Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Specs Needed For A Good Gaming Notebook

By Roberto
We have come a long way since notebooks came to the market for the first time. Back then a notebook was not only heavier in weight but also lacked features that are very common in the modern notebooks. For instance, few would have ever imagined to get connected to the Internet sitting at the balcony in wireless environs with the help of a built-in wireless card in their notebook.

Similarly, the notebooks in their earlier incarnations didn`t carry enough space to store a collection of your favorite movies. Thanks to the constant innovation in the notebook technology, we have been getting more facilities than we can ask for. As the demand of the business travelers for efficient notebooks are on the rise, notebooks manufacturers are investing time and resources to find answers for their targeted consumers.

Needless to say, modern notebooks have brought with them a wide array of user-friendly features. However, not every notebook has all the features you would expect for convenience. The ones that have rich and convenient features such as more storage facility, faster processing speed and lighter weight come with a price tag that beyond the reach of many. Moreover, they have been manufactured keeping in mind of the specific needs of the notebooks users. Hence, those who don`t need these rich features shouldn`t worry about their higher price range.

Given the tricky terrain of choosing a notebook, a few tips on how to take the right plunge will surely do a world of good to the notebook buyers. Here they go:

CPU: Let`s face it- the most important requirement for a convenient computing experience is the processing speed. Irrespective of their requirements, most buyers prefer to buy notebooks with Dual Core chips. However, they will cost your higher than most of the low-budget notebooks. If you want a combination of economy and mobility, you will find several low-budget notebooks with the Intel`s Celeron processors. Although they aren`t they super performer in terms of process speed, they, however, will be suitable for most of your basic computing needs.

RAM: Technically, if your notebook has a good RAM as per your specific requirements, you will always enjoy working on your laptop. When it comes to the RAM of a notebook, it largely depends on your particular computing needs. For instance, if you wish to run some basic applications, a RAM of 1 GB should be fine. Likewise, a 1.5 GB RAM will be essential for your notebook if you are thinking of photo editing and basic 3D gaming apart from running the basic applications. Consider a 2GB or higher RAM as a part of your notebook`s configuration if you are serious about high-end graphic work, video editing and high-performance 3D gaming.

Portability: Notebook manufactures have always roped in the portability factor to promote their new editions of notebooks. Most of the notebook ads boast of the slim factor of the featured notebook. While a slim and light notebook is definitely better for frequent fliers, these notebooks are usually lack some additional features such as internal optical drives, large and fast hard drives, and extra ports. Besides, while most notebook promos brag about their light-weight, practically, your notebook carry bag will include the weight of your power adapter among other accessories. So, the total weight of your laptop carry bag will go well beyond what you have seen on those promos.

Price and Warranty: Most low-priced notebooks are not ideal if you are working on them for long hours. Some of their components may not withstand the demanding work schedules and are likely to through problems within a shorter span of time. Also, you are less likely to get an extended warranty on these shoe-string budget notebooks. Preferably, you should go for a notebook that is that offers you at least a 3-year warranty. Although it will cost you a little higher than your projected budget, it always pays off in the long run. Remember, you don`t buy notebooks every year.

Mini Notebooks And Mini Laptops (a Description)

By Roberto
The market for notebook is growing exponentially these days. According to a recently survey, notebook market is growing at a rate of over 20% annually in the North American region.

Consumers are increasingly turning to notebook from their old desktop computers. As the manufactures are introducing exciting new features and accessories with their products to offer their consumers a whole new computing experience, many people are can`t help replacing their old desktop computers with swanky and portable notebooks. The other reason for the skyrocketing popularity of them is their decreasing in value.

A recently survey indicates that the notebook manufacturers are constantly slashing the prices of their notebook products to target new consumer segments and create a niche for their products. As a result of the slashing price of the notebooks, more and more people are gaining access to using these portable computing devices these days. Be it a student, a working professional or a businessman, everybody prefers notebook over a desktop computer for its portability factor.

The widespread use of notebooks is the main reason why many computer manufacturers have introduced a wide range of notebook add-ons and other accessories that not only enhance the users` computing experience but also make working with a notebook safer. Let`s take a look at some of the most exciting notebook accessories you can buy:

Surge Protector: Your notebook is an expensive device and it runs on power. More often than not, you use the power adaptor with the wall outlet to charge it. However, an unexpected power surge can damage your notebook`s motherboard. This is where a surge protector can help you. Just use it between the wall outlet and the power adaptor for an additional level of safety. It`s light, portable and can be carried around in your notebook bag.

