Tips and Tricks For Your New Laptop

By: John Sunvalley

Tip 1: Watch HDTV on your laptop

Did you know that you can watch your favourite TV shows without a TV? With the right accessories, you can watch high-definition television on a laptop.

There are many portable high-def tuners, receivers, and antennas available for laptops. Also, you can usually find plenty of HDTV content choices on the road. A common misconception is that high-def signals are available only via cable and satellite transmissions. However, all free-to-air TV stations in Australia are now broadcasting HD signals. This excludes cable favourites such as The Comedy Channel and National Geographic, but at least you can get your HD Sunrise fix.

The NetComm Banksia Digital HD USB TV Tuner, Elgato EyeTV DTT Stick and the ComPro VideoMate U3 DVB-T Stick cost between AU$100 and AU$200 and offer an array of DVR functionality. You may want to check signal availability in your area before purchasing one. Like when you're dealing with old-fashioned rabbit ears, signal strength varies depending on topography and atmospheric conditions.

Tip 2: Transfer YouTube videos to your HDTV

You could watch Internet video on a tiny laptop monitor. But why not hook up your laptop to your state-of-the-art HDTV and watch that ridiculous YouTube video in the living room?

There are many options for connecting your laptop to your HDTV, but you may be limited by outputs and inputs. Unless your laptop was specifically built for home theater use, it probably doesn't have multiple ways to output a video signal to an external display such as your HDTV.

Look at your laptop video card and match up the best connection option that both the display and the laptop share. DVI is becoming more common (replacing analog VGA); it's your best bet for a high-quality connection (that is, HDMI connections on your HDTV). S-Video is another likely option; it appears as a single, black, four-pin cable. It is a few rungs below DVI in terms of quality, but it's far from the worst. The bottom rung in terms of video quality belongs to the composite-video connection (the yellow cord, usually accompanied by the red and white audio jacks).

If you are restricted to a composite-video connection on your laptop, you may prefer to upgrade your laptop if you plan on watching a lot of Internet videos on your TV. Consider a Windows Media Center laptop, such as the Toshiba Qosmio G30. Standard component cables (red, green, and blue) are common with HDTVs, but they're limited to higher-end home theater laptops and PCs.

Tip 3: Watch DVDs on a long flight

Imagine that you have an eight-hour flight with only your laptop and a few DVDs to pass the time. Unfortunately, you can't get enough juice out of the battery to cover your journey.

The powers that be have heard your anguished cries of boredom and have implemented a useful new feature in current-generation laptops. Shell programs allow you to play DVDs and music CDs and to browse media files, saving battery life and skipping the hassle of booting up the OS each time you want to watch a movie or listen to some music. Check with your laptop's manufacturer to see if it offers a proprietary shell program for playing CDs and DVDs.

Published At: Isnare Free Articles Directory http://www.isnare.com

* About John Sunvalley

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How to Multi Task With Your Netbook

By John Kessler

Netbooks users use their netbooks primarily for basic computing functions like internet surfing, files downloading, and typing and other office functions (spreadsheet, presentation, etc.). But did you know that you can organize your life with your netbook?

If you are using a Windows XP netbook, you should know that the sized-down XP for netbooks comes handily with a Microsoft Works Task Launcher, which allows you to schedule appointments, plan events and track projects. The task launcher is something that you cannot find in Windows XP for desktops and laptops.

To use Microsoft Works, simply click on the Start menu, go to programs and then click on the program.

Calendar, Forms And Then Some

When you get right down to it, Microsoft Works is really nothing more than a planning suite composed of the following:

* date planner
* templates for different kinds of letters
* ready designs for brochures, cards and databases (like recipes)
* tracking sheets
* journal forms
* travel planning tools
* address finder
* map directions
* car rental finder, and
* room reservations

You can use many of these features without an internet connection, except for the address finder, map directions, car rental finder, and room reservations features. Having all those planning tools accessible under one program may seem heady at first, but Microsoft Works is indeed useful for any busy body.

All About Getting Organized

While netbooks may never be as portable as PDA's, having all those forms and sheets in ready form does make life a lot easier. Now you don't have to create a form, design a greeting card, or write a cover letter, from scratch.

Microsoft Works in netbooks is especially useful for people who like to initiate new projects, love to travel or organize travel groups, or simply like to plan their life. The best things about is that Microsoft Works interfaces with MS Office programs like Word and Excel, so it really IS very easy to use.

