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Posts from the ‘Buying Guides’ Category

1
Feb
laptop for work

Best laptop for work

Given the fact that among the general population laptops purchased much more popular than desktop computers, are increasingly the question arises what laptop to choose, because even among the same brand of mobile computing range is too diverse.

laptop for work

laptop for work

If you prefer to world leaders, then among the best manufacturers are usually called HP, Asus and Acer, which owns the lion's share of the market of portable devices, it is not surprising if someone wants to buy an Acer notebook based solely on ratings. Also in the top ten laptops were Dell, Lenovo and Sony VAIO.

By what criteria to choose

In fact, ratings are important, though, it's better to build a selection based on certain parameters. Most manufacturers are trying to cater to all categories of customers, producing business models, game series, multimedia laptops, and versatile device for all occasions.

As for the laptop to work, they meet three main criteria: performance, compactness and mobility, which implies a small size and weight, and high autonomy (ie the period of the battery). More about this how to buy a laptop.

Other important features that should have a business notebook are:

  • High-contrast display with 13.3 inch or so, which would not limit you to view when working with documents. If the work involves a demonstration or view videos of presentations or videos, you better buy some 17-inch laptop , but it will affect the weight and mobility, not for the better;
  • Full-size keyboard with soft keys, which would allow to work without tiring hands;
  • The presence of CD / DVD-drive;
  • A wide range of options for connecting various devices (ports USB, LAN, VGA-out, SD-slot, Bluetooth and others);
  • Wireless connections to work in any place where there is access (Wi-Fi, 3G);
  • At least 3-4 GB of RAM;
  • Hard Drive 320 GB or more;
  • Processor Intel Core i5 or similar, which supports the processing time of four or more tasks with dynamic power control, depending on the load. If you have a lot of time working with different applications, continually switching between them, it is best to choose Core i7.

To help you decide which one to choose a laptop, you should pay attention to a series of ThinkPad Edge, Dell Vostro series or Sony VAIO S.

 

29
Jan
high zoom digital camera

Digital camera buying guide. What we need to look at.

What should I start with?

Buying a digital camera is a good idea - you save your memories. At the same time this task can be a bit complicated. There are hundreds of cameras available at many different types of retail outlets (online and in traditional stores), with prices ranging from $75 to several thousand dollars. Some cameras are small enough to fit in a shirt pocket. Others are large and can weigh up to two pounds. Some are easy to use. Others look like you need an engineering degree to operate them. And almost all are advertised with abbreviations that can be cryptic and confusing for the novice. In this digital camera guide, we aim to help you overcome some of this confusion.

So what is a digital camera?

The first step is to understand what a digital camera is. With a film camera, an image is formed by collecting light from a particular scene or subject and focusing on film, which reacts chemically when struck by light and is said to "capture" the image. What makes a camera "digital" is that, instead of film, it has an image sensor that reacts to light by sending out electrical signals.

The camera takes the information from the image sensor and processes and stores it as a collection of pixels in a digital file, usually on a memory card inside the camera. Although the actual process is more complex than that, in essence it is how a digital photo image is made. It's essentially made up of thousands and thousands of tiny dots, or pixels.

high zoom digital camera

high zoom digital camera

  1. What are megapixels?

When you collect a million pixels, you have a megapixel. The number of megapixels tells you how many pixels the image file has. A camera that captures 8 million pixels, for example, is called an 8-megapixel camera. The number of megapixels a camera features can also help to determine the size photos you can print or the amount of cropping you can do. For example, a 6-megapixel camera may be enough for snapshots, but if you want to print poster-size images or crop heavily, 8 megapixels (or greater) is more suitable.

A 6-megapixel camera might be all you'll need because higher resolution doesn't necessarily produce better prints. Lenses and other factors affect quality too. But most cameras today have at least 10-megapixel sensors. The size of the sensor, and the size of each individual image sensor element, which corresponds to pixels, can affect photo quality. But remember, the number of megapixels alone doesn't determine the quality of a digital camera's images.

Types of digital cameras

Our Ratings are divided into two main categories: Basic cameras, are simple point-and-shoots with just the features needed for routine shots, and advanced cameras, which are feature-laden cameras that include sophisticated point-and-shoot and models that let you change lenses. Note that all point-and-shoots, whether basic or advanced, include cameras with lenses built into the camera (that is, non-removable).

Our basic camera category is divided into three subcategories: subcompacts, compacts and superzooms.

Subcompacts fit in a pocket, are lightweight but generally have few manual controls. A few include nontelescoping zoom lenses, and others have zooms as high as 14x. Compacts are a bit larger, and often have more manual controls than subcompacts. They can also be among the most inexpensive cameras available.

Beware the sales pitch

You can't always depend on sales staff to help you to choose the right camera. Readers indicate that the quality of in-store help is all over the map. Indeed, when our reporter shopped at mass merchandisers, as many consumers do, a member of the sales staff told him that there was no difference between digital and optical zoom (optical is far more useful). Another couldn't explain the differences among mechanical, optical, and simulated image stabilization (optical and mechanical are superior).

Also, despite the prevalence of 10-, 12-, and 14-megapixel cameras, 6 megapixels is all the resolution most people need. If you often crop or drastically enlarge your images, get at least 8 megapixels. Higher resolution doesn't necessarily produce better prints, so don't let a saleswoman push a camera solