padding on both sides of the case and keep it closed up when not in use, in order to avoid dust and dirt seeping in. Toting the fragile laptop around in a backpack, or even worse, no container at all, is inviting damage.

2) Keep your machine away from extreme temperatures. Tossing it into the trunk of a car in mid-summer is not a good idea. Freezing temperatures and humidity can also be detrimental to the longevity of a notebook.

3) Close its lid and turn it off when not in use. Dust can settle quickly on the keyboard and enter the other openings, as well, creating havoc with the electrical system. Be sure to clean it off as necessary, but keeping it closed up and put away will greatly aid in keeping it spic and span and functioning properly.

4) Watch the food and drink. If you are sipping tea or soda and eating your lunch while working on your notebook, set yourself up to be as stable as possible. Arrange the items you are working on, including your computer and your food items, upon a solid surface such as a desk or table. This will offer optimum chance of successfully carrying out multi-tasking endeavors.

5) Take laptops to the beach with extreme care. The idea of doing your work or carrying out email correspondence while on vacation can be an inviting idea, but do so with extreme caution. Did you know that many digital cameras, electronic devices and computers die on the beach? Blowing sand can be the kiss of death to the fragile makeup of an electronic device. Sand is even worse than household dust because of its gritty nature. The beach’s sand knows how to mysteriously embed itself into everything that appears along its shoreline--shoes, hair, picnic lunches and most devastating of all – your computer.

Follow the above 5 tips and your laptop will last longer and serve you well. Avoid computer repair issues with some common sense as well as adequate TLC.

Email and Twitter Phishing – Computer Security Expert Offers Protection Tips

2010-03-14T03:51:00.000-07:00

We hear the word “phishing” quite often nowadays. If you’ve never heard the term, chances are you or someone you know has encountered it in some form. Phishing is a computer security term that refers to the act of posing as an organization or company that is, in most cases, well known and trusted. Typically, there will be some type of request for personal information of some sort from the phony company. For instance, there may be a form you are required to fill out that asks for information such as your name and address. Likewise, you may be required to simply fill in a user name and password.

The most popular form of phishing would probably be email phishing. Several years ago, millions of people began receiving emails from what were believed to be well known companies such as eBay and PayPal. Phishing emails were also sent from scammers posing as other reputable companies such as popular gaming sites, banks, and stock trading companies.

However, the emails are not actually coming from the companies and organizations that they appear to be from. The email messages claim such things as ‘your account has been suspended’, or ‘your account information needs to be updated’. A common theme amongst phishing emails is their sense of urgency. The subject or message typically implies or warns that you must act quickly.

Unknowingly, many individuals complete these forms and have their information taken by the scammers and subsequently used for fraudulent and malicious purposes. Credit card information is routinely obtained as well as user names and passwords for various accounts to online websites. Unfortunately, these types of emails still exist and are received by thousands if not millions of people every day.

The most recent type of phishing scam that has caught people’s attention is Twitter phishing. One such case happened about a year ago when a CNN anchor had his Twitter account breached and someone began leaving messages with his account. Many other individuals, including celebrities, have had their accounts violated.

Twitter phishing is once again surfacing and at an amazing rate. Individuals have been receiving private messages which contain links. Notably, a message with the caption “This you?” has been circling the Twitter network and unknowing individuals are being tricked in to clicking on the link in the message. Ultimately, it leads you to a webpage that resembles a Twitter webpage. On this page, you are prompted to enter your user name and password. These malicious Tweets allow the perpetrator to gain access to your Twitter account. The Twitter social network is an easy target for scammers because it’s very easy to reach a large number of targets at once while remaining anonymous.

Ryan Purita, forensic examiner and security specialist for Sherlock Forensics states “there are several identifiable traits that can help you to spot phishing scams.” Mr. Purita lists several red flags that we can look out for to help protect ourselves from scammers. “Some subtle things to look out for would be the grammar and spelling of the messages and whether or not the message is personalized or generic.” In many cases, emails and messages are addressed to ‘member’, ‘sir’, or simply ‘hello’. This is because the messages are typically sent to thousands of individuals at one time and the person sending it generally doesn’t know the names of all the individuals they are sending the message to.

Mr. Purita further claims that, “another sign that a webpage might be malicious is that the URL does not match.” You should be able to look at the URL in your search bar to determine whether it’s a phony website. For instance, if you believe you are entering information into an eBay or PayPal webpage, the titles eBay or PayPal should be directly left of the top level domain. That is, whatever name appears before the last dot or period in the domain. A malicious site may read something like ‘ebay.funding.com’ as opposed to ‘ebay.com’. Mr. Purita cautions, “never click on a link in an email or message. Rather, you should type the address of the website in to your browser.” Otherwise, you can simply type the domain in to your web browser.

In general, phishing and other scams will continue to wreak havoc on the internet for probably as long as the internet exists. Surely scammers will develop new techniques to trick individuals but, if we are careful and aware, we can learn to spot the signs and protect ourselves.

Top 5 mini laptops: What's your pick?

2010-03-14T03:50:00.001-07:00

This younger sibling to notebooks is successfully gripping its stand in the markets. These laptops are not only compact and portable, but also the prices are exceptionally nominal. Let’s throw some light on some innovative mini laptops, which you can opt for your computing purposes. Here’s a list of 5 netbooks available in India to pick from:

Dell Latitude 2100: U.S based company, Dell has been designed a compact machine keeping in mind the needs of students and professionals. Dell Latitude 2100 is powered with the Intel Atom N270 processor and Intel 945 GS Express with an optional DVD+/-RW. User can opt the machine either in a three-cell and a six-cell lithium ion battery.

Eye catching feature of the laptop is its stylish looks and compact design. Its hard drive is replaceable with a solid-state drive. With support for Windows XP Home, Windows Vista Home Basic and Linux Ubuntu version 8.10, it includes three-in-one memory card reader and VGA port for connectivity. The Latitude 2100 is available at the starting price of Rs. 23,000.

Lenovo S10: Lenovo is not a new name in laptop arena. Lenovo S10 is a good option for the customers looking for an affordable, yet good looking machine. The laptop features Intel Atom processor N270 (1.60 GHz, 533 MHz FSB, 512 KB L2 cache), 160GB Hard Disk, 1GB DDR2 667MHz, WiFi, Bluetooth, USB Ports and 3 in 1 Media Reader. The machine runs on Windows Vista Home Basic. It lets users pick between 80GB and 160GB hard drive. The machine is worth just Rs. 14,000.

Samsung N120: World's largest conglomerate introduced a highly portable 1.27 Kgs Samsung N120 with 10.1-inch Widescreen SuperBright WSVGA LED display. Astounding features of the laptop includes 1.6 GHz Intel Atom ULV Processor N270 that is specifically designed for low-power devices; graphics are maintained by Intel GMA 950 Graphics chipset. The laptop features WiFi 802.11b/g wireless LAN and Bluetooth +EDR connections, 160-GB 2.5-inch internal hard drive along with integrated 1.3 MP webcam, three USB ports, VGA resolution webcam, 3-in-1 Media Card Reader supporting SD, SDHC and Multimedia Card (MMC), 10/100 Mbit Ethernet LAN connection, 56kbps Modem/Fax connection and 2.1 channel speaker system with 1.5W subwoofers. The N120 runs on Microsoft Windows XP Home. 7.4 volts battery offers up to 8 hours of battery life. The price is fixed as Rs. 24,177.

Acer Aspire One: Next in the list is a very economic mini laptop by Acer, a Taiwan-based multinational electronics manufacturer. The machine embraces features like Intel Atom processor, 8.9-inch LCD screen, built-in webcam, 1 GB RAM, up to 160 GB of HDD, easy-to-use Mail software application suite and battery life up to 3 hours. The laptop is a good combination of looks and functionality and available in Sapphire Blue, Brown, Black, Pink and White colors. Acer Aspire One laptop is available in India for an estimated price of Rs. 21,999 (Windows XP) and Rs. 19,999 with Linux base.

Toshiba NB200: Recently, Toshiba has introduced range of compact notebooks. The NB200 is a good machine for every category of users. The 10.1-inch screen is coated in a glossy finish. The NB200 is built around an Atom N280 processor and 1GB of RAM along with three USB ports.

An astounding feature of the laptop is that has used a shock-proof hard drive that adds an extra level of protection for your data. It comes with a Full-size QWERTY keyboard, Touchpad, 3D Motion Sensor, LED Backlit Display and Integrated Web Camera. The netbook is available in two colors namely; Satin Brown Color with Pleats & Cosmic Black with Fusion Stripe. The new Toshiba NB200B-A1712 Netbook is available in India at price of Rs.25, 500.

So, what’s your pick?

Basic Nine Tips to Speed up Windows 7 Performance

2010-03-14T03:49:00.000-07:00

The new Microsoft operating system - Windows 7 is awarded with the word "impressive" by the masses, but it still gets complaints from early adopters on the web. Having spent couples of days in forums and communities full of discussion about Windows 7, I find that Windows 7 can easily slow down due to various issues just as its predecessors, Windows XP or Vista.

Well, there is no rose without a thorn. For enjoying the non-compromised features of Windows 7 and keeping its freshness as long as possible, you can take the following top 9 tips to speed up Windows 7 performance, and save your time, money as well as get full control of your PC!

Tip 1 to speed up Windows 7 performance: Cleanup Hard Disk
Windows temporary files, internet cache, cookies, invalid shortcuts and unused files and programs can take up much room on your hard disks. Even you have just upgraded to Windows 7, those junk files can soon accumulate and eat up hard disk space. So regular disk cleanup should be part of your daily work to keep Windows 7 running fast.

Windows 7, as its predecessors, has a built-in Disk Cleanup program, you can find it in Start>Accessaries>System Tools>Disk Cleanup. But this built-in tool takes quite a long time to scan your hard disk and is able to clean very limited junk files. So a third-party disk cleaner is recommended to use to save your time and perform a more complete disk cleaning job.

Tip 2 to speed up Windows 7 performance: Boost Windows 7 Boot Speed
The more programs run automatically when you start your computer, the slower your PC boot. Often when you install a program, it will ask you whether it should start as soon as you boot up your computer, but some malicious programs simply add themselves to that auto-start folder without your permission.

Open Run, input “msconfig”, then select “Boot”, you will see a list of programs in that auto-start folder. You can manage them there.

Tip 3 to speed up Windows 7 performance: Defrag Hard Disk
Your hard drive can be full of fragmentation with time, which dramatically slows down Windows running. Microsoft OS including Windows 7 provides the built-in Disk Defragmenter tool, which lets you remove empty patches, pack pieces of files together, and thus occupy contiguous storage locations, increase the speed of reading and writing files to/from hard disk.
Frequency: Disk defragmentation should be performed every two or three months, because frequent disk defragmentation can decrease the span of hard disk.

Tip 4 to speed up Windows 7 performance: Scan & Repair Registry
Registry is the central database of Windows which stores the necessary information and settings for software and hardware running smoothly. Even you have uninstalled a program, respective information is saved there. Windows registry can be full of errors that cause the main system crashes, error messages, freezes and slowdown. You will be amazed when you view how many errors exist in your registry.

Microsoft experts never suggest people to manually change their registry, since any improper operation to registry can cause serious damage. Instead of taking that risk, using a third-party safe registry cleaner/optimizer might be better. Here is a free registry cleaner review for your reference.

Tip 5 to speed up Windows 7 performance: Defragment Windows 7 Registry
Just like hard drive needs defrag, registry needs too. Registry defrag is to remove fragmentations and creates a linear registry, which can speed up registry access and program response. Some defrag programs also compact your registry to a smaller size, thus it can take up less memory and make room for other programs running fast. There is a free registry defrag software which can safely defrag registry in two minutes for most Windows systems.

Tip 6 to speed up Windows 7 performance: Uninstall Unused Programs
Uninstalling programs that you seldom use is better than just removing them from your hard drive., because simple deletion can cause Windows errors. Some programs have the built-in uninstall app while others don't. Then you can go to the control panel and uninstall them. For those malicious programs that don’t allow you to uninstall, you can make use of a third-party uninstall manager (known as built in Wondershare Registry Optimizer) to get rid of them.
Note: cleanup registry is necessary after the uninstallation. Detail is given in the following part.

Tip 7 to speed up Windows 7 performance: Update Anti-Spyware Program
Use an antivirus program to protect your computer from the attacks of spyware, virus, trojan and other malware, and regularly update the program. If your spyware removal or anti-virus software offers an automatic update option, then it's good. If not, you'd better update them manually.

Since there are many types and variations of viruses, spyware that can infect your computer and revise your system settings, regular update to ensure that you have the latest threat signatures and regular scan to secure your computer.

By the way, Wondershare Spyware Removal is now free for six months, that you can get the free registration code as soon as you submit your email address. With this registration code you can update & get technical support without limitation for 6 months, after that you can renew it with 50% off.

Tip 8 to speed up Windows 7 performance: Boost Performance by Adjusting Registry Parameters
This step is to change registry parameters designed to boost Windows 7 system performance, such as automatically end hung applications, optimize internet connection, speed up loading web pages, speed up Windows shutdown, etc.

There are many online tips talking about how to manually revise registry settings for better system performance, but manual revisement fits more for computer expert than for beginners. Beginners has better use a system optimizing utility (known as built in Wondershare Registry Optimizer) to have this done in single 1 mouse click.

Tip 9 to speed up Windows 7 performance: Turn off Part of Win7 Graphics
Windows 7 has been added many eye candy visual effects, which are recourse hog, especially when, what you expect from Windows 7 is more performance. So you can disable some unwanted visual effects of Windows 7 to enjoy the maxim of Windows 7 speed and performance.

To disable unwanted visual effects: Right click on "Computer" and select "Properties" from the context menu, click "Advanced System Settings", then under "Performance" click "Settings". Choose the "Custom:" option. Then you can select which effects to keep and which to disable. Actually you are recommended to untick all the options, and select only the last four options to apply.

Slow windows startup? - Wondershare Resgistry Optimizer Can help you

2010-03-14T03:48:00.000-07:00

Most of us experience slow windows startup after having used a computer for a long time. And for me, half a year is enough to get accustomed to leaving my computer alone after I press the start button, and probably, having a cup of coffee.

Despite the hardware factor (people seldom consider expensive hardware upgrades simply because computer starts up slowly), Windows starts with many other services and applications installed on our computer. And that's why our PC makes us wait until it gets ready with all those known or unknown programs started. Then, where do those programs that automatically start come from?

Where do those auto-start programs come from?
Take an example, when we download and install software, we follow the installation wizard and do what it asks us to do. We just keep clicking Next and Next, and wish that tiring installation process would finish soon. And in that very moment, a piece of prompt just escapes from our eyes and the application succeeds in hiding itself into auto-start programs. After that, whenever we boot computer, that little program just automatically start without greetings!

Things can be worse when some other malicious programs simply set themselves into startup program list without asking for our permission.

Then, here comes the problem: how to remove unneeded start-up applications from Windows and thus, speed up PC boot?

Here two easy methods are recommended. Both of them can help you to change Windows startup programs and optimize system startup in less than ONE minute.

Solution one: optimize Windows startup with the command of “msconfig”
Click Start > Run > type in “msconfig”, select “Startup” in the pop-up window. Then the programs in your Windows start-up appear. Just select unnecessary programs and click “Apply”.
Cons: many applications can really hide deeply in your Windows startup programs that it is difficult to find them using this command. For example, there are seven programs automatically start when I boot my computer. But the command could only be able to find four of them.

Solution two: optimize Windows startup with Windows Startup Manager
Windows Startup Manager is a simple tool that helps users to manage their startup programs, either in Windows XP, Vista or in Windows 7, 2000, etc. Many system optimizing utilities have this little but practical tool built in their applications, such as Wondershare Registry Optimizer, for Windows startup optimization can contribute to the overall speedup of PC.

Step 1: Launch Wondershare Registry Optimizer software
Step 2: Select Startup Manager under the System Tools menu.
Step 3: Select those unnecessary auto-start programs in the list and click “Save” or “Delete Entry”.

Tips of Windows startup optimization
Regularly check and optimize Windows startup programs of your computer would be better, because we always install or uninstall programs when we use our computers.
Windows startup optimization helps speed up PC boot. But for the overall acceleration of system performance, a lot more work need to be done. Click to learn more about speeding up computer.

Keep the number of your Windows startup programs as small as possible, and that’s the basic way of speeding up PC boot. As to the optimization of slow running computer, cleanup of system and registry junks, optimize system settings, and registry defragmentation are dispensable. Taking advantage of a registry cleaner & system optimizer will definitely saves you tons of time and work.

The Benefits of Content Management

2010-02-12T06:29:00.002-08:00

Years ago, a Webmaster fluent in HTML was required to build a targeted website and establish an optimal online presence. But today’s technology has rendered this skill set nearly obsolete, with an easier, more flexible option for publishing web pages. There are now new ways to keep a website aesthetically-pleasing, completely updated and feeling fresh with content of all types with a content management system.

A content management system (CMS) is software, implemented as a Web application, for creating and managing HTML content. It is used to manage and control a large, dynamic collection of material while facilitating content creation, content control, editing, and essential maintenance functions. The software provides tools designed to allow users with little to no knowledge of HTML or other programming languages the ability to create and manage content with relative ease and flexibility. In short, it is the new way to update and maintain your website.

The benefits of content management are significant. Content management provides its user with a set of tools that allows as much control over their websites as they wish. There are no more late night calls to the web designer, dealing with frustrating e-mail attachments, and annoying file formatting. Content management allows you to modify the breadth of your pages through a secure login page hidden in your website that you only have access to, at any time and any place you can get online.

Content management systems will save you and your business time, money, and aggravation. There is a nearly endless list of features that are offered through content management that expands your company’s reach and changes your overall communication platform. Here is a look at a few that you will immediately benefit from:

Online Newsletters and Press Releases

Through a secured template on your website, you will be able to copy and paste or create email newsletters and online press releases. This is not only an easy way to keep people informed, but it generates targeted traffic online and establishes your company as an authority within the industry.

Current Events Calendar

Keep your employees, customers and visitors updated instantly with a Current Events calendar. You can manage it conveniently within the CMS and allow authorized employees to access to help organize and manage events in and around your business, industry, and its community.

Photo Gallery

Humanize your business and engage your visitors. Photos of your employees, offices, and events are a great way to build a personal and professional rapport with anyone browsing through your site. Content management makes it easier than ever to create photo galleries on your site.

Shopping Cart and Product Catalog

The purpose for most business websites is to convince a visitor to purchase a product or sign up for a service. A content management system is the most user friendly and convenient execution of shopping cart and product catalog modules, especially with a Drupal site design and its highly toted shopping cart software, Übercart.

The Worx Company, a Drupal site design company, offers a content management system and service that will work wonders for your website. We will guide and steer your Drupal site design and content management in the direction your business needs to succeed. The Worx Company is an Oklahoma-based business with over 14 years of aggregate experience developing Drupal site design and content management. We are a team of highly efficient consultants, coordinators, designers and programmers, all dedicated to providing the highest quality and best service for your Drupal website project.

Drupal Website Design Components

2010-02-12T06:29:00.001-08:00

Websites are a critical component for any business striving to succeed in today’s competitive landscape. But just having a website is not enough, you need invest knowledge and expertise into the site design for the most efficient and effective online presence possible. Every website has the potential to reach its target audience and maximize its return on investment, but not all websites succeed. It is the sites that are consistently using professional Drupal website design components to exude credibility and trust that experience true online success.

The first component to a Drupal website design is the look and feel, or presentation, of the site. It is the visitor’s first impression of your site, brand, and company as a whole. Professional illustrations, graphic design and photography always enhances a site’s look and feel, but not at the expense of the other components. Visual elements should always act as an appropriate enhancement of written content and functionality. You don’t want to be too flashy or techno-savvy because it may look too expensive (or hokey) for the company’s budget. Drupal website design consistency is also essential in providing the user with confidence and freedom to find information on your site.

In recent years, website usability has become increasingly important for delivering a quality user experience. Website usability is the ease at which a visitor can use the site. It starts with good site architecture, or structure, for quick navigation and links to easily accessible content. It should also be a priority to stay current with the latest web and accessibility standards, such as XHTML, JavaScript, or PHP and use them to your advantage.

Effective content writing is one of the most important aspects of the overall website design. Your company’s call to action, value proposition, and product or service should be the all-star of the homepage. The written content needs to be compelling, informative, and relevant to your target audience. Most visitors will only scan content, rather than read as meticulously as you do, so extra attention must be invested to optimize its scan-ability.

Your website can be the epitome of design, but it won’t be appreciated if no one sees it. A website will fail if it doesn’t have quality traffic. Quality traffic comes from three different sources. People who come directly in their browser, through a search engine, or a link from a different website. Search engine optimization (SEO) and marketing will drive traffic to your website through careful planning and execution of internet marketing and correct coding.

The most important goal of a Drupal website design is to create results for your business. For most companies, this means generating leads and prospects and converting them into sales and clients. If your site’s presentation, usability and content are professional and you are getting quality traffic, you stand a great chance of winning business and increasing your overall conversion rates.

Being found on the internet is a difficult, but rewarding achievement. Once traffic is flowing onto your site, it is critical that a credibility and trust awaits the visitor via presentation, usability, SEO, and quality content. Only then can you ensure quality targeted traffic and increased, consistent conversions. However, not all businesses have the internal capacity or resources to invest in these design components. The Worx Company is an Oklahoma-based business with over 14 years of aggregate experience developing Drupal website design. We are a team of highly efficient consultants, coordinators, designers and programmers, all dedicated to providing the highest quality and best service for your Drupal website design project.

Ecommerce Web Design

2010-02-12T06:28:00.002-08:00

The concept of E-commerce is not new; however, the cutting-edge technology has strongly helped it come to the front. Therefore, seeing the vitality of the strategy and its effectiveness, most webmasters use E-commerce to increase the visibility of their internet business. To be precise of its results, your website will be indexed in the optimum results of major search engines like Google, Yahoo, and MSN; thereby, becoming apparently visible to your target audiences.

The bottom-line of Ecommerce is to upgrade all-inclusive features of your website to make it more mesmerizing to drive your target audiences and other people. The strategy alongside involves wide-ranging E-commerce software in your website to promote its business sales and order automation.

The gamut of Ecommerce services does not simply end up here, but there are other multiple advantages and flexibilities associated for the website promotion. The exclusive strategy also stands out in handling wide-ranging products categories and presenting them in a systematic manner in the website.

One of the major advantages of Ecommerce web design seems to be shopping cart solution, which instrumentally serves up the management of online order auditing and automation. The ongoing order is automatically integrated in the key database of the company; thus, facilitating the selling processes a bit more. At the same time, the strategy is equally instrumental in full inventory control. To be precise, the moment an order is made, many databases related to inventory control automatically become integrated and the supply chain is duly sustained.

All in all, E-commerce web design succeeds in expanding your online business flexibly in one or the other ways, as a result of which your target visitors start visiting to your website in swarm. The technique also assists in the password protection control panel that is responsible for securing important business data and other precise details from the buyer and seller parties. Regardless of the location of the globe from where the order is being placed and the form of currency being placed, the Ecommerce web design readily accepts any worldwide currency; although, this phase of process is completely confidential. As a result, both the parties i.e., the seller and the buyer are at ease of use.

Last but not the least, Ecommerce web design indexes your website in the organic topmost results of all popular searches engines; therefore, using the strategy means to promote your online business in hassle-free, user-friendly, and instant manner.

One of the major advantages of Ecommerce web design seems to be shopping cart solution, which instrumentally serves up the management of online order auditing and automation. The ongoing order is automatically integrated in the key database of the company; thus, facilitating the selling processes a bit more. At the same time, the strategy is equally instrumental in full inventory control. To be precise, the moment an order is made, many databases related to inventory control automatically become integrated and the supply chain is duly sustained.

The gamut of Ecommerce services does not simply end up here, but there are other multiple advantages and flexibilities associated for the website promotion. The exclusive strategy also stands out in handling wide-ranging products categories and presenting them in a systematic manner in the website.

Why Architectural CAD Designs and Drawings Projects are Outsourced to India?

2010-02-12T06:28:00.001-08:00

Architectural CAD designs and drawings commonly signify to drawings in digital format using computer software. These drawings are extensively used by architects to understand the specifications of building design plans. Professional architects have developed a guideline for Architectural design drawings and described it as technical drawings of buildings. By using these drawings and technical concepts the construction work is progressed. Such elements like layouts, different views, units of measurements and cross referencing can be achieved using Architectural CAD design drawings. According to these factors dimension specification and design understanding can be achieved easily by Indian CAD designing professionals.

The CAD drawings are the construction details derived from architectural plans, working drawings from raw data, technical drawings and comprehensive specification sheets can be drafted by Indian firms, at cheaper rates and better standards of detailing. Firms in India widely offer AutoCAD Drawings from hand drawn sketches or blueprints. Complete construction drawings can be created from general layout sketches, with details like furniture plans, telephone and electrical plans, reflected ceiling plans, floor finish plans, partition and door hardware schedule plans. elevations and perspectives are also offered.

Indian CAD Designing firms offer quantity survey estimations as well as cost estimations from the initial working drawings or construction plans. The volumes of different types of material required could be provided if the quality specifications and rates are given to the firms. The preparation of tenders with detailed specifications and quantities can also be outsourced to India.

Now a day there is no scope for redesign as it wastes time and money both. So to solve out this problem architect industry introduced 2D and 3D technology to make Architectural CAD design drawings with the help of computers. It allows making design in proper way and reducing the possibility of redesigning. Modern software is making many things easier in Architectural design for professional architects. This finds application for residential, commercial projects, layouts, elevations, details and 2D and 3D presentation drawings. These drawings and documents cater to realtors, owners, consultants and contractors. Computer Aided Design (CAD) is primarily be used for architectural and structural services.

Architectural CAD services would include working on existing, new build developments and planning applications. Architectural drawings can be custom designed for homes by CAD process for architects, builders, and owners. Entire CAD drafting services include design development, building plans, construction documents, mechanical and architectural drawings.

Architectural presentations are being widely used on the web. Architectural presentation full ranges of services include models, renderings and animations. 3D animations improve your graphics and give an extraordinary look to your product presentations. That’s why the demand of Indian CAD professionals in the offshore market is on peak. CAD projects has been outsourcing from USA, UK and other developed countries to Indian companies like OriGeoCAD.Com for getting cost effective solutions at good value of money.

Advantages of Outsourcing CAD Design and Drafting Services

2010-02-12T06:27:00.001-08:00

CAD design and drafting service provides maximum exposure to computer technology by adding its latest features for innovative engineering related designs and drawings. By the help of computer software, experienced CAD professionals able to create better and proficient designs with less time and optimum accuracy.

Especially Indian CAD professionals are more efficient than other countries. Due to this reason developed countries like USA, UK, utilize Indian brains and outsource their CAD drawings and designs in form of editable digital files for proper design and conversion according to the measurements. Companies like OriGeoCAD.Com gladly fulfills their requirements of outsourced CAD projects and uphold the name and fame of Indian IT professionals.

CAD design and CAD drafting services are very essential for various engineering sectors like electrical design, mechanical design, product design, building design, architectural rendering and design. OriGeoCAD professionals anxiously waiting to prove their work efficiency in outsourced CAD projects by doing their level best.

CAD drafting services are used for converting a rough hand drawing or sketch of a building into a complete digital design or architectural outlook. It facilitates to create a multilayered CAD design in order to make them fully editable. These designs can then be customized later according to the requirements of architects, interior designers or civil engineers.

Outsourcing CAD design and drafting services can be helpful in many ways. Some advantages of Outsourcing CAD design and drafting services are as follows:

1). Better quality with Cost Effective: This is the most important thing of outsourcing a CAD projects to India. Outsourcing work providers are absolutely aware about Indian professionals that they are quite efficient and dedicated in their work and they will get more than expected return of their investment i.e. better quality of work at minimum cost. Their operational cost will be also reduced.

2). More Reliable and Secure: Indian foreign policy and cyber laws are trustworthy. They are in peace of mind about the security of their outsourced work.

3). No Communication or Language Problem: English is the second language of India after the regional language. In higher education system of India, the complete medium language is "English", which helps for better communication than any other countries.

4). High Quality Drawings with Accuracy in Dimensions: CAD professionals of India are on habit of providing high quality CAD solutions with optimum accuracy.

5). Lesser Processing Time and Quicker Turn-Around: Outsourced works are done with in the time bound by the IT designing professionals. Huge number of dedicated efficient workers at cheap functioning cost also minimize the processing time.

All the above advantages can be achieved by outsourcing CAD design and drafting services to OriGeoCAD.Com. It is a leading CAD outsourcing company provides professional CAD drawings, Design and CAD drafting services to all engineering sectors including civil, architectural, structural and mechanical Our computer aided design (CAD) services includes CAD drafting, 3D CAD modeling and CAD conversion with optimum accuracy and proper time bound using industry standard CAD software based at Edinburgh, UK and Bhubaneswar, India.

OriGeoCAD provides its best support and services and working as a key player in advanced engineering services arena, has been providing expert level services for CAD drafting with state-of-the-art technology enabling its prestigious clients to concentrate on their core business activities. So without wasting your valuable time outsource your CAD drawings and designs for better results.

Basic Nine Tips to Speed up Windows 7 Performance

2010-02-12T06:26:00.001-08:00

HIPAA Compliant Software: Helps Securely Exchange Protected Information

2010-02-12T06:25:00.001-08:00

If you work for a medical practice, whether it's a large hospital or a small private office, you've probably heard of HIPAA and its new add-on, HITECH. These federal mandates make it unlawful to release confidential patient information, either purposely or accidentally, especially as it is transmitted electronically. The protection of this medical data in motion (or DIM for short) is extremely important in our increasingly high tech age as it keeps peoples' private lives safe from public scrutiny and other harmful effects.

Personal medical data in the wrong hands can be extremely damaging to the patient's career, finances, health coverage and even personal life. This is why patient privacy is so very important. The government recognizes the need to safeguard private healthcare information and is coming down hard on the community as a whole. It's time to play by a new set of rules and really buckle down when it comes to confidentiality and data in motion.

Many medical practices have implemented costly programs to comply with HITECH and HIPAA, paying hundreds of thousands of dollars, even hiring a separate IT staff to make sure all their bases are covered. These complicated systems sometimes do an inadequate job of fully protecting encrypted information and may be in need of significant overhauls down the road. This method of dealing with the new laws is clunky and impractical compared with the svelte and cost-effective Manage-Trak system. The Encrypt-A-Note system from Manage-Trak is an on-demand online application that requires no IT staff to run, and can inexpensively be implemented. Best of all, the system fully complies with the guidelines set forth by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act.

The secure messaging application built by Manage-Trak requires no additional computer resources or anything else on your part. All it needs is the internet and possibly access to Microsoft Outlook. It will then be monitored by a third party for a small monthly fee, ensuring that all data in motion is protected from unauthorized access.

If your medical practice is feeling the weight of the compliance deadline looming but can't spend many thousands of dollars on a complex operating system, do some research of your own into other options that could be more cost-effective and more simple. Manage-Trak is sure to come up as one of those options and should be carefully considered as an alternative to an expensive and possibly faulty software encryption program.

Hipaa Compliant Email: Secure Your Confidential Information

2010-02-12T06:24:00.001-08:00

Over the next few years, billions of patient records will be assimilated into Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems. In the process, the federal government is increasing the standard of privacy for Protected Healthcare Information (PHI) and enforcing penalties for breaches of the US Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act of 2009 provided over $19 billion dollars in funding to help doctors and hospitals embrace the transition. $17 billion will be available to hospitals and physicians that use the system and accept Medicare and Medicaid patients.

However, implementation of a nation-wide system with personal and private information from a paper system that uses direct-line faxes to an electronic system that uses unsecure email is bound to raise security concerns.

To keep up with this movement in Health Information Technology (HIT), hospitals and physicians are required to research and use secure software and email applications to comply with both HITECH and HIPAA standards. Just as there are dozens of medications designed to treat different ailments, there is a wide variety of security and email applications on the market. It can be confusing for hospital administrators and physicians to wade through the information and know which one will fit their needs and their budget.

Some companies have built a cost-effective application that can be scaled to fit your needs. Whether you are a small rural practice or a large metropolitan hospital, things can be customized on-demand for your patient load. Our application does not require on-site IT resources or maintenance. It runs in a familiar web browser or integrates with your existing Outlook email account. Please consider this simple prescription to treat your company's safety.

A risk assessment team evaluates your company's HITECH technology needs. We will be happy to work with you and provide a secure and reliable prescription for your email encryption needs.

HITECH medical record software is expected to be fully implemented by 2014. This will bring the United States closer to the global standard and on par with other first-world countries that already have their records safely in place and conveniently in use.

About Author

Hipaa compliant email ensures that the recipient receives an email with a secure link to the portal where they can view the message and any attached files with complet

Acer TravelMate 8204 WLMi

2010-01-15T01:16:00.000-08:00

Published August 25, 2008 at 01:15:55 PM, by Thai Tan

Faster and sleeker than ever, the Acer TravelMate 8204 is a high-end laptop and one of the first to utilize Intel's next generation Centrino Duo Mobile Technology. A successor to the highly acclaimed TravelMate 8100 series, the TravelMate 8204 is designed to impress inside and out. Sporting a revamped design, it is composed of a carbon fiber chassis combined with Acer's Folio design theme, exemplifying a modern and sleek design that appears to descend from the 22nd century.

Everyone will appreciate the new features and cutting-edge technology incorporated into this sleek laptop. It is filled with a robust set of features, including the new Intel Core Duo T2500 (2.0 GHz) processor, a whopping 2GB DDR2 RAM, and a massive 120GB Serial ATA hard disk drive. Other prominent features include a high-resolution 15.4-inch widescreen display, modular DVD+RW drive, built-in rotating Web Camera, and VoIP Bluetooth phone!

Avid gamers will be very satisfied with the performance from the mid-range yet powerful ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 with 256MB DDR VRAM and AVIVO technology, while business professionals will appreciate the Smart Card feature, providing extra security from unauthorized access. The near-perfect Acer TravelMate 8204 WLMi is an attractive package: it's powerful, combines a myriad of new functions, and is just darn sexy. Of course for $2500, it's one of the more expensive laptops out there.

Design

Portability
Although the Acer TravelMate 8204 WLMi possesses similar attributes to a desktop alternative notebook, this is a performance-thin laptop that won't break your back. Measuring 14.3-inches wide, 10.7-inches long and only 1-inch thick at the front section and extending 1.4-inches thick towards the back, the TravelMate 8204 is ideal for large sized cases and backpacks. I found the lightweight Samsonite L45 and the Samsonite Pro-DLX Medium laptop briefcase to be the perfect companion. I even managed to squeeze the computer on my flight to Las Vegas with just enough room to be used on the reclining table attached to the seat in front of me in economy coach.

At 6.6 pounds with the 9-cell battery (3 ounce increase from the 8100 series ), the TravelMate 8204 is not intended to accompany you everywhere you go, but is rather suited for occasional travel. It's a well-balanced machine that is feasible for moderate travel and actually more portable than other laptops in the same class, especially considering the feature-rich specs.

Case and Design
The instant appeal of the TravelMate 8200 lies in its Folio design theme, which is Acer's name for its unique design found in a number of their laptops. In addition, the two tone inverted color scheme keeps it clean and simple, with carbon fiber wrapping around the top lid while graphite grey covers the surface around the palm rest and keyboard area. There is also a touch of glossy black trim above the keyboard and at the bottom of the outside lid for added style.

Sleek and durable carbon fiber lid gives it an original style.

The edges are curvaceous and the clean surface is smooth as silk, which gives the TravelMate 8204 a refining look. Not only is the carbon fiber lid lighter and stronger than other materials, it also gives off a distinctive look with the black and grey checkered shades, derived from the Acer Ferrari 4005 WLMi . For good measures, the laptop comes with a microfibre cleaning cloth to keep the laptop looking its best.

Acer also included a cleaning cloth to help keep the laptop looking slick.

Two stiff hinges hold the LCD panel together, located near each corner of the display. The LCD panel contains dual latches that assist in keeping the lid securely closed, preventing any type of movement when shuffling the laptop around. When shut the screen hovers slightly over the keyboard and palm rest area, reinforced by eight rubber pads to prevent the screen from touching the keyboard and wrist area.

There are two sets of status indicators found on the computer, the first is located on the upper-right corner above the keyboard (below the display screen) and the second set is on the front of the computer. The upper-right corner below the display contains indicators for hard disk, caps lock, and num lock. All indicators emit a green glow when activated.

Conveniently located on the front panel are a set of highly useful indicator lights which provide a quick glance at the power, battery charge, Bluetooth, and Wireless LAN. Both the power and battery status indicators emit a green glow when active (or amber for the battery when it's charging) while the Bluetooth and Wireless LAN buttons emit a dazzling blue and amber glow, respectively. The Bluetooth and Wireless LAN are buttons used to enable or disable its associated function.

Buttons and indicators located in the front for quick & easy access.

Located on the upper right hand corner are four launch keys to instantly launch your frequently used applications. Each button is designated for Email, web browser, Acer Empowering key, and a user programmable option. The Email button is used to launch your E-mail client, such as Microsoft Outlook; however, it is also user programmable to designate other applications. The web browser key is used to launch your favorite web browser, but it is also user programmable. The Acer Empowering key ('e' symbol) is used to launch the Acer eManager application (more on this in the software section). Lastly the user programmable button is available for you to assign your favorite application via the Launch Manager software. Unfortunately there are no multimedia hot keys (i.e. volume adjustment) despite the available room around the top section of the keyboard.

Quickly launch your favorite application

Mounted in the bezel above the screen is a 1.3 megapixel swivel web camera, ideal for video conferencing with friends, family or colleagues. It is also capable of capturing photos in addition to videos.

Design Continued

Keyboard
The black, full-sized 88-key ergonomic keyboard is similar to the keyboard found on the Acer TravelMate 8100 and the Acer Ferrari 4005WLMi. The PgDn, PgUp, Home and End cursor keys are placed vertically on the right side of the keyboard. The Caps Lock, Shift, Alt, Tab, Backspace, and Enter keys are of appropriate size. Like most laptop keyboards, the numeric keypad is embedded within the keys located near the center of the keyboard and is activated with the num lock key.

In addition, there are function keys to adjust the audio volume, alter the screen brightness, put the system to sleep, disable or enable touchpad, and for switching to an external monitor when connected. When toggling one of these function keys, such as the audio for example, it will activate an on-screen volume indicator. This helps you identify exactly which volume settings you want to select. The on-screen indicator applies to other function access as well with the exception to the screen brightness, which is not available.

Enlarge Image

On that note, I can type quickly, accurately, and comfortably with this keyboard. The keys are soft and feel light when depressing them (not as stiff as the ThinkPad T60, but just as soft as the MacBook Pro) with a minimal spring, allowing them to be quite responsive and exhibiting little noise. The keys depress at a comfortable 2.5 mm of depth which feels good to type with and actually feel very similar to the Acer Ferrari 4005WLMi. Thanks to the computer's wide frame, the keyboard is centered nicely with 1.2-inches of room on each side, allowing sufficient room around the palm rest area to ensure that your wrists enjoy a comfortable typing experience. This is certainly a solid keyboard that compares favorably to the likes of the Lenovo ThinkPads and even the Apple MacBook Pro!

Touch pad
To match the laptop's overall wide-aspect design, the touchpad is also wide, offering sufficient amount of surface area (measuring 3-inches wide and 1.5-inches in length) for comfortable gliding of one's finger. Like the palm rest area, the black flush surface is clean and smooth; accurately sensitive to touch and responds well to movement. As with most touch pads, it also allows for tapping to execute an action if you prefer not to use the click buttons.

To the right and bottom edge of the surface area, the touchpad has a function to scroll vertically or horizontally. This allows you to scroll in applications like Internet Explorer when sliding your finger in the appropriate direction. For added convenience, there is a useful center click button that serves as a four-way scroll button to scroll up or down and move left or right within a page. The left and right click buttons are brushed in silver metallic for added elegance.

Connectivity Options
Reinforced by its wide frame, the TravelMate 8204 is loaded with a multitude of connectivity options, surrounding all sides of the computer. Since the cables are spread out on all sides of the machine, there are no protruding parts that can accidentally break off during transit. In addition, cable clutter is greatly reduced. The computer offers a whopping four USB 2.0 ports instead of the common two or three ports found on most laptops. For users who prefer to connect their laptop to an external monitor, television or projector, the TravelMate 8204 supplies all available video outputs, including DVI-D, VGA, and S-Video. DVI is an option not commonly found in your average consumer notebooks, but is a must for anyone planning to use an LCD monitor or digital projector nowadays.

VGA, DVI-D, and S-Video outputs!

Front
On the front panel, you will immediately notice the left and right speaker grilles made up of tiny hole-punches that gives the laptop a very distinctive look. There is a 5-in-1 card reader that is protected by a plastic cover and is capable of reading SD, MMC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, and xD-Picture cards, allowing the transfer of files from a majority of digital cameras. Next to the 5-in-1 card reader slot is a line-in jack that accepts audio devices like an audio CD player. Then you have the microphone jack and a headphones/speaker/line-out jack with S/PDIF support. As mentioned in the preceding section, there are two backlit buttons for activating Bluetooth and Wireless LAN. Both can be disabled when not in use in order to conserve battery power.

Next to the Wireless LAN switch is a 4-pin 1394 FireWire port and an infrared port for short range wireless IR devices such as PDAs and printers.

Rear
On the rear, there is a DVI-D port that supports digital video connections like modern LCD flat panel monitors. We also have the requisite S-Video port to connect to a television or display device with S-Video input. Then we have the huge 124-pin Acer ezDock connector that connects to the Acer ezDocking station for expandability. On the opposite end is where the DC-in jack is to connect the AC adapter.

The battery pack fits nicely without protruding and is made to offer hand grip when carrying the laptop.

Left
On the left-side are a Kensington lock to connect a Kensington-compatible security lock slot, two USB 2.0 ports stacked on top of each other, modem port, the hot-swappable Super-Multi DVD+RW drive, and finally a PC Card/ExpressCard34 slot.