This planning tool is one of the many reasons why you should buy a netbook. But, of course, it is not all there is to netbooks. Small, portable and relatively cheap, netbooks are perfect tools for consumers with basic computer needs.

Netbooks And Your Life

From ASUS, netbook manufacturers now include Acer, Lenovo, MSI, Hewlett-Packard, and MSI. Most netbooks operate on Windows XP and different versions of Linux. Still, a few models with hybrid hard drives are using Windows Vista.

Hybrid drives combine the best of Solid State Drives (SSD) and Hard Disk Drives (HDD) in one compact form.

In choosing a netbook, one of the primary considerations is your lifestyle, that is, do you need a lot of storage space? Depending on the kind of hard drive, most netbooks pale against desktops and regular laptops in terms of storage space. SSD netbooks are notorious for having low storage capacities, unlike HDD netbooks that can stores up to 160GB of information. However, SSD netbooks tend to be shock-proof, that is, information is still readable even after an impact, unlike HDD netbooks.

Visit us for more information on netbooks.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Kessler

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Asus U3 Series Notebook

By:lapasia

Sneak Peek Asus U3 series notebooks are very compact and stylish notebooks with 13.3" display and a full sized keyboard. Even though it lacks an optical drive, it remains a firm choice and provides a variety of features rarely seen on notebooks of its class.
Design

On the looks front, the Asus U3 is a very classy and elegant. The top of the lid is covered with a glossy black finish which gives it a stylish look. Whereas its inside is covered with a silver keyboard and it has eye-catching chrome highlights. Its fingerprint reader and a leather-like material surrounding the touchpad make the complete package of the laptop very attractive.

Core Information

The very first thing to notice in Asus U3 is the dual graphic setup. With just tapping a small switch on the side frame of the notebook, the U3 gives you the opportunity to select amongst the incorporated Intel graphics, or a more powerful 128MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400M G. This saves a lot of battery and you don't need the battery-hungry NVIDIA chip. But you are looking up-on this laptop as a game-board then you are mistaken this device is not made for playing games.

Cutting Edge Technology

Just above the display, there's a 1.3 megapixel webcam, with headphone and microphone ports to be found on the left side of the frame. The display is crisp and lucid and the LED backlight looks great for multimedia, particularly video substance. Contrast and color is excellent and the glossy finish combined makes Asus U3 a must have laptop.

For wireless connectivity, Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g and n are provided, in addition to Bluetooth 2.0. The U3 has all the usual ports; three USB 2.0 ports, an ExpressCard slot, S-Video out, a memory card reader and FireWire. Amazingly, ASUS has further added a single HDMI port and an eSATA port which are very useful.

A set of other programs in general which are kept aside for higher end notebooks are built-in HSDPA and an incorporated GPS receiver is present in the Asus U3. However you get an external DVD multi recorder in the sales package. Keep in mind though that you'll only be left with two USB ports when this is attached it does consume battery life drastically. The 6-cell battery returned a more favorable but still not outstanding 2hr 57min. Do note that adjusting power plans in Windows Vista's control panel should result in somewhat better statistics.

Conclusion

The Asus U3 Series Notebook is a good buy but gamers and multimedia enthusiasts are better advised to take a look at the other available models before settling with this Asus U3.

Pooja Lapasia is a well known author and has written articles on Laptop Computers , Laptop store, Asus Laptops, online shop and many other subjects. Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_621330_10.html

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Lenovo IdeaPad Y510 Review - 7 Great Reasons to Buy the IdeaPad Y510 Laptop

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Extreme Gaming Laptops: When Is A Laptop Not A Laptop?

By: Titus Hoskins

Extreme gaming laptops are reaching new benchmarks to give you the ultimate gaming experience. These ever increasing, powerful machines are offering you better performances from ever decreasing packages. Gaming laptops are now reaching standards usually associated with high end Desktop PCs.

But at some point even the most dedicated gamer has to ask: when is a laptop not a laptop?

If you take the literal meaning of the word, you should be able to fit or sit a laptop comfortably on your lap for an extended period of time. Portability should also be another defining feature; you should be able to easily carry your laptop around with you wherever you go. Otherwise, why not just buy a Desktop PC instead of a laptop?

The long-standing argument has been power or performance; you can get higher performance out of a Desktop PC than you can get from any laptop. Maybe so, but the gap is narrowing quickly.

Recent extreme gaming laptops are offering some very impressive specs. Just take, for example, the new Xtreme SL8 from Rock (a UK laptop manufacturer), and you will see that stacking has taken on a whole new meaning.

The Xtreme SL8 is one heck of a mean-machine with ultimate raw stacking power with four Intel Core 2 processor cores, two NVIDIA 8800M GTX SLi graphics cards and three 7200rpm SATA hard drives. This gaming machine can crunch numbers and offer top mobile performance benchmarks. It might even give the old PC some serious laptop envy!

This machine supports up to 4GB DDR2 RAM (available up to 800MHz) with DX10 graphics. Plus, you have all the high end features such as HD-DVD Writer combo drive, TV Tuner, Hi-res 17" WUXGA X-Glass (1920x1200) Display, Webcam, 7.1 Surround Sound Output with 4 speakers...

However, all this stacking power and fully loaded features takes up a lot of space. The Xtreme SL8 weighs in at a little under 12 pounds (5.3 kg) and around 15.5 inches (394) mm by 12 inches (299 mm). At two and a half inches thick this is not your Apple Air.

Nor is it trying to be, but some comparisons have to be made if we're classifying both of these computing machines as laptops. The Apple Air is 3 pounds (1.36 kg) and under an inch thick (1.94 cm) so it truly is a portable laptop with 5 hours of battery life. This is a long way removed from the XSL8's massive credentials and massive weight, but so too is the distance between the performances offered by the respective laptops.

These two mobile computers were designed for two completely different purposes, one for raw gaming power and the other for the ultimate in portability. Each has their respective customers but can both of them be called a laptop?

Perhaps, but the Xtreme SL8 is more or less a neatly trimmed down packaged desktop. Not that there is anything wrong with that as long as you understand what you're getting when you're buying one; you won't be sitting with this baby on your lap for long periods or lugging it around over long distances.

For those of us studying laptop designs (there are such creatures in the world unfortunately) over a long period of time, you can't help but notice how much power and performance can now be crammed into an ever-shrinking package. Nor can you ignore the trend that Desktop PCs are looking more and more like laptops, especially the monitors.

Even the trademark Desktop Tower is getting slimmer and more streamlined. There will probably come a time when all the tower components will evolve into such small compact entities, calling it a tower will be a gross exaggeration.

One can plainly see, the Desktop PC days are numbered, especially when you consider we have an inherent need to make everything smaller and more compact. Besides, why take up all that space when you can get the same performance in a smaller package. This is another example where big may not necessarily be better.

The line between what is a laptop and what is a desktop computer will continue to be blurred as computer makers keep offering up what the consumer wants. At some point in the not too distance future the two products will probably converge into a light, portable package that can be carried anywhere. Why not just call everything a Mobile Computer and be done with it.

But for now, gaming enthusiasts will still have a choice when buying their ultimate gaming machine - a Desktop PC or a laptop such as the Xtreme SL8. However, calling the last one a laptop is still stretching the imagination to its limits, no matter how you define it.

The author runs an online Laptop Guide featuring the latest top gaming laptops: http://www.bizwaremagic.com/best_gaming_notebooks.htm For Timely Special Savings/Deals/Coupons on Toshiba, Dell, Apple, Sony, Alienware... try here: http://www.bizwaremagic.com/cheap_laptops.htm 2008 Titus Hoskins. This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.

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Toshiba Laptop Computers: Your Mobile Work Horse

by Matt Murren

With their high demand in the market and absolutely over the top consumer response Toshiba laptops have ruled the market to render you the latest designs and range. They come to suit the needs of different professions and users. Whether it be for frequent mobile use or executive connectivity Toshiba Laptops have earned a glorious niche in the consumers' mindset.Style-conscious, trendy and super functional Toshiba Laptops show the true combination of beauty with brains.

They not only for the svelte fashion conscious but also for those who like mix business with class and panache. Toshiba Laptops combine the best of the wide range of upcoming technologies that are available in the market and gives you even more! Toshiba Laptops can easily boast of a multiple number of award wining configurations and they come with the latest technical deals every year to keep you as super smart and updated as they are themselves! So hit your lifestyle with Toshiba Laptops and experience the difference yourself!

The various needs of the consumers' professionalisms are always at the core of every model brought out by Toshiba. Some of the most popular models are the Toshiba DynaBook series, Toshiba Libretto series, Toshiba Portege series (one of its latest and widest range on offer), Toshiba Satellite series (which is its longest and most comprehensive range), Toshiba Qosmio series and Toshiba Portege Most Models Laptops and Toshiba Portege Most Models Laptops. To site some of its efficacies let us look at the Toshiba Qosmio series which has a host of interesting facilities including an Intel Centrino Duo Mobile Technology that features the use of an Intel Core Duo Processor T2400 1.83GHz with an average of 2MB L2 cache, 667MHz FSB Mobile Intel ,945PM Express Chipset Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG (802.11a/b/g) 1024MB (2x512MB) ,DDR2 SDRAM Memory 160GB (80GB+80GB)(5400RPM) and a Serial-ATA (SATA) system. The range of these laptops offer a hard disk drive, a fixed DVD, a SuperMulti Double Layer drive 17.0" with diagonal Ultimate.

Toshiba Laptops are available at prices ranging from below $690 to around $1620. From at least 256 MB of ram to 1GB RAM or above, you can choose your pick and even install further added memory along with your purchase as per your requirement. The Hard Drive capabilities range from a simple 40 GB to over 200 GB of pure hard disk space! They also have an excellent after sales service network, and provide you with help round the clock should you ever need it. As you can see, there's something for every one when they go in to go a Toshiba laptop!

About the Author

Matt D Murren owns and operates http://www.toshiba-laptop-advisor.com Toshiba Laptops

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Secure Your Laptop: Secure Your Privacy

Author: Dan Vianetto

Laptop computers still top the list of expensive personal items that are stolen most often (approximately 300,000 laptops are reported stolen in the U.S. each year). Because they are lightweight, easy to conceal, and valuable, they're coveted. Because they often accompany their users to public places - coffee shops, conference halls, hotels, etc.-they're difficult to keep track of. Laptops are often stolen from vehicles parked in parking lots, in meeting rooms/classrooms, and even out of unoccupied offices.

If your laptop contains important or private information for yourself or your business (including passwords, email addresses, banking information, financial documents, scanned receipts, copies of contracts, or even intellectual property), it's worth securing.

Versa Products, Inc. - the manufacturer of the popular Ultra Flat Wall Mount Computer Station, also produces a product to help you prevent theft or undocumented access of your laptop. The locking laptop drawer, which retails for under $120, is made from high quality American steel and mounted to a premium ball-bearing track that allows the drawer to retract completely under your desk or other work surface. In its extended position, it couldn't be more user-friendly, giving the user an extra "mini desk" perfect for ongoing use. The drawer locks with a steel key and has a hole in the back designed for cable management so that the laptop can charge or remain plugged in even when it is being stored.

Suddenly, having a laptop is actually more secure than a desktop computer.

If you're interested in other security options for computer equipment, Versa has you covered. A high-quality manufacturer of computer furniture, the company is known for its innovation and superior product line. Everything from locking wall mounts for laptops or desktop keyboard to easy-to-store sit-to-stand mobile carts and LAN racks. They also design heavy-duty computer racks for server rooms and security hubs. Clients include hotel chains, universities, casinos, offices, elementary schools, hospitals, mobile ER centers and even our very own U.S. military. Versa's products carry a lifetime warranty and all products - regardless of quantity or weight-ship for free in the contiguous United States.

With laptop theft on the rise, the statistics are paralleling the increase of laptop use in the workplace and in educational settings. Versa Product's laptop drawers can be installed on almost any existing desk-if you're not sure about yours, you can call and ask a customer service rep who will let you know if your existing desk is compatible to the product before you buy it-and is becoming increasingly popular in dorm rooms, bullpen areas, and medical exam rooms. Just as many people lock up valuables at home, installation of laptop drawers on home computer desks in den and home offices is also increasing. Not only are they ideal in theft prevention, they also secure your privacy and prevent children from using your laptop to access the internet unsupervised. And you'll never again have to worry about misplacing your laptop bag at home or forgetting to charge your battery. Not only will your laptop be protected against theft, you won't run the risk of it being bumped or kicked or knocked off a table. What will they think of next?

About the Author:
Looking for low cost computer furniture? VersaTables.com has a wide selection of computer desks,LAN Racks, and business desks. Visit us today and save!

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Laptops and PDAs - Choose Your Style Of Business

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Truck Laptop GPS Mounting Systems

By: Merv Carlson

Consider for a moment the incredible benefits that having a truck laptop gps navigation system will bring to your life and your travels? The truth of the matter is that the more sophisticated systems out today provide much more than simple directions from point A to point B. Today's truck gps navigation systems are your one-stop travel shop when it comes to finding points of interest, dining, fuel stops, and places to rest along the way. In this review we will try to illustrate some of the benefits that a truck lap top gps system will provide.

Perhaps you've never given it much thought, but learning a little more about how a truck laptop navigation device really works will give you something to think about when you get around to considering the advantages that a gps unit such as this can make in your life. Main thing to remember is that not all GPS mounts or vehicle navigation mounting systems are created the same. There are different manners of creation along with different manners of functionality and design and quality. However, they all work on the same idea. For trucks, stability is the key as the suspension is slightly stiffer in trucks. The models created for pickups use heavy tubing, stiffer articulating arms, preferrably cast iron, which will provide a stable desktop for your laptop and allow for you to easily see the screen.

GPS systems use satellites that orbit the earth in order to send signals that are received by the GPS device. The system has software that interprets the signal and uses that data in order to form conclusions about the current location based on the time it took to receive the signal from the satellite, and the exact location of the satellite that sent the data. By combining that information a conclusion can be drawn by the GPS or auto navigation system as to the exact position of the GPS device. Three satellites are used in order to determine the point of intersection and a fourth satellite insures the accuracy of the data.This allows you to see on your screen exactly where you are, or where you want to go.

Navigation systems are more sophisticated and much more functional than the original military Global positioning devices that were used. These systems can be installed in your laptop computer, mounted to a professional laptop truck desk and your all set. You can not only get directions to guide you on your trip, to make up for detours, and get you back on track after wrong turns, but you can also get information about local destinations, rest stops and dining, hotels, service stations, and a few other points of interest along the way. Many pickup truck or car gps systems have upgrade packages that allow you to purchase a subscription which will provide you with up to the minute information about traffic, weather, and construction along your route. The subscription costs for these services can be a deterrent for the casual driver but will prove invaluable to those who rely on correct directions and being on time while traveling extensively through work related situations.

When ever you purchase a GPS or truck laptop stand nav system be sure that the system you purchase is not only full upgradeable but also easily upgraded. It's a pain to have a system that is capable of being upgraded if you can't figure out how to upgrade it. Many of these systems can be upgraded by using a something as simple as a CD or DVD in order to deliver the information and upgrades. If you can't upgrade your system it will become obsolete in time as new roads are constantly being made or changed. If you do not have the latest up to date data on roads you are essentially driving just as blindly as you would be without the gps. This also applies to your laptop mount, be sure you can move the computer mounting system from one vehicle to the next, or at the least be able to get another floor mount base to install in the next unit.

GPS Technology is constantly evolving and it is fairly safe to say that there are some technology items that are better suited to remain at the top than others. The story really is no different when it comes to GPS laptop nav systems and the mounting desks. These systems each have different options and while there is no one system that is perfect for everyone, there are a few systems that consistently outperform. Look for professional grade manufacturer's who use quality components, high-end laptop truck desks are sometimes warranted for 3 years, look for these quality made components, it will prove to be a good choice long term.

You need to know what is available in navigational mounting systems before buying the first laptop mount you see, the same with the gps units. There are many neat buttons and features that can really turn a person's head if she isn't sure of what she will actually need and use in her (or his) travels. Knowing what you need, what you would like, and what you are fairly certain you can live without will help you get the best possible bargain for your laptop gps investment. Mounting brackets to hold your laptop can be used for great versatility, the double as a dvd stand, a writing desk, camera stand and much more.

Don't be fooled into thinking that only people who travel extensively need these useful devices and systems. The truth of the matter is that anyone who spends any time during the day in a truck could seriously benefit by owning a navigation system. The problem lies in deciding which of these systems would be best suited for your specific personal needs and deciding how to mount the laptop in your truck. We have found from experience, professional grade laptop desks will always function the way they were meant to with less vibration, less shock to the laptop, and all the while providing a stable mounting location for your laptop and GPS software.
Consider for a moment the incredible benefits that having a truck laptop gps navigation system will bring to your life and your travels? The truth of the matter is that the more sophisticated systems out today provide much more than simple directions from point A to point B. Today's truck gps navigation systems are your one-stop travel shop when it comes to finding points of interest, dining, fuel stops, and places to rest along the way. In this review we will try to illustrate some of the benefits that a truck lap top gps system will provide.