Cooling Stand: Notebooks are notorious for their heat when you use them for long duration. Although notebooks or laptops (as they say it) are meant for using on lap, it`s not actually possible to do so unless you use a cooling stand between your notebook and you lap. A notebook cooling stand will keep your notebook cool with a built-in fan. Besides, some cooling stands can also enhance the cooling convection and help your laptop save power. If you are working for long duration on notebook, cooling stand is must-have for you.

The Stand: Notebooks needn`t always be used on the lap. At times, you may want to use it like a desktop PC. A stand has been designed to help your notebook prop up on a desk and use it with a full-size USB keyboard. When you are done with your work, you can disconnect you USB keyboard and go.

Bluetooth GPS: A Bluetooth GPS (Global Positioning System) is ideal for those who use GPS device to keep track of certain things. While a full-fledged GPS device may seem expensive to you, you can use this Bluetooth GPS with your notebook with the help of and internet wireless modem and Google Map installed on your notebook.

Laptop Speakers: If you want to watch any Hollywood action-packed flick on your notebook, but its sound quality is just not as impressive, just add a pair of small and portable speakers to your notebook and experience the enhanced sound quality on your notebook. They are portable and can be carried around wherever you go.

Notebook Bagpack: If you are techno junky and prefer to carry most of your devices including your notebook and its accessories, a bagpack is the just the one for you. Light in weight and stunning in design, a notebook bagpack lets you carry your digital world around with you.

Top 5 Thin And Light Notebooks

By Gary Hendricks, Sat Dec 10th

If you look at the computer notebook market, you'll realize thata lot has changed. Most new notebooks these days are dominatedby the Intel Pentium M processor. This CPU allows notebooks tobe designed thin and light due to its low power and highperformance.

If you're a wireless network fan, you'll also realize that mostnotebooks have wireless network support by default. Many laptopsalso have a much wider screen to allow enjoyment of multimediaand games.

Here's a personal scoop of the top 5 thin and light notebooksout in the market right now.

Toshiba Satellite M45-S3511

Powered by an Intel Pentium M 740 (1.73 GHz) processor and 512MB of RAM, the Toshiba Satellite M45-S3511 is well suited forboth home and office use. It also comes with a widescreendisplay, a speedy 8x DVD+/-RW burner and a huge 100 GB harddrive. A very nice notebook that is highly recommended.

Gateway M460XL

The Gateway M460XL is powered by an Intel Pentium M 750 (1.8GHz) processor and 512 MB of RAM. The battery is verylong-lasting and there's also a modular bay for adding an extrahard drive, a floppy drive, a CD-RW or DVD drive. You also get a8x DVD+/-RW burner and a 80 GB hard drive.

Sony VAIO T240P/L

The Sony VAIO T240P/L notebook comes with an Intel Pentium M 1.2GHz processor, 512 MB RAM

and an Intel 855GME graphics core. Itslong battery life will help keep you working for hours. There'sa big 60 GB hard drive, but only a CD-ROM / DVD-ROM combo driveand a small 10.6 inch screen. Despite these shortcomings,however, you get a top quality brand name notebook that looksslim and sexy to boot.

Asus V6V

The Asus V6V laptop features a fast Intel Pentium M 1.86 GHzprocessor, 512 MB of RAM and an ATI Mobility Radeon X600graphics processor. This makes it great for high performancegraphics and games, especially with the included 4x DVD+/-Rburner and a 60 GB hard drive.

HP Compaq nc4010

The HP Compaq nc4010 notebook comes with an Intel Pentium M 725(1.6 GHz) processor, 512 MB of RAM and an ATI RADEON IGP 350Mgraphics processor. The downsides of this laptop are the small12.1 inch viewable screen size, the lack of an optical drive asmall 40 GB hard disk. However, its price is hard to beat andone of the lowest in this list.

Conclusion

Whew! That's a whole lot of notebooks for you to look at. Try tokeep the above thin and light notebooks in mind when you're outshopping for one. Compare other models you find against these tohelp you make a better purchase decision. Good luck!

About the author:Gary Hendricks runs a hobby site on building computers. Visithis website at http://www.build-your-own-computers.com for tipsand tricks on assembling a PC, as well as buying good computercomponents.