Right
On the right-side you will find a SmartCard slot (more on this in the features section of this review), the remaining two USB 2.0 ports, large ventilation port, Gigabit Ethernet port, and VGA port.

Heat and Noise
Re-engineered from the previous Travemate 8100 series, the cooling system on the TravelMate 8204 keeps the noise level down while offering better ventilation and cooling. There are two vents and a cooling fan, all operating continuously yet very silently. During general usage, like web browsing, email, and word processing, the fan and the vents create a low-pitched whooshing sound as the air passes through the system's vents in the bottom and right side - yet never really distracting you from your work.

Air vent makes a low-pitched whooshing sound.

During heavier use, such as playing games or using it for extended periods, the fan operates faster; however, noise generated from the fan is still kept to a minimum. Overall, I found the fan noise generated from the 8204 to be very quiet, a vast improvement from the 8100 series and Acer Ferrari.

Mobile meter reported the computer to run around 46-56 degrees Celsius depending on usage. With the ventilation slots located on the right-side and bottom section, heat build-up is minimal. The system becomes warm, but never reaching uncomfortable levels. The touchpad and right palm rest can become lukewarm, while the bottom of the case can get quite warm during extensive use. However, the 8204 never reaches the hot levels observed on the TravelMate 8100 series.

Upgrading and Expansion
Upgrading components of the TravelMate 8204 is simple, thanks to the accessible compartments located on the bottom side of the machine, only requiring a standard Philips screwdriver. The user-friendly upgradeable components include the hard drive, Wi-Fi mini-PCI adapter, and SODIMM memory. As depicted in the picture below, the hard drive is enclosed in a shock mount cage and opening the large compartment door reveals the cooling fan & heatsink.

The AcerMedia Bay that currently houses the optical drive module allows the option to swap another drive bay, such as secondary battery or hard disc drive. Simply release the latch located at the bottom to detach the optical drive. Although the TravelMate 8204 series contains a wide-array of connectivity options, the optional Acer ezDock is available to transform the notebook into a true desktop computer, with extra connectivity options.

The optical drive bay can be swapped out for another drive bay.

Features

Processor/Chipset/RAM
Acer's TravelMate 8204 utilizes the latest mobile technology from Intel, the Centrino Duo platform, codenamed Napa. At the heart of this system is the Core Duo processor, codenamed Yonah, and Intel's new 945 chipset. You can't have the Centrino moniker without the wireless card, so our test unit also came with the new 3945ABG wireless card. The Core Duo processor, successor to the Pentium M 'Dothan,' has had a lot of updates since the last platform. Yonah is a dual core processor, incorporating two physical CPU cores onto a single chip for increased performance and multitasking. A common misconception had with dual core systems is that performance should double, or something near it. Unfortunately this is just not true, as the software you are using must be written to take advantage of the two cores. The average consumer's software suit of office applications and internet/e-mail usage won't see a huge performance increase from dual core alone. The performance of those applications is still primarily dictated by the CPU architecture and its clock speed.

Alienware Aurora m9700 Review

2010-01-12T03:30:00.000-08:00

Overview

Today we bring you an in-depth review of the mighty Alienware Aurora m9700. Featuring extreme gaming performance and a price tag to match, we'll see just how badass it is, and what you can expect from a laptop of this caliber.

Sporting an AMD Turion 64 processor with 1GB total graphics memory between the two NVIDIA GeForce Go 7900GS GPUs and a snazzy blue finish and alien motif, you know this is going to be a good one. Got your attention yet? Follow me!

Design

Portability

Measuring 15.65" x 11.75 " x 1.85" and weighing in at a very conservative figure of 8.50 lbs, the m9700 is not the most portable laptop on the block. I was surprised when I unboxed the laptop, it felt like I was lugging a World War II-era .30 caliber ammo can. This should be taken with a grain of salt though, as the Aurora m9700 is more of a desktop replacement than anything else. The people that will buy this laptop most likely won't move it around too much.

Case and Design

After I unboxed the m9700, I have to say I was pretty impressed. Not only was the laptop friggin' huge, it was bright! I'm used to fairly bland fare when it comes to laptops- you get your typical grays and blacks and silvers, etc. The crisp blue paintjob (Conspiracy Blue, in Alienware-speak) was a breath of fresh air in this department. The color had a gloss topcoat that prevented a lot of fingerprints from being left.

Embedded in the lid is a raised alien head logo, with blue LEDs illuminating the alien's eyes. Neat I suppose, but I'm an old fart now who's kind of over the garish LEDs and CCFLs fad that still adorn many cases. Maybe it would look cool at a LAN.

The build quality of the m9700 is top notch. It didn't feel flimsy or flexible in any place like some of the other laptops we've reviewed. The lid closed into place easily and without hassle. There are also two small cutouts on the lid made of textured black plastic that look somewhat like gills or ribs.

Keyboard

The Aurora m9700 comes with a full size keyboard, including a number pad on the right, for a total of 99 keys. The keys were silent and depressed easily.

The m9700 also has a bunch of Instant Access Buttons. These include shortcuts for programs such as the Internet, E-mail, Windows Media Player, Power DVD, Windows Media Center, and also function keys for Play/Pause, Skip Forward, and Skip Backward.

Touchpad

The Aurora m9700's touchpad is of average size and consists of a scroll pad and one mouse buttons, though both left click and right click were supported depending on where you pressed. The touchpad kind of reminded me of a MacBook Pro, but without the neutered functionality.

I found that the m9700's touchpad was pretty responsive. It seemed to work well, though Alienware included a Logitech G5 with the laptop (this is a gaming machine after all!), so I didn't use the touchpad very much at all as a result. Alienware was even kind enough to include an Alienware branded Func gaming mousepad, which was a very nice touch indeed.

Connectivity Options

The Aurora m9700 has a ton of ports - plenty of USB, Firewire, DVI, VGA, S-Video, ExpressCard, Coaxial, you name it.

There are two speakers on the front of the laptop, the release latch, and the optical drive. Nothing too out of the ordinary here.

There's a lot going on in the back of the laptop though. From left to right we have audio in, coaxial (for the TV tuner), S-Video out, and modem right alongside the GPU vent.

Next we have the DC Power jack, a spare USB port, S-Video in, and something I found really cool- both DVI-D and VGA ports to ensure compatibility with any type of external monitor you could plug the m9700 into.

The right side of the laptop is devoted mostly to audio related inputs, and includes a volume scroll wheel, headphone and microphone jacks, inputs for front, surround, and center speakers, optical, and finally another USB port. I liked that the m9700 included a place for both speakers and headphones. It's annoying to have to unplug one to use the other.

On the left of the m9700, you will see the security lock slot, CPU vents, Ethernet port, two USBs, a Firewire IEEE 1394a port, memory card slot, and lastly ExpressCard. For the memory card slot, SD, MS, MSPRO, and MMC are the supported formats.

Normally we don't include detailed shots of the bottom of our review samples, but the Aurora m9700 included a cool extra not found in most laptops: a subwoofer mounted in the bottom casing. Pretty cool but questionable in its effectiveness.

Heat and Noise

The m9700 runs pretty quietly under normal circumstances. The single fan only spins up when it needs to, in order to keep noise levels at an absolute minimum. I noticed during longer gaming sessions that hot exhaust was literally pouring out of the back of the laptop (from the GPU vents). This is normal though considering the level of hardware Alienware has wedged into the m9700.

Upgrading and Expansion

Like most other manufacturers, Alienware allows you to easily upgrade RAM. If you haven't maxed out your hard drive configuration and have a spare slot, you can also add another drive.

If, on the other hand, you want to upgrade the CPU or replace the LCD if it breaks, you will need to completely disassemble the laptop.

Features

The Full Package

Alienware put together a nice package with the Aurora m9700, as you can see below.

I've already mentioned the Func mousepad and Logitech G5 mouse (not pictured), and Alienware also included a black T-shirt for good measure. As the laptop came loaded with Windows XP Media Center Edition, there was also a MCE remote control. All this sweetness came in a big black Alienware branded cardboard suitcase. Presentation was definitely one of Alienware's strongpoints. I liked how Alienware included a faux leather binder with your system specs and user guide. As per usual, it had the ubiquitous alien head on the front cover.

Technical Specifications

The Alienware Aurora m9700 is configured with AMD's Turion 64 ML-44 mobile processor, and is clocked at 2.4GHz with 1MB L2 cache. This processor has a TDP (Thermal Design Power, or maximum thermal output) of 35W and is a 90nm 'Lancaster' core CPU. It is Socket 754 based. One wonders though why at this price, a dual core CPU is not offered.

The m9700 sports NVidia's Mobile SLI chipset, and is equipped with not one, but two 512MB NVIDIA GeForce Go 7900GS PCI-E graphics cards running in SLI mode for a total of 1GB of video memory. Built on a 90nm process with 24 pixel pipelines and 8 vertex pipelines, and core clock and memory speeds at 375MHz and 500MHz respectively, the GeForce Go 7900GS SLI is in the top tier of notebook video cards. You can expect a really kick ass gaming experience, which I will elaborate on later in the review.

On the memory front, the m9700 is outfitted with 2GB dual-channel DDR-400. Configurations start at 512MB and max out at 2GB.

Our m9700 came with 200GB of hard drive space in the form of 100GB x 2 Serial ATA 1.5GB/s 7,200 RPM w/ NCQ & 8MB Cache in RAID-0. Hard drive performance seemed to be average, and despite having two drives, they were inaudible. Alienware has a number of different hard drive configurations possible for every type of user. For users that want a single hard drive (no RAID), Alienware offers:

4200 RPM - 200GB SATA
5400 RPM - Up to 250GB SATA with NCQ
7200 RPM - Up to 200GB SATA with NCQ

For someone who wants maximum capacity, there are dual hard drives in RAID 0:

4200 RPM - 400GB SATA (2 X 200GB)
5400 RPM - Up to 500GB (2 x 250GB)
7200 RPM - Up to 400GB (2 X 200GB)

In case you skimmed that last batch of bullets quickly, that's a maximum of 500GB in the Aurora m9700. Holy $#@%!

For users who want data backup features and a more warm and cuddly feeling that their data isn't going anywhere, Alienware offers dual hard drives in RAID-1 as well:

4200 RPM - 200GB SATA (2 X 200GB)
5400 RPM - Up to 250GB (2 x 250GB)
7200 RPM - Up to 200GB (2 X 200GB)

The m9700 is equipped with an HD Audio processor which provides pretty good sound for a laptop. There are two speakers mounted on the front of the laptop base, and a subwoofer mounted in the bottom. I didn't notice a booming bass experience with this sub, but I didn't really expect to, so I won't deduct major points there.

Alienware includes a nice integrated TV tuner in the Aurora m9700. The TV tuner worked very well with Windows XP Media Center Edition, and I was up and running with my local cable channels within minutes. Recorded and live TV quality looked great and the included full size remote worked flawlessly.

I have to take this time to say that I really dug Alienware's completely barren desktop. Not many OEMs get this, but it's very gratifying when you come across one that does. To have 38,000 icons for AOL, dial up and trial movie services, and other useless crap on your desktop BEFORE you even use it is annoying as hell. Alienware put only one icon on the desktop, and that was a shortcut to an XML file that listed every driver and piece of software that was installed on the laptop, as well as the associated benchmark scores as reported by Alienware's technicians. I thought this a really cool thing to do. Alienware also has a feature called AlienGUIse, which is basically a rebranded Window Blinds-esque program that allows you to change your XP theme to one of the few alien-related selections. I tried it out briefly but actually liked the way the original theme was, so that's the way it stayed for the duration of my testing.

Features Continued

Display

The m9700s display is very bright and crisp. The contrast is excellent, due much to the Clearview glossy coating of the LCD. Native resolution was 1920x1200 (WUXGA), which in my opinion is slightly too high for this size LCD (17) for daily use. If you bought this laptop primarily to game though, you would be disappointed if you didnt choose the WUXGA resolution. I realized after a few hours of use that every day tasks such as checking email or writing a Word document were a little tougher than normal because I found myself squinting on occasion to see the screen. Alienware must have taken this into consideration because they offer a 1440x900 (WXGA+) resolution for those who may not game as much.

The glossy coating definitely improves contrast and sharpness, but at the same time, there are many times where the glare and reflection is just flat out awful (which is mostly when using the m9700 is areas with high levels of light). I found that the m9700s screen looked best when gaming at night, with the lights out. It provided a very immersing gameplay experience with no glare.

Optical Drive

Alienware offers two optical drive options: a 24x CD-RW / 8x DVD Combo or an 8x Dual Layer DVDRW / 24x CD-RW. The unit I reviewed here came with the latter. The drive was quiet and in my own subjective opinion, ran average or above average in speed.

Wi-Fi

The Aurora m9700 comes installed with a RealTek B/G wireless card and integrated Bluetooth. Within moments of configuring the card I was up and running on my home wireless network. Speeds were at the 54Mbps equivalent level, and signal strength never dropped below Very Good.

Battery

The standard battery that ships with the m9700 is a 6000mAh 12 cell battery operating at 14.8V. The battery clips into place in the underside of the laptop and is flush against the surface. With all the high end hardware inside the m9700, battery life suffers as a result but most users probably wont unplug this thing too often.

AC Adapter

The Alienwares AC adapter is truly enormous, so much so that the first time one of my friends saw it, his eyes almost bugged out of his head. The cords are incredibly long too, maybe even a little too long. Good thing Alienware includes some cable management with the AC adapter, otherwise youd have a huge pile of wires on your floor.

Acer TravelMate 8103 WLMi

2010-01-12T03:28:00.000-08:00

Overview

Based in Taiwan, Acer ranks among the world's top five branded PC vendors selling a broad spectrum of products, including desktops, monitors, and notebooks. In Europe, Acer commands the notebook market, ranked as the number 1 brand in 2004. Brand recognition in the U.S. market has not reached such ranks, but Acer is certainly on track. As one of the first notebooks to utilize Intel's third-generation Centrino platform ' Sonoma ', the Acer Travelmate 8100 series is designed to impress. Business pros, home users, and even the average gamer will appreciate its sleek design, functionality, and cutting-edge technology. Composed of Acer's Folio design theme, the Travelmate 8100 series is aesthetically stunning, consisting of smooth curves around the edges and leather-like surface constructed of metallic gray graphite polycarbonate, exemplifying elegance and originality.

Inside, the Acer Travelmate 8103 is filled with a robust set of features, including the Pentium M 750 (1.86 GHz with 533 MHz bus) , that runs on the Intel 915PM chipset completed with an Intel dual-band tri-mode 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN solution. Other prominent features include a widescreen 15.4-inch with 1680 x 1050 resolution, modular DVD + RW drive, 100GB storage capacity, 512MB DDR2 533 RAM, and Bluetooth wireless. Users can opt to the more faster but more expensive Acer Travelmate 8104 model, which offers a Pentium M 760 (2.0 GHz Dothan) and 1GB DDR2 533 SDRAM. Avid gamers will be satisfied with the performance from the mid-range ATI MOBILITY RADEON X700 graphics with 128MB DDR VRAM. Although the Acer Travelmate 8103 possesses some desktop alternative characteristics, it measures only 1.2 inches thin and weighs 6.3 pounds with its 8-cell battery. While not the most ideal computer for intensive travel, it's still a well-balanced machine suited for moderate toting and actually more portable than other notebooks in the same class. Business professionals will like the smart card access, providing extra security from unauthorized access. For around $1900 the almost perfect Acer Travelmate 8103 is an attractive package: it's powerful, combines a myriad of functions, and is just darn sexy. The matte display could be better, because even the high resolution doesn't make up for the lack of a transreflective screen.

Design

Portability
Although the Acer Travelmate 8100 possesses some similar attributes to a desktop alternative notebook, this is a performance laptop that won't break your back. Measuring 14.3-inches wide, 10.5-inches long and only 1.2-inches thick at the front section and extending 1.4-inches thick towards the back, the Travelmate 8103 is ideal for large sized cases and backpacks. I had difficulty slipping this computer in most of the mid-sized carrying cases, but I found the lightweight Samsonite L35 carrying case to be the perfect companion. I even managed to squeeze the computer on my flight to Europe with just enough room to be used on the reclining table attached to the seat in front of me in economy coach. At 6.3 pounds with the 8-cell battery, the Travelmate 8103 is not intended to accompany you everywhere you go, but rather suited for occasional travel. Unlike the Fujitsu N3510, which weighs a pound more and is .4-inches thicker, the Travelmate 8103 is a well-balanced machine that is feasible for travel while offering a spacious viewing area. The thought of being able to watch a DVD movie on such a large display anywhere I go makes it more appealing to take out and about, where typically laptops with a screen of this caliber are made to be used on the desk and nowhere else.

Case and Design
Acer put together an aesthetically impressive notebook that illustrates originality and style. The instant appeal of the Travelmate 8100 lies in its Folio design theme, which is Acers name for its unique design found in a number of their laptops. The two tone inverted color scheme keeps it clean and simple, with metallic graphite gray constructed from polycarbonate plastic (which is the same material found in bullet-proof glass) wrapping around from the top lid and bottom chassis to the surface around the palm rest and keyboard area, while matte black trim covers around the screen and extends to the sides. The polycarbonate plastic chassis gives the computer extra durability and a more solid build than notebooks with basic plastic. The edges are curvaceous and the clean surface is smooth, resembling the leather-like texture found in a portfolio that gives off a touch of elegance and refines the Travelmate 8100.

Sleek and durable chassis gives it an original style.

Similar to the rest of the Folio series, the shiny metallic Acer logo is emblazoned on the top right of the lid.

Two stiff hinges hold the LCD panel together, located near each corner of the display. The LCD panel contains dual latches that assist in keeping the lid securely closed, preventing any type of movement when shuffling the laptop around. When shut, the screen hovers slightly over the keyboard and palm rest area reinforced by eight rubber pads to prevent the screen from touching the keyboard and wrist area.

There are two sets of status indicators found on the computer, the first is located on the upper-left corner above the keyboard (below the display screen) and the second set is on the front of the computer. The upper-left corner below the display contains indicators for power (power button), hard disk, caps lock, and num lock. All indicators emit a green glow when activated.

Conveniently located on the front panel are a set of highly useful indicator lights which provide a quick glance at the power, battery charge, Bluetooth, and Wireless LAN. Both the power and battery status indicators emit a green glow when active (or amber for the battery when it's charging) while the Bluetooth and Wireless LAN buttons light up a dazzling blue and amber glow, respectively. The Bluetooth and Wireless LAN are buttons used to enable or disable its associated function.

The line-out with SPDIF support emits a red glow.

Located on the upper right hand corner are four launch keys to instantly launch your frequently used applications. Each button has symbols designated for Email, web browser, Acer eManager, and a user programmable option. The Email button is used to launch your E-mail client, such as Microsoft's Outlook; however it is also user programmable to designate other applications. The web browser key is used to launch your favorite web browser, but is also user programmable. The Acer Empowering key ('e' symbol) is used to launch the Acer eManager application (more on this in the software section). Lastly the user programmable button is available for you to assign your favorite application via the Launch Manager software. Unfortunately there are no multimedia hot keys despite the available room around the top section of the keyboard.

Design Continued

Keyboard
The black, full-sized 88-key ergonomic keyboard contains all the essential keys, particularly the Windows and Ctrl keys at the bottom left of the keyboard, where normally some laptops contain only the Fn key. The PgDn, PgUp, Home and End cursor keys are also present and are placed vertically on the right side of the keyboard. The Caps Lock, Shift, Alt, Tab, Backspace, and Enter keys are of appropriate size. Like most laptop keyboards, the numeric keypad is embedded within the keys located near the center of the keyboard and is activated with the num lock key. In addition, there are function keys to adjust the audio volume, alter the screen brightness, put the system to sleep, disable or enable touchpad, and for switching to an external monitor when connected. When toggling one of these function keys, such as the audio for example, it will activate an on-screen volume indicator. This helps you identify exactly which volume settings you want to select. The on-screen indicator applies to other function access as well with the exception to the screen brightness, which is not available.

With respect to usage, the 'Acer FineTouch' keyboard offers decent key travel distance and excellent response. You will notice from the picture the keyboard employs a five-degree curve for a more ergonomic placement, which I find neither an advantage nor disadvantage compared to the straight-laced arrangement keyboards. Some users may need to be accustomed to this unusual layout while others will pick it up immediately. With that note, I can type quickly, accurately, and comfortably with this keyboard. The keys are soft and feel light when depressing them (not as stiff as the ThinkPad T42 but not as soft as the PowerBooks) with a minimal spring to it, allowing it to be quite responsive and exhibiting little noise. The keys depress at a comfortable 2.5mm of depth which feels good to type with. The keyboard is centered nicely with 1.2-inches of room on each side due to the laptop's wide design and there is sufficient room around the palm rest area to ensure a comfortable typing experience on your wrists. This is certainly a solid keyboard that comes close in comparison to the likes of the IBM ThinkPads and even Apple Powerbooks.

Touch pad
To match the laptop's overall wide-aspect design the touchpad is also wide, offering sufficient amount of surface area, measuring 3-inches wide and 1.5-inches in length to comfortably glide your finger. Like the palm rest area, the black flush surface is clean and smooth, accurately sensitive to touch and responds well to movement. As with most touch pads, it also allows for tapping to execute an action if you prefer not to use the click buttons. To the right and bottom edge of the surface area, the touchpad has a function to scroll vertically or horizontally. This allows you to scroll in applications like Internet Explorer when sliding your finger in the appropriate direction. For added convenience, there is a useful center click button that serves as a four-way scroll button to scroll up or down and move left or right within a page. The left and right click buttons are also brushed in gray metallic to match the entire wrist area.

Connectivity Options
Thanks to its wide frame, the Travelmate 8103 is loaded with a multitude of connectivity options, surrounding all sides of the computer. Since the cables are spread out on all sides of the machine, there are no protruding parts that can accidentally break off during transit and helps reduce cable clutter. The computer offers a whopping four USB 2.0 ports instead of the common two ports found in most laptops. For users that prefer to connect their laptop to an external monitor, television or projector, the Travelmate 8103 supplies all available video outputs, including DVI-D, VGA, and S-Video. DVI is an option not commonly found in your average consumer notebooks. This is a must for anyone planning to use an LCD monitor or digital projector.

DVI-D & S-Video

VGA

On the front panel, you'll immediately notice the left and right speaker grilles made up of tiny hole-punches that gives the notebook a very distinctive look. The 5-in-1 card reader is capable of reading SD, MMC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, and xD-Picture cards, allowing to transfer files from a majority of digital cameras. Next to the 5-in-1 card reader slot is a built-in mono microphone that is stationed inside a tiny hole-punch. An Infrared port is available for short range wireless IR devices such as PDAs and printers. The Speaker/Line-out/Headphone jack connects to audio line-out devices such as speakers and headphones and has SPDIF support. Next to it is the Line-in/Mic-in port that accepts microphones, and line-in devices like an audio CD player. As mentioned in the preceding section, there are two backlit buttons for activating Bluetooth and Wireless LAN and to disable them when not in use to conserve battery.

On the rear, there is a DVI-D port that supports digital video connections like modern LCD flat panel monitors. There is also the requisite S-Video port to connect to a television or display device with S-Video input. Lastly we have the huge 124-pin Acer ezDock connector that connects to the Acer ezDocking station for expandability.

The battery pack fits nicely without protruding and is made to offer hand grip when carrying the notebook.

On the left-side: VGA port, ventilation slots, Ethernet 10/100/1000 jack, phone port, one of the four USB 2.0 port, IEEE 1394 FireWire port, Smart Card slot (more on this in the features section of this review) and PC Card slot. Although the Acer Travelmate 8100 is based on the new Intel Centrino ' Sonoma ' platform, it does not include the new ExpressCard format. The IEEE 1394 FireWire port is similar to Sony's S400, which is a six-pin port that provides power to the device.

On the right-side: the remaining three USB 2.0 ports are found positioned horizontally, the Super-Multi DVD+/-RW drive that is hot swappable, power connector and security keylock to connect a Kensington-compatible security lock.

Heat and Noise
Components such as the hard drive and the cooling fan are responsible for generating noise in a laptop. Fortunately, the cooling fan (located on the bottom section) operates quietly during moderate use; however it does remain spinning regardless if the processor throttles down. During general use, like web browsing, E-mail, word processing and with the AC power plugged in, the fan continuously spins but does not emit any pitching or whining noise. With the system plugged in the AC power and during heavier use, such as playing games or using it for extended periods, noise generated from the fan is substantially more noticeable since it spins faster but it is still tolerable. Thankfully, the cooling fan settles down for a bit when running the laptop off the battery for a virtually quiet operation. The fan re-activates again within 5-10 minutes depending on usage but it does not generate as loud as if the system was plugged in the AC power. Mobile meter reported the computer to run around 46-55 degrees Celsius varying on processor clock speed. With the ventilation slots located on the left-side, heat build up is minimal. The system becomes warm, but never reaching discomfort levels. In some areas, like the touchpad and palm rest can become lukewarm. The bottom of the case however can get quite warm during extensive use, but never reaching hot levels like the Fujitsu N3510.

Upgrading and Expansion
Upgrading the Acer Travelmate 8100 is fairly simple, thanks to the accessible compartments located on the bottom side which include the Wi-Fi mini-PCI adapter, memory, and hard drive. There is one RAM module pre-installed in the computer, which is a 512MB stick of 533MHz (PC2-4200) DDR2 made by Micron. CAS latency is rated 4-4-4-12. Upgradeable to 2GB of DDR2, the Travelmate 8100 also has dual-channel memory support. Replacing the hard drive is also incredibly simple with the removal of the hard drive access panel. The AcerMedia Bay that currently houses the optical drive module , allows the option to swap another drive bay, such as secondary battery or hard disc drive. Simply release the latch located at the bottom to detach the optical drive. Although the Travelmate 8100 series contains a wide-array of connectivity options, the optional Acer ezDock is available to transform the notebook to a true desktop computer, with extra connectivity options.

The optical drive bay can be swapped out for another drive bay.

Features

Processor/Chipset/RAM
Using the fundamental components of a modern Centrino notebook, the Acer Travelmate 8103 is powered by the new mid-range Pentium M 750 processor clocked at 1.86 GHz and the Intel 915PM Express chipset (code-named Alviso). Compared to the previous generation Dothan models, the new CPU's front side bus, which controls the speed of data flow between memory and CPU, jumps from 400 MHz to 533 MHz; a 33% increase. This also raises the peak bandwidth of the CPU to 4.2 GB/second. The Sonoma platform supports 533MHz DDR2, but a lot of manufacturers choose to use 400MHz DDR2 to save money. It is good to see Acer joining Asus, IBM, and a few others in using the higher speed RAM. Systems in general perform better when the memory and FSB clock speeds are the same. As mentioned in the preceding section, the Travelmate 8103 comes with a single stick of DDR2-SDRAM modules rated at 533MHz (PC2-4200) with a max theoretical bandwidth of 4.2 GB per second. It should also be mentioned that DDR2 modules consumes less power, thus conserving battery life and minimizing heat since they're rated at 1.8 volts, which is about 30% lower than that of regular DDR.

Lenovo x200

2009-12-13T03:35:00.000-08:00

Design & Features

Overview

Today were putting the Lenovo x200 through its course. The x200 is the smaller brother to the now infamous x300, and an upgrade to the x61 series of earlier years (best in class for ultraportable as far as were concerned). Although being smaller, and lacking an optical drive, the x200 doesnt seem too tiny nor as thin as the x300, and developing most of its hardships with the battery bay and standard tracking devices. Of course, this is a very near end pre-consumer level model were reviewing, so Im sure things have gotten ironed out as soon as this review hits the shelf as far as fit and finish is concerned (more at the end of the review on that)

The x200 is a 12.1 widescreen ultraportable, in which it features the new Montevina platform, (not to be confused with actual Centrino 2 certification as it makes no claim to being certifiedyet) and runs the Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 at 2.4 GHz. It Features a 1066 MHz FSB with a 3mb cache limit and a nice low 25 TDP. Big measurements (although technical) would be the newer FSB and low TDP otherwise, marking a smaller die for the CPU and no increase in cache limit. We cant always win, but its a step in the right direction. Our pre-consumer unit came pretty loaded consulting the ordering screen from Lenovo. It did skimp us on the operating system, only touting Vista basic and WWAN feature, but did allow us an extra gigabyte of RAM, fingerprint reader, 160 GB HDD and Integrated Bluetooth, making the running total around $1,600.