Where can you find a laptop truck gps mounting system? At Pro-Desks GPS Truck Mounting Desk , and Mounting Systems For Truck Navigation GPS

Article Source: http://www.eArticlesOnline.com

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Sony vaio sz

By:fatalus

This laptop is a sleek, big, with keyboard comfort ability, bright screen display, built-in webcam and microphone, a long battery life and good performance.

But it is very expensive, and doesn't have a multiformat card reader, and ordinary speakers. The Sony VAIO SZ has all the features and connections needed by business users. It has 3.8 pounds, it is a heavy notebook, even among Sony laptops, but it still tries to fit among the portable ones without forgoing a legible screen or a useable keyboard.

This laptop has a number of features needed by business users, features like an inbuilt microphone, and webcam for conferencing, and a fingerprint scanner needed for security with others like the Intel Core Duo processor, etc. But if you are not particular about budget, then the Sony Vaio SZ is the best portable laptop to go for.

Its processor is a 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo T2400, DDR2 RAM of 1GB (533MHz), a graphics card of a low-end Nvidia GeForce Go 7400 with a 128MB video memory, and a large hard disk drive of 100GB with a spin of 5,400rpm.

sony vaio sz

The Sony Vaio SZ has a dimension of 12.4 inches width, 9.25 inches depth, and 1.5 inches thick, with a weight of 3.8 pounds (or a little more with its AC adapter). I think it is not so heavy for easy carriage.

Also this laptop has a 13.3 inch wide screen display, with a good brightness effect, with a resolution of 1280x800 which provides a very good display view. Its stereo speakers lie above the keyboard giving its ordinary sound.

It has a battery life of about 5.6 hours, which falls among a competitive rate.

Some more features offered are 1.3 mega pixel webcam, and microphone, a headphone connector, 2 USB 2.0 ports, a VGA and a 4-pin FireWire port. It also has a PC and Express Card slot. Its network features are Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11abg wireless, a 56K modem, and Bluetooth. Operating system is Microsoft Windows XP professional. All these features give you the best in laptop comparison.

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Levono thinkpad x60s

By:fatalus

This laptop is extremely portable, having a good keyboard, fingerprint scanner, inbuilt WWAN radio, excellent performance, extended battery life if configured with high-capacity battery. But it is very expensive compared to other models; it doesn't have an optical drive, and also doesn't have an inbuilt feature for Express Cards.

This ultra portable laptop is the first to use an Intel Core Duo processor. It combines an outstanding performance and surprisingly good battery life, packed with other features and a compact case.

Its dimensions measures 10.5 inches width, 8.3 inches depth, and 0.8 inch thick in front(and 1.1 inches thick in back). It has a weight of 2.7 pounds (3.5 pounds with battery inclusive).

levono thinkpad x60s

The ThinkPad X60s has a 12.1-inch screen which has a resolution of 1,024x768 that offers just sufficient screen view quality. This laptop has large keys which makes typing for long very comfortable. Just like all ThinkPad, the X60s features a red Track Point pointing stick; there are 3 mouse buttons underneath the keyboard, and a fingerprint scanner for security purpose.

Business users will discover that all the ports they want are on the ThinkPad X60s, which includes VGA, 3 USB 2.0 ports, 4-pin FireWire, with also a microphone and headphone jacks. Also included is the Type II PC card slot, and secure digital card slot, but although Express Cards need an adapter which is not inclusive.

It network connections includes a modem, 802.11abg Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, and an inbuilt cellular radio that offers connection to Verizon's EV-DO data network.

Its hardware features are an Intel Core Duo 1.66GHz processor, 667MHz RAM of 512MB, a hard drive of 80GB spinning at 5,400rpm with a built-in Intel graphics.

This laptop has a very long and surprising battery life of 8-hour, 16-minute. This is really impressive.

No Comment | Posted in » cellular radio, core duo, fingerprint, Intel, laptop    

What Are The Benefits Of Mobile Dual-Core Processors?

By:Tim Childree

When browsing through different notebook computer models, you are guaranteed to encounter the "Intel Core 2 Duo" or the "AMD Turion 64 x2" labels. These labels indicate dual-core processing technology for mobile computing. Multi-core processing is the buzz-word of the day, but what does it mean for you?