Design

Case look and feel

The case is standard Lenovo x series styling there is little to no color variations, sticking with its stark black rubber like finish, branding stamped across the base of the LCD lid, which is held to the strong chassis by the now loved/hated steel hinges. There is also suitably efficient LED readouts at the top telling some simple status changes of your unit.

The x200 features the tapered front end, housing the media card reader and LCD release latch. If you seen one x series Lenovo, youve pretty much seen them all as far as styling is concerned. Although Im not flattered by it, it does hold its own for material and minimalists. It is made of the strong magnesium allowing very little flex, and this time around, features two run off points underneath the laptop for spilled liquid.

Although I didnt feel like testing this feature, its nice to note and Im sure will save some busy coffee / cola drinker one morning.

Size & Weight
The size is very nice, featuring a decently slim profile, very thin LCD housing, and weighs just under 2.95 lb with the 4 cell battery. However, our unit came packaged with the extended 9 cell battery, which extrudes out the rear pretty awfully.

Yes, you do gain that tremendous battery life, but it makes this ultraportable larger than it should, and weighs just about as heavy as a 14.1 counterpart nearing almost 3.7 pounds. Looks will deceive you if you arent prepared for this change.

Keyboard

The keyboard again is strict Lenovo X series styling and specifications, holding cues to previous models before it, featuring alphanumeric typing keys that are spaced 18.5 mm vertically and 18.2 mm horizontally, which is defined as full-sized by ISO/IEC 15412. The stroke travel is a full 2.5 mm, which is always a pleasure to type on.
But, unlike the SL series that was also released, this still features the track-point nub in the center. Although keen for space saving design, and a following crowd of aficionados, I would have much rather seen an implemented track pad, and even make it multi-touch based like the Asus series that we just reviewed, to help aid in all those cramped Fn buttons. Am I nitpicking? Of course, but lets lay that out there.

Display quality

The display is a 1280x800 widescreen 16:10 aspect ratio display. There are 15 levels of brightness offered with a max output nearing 200 nits, a 50 nit increase of the former x61, and a welcomed addition. I noticed it didnt have very great side to side viewing angles on some PDF documents, but mostly, color representation was very decent, with adequate indoor backlighting. Outdoors seemed a bit washy or mixed results, which might harbor others to look into a more transflexive notebook option if they are constantly outdoors.

Connectivity

Connectivity is pretty standard, albeit changed from its predecessor, and a bit different from its thinner, lighter, much more expensive brother the x300. First and foremost, there is no optical drive. It doesnt list as an option of ordering one, so picking up a slim USB 2.0 self powered drive (a la the one the U110 we reviewed earlier came with) would be a handy option if you plan on using this machine to view, read, burn, or transfer optical media with. This might be a deal breaker for a lot of people but foreseeing the available prices and capacities for flash drives, SD media, and wireless data banks it might not to others.

The left side houses the power jack, exhaust, 2 USB ports, monitor-out, Gigabit Ethernet, ExpressCard 54mm slot, and the wireless LAN on-off switch. This is to note that it turns off all wireless options, Bluetooth and WLAN. Im not sure about WWAN as my unit did not come configured to use this.

The front, as mentioned earlier, can contain either a 5-1 media reader, or an SD card slot. Ours totes the SD card reader slot.

The right, with our configured unit, came with another USB port, headphone out, microphone, modem port, and lock slot.

The rear houses nothing other than the obtrusive battery (in being fair, it was just a bit too big for my taste.)

Upgrading?
Even though WWAN wasnt configured in our pre-consumer level test system, the antenna that is needed to utilize these features is installed by default, so its simply a matter of inserting the WWAN card into the bay inside the x200, call up new service, and away you go. Since I dont utilize a company or hardware to test that feature, I can only say that it is possible to upgrade to using it.
Memory can be configured a few ways, which can handle up to 3 GB of internal memory. Which, is all Windows Vista Basic would utilize anyways, so if you feel cramped, you can do a little memory management there.

Hard drive capacity is another relative upgrade, with Lenovos website listing solid state 64gb as an option, and all the way up to a 320gb 5400 rpm drive. As a note, were sure it could handle the newer 7200rpm drives that are 320 GB but were not 100% positive.

Features

Acer Aspire Timeline 1820PT Now Available in the UK

2009-12-13T03:28:00.000-08:00

December 11, 2009 at 05:12:29 PM, by Daniel Shain

Acer's Aspire Timeline 1820PT convertible tablet PC is now available in the UK, with an estimated shipping date of January 25th 2010.

The Aspire Timeline 1820PT is a convertible tablet with multitouch functionality for both finger and pen input. The notebook will come with a 1.3GHz Intel Pentium Dual Core ULV SU4100 CPU, 3GB RAM and a 160GB HDD for £529.99 (roughly $858).

Other features include Intel's GMA4500MHD for graphics, an HDMI port, up to 8 hours of rated battery life and Windows 7 Professional 64 Bit. A version of this computer is expected to be available in the US soon, although no exact pricing or availability is yet known.

About Laptop Computers and Notebook Computers

2009-12-13T03:26:00.000-08:00

Today's laptop computers. Laptops are mobile personal computers that weigh significantly less than 10 lbs. Much more capable and convenient than some of the most popular desktop computers today, laptops have developed from specialized usage to the choice for all-around computing needs. The development of LCD (liquid crystal display) technology provided the means for creating thin and clear flat panel displays in a compact computer. They can easily be combined with projectors to offer group viewing of PowerPoint presentations, for example.

What's different about notebook computers? The term laptop computer and notebook computer are used interchangeably today. During earlier evolutionary years of the technology's development, the term 'notebook' was often applied to the lightest weight and smallest units being created, but the units and terminology are now virtually the same. However, a new category has developed of "ultra-light laptops" that pack as much performance as possible into a small package, providing users with a screen size of 12" diagonal or less.

Sony VAIO TZ Ultraportable Review

2009-11-22T01:16:00.000-08:00

Design & Features

Overview
Sony's newest ultra portable laptop is as light as air. With its amazingly thin and light design, the TZ laptop is definitely for the mobile user. It has a stylish design, from the green power button to the carbon fiber casing. On paper and in pictures, there's nothing not to like about the TZ from top to bottom!

Design
The design of the TZ is truly breath taking. The TZ is incredibly light and thin with a weight around 2.65 lbs (when equipped with SSD) and a thickness of less than 2 inches.

The left side houses the power port, ventilation exhaust, 2 USB ports, while the other side sports the monitor output, DVD drive and power button. The signature left side charge, right side enable remains on the TZ.

Our review model had a carbon fiber casing that makes the TZ look like a piece of modern art.

To accentuate the design even further, the keyboard bezel has a glossy, piano finish. Unlike most laptop keyboards, however, the TZ has raised keys.

Furthermore, the keys are spaced out, which surprisingly doesn't hinder typing. Unfortunately since the keys are so small, it can be difficult to type; especially for people with big hands.

The main design concern I had when using the TZ was the noise. The laptop had a constant hum that was apparent when in a quiet room. The hard drive wouldn't make any noise given it is an SSD, but it might have been due to a constantly running fan since the laptop never got hot at all.

It also comes with a DVDRW drive and 2.0 mega pixel MotionEye camera integrated into the LCD screen. While not quite as stripped as the MacBook Air, the TZ doesn't overwhelm with connectivity. You've got VGA output, 2 USB, LAN, dial-up, Firewire, and SD/Memorystick slot as well as audio and mic jacks.

While the laptop itself is a little over 1" thin, the screen itself is nearly paper-thin. The display maxes out at 1366x768 and thanks in part to the XBRITE technology the colors are bright and vivid. We were overall very pleased with the screen, but it remains to be seen how durable something that thin could possibly be.

The Sony TZ won’t break any performance records, but with a lower clocked Ultra Low Voltage processor this is to be expected. Regardless, performance should be more than sufficient for the standard day to day usage. On the bright side, this sleek ultraportable does have excellent battery life.

On a full charge, under normal usage, the battery lasted around 8 hours! It even lasted watching a whole movie on DVD and still had power left for another 2-plus hours. Between the Ultra Low Voltage processor, LED backlit screen, solid state drive, and hefty battery, the TZ certainly was designed with battery life in mind.

Conclusion

Samsonite Pro-DLX Medium Laptop Briefcase Review

2009-11-22T01:14:00.000-08:00

Overview

Geared for the business traveler, this year Samsonite introduced the new Pro-DLX line that combines functionality, versatility and style. The model we tested is the Samsonite Pro-DLX Medium Laptop Briefcase, which is a semi-light and functional carrying case that projects a professional image, thanks to its subtle and seamless design.

This bag features several convenient pockets, protective sleeves, and a removable laptop sleeve capable of holding 15-inch laptops. Notepads, documents, mice and all your essential mobile gear can go with you in style and comfort.

The Pro-DLX Medium Laptop Briefcase is what we characterize as a premium bag, aimed at style-conscious business travelers who place a bigger emphasis on a brand's cachet and stylish looks than strictly price alone. Priced at $189.99, this premium bag holds a limited lifetime warranty and a design that exemplifies elegance with business fusion.

Conclusion

Design - External

Portability
Measuring 18-inches long, 15.5-inches tall, and 5.5-inches thick, the Pro-DLX is considered a medium sized bag, but is still feasible for easy transportation. Relative to its medium size, it offers plenty of storage. The weight will add up substantially when books, a laptop, and other accessories are hauled around so the weight of the bag empty is an important factor to consider. At almost 5.5 pounds empty, the Pro-DLX isn't the lightest bag around [compared to the 2.2 pound Samsonite L35 ], but the well-constructive padding and over 16 pockets make the bag practical for its size.

External
The exterior is composed of 2520 Denier Armored Nylon combined with 1682 Denier Armored Nylon, offering robust protection. The nylon texture is tightly woven and well-constructed, thick enough to withstand abrasions and tears. Covered in black with a touch of orange, this color scheme gives the case a very conservative look.

The carry handle is made from soft Nappa leather that is rugged yet comfortable when carrying the case briefcase style.

Very comfortable handles

Nice little name tag holder that can easily be tucked away.

The leather material is also found at the bottom section of the bag, for a high class look.

Leather down there

On the back panel, there is an external zipper pocket that could hold flat documents and accessories for quick & easy access. It could also be used to pass through a suitcase handle by unzipping the bottom section.

Unfortunately, the back panel area isn't comprised of any type of soft breathable mesh material for extra comfort against your body.

When carrying a heavy load, having a comfortable shoulder pad is essential. The shoulder pad is packed with three gel-infused pads for added comfort.

Comfortable shoulder pad thanks to the gel-infused pads.

The shoulder pad also helps distribute weight evenly on your shoulder, especially when you have a full load and ergonomically designed with a slight contour to support your shoulder.

Toshiba Qosmio G35-AV650

2009-11-22T01:13:00.001-08:00

Overview

Toshiba's Qosmio line of notebooks are the poster children for multimedia excellence. Always loaded with the latest mobile technology from Intel, gorgeous and bright screens, Windows XP Media Center Edition, TV tuner, and plenty of other multimedia goodies. Today we're looking at the Qosmio G35-AV650, the current middle-of-the-line Qosmio model available. The Qosmio multimedia experience starts at $2,399 with the G35-AV600, but goes up to the G35-AV660 at $3,499.

The AV650 uses Intel's Centrino Duo platform, sporting the T2500 2.0GHz processor and 3945ABG wireless card. You get a high resolution WUXGA (1920x1200) screen powered by NVIDIA's GeForce Go 7600 with 256MB of GDDR3 VRAM. Every port you could want is on this puppy, including HDMI video output perfect for watching HD-DVD movies on your high definition home theater. Speaking of HD-DVD of course, the Qosmio AV650 sports an optical drive capable of playing HD-DVD movies! Enticed by this feature filled Qosmio yet? Read on to find out what other surprises this laptop has in store!

Design

Portability
Let's just put it this way: none. Weighing in at a hefty 10.1lbs, the only people wanting to tote this around are looking for a workout at the same time. With dimensions of 16" x 11.6" x 1.79", you aren't likely to be able to open this up on your seatback tray in coach class on an airpline either. Any questions?

Case and Design
Like most entertainment electronics these days, the Qosmio is designed to be pleasing in both form and function. The silver-on-black theme is attractive, but subtle. When you open the Qosmio, you'll notice the polished black interior reflecting back at you. The brushed silver mouse buttons & volume control, striking large speakers, and blue accent lights really stand out.

On the front you'll find a large LED indicator panel with the following indicators left to right: AC Power, System Power, Battery, Hard Drive Activity, Media card reader, and WiFi.

If that weren't enough, you've got a system control panel at the top of the keyboard, left to right: Power, TV Playback, CD/DVD Playback, Play/Pause, Stop/Eject, Previous, Next, Record, Brightness Down, Brightness Up, Dolby Sound enable, TV Output enable. And the final control feature of this system, the stylish silver volume knob:

The overall design quality of the Qosmio is rather high, with fit and finish being top notch. Our only complaint is in regards to the screen and how it is secured to the notebook, which you can read more about in the Display section.

Keyboard
For those who perused our Portege M400 review, you'll remember well the odd-ball keyboard arrangement Toshiba notebooks have. The Start & Context Menu keys are in the upper right and the Tilde & Delete keys are on either side of the spacebar. This configuration makes fast typing very difficult at first, but one does get used to it. Weird layout aside, the quality of the keyboard was excellent. There is no flexing, fairly quiet when typing fast, and comfortable to use for long periods of time.

Toshiba Portege M400-S933

2009-11-22T01:08:00.000-08:00

Overview

Tablet notebook users fit in a very small and specialized niche of computing needs: they want the ability to be portable, but also the flexibility to compute without having to break out a keyboard and mouse/touchpad. There are pure tablet PC's which have no user input built-in except for a stylus and there are also hybrid units that can transform between standard notebook and tablet mode, like the Toshiba we're looking at today.