Mobile Dual-Core Processors

Mobile dual-core processors refer to a processor system consisting of two independent processor cores combined in one integrated circuit (IC) or, as industry professionals say, in a single die. Basically, mobile dual-core processors place two central processing unit (CPU) cores in one processor. Dual-core processing was first applied to desktop computing and home console gaming, but it was quickly adapted for mobile computing. As expected, AMD and Intel both have numerous mobile dual-core processing options available.

Dual-core processors have a different architecture than twin- or double-core processors. Dual-core processors refer to a processing system where two processors are integrated in one IC die. On the other hand, twin-core processors refer to a processing system where two independent processors – each on its own die – are directly plugged into the motherboard.

Each of the processors in a dual-core processor has a built in cache (Level 1 cache) so each has its own potential for speedy and efficient recovery and processing of frequently used instructions. More than that, however, there is a Level 2 cache, in the same IC board, which the two processors share in Intel's Mobile Core 2 Duo chipsets (either 2 or 4 MB); In AMD's Turion 64 x2 chipsets, each of the two processor has a dedicated 512 kb cache per core. The L2 cache is the processor’s backup cache in case the L1 cache is not enough.

The Benefits of Mobile Dual-Core Processing

The foremost advantages of dual-core processors are speed and efficiency. Instruction processing and data retrieval are handled by two processors, so more processing speed can be achieved without overheating either processor. The fact that the two processors have their own easily accessible L1 cache also assures more speed. Furthermore, especially in the case of the Intel Core 2 Duo where the L2 cache is shared, full L2 cache memory can be quickly utilized by either one or both processors as the need arises.

In a nutshell, a notebook computer which has a dual-core processor is assured of fast and efficient processing performance with a greatly reduced risk of overheating. Multi-tasking is much improved. Dual-core processors also consume less power than twin-core processors.

One other benefit of dual-core processors in notebook computers is the possibility of lighter and smaller notebooks that can approximate desktop PC performance. Since two processors share one IC die, one can enjoy the benefits of dual-CPU processing without having to deal with extra bulk.

It is important to note that users of older programs will not see any benefit from their dual-core processors if they only run one program at a time. Older programs were not designed for dual-core processing, so they are only able to take advantage of a single core. A dual-core processor still gives considerable advantages in multi-tasking, however, as each core is able to handle a different program, speeding up multi-tasking considerably when compared to a single-core computer.

As time goes on, more and more software developers are developing their products with dual-core processors in mind, so users will see more and more benefit out of their dual-core processors in the near future.

This article may be republished freely as long as this copyright notice and box of resource links are included at the bottom.


MALIBAL is the Home of the World's Fastest Laptop! Headquartered in Las Vegas, this groundbreaking company has transmuted the world of mobile computing with its nonpareil laptops and unrivaled 24-hour USA-based support.

Please, check out these recommendations for the best notebook computers.

No Comment | Posted in » AMD, chipsets, Core 2 Duo, dual-core, laptop, Turion    

An In-Depth Review of the Best Compact Notebooks Available

by Bill Healey

The latest sales have shown a trend of people looking to buy portable notebook computers. These are computers that are designed to be highly portable even at the expense of certain features. Some of these systems may completely remove or externalize components such as the CD or DVD drive. Some of these weigh less than 4 pounds, which is why they are so extremely easy to carry while traveling, something people who work on the road tend to love.

Here are some of the best selling and most popular portable notebooks being sold on the market today.