The Toshiba Portege M400-S933 (here on referred to as the M400) is a new hybrid tablet notebook based on Intel's Centrino Solo platform. Using the Core Solo T1300 (1.66GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 667MHz FSB), Intel's 3945ABG wireless card, and the 915GM chipset, the M400 brings the latest in single-core performance and battery life. The features continue with 512MB DDR2 RAM, a spacious 80GB 5400RPM SATA hard drive, 5-in-1 card reader, and integrated CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive. Your tablet experience will be conducted using a 12" XGA screen, powered by Intel's GMA950 integrated graphics. In the past users have had to compromise the hardware in their tablet to get a reasonably small machine, but Intel's latest technology allows for all the features of a regular notebook with the flexibility of a tablet.

If the tablet experience is for you, then Toshiba's Portege M400 series is worth a long, hard look. The build quality of this machine is outstanding and Toshiba has an extremely comprehensive software package to customize the tablet to your every desire. Battery life is a little weak, but keeping the chassis reasonably light means sacrificing a little on battery capacity; the digitizer that allows the tablet interface also draws some extra power. The system's performance is more than adequate for any normal usage and the $1899 price tag is a steal for the features & quality oozing out of the Portege M400-S933.

Design

Portability
Most people looking at a 12" notebook want something considered "ultraportable," but the dual-nature of this machine makes it substantially bulkier than your standard ultraportable. Weighing in at a hefty 4.5lbs and measuring 11.6" x 9.8" x 1.53", the 12" M400 has the size and feel of a 14-15" notebook without the screen real estate. If you're in need of a tablet that doesn't sacrifice traditional computing (i.e. via a keyboard & touchpad), the M400's size can be easily overlooked.

Case and Design
Toshiba went with a fairly conventional design, and a well built one at that. Dressed mostly in grey with some black accents and black LCD bezel, the M400 has a simple yet modern look.

The only LED indicators are located on the front bezel of the machine, and with the way the LCD sits slightly back from the front edge you can view the LEDs with the notebook opened or closed. From left to right you have AC Power, Power Indicator, Battery 1 status, Battery 2 status, Hard Drive Activity, and Wireless indicator.

ASUS Eee PC 1005HA

2009-11-22T01:06:00.000-08:00

The ASUS Eee PC 1005HA is ASUS’ update to their popular Eee PC 1000HA, and continues the tradition of excellent netbooks. The 10.1-inch unit weighs in at only 2.8lbs, and at its thinnest point is well under an inch thick. The keyboard was solid, the trackpad multitouch, and the overall design glossy and stylish. Most important of all though, the battery life was impressive, even when compared against other netbooks. The internals are what you’d expect, with an Intel Atom N280 1.66GHz, 160GB HDD, and 1GB RAM. Are there enough features to justify picking it over netbooks with similar performance? Read on to find out.

Case Look and Feel

The 1005HA features ASUS’ “seashell” design, which includes a fairly sharp taper from the wider back of the netbook to the thinner front. The entire machine is covered front and back in a bright gloss, with only the matte keys of the keyboard spared the shiny expense. It does look nice, but is exceptionally prone to fingerprints. The lid is all black except for a silver “Eee” emblazoned in the center and towards the top. The front of the display features the glossy screen surrounded by a somewhat thick black frame, the top of which houses the integrated webcam. The display is secured to the rest of the unit with two thick hinges, which extend along with the display below the keyboard to save space.

The glossless keyboard begins about an inch in from the top edge, and sits flush with the sides of the case. The top of the touchpad is flush to the keyboard and the touchpad buttons are flush to the bottom of the case, a clear space saving gesture. The overall look is very smooth and all the status lights are subtle. The feel is solid as a whole, although the back of the netbook is a little heavier as a result of the taper.

Size & Weight

The Eee PC 1005HA is not the smallest or thinnest netbook on the market, but fares well on both counts. The weight of 2.8lbs felt very light and easy to carry. I actually carried the 1005HA in its protective sleeve inside the power cord pocket (instead of the power cord) of my standard 15” laptop case earlier today, and barely noticed the difference, even from a strictly visual perspective. With dimensions of 10.3 x 7 x 1.4 inches, but measuring only .89” at its thinnest point, there is little bulkiness to worry about.

Features

The Eee PC 1005HA has a number of features that serve to make life a little easier for the user. Some of these are standard functions built into the keyboard, such as brightness up and down, volume up and down or mute, Wifi on/off and suspend. A more interesting feature built into the keyboard is ASUS’ “Super Hybrid Engine,” which allows one to quickly overclock/underclock the computer for the sake of battery life or performance. There is also a dedicated button for disabling the trackpad.

ASUS has also built some interesting software into the 1005HA. Most notable is the “Eee Docking software,” which is a somewhat customizable dock built into the top of the screen (though location is adjustable). It has 4 sections, the Eee Arena , Eee Sharing, Eee Xperience and Eee Tools. Each of these has quick links to a number of applications, including Data sync for syncing with another computer, Eee Storage to access your free 10GB online storage, music/media applications, and parental controls. All these and a few other programs are easily accessible from the start menu as well.

Apple MacBook 13-inch

2009-11-22T01:02:00.000-08:00

The new 13-inch widescreen Apple MacBook is the powerful new value laptop, replacing the Apple iBook. Available in both white and black colors, the MacBook is Apple's first completely redesigned Intel-based laptop in the thin and light spectrum. Although this laptop is meant to be thin-and-light, weighing 5.2 pounds is relatively heavy for its size. But built to last, the MacBook is composed of a durable polycarbonate shell that provides a unique solid feel. The brightly lit, glossy widescreen display is breathtaking, and the keyboard is top notch in comfort and tactile feedback.

The MacBook's new features have raised the standard for what value-focused laptop should be. While the rest of Apple's computers have simply just received Intel chips in similar enclosures to their PowerPC predecessors (like the MacBook Pro), the MacBook was built from the ground up using Intel's fast and efficient Core Duo processor. The MacBook is arguably the ultimate companion for students and even business professionals since Apple officially supports Windows XP via the BootCamp software.

Some major improvements over the iBook include a wider trackpad, magnetic LCD closure, MagSafe AC adaptor, fantastic keyboard (which can easily be removed for disassembly), and a built-in iSight webcam. Apple has also recently upgraded their iLife suite of software packages, as well as its Front Row multimedia software. Meanwhile, other hardware improvements include improved feet on bottom of the laptop so that they do not fall off, as well as internal improvements including customer replaceable hard drive, digital audio-input, extensive wireless connectivity options, extend desktop support with external display, and extended battery life. However, if you are a high performance user, hardcore gamer or graphic designer you may want to consider Apple's MacBook Pro lineup for more horsepower and standard performance features.

Design

Portability
Weighing in at 5.2 pounds, 1.08' thick, 12.78' wide, and 8.92' deep the 13-inch MacBook isn't the most portable machine out there. This 13.3' machine weighs closer to most 14-15' laptops, but shouldn't trouble most users with its size.

13-inch black MacBook on top, 15-inch MacBook Pro on bottom

Case and Design
When the computer is on, the glowing white Apple logo radiates from the black matte finish to add aesthetic appeal. Similar to the Apple iPod, the MacBook is available in black or white colors to give users more personal preference.

The form factor and aesthetic nature of the MacBook is arguably superior to other thin and light notebooks in its class. The case is made of a durable polycarbonate with a matte-like feel. Much like the Apple iPod, the new MacBook features a very simplistic look and feel. Everything is right where it needs to be.

All peripherals are plugged in on the left of the keyboard, the Superdrive to the right of the keyboard, and the keyboard features the standard Apple keys. The only other items visually present are the LCD, track pad, an IR port, and indicator light next to it, the glowing Apple logo on the lid, and that's it. This computer relishes in simplicity, yet is just as efficient if not more so than any other laptop.

Keyboard
The keyboard has a rounded edge bezel and is offset deep enough so that when the notebook is closed, the keyboard cannot come in contact with the MacBook's screen. This is a considerable improvement over Apple's iBook that was known for key marks on its screen. The new keyboard has flatter keys that have been separated from each other so they aren't touching. This is a new keyboard design for an Apple laptop, but it is a considerable improvement. The new keyboard only takes a short while to get used to and once you do you may miss it when using any other.

Enlarge Image

Upgrading and Expansion
Unlike the past Apple portable machines, the MacBook makes upgrading easy, with easily upgradeable hard drive and RAM.

Inserting RAM into the MacBook is as simple as pulling a lever, and placing the new RAM into the slot and lever loading mechanism.

If the above images make it look simple to remove the hard drive, it is because it actually is that simple.

Feel free to upgrade your hard drive!

Acer TravelMate 8204 WLMi

2009-11-22T00:59:00.000-08:00

Design

Sleek and durable carbon fiber lid gives it an original style.

Acer also included a cleaning cloth to help keep the laptop looking slick.

Buttons and indicators located in the front for quick & easy access.

Taiwan market: Fujitsu launches new tablet PC and ultra-thin notebooks

2009-11-22T00:55:00.000-08:00

Digitimes

Japan-based PC vendor Fujitsu has launched the 12.1-inch LifeBook T4310 tablet PC priced at NT$52,800 (US$1,625) in Taiwan along with the 11.6-inch LifeBook P3110 and 12.1-inch LifeBook P8110 ultra-thin notebooks priced at NT$29,800 and NT$48,800, respectively.

While LifeBook T4310 is priced higher than the NT$25,000-35,000 asked for tablet PCs by first-tier vendors, Fujitsu Taiwan emphasized the T4310's high quality and specifications, as well as its "made in Japan" origin.

Fujitsu Taiwan pointed out it sells about 100 tablet PCs per month in Taiwan mainly to the medicare and education markets, but with the new tablet PC entering the consumer market, sales are expected to increase in the future.

The LifeBook P3110, made by Quanta Computer will only be sold in the Asia Pacific market and the company plans to launch another P3 series model made by Inventec in the future. The LifeBook P8110 is produced by Fujitsu in-house.

Acer Ferrari 4005 WLMi

2009-11-22T00:54:00.001-08:00

Overview

As the leading computer notebook brand in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), Acer has teamed up with Ferrari to be the official supplier to Scuderia Ferrari, the racing team of Ferrari. Leveraging this partnership, Acer is able to introduce exclusive, racing inspired notebooks that are elegant, cutting-edge, and powerful, much like the actual Ferrari automobile. The new Acer Ferrari 4000 revamps the previous generation Acer Ferrari models by pumping more horsepower and sporting a new design.

The Acer Ferrari is designed to impress, especially with its sleek looks and powerful components. Like the Acer TravelMate 8100 series, the Ferrari 4000 is composed of Acer's Folio design. To distinguish the new platform from its predecessors, the 4000 retains its own racing-inspired theme made up of an elegant thin-and-light carbon fiber casing in sleek black and Ferrari-red trims. Even the included Bluetooth mouse matches the system. Under the hood, the Acer Ferrari 4000 (model 4005 WLMi) sports AMD's new Turion 64 mobile processor, running at 2.0GHz on ATI's Radeon Xpress 200M chipset. Other prominent features include a luminous 15.4-inch widescreen LCD with razor sharp 1680 x 1050 native resolution, a new modular slot-loading dual layer DVD burner, 100GB hard drive, and 1GB RAM. This attractive package also combines a myriad of other bells and whistles.

Avid gamers will be satisfied with the performance from the mid-range ATI MOBILITY RADEON X700 graphics with 128MB DDR VRAM. Although the Ferrari 4000 possesses some characteristics of a desktop alternative, it measures only 1.2 inches thin and weighs 6.3 pounds with its 8-cell battery. While not the most ideal computer for intensive travel, it's still a well-balanced machine suited for moderate portability and is actually more portable than other notebooks in the same class.

The stunning Acer Ferrari 4005 WLMi gives you power and status, for a hefty $2,199 price tag.

Acer Aspire One

2009-11-22T00:53:00.000-08:00

The Aspire One is another venture into the Netbook range, but this time from the laptop manufacturer giant Acer. It has a 8.9” 1024x600 beautiful glossy screen and handsome colors give it an edge for a consumer choice as far as looks go, but it’s whats inside that counts more so for those who are looking for the “best bang” for the buck. We’ve managed to find the sought after 6-cell battery version, which brings running time to nearly 6 hours – if you are looking for a sporty sexy netbook, you should read the following to see if it screams your name and offers that smoke a cigarette after satisfaction.

Design:

Beautiful is one word to describe the Aspire One. No doubts the highly metallic color schemes, the chrome accents and stark bezel (although rather large) it seems to fit in with the niche that looking good for mobile devices might surpass the purpose they were developed for. I do admit that the glossy screen and paint finish is nice, but attracts dirt and fingerprints like kids to a candy store. The trackpad also offers some confusion. I’m at a loss as to why they put the buttons where they did, it is a little awkward so be prepared for that.

Being that this is an 8.9” LCD model, one would hope or expect that the actual dimensions of the unit would be smaller than other netbooks with the 10” display. You would be wrong – the bezel makes up the big chunk of space that provides the extra dimensional space, and when you pick up the 6-cell battery version as we did, the depth of the unit is actually larger than some of the 10” modeled netbooks out there! That’s because Acer opted to protrude the extra capacity to the rear (not down as in the MSI Wind) it makes for a bulky back that doesn’t offer lift, and might make the dimensions hard to find a “bag” made for such dimensions. If it’s one thing that I do love on the design, is the simple LED status lights which are located towards the top rear of the unit – making things visible no matter if the LCD is open, or closed. One thing I also dislike is the way Acer implemented the Wireless radio button – slider thing. It’s cumbersome and should have been a plain button instead. It’s too easy to accidently trigger, and when you really want to trigger it, it’s hard to tell with the slider if you have “slid it all the way” to disable / enable it.

Budget Finalist: Acer Aspire 7735Z (4357)

2009-11-22T00:43:00.000-08:00

Best Notebooks of the Year

It’s not often you find a 17-inch notebook for less than $600, but Acer managed just that with this desktop replacement, which features a capable 2.0-GHz Intel Pentium T4200 processor, 4GB of RAM, 320GB hard drive, and a Finetip keyboard often seen on more expensive Acer models.