1. Sony VAIO VGN-TXN15P/B - Sony is well known for their full featured, ultra-portable notebooks for quite awhile now. The TX series is a lightweight powerhouse that packs quite the punch for such a small package. If you're out on the road for long periods of time, this is the one for you. The TXN15 is Sony's entry level portable laptop and even comes with a cellular modem for high speed wireless Internet access. The main and only complaint is the cost of one.
2. Dell XPS M1210 - What's there to say about the Dell XPS M1210 that hasn't been said before? It is easily one of the fastest CPU's compared to its competition in the portable laptop market giving it a lot of more performance capabilities. It also comes with a 1.3 megapixel web camera built-in and the option for a wireless modem from one of three different cellular phone carriers. Not to shabby for the cost, either.
3. Lenovo 3000 V100 - While it may get the publicity its cousin the ThinkPad gets, it still is a great priced notebook with some pretty good features that are nothing to turn your nose up at. It comes with a CD/DVD drive and some nice performance qualities. The one major complaint is the battery life isn't the greatest compared to its competition on this list.
4. Lenovo ThinkPad X60s - Taking a quick survey of business travelers about their favorite portable notebooks, you'll no doubt hear about Lenovo's ThinkPad X series being answered quite often. It is a favorite for good reason. It is highly reliable and has one of the best keyboards found on notebooks. Some describe it as a joy to work with. It does run a little more expensive than other models but you'll see the quality of the unit just after using it a few times.
5. Toshiba Portege R400 - Toshiba will be the first to admit that its Portege has a number of flaws to it, one of which is the price, but this convertible notebook does prove its merit since it was built with the new Windows Vista OS in mind. Its screen can be flipped around from a traditional notebook to be used as a tablet PC. The front edge also contains a small OLED display that keeps the status of your battery, email, schedule and the time.

About the Author

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source:www.goarticles.com

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Laptop Repairs (power Sockets)

by: laptopguru

Power Jacks/DC sockets

Ever moved the laptop and forgot you had it plugged in to the mains? Had it on your lap an the dogs tripped on the cable stretched across the room? Or the kids been tugging on it to get a go of the latest game?

Every time the power cable is pulled against the socket on the laptop it stresses the solder joins that connect the socket to the mainboard inside, if these break at any time, even a fine crack will case problems your laptop will stop charging and eventually switch off when the battery power runs down. Usually if your lucky and the break isn't too bad you can move the plug into a certain position and hey presto the power is back on (I'll come back to this later). Other times no amount of wiggling around of the plug will help and youj'll have to get it repaired. Worse still the centre pin of the socket breaks and the whole socket needs replacing. If any of the above happen to you, forget phoning the manufacturer to have it repaired under warranty, they won't cover it, they class it as misuse, and they'll probably quote you for a new motherboard, in a lot of cases costing nearly as much as the laptop itself. Still there's always accidental damage cover on your home insurance. You've got some haven't you? Worst comes to the worst just search for "power socket repairs" on your favourite search engine, there are plenty of independant laptop repair companies that will glady resolder a new socket for a lot less.

Going back to the slightly loose socket that when you wiggle the plug you can make it work scenario, let's take a moment to have a look at what's happening here. The fact that it works when the socket is in a specific position tells us that the break in the solder connection is now connected, and when in another position it's disconnected, so what happens when we move it around, well each time we make the connection by wiggling, we cause a spark to arc across the break, which in turn causes heat to build up and a certain amount of burning to occur. Eventually what will happen is that the arcing will cause a hole to be burnt in the systemboard where the solder join is and one day it just won't turn on anymore and the likelyhood is that it will then need the systemboard replacing. The moral here is get it looked at and put right sooner rather than later.

http://www.laptop-repair-service.co.uk

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Tips on buying cheap laptops

by Fletcher Mak

There are several brands of laptops that are available in the market that look equally alluring to an ordinary user. However, there are many distinctions in the different versions of laptops that are made available by different manufactures. There is no need to buy the latest model as that would most definitely come with a heavy price tag. And surely, its price would crash down within one or two years. So the suggestion is to buy a relatively stable and older model, depending upon your suitability. If you can't afford to shell money on a brand new and older version laptop, then you can as well go for second hand or refurbished laptop that would also come relatively cheaper price than the former.

There is also a tip for all of those who have just got interested in buying second hand laptops. You could buy this gadget from the gamers or power users as they install the latest and the most powerful technology in order to run their systems. Also, they are eager to dispose of their present laptop in lieu of the latest version in a laptop. So, you can search for all of your friends who are gamers and ask them if they are interested in selling their laptop.

Whenever you are searching for a cheap laptop, try to stick on to a reputed manufacturer as you would at least be assured about its credibility and life. Also, you might need to get it serviced and you can easily locate service centers of these manufactures, which can save a lot on your time. Remember, that the memory is an integral part of any computer and it is directly proportional to the speed of your laptop. So make sure that you get a laptop that has at least a memory worth 512MB in it.

Thus cheap laptops can easily be made available if you keep in mind some of these tips. And surely, you would be able to strike the best deal.

About the Author

Fletcher Mak is an author, write various articles on different themes to expand information. You can get information about cheap laptops and other price comparison.

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