Read Review | Compare Prices: $599.00

Thin-and-Light Winner: Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch)

2009-11-22T00:39:00.000-08:00

Apple beefed up its 13-inch notebook with a discrete Nvidia GeForce 9400M GPU, meaning this graphics performance beats out most other notebooks in its class—by a lot. The MacBook Pro is made from a solid piece of aluminum, achieving a sleek and uniform look, especially when you factor in its edge-to-edge glass display (which offers a wider color gamut than most notebooks). This work of art also offers impressive endurance, lasting longer than 6 hours on our tests. Lest you forget, the 13-inch MacBook Pro also features a spacious multitouch-enabled touchpad, and Apple’s superior Snow Leopard operating system.

Best Notebooks of the Year

Read Review | Compare Prices: $1,168.99

Keyboard and Touchpad

2009-11-22T00:38:00.001-08:00

The premium look of the G51J-A1 extends to the keyboard, where a white backlight gives each key a soft halo that can be raised or lowered through the use of the Fn and F3/F4 keys. Because the layout doesn’t extend to the edges, some keys are undersized, such as the right Shift key and the numbers on the dedicated number pad. Nevertheless, the island-style keys are springy, which made for a solid typing experience.

As the G51J-A1 is designed for gamers, there are a number of gaming-specific icons scattered across the keyboard: Arrows highlight the WASD keys (which are typically used for movement), and the 1 and 6 keys are highlighted with white circles, so you can quickly tap whatever number you need to switch weapons.

Above the keyboard is a grill that houses Altec Lansing stereo speakers, and buttons that let you cycle through visual modes (Gamma Correction, Normal, Soft, Theater, Vivid), and power settings (Battery Saving, Entertainment, High Performance, Quiet Office). To the right of those are three buttons: Express Gate (ASUS’ brand of the Splashtop instant-on operating system), Power, and TouchPad Enable/Disable.

The nontextured touchpad allowed us to navigate the desktop with ease. The brushed-metal mouse buttons look cool, but felt a little stiff.

Traveler 350 Adds More Trackball to Laptops

2009-10-13T11:12:00.000-07:00

Laptops usually come adorned with either a trackpad or a IBM-style nub for cursor navigation, but what's a guy that loves trackballs to do? Unless they want to bring a full-sized 1995 trackball mouse with him like Travis witnessed last year at CEDIA, their only option is this Traveler 350 USB trackball. It clips onto your laptop and gives you a small, laptop key-sized version of a trackball along with mouse buttons and a scroller. Although we don't enjoy the added weight, this may be slightly more usable than a trackpad or nipple nub

lenovo-laptop-computer

2009-10-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

It looks as if Personal Computers are gonna be dead soon and they might soon become history. Laptop Computers are everywhere and you can see those amazingly gorgeous notebook PCs in the hands of travelers, students, marketers, managers or anyone you can probably think of. Laptop Computers For U provides you all the information you need. Browse through our reviews, laptop specifications, and price comparisons and all the information you need to help you choose a laptop that matches all your requirements.All of us have different requirements. Some people prefer cheaper and lighter laptops, but others prefer high-end multimedia and gaming laptops. Are you a casual traveler? Or you need to conduct business as usual while on the go? Or you just want to play, listen to music and surf the Internet. We have a laptop computer that will fit all your requirements

acer-pink-laptop

2009-10-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

Specifications and Features:Processor Intel AtomT Processor N270Memory (RAM) 1024MB DDR2 533MHz SDRAM 1 slot total, memory is not upgradableHard Drive 120GB 5400RPM SATA Hard DriveDisplay 8.9" WSVGA high-brightness Acer CrystalBriteOperating System Microsoft Windows XP HomeBattery Type 3-cell Li-ion (2200 mAh)Network Card Acer InviLinkT 802.11b/g Wi-Fi CERTIFIEDOther ports Multi-in-1 Card ReaderVideo Graphics Integrated Intelr Graphics Media Accelerator 950Dimensions 9.8"W x 6.7"D x 1.14"H inches

Sony-VAIO-pink-laptop

2009-10-13T11:06:00.000-07:00

Sony VAIO, one of the top brand names of laptop computers, makes a very cool and efficient pink laptop. With great features, such as the Intel Centrino Dual Core Processor,touch sensitive embedded A/V controls that change tracks and volume instantly, and a stunning virtual surround sound through the built-in speakers or your own headphones, fast Ethernet, built in wi-fi, integrated stereo Bluetooth technology and much more...

Intel® Centrino®2 processor technology availableUp to 1066Mhz Front Side Bus Speed2MB - 6MB L2 Cache
Up to 4GB DDR2 SDRAM14.1" Screen161280 x 800 ResolutionXBRITE-ECO™ TechnologyUp to 2.5-6.0 hours (large capacity battery)

Dell Studio 14z

2009-10-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

This is a thin and stylish laptop designed for students.

Display : 14-inch 16:9 LED display with HD resolution (720p/ 900p)
Processor : Intel® Pentium® Dual Core, and Intel CoreTM 2 Duo standard voltage processors up to T9550 (2.66GHz, 1066Mhz FSB, 6MB Cache)
Graphics : Integrated NVIDIA® GeForce® 9400M graphics5
Up to 500GB1 HDD capacity
Digital Video/Audio via HDMI and DisplayPort
Standard 1.3MP webcam with dual digital array mics
Starting weight of 4.3 pounds6
4W, SRS®, 2.0 Audio w/ discrete tweeters and dual headphone jacks
Optional 8:1 Media Card Reader via 34mm Express Card slot
Six-cell battery standard, optional slim design 8-cell battery for up to 6:46 hours of battery life with WLED display option7
Standard Wi-Fi, optional Bluetooth® and mobile broadband
eSATA connectivity for high speed data transfer rate (up to 6X USB 2.0)
Optional external optical drive options (DVD+/-RW, Blu-ray DiscTM read-only and read-write drives)
Available in Six Colors : Black Chain Link, Midnight Blue, Spring Green, Plum Purple, Ruby Red and Promise Pink (U.S. only)

Price

$649 (Base Price)

Please conatct this link - dell.com

Dell Inspiron 1520

2009-10-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

The screen size of this laptop is 15.4 inches. The weight of this computer is 6lbs. It has a Core 2 Duo processor. It has a provision for multiple color configurations. It has a built in web camera at the top of the screen.

HP TouchSmart IQ500

2009-10-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

Overview

Want simple, easy-touch access to information, social networks, music, photos, videos, e-mail, TV? The convenience of connecting via webcam? Check out our slim and stylish, next-generation TouchSmart IQ500t series PC, which will look "at home" in any room of your home. Once you start working, listening to music, editing photos and videos, checking e-mail, and watching TV from your kitchen or family room, you'll never go back.
Features
HP TouchSmart IQ500 PC Touchscreen Your digital life at your fingertips * Get quick, easy touch-screen access to information, entertainment, and social networks1 * Simplify access to photos, videos, music, and applications with the HP TouchSmart software
Slim, stylish, next-generation PC * Plug and play with a single power cord * Go wireless with the wireless keyboard and integrated WLAN2 * Stow the keyboard when not in use to free up desk space * Tilt the screen for maximum viewing comfort * Set a mood in the room and see your keyboard in the dark with the HP Ambient Light feature * Accent your décor with the sleek, piano-black design with espresso-toned side-panels
* Have more fun with photos videos and music * Hold video chats 1 with the built-in webcam and microphone * Watch, pause, rewind, and record live TV with the dual-format NTSC and over-air ATSC high-def3 TV tuner * Enjoy your favorite TV shows on the integrated 22" diagonal hi-def widescreen (also great for slide shows) * Get super sound through the integrated premium speakers * Burn and watch personal videos with the built-in, slot-load SuperMulti DVD burner, or upgrade to a Blu-ray player * Get premium performance, reliability, and security with Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit edition with Service Pack 1 * Be productive with the Intel Core2 Duo processor options * Get ample storage with the SATA hard drive configurability

The Dell Latitude D630 ATG laptop PC is powered by 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T93000 with 6-MB L2 Cache, 800 MHz FSB

2009-10-13T10:02:00.000-07:00

The Dell Latitude E4300 laptop PC is powered by 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor SP9400 with 6-MB L2 Cache, 1066 MHz FSB featuring Mobile Intel GM45 Express Chipset, 1024-MB (1-GB) DDR2 667 MHz SDRAM (upto 4 GB max in 2 slots), 120-GB 5400 rpm SATA hard drive and a 8X DVD Super Multi Double layer (8.5 GB) DVD Writer. Weighing 1.54 Kgs the Dell Latitude E4300 Laptop PC features a 13.3-inch (33.7 cm) WXGA Widescren Active Matrix LCD TFT display powered by Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator GMA X4500HD Graphics Chipset with 224-MB shared memory built-in into mainboard offering upto 1280 x 800 pixels screen resolution with 16.7 million colors.
The Intel GMA X4500HD Graphics Chipset offers support for Direct x 9.0 acceleration, Dual independent display option, Dynamic Display Detect, and Open GL 1.4 graphical environment.

Dell-studio-17-laptop-pc

2009-10-13T10:01:00.001-07:00

The Dell Studio 17 laptop is powered by 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5850 with 2-MB L2 Cache, 667 MHz FSB featuring Mobile Intel 965GM Express Chipset, 3-GB DDR2 667 MHz SDRAM (upto 4 GB max in 2 slots), 250-GB 5400 rpm SATA hard drive and a 8X DVD Super Multi Double layer (8.5 GB) DVD Writer.Weighing 3.5 kgs the Dell Studio 17 laptop PC features a 17-inch (43.1) Ultrasharp widescreen WXGA Widescren Active Matrix LCD TFT display powered by Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator GMA X3100 graphics chipset with upto 256 KB shared video memory built-in into Intel 965GM mainboard offering upto 1280 x 800 pixels screen resolution with 16.7 million colors.
The Intel GMA X3100 graphics chipset offers support for Direct x 9.0 acceleration, Dual independent display option, Dynamic Display Detect, and Open GL 1.4 graphical environment.

Dell-latitude-d630-laptop

2009-10-13T10:01:00.000-07:00

The Dell Latitude D630 ATG laptop PC is powered by 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T93000 with 6-MB L2 Cache, 800 MHz FSB featuring Mobile Intel 965GM Express Chipset, 2-GB DDR2 667 MHz SDRAM (upto 4 GB max in 2 slots), 160-GB 5400 rpm SATA hard drive and a 8X DVD Super Multi Double layer (8.5 GB) DVD Writer. Weighing 2.0 Kgs the Dell Latitude D630 ATG Laptop like Dell Latitude D630c features a 14.1-inch (35.8 cm) WXGA Widescren Active Matrix LCD TFT display powered by integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator GMA X3100 Graphics Chipset with upto 512-MB shared video memory built-in into Intel 965GM mainboard offering upto 1280 x 800 pixels screen resolution with 16.7 million colors.
The GMA X3100 Graphics Chipset offers support for Direct x 9.0 acceleration, Dual independent display option, Dynamic Display Detect, and Open GL 1.4 graphical environment.

Dell Studio 14z

2009-10-13T07:37:00.000-07:00

This is a thin and stylish laptop designed for students.

Display : 14-inch 16:9 LED display with HD resolution (720p/ 900p)
Processor : Intel® Pentium® Dual Core, and Intel CoreTM 2 Duo standard voltage processors up to T9550 (2.66GHz, 1066Mhz FSB, 6MB Cache)
Graphics : Integrated NVIDIA® GeForce® 9400M graphics5
Up to 500GB1 HDD capacity
Digital Video/Audio via HDMI and DisplayPort
Standard 1.3MP webcam with dual digital array mics
Starting weight of 4.3 pounds6
4W, SRS®, 2.0 Audio w/ discrete tweeters and dual headphone jacks
Optional 8:1 Media Card Reader via 34mm Express Card slot
Six-cell battery standard, optional slim design 8-cell battery for up to 6:46 hours of battery life with WLED display option7
Standard Wi-Fi, optional Bluetooth® and mobile broadband
eSATA connectivity for high speed data transfer rate (up to 6X USB 2.0)
Optional external optical drive options (DVD+/-RW, Blu-ray DiscTM read-only and read-write drives)
Available in Six Colors : Black Chain Link, Midnight Blue, Spring Green, Plum Purple, Ruby Red and Promise Pink (U.S. only)

Price

$649 (Base Price)

Please conatct this link - dell.com

Dell XPS M2010

2009-10-13T06:57:00.000-07:00

Dell sort of broke the mold with this one. They're not usually known for innovative design, but this mobile' unit is like none of the others. It's a true desktop replacement solution, and runs a 2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2GB DDR2 RAM, ATI Mobility Radeon X1800 graphics card, and boasts a 20' LCD running a native resolution of 1680x1050. It's a beast in every sense of the word- an 18 pound, almost 19' wide monster.

There's a lot to like in the M2010. If you so choose, you can boost the RAM to 4GB (and add a couple grand to the price tag in the process), run 120GB SATA hard drives mirrored in RAID-1 (as the above configuration shows), and have a great screen with a resolution that is perfectly matched for it.

There are a couple of things I question about this model, however. First and foremost, I question the usefulness of the M2010 as a mobile' unit, as it has been marketed by Dell. I suppose you could fold the screen down, pick the thing up and lug it somewhere, but its sheer size makes that seem very unlikely in real world practice. It appears like it would be more at home on some yuppie's minimalist glass desk than in a student's book bag or on a commuter train. I would hesitate to brand it as a mobile' unit as it more closely resembles an all-in-one or small form factor (SFF) computer.
Also, since the unit is so large, I don't know why Dell didn't choose a better (or newer generation) video card. They could have fit a bigger, faster card that produces more heat inside because size (and heat dissipation) is not as much of an issue when you have 19' to work with.

The system is a design marvel, but the limited mobility makes it somewhat of an overpriced desktop system, as you can get a better SFF desktop for a lot less.

Rating: 4/10 moneybags (more moneybags signify a better bargain)

Basic Price : $458

Retail Price : $500

With Special Design and beautyfull Casing.........

Thanking U !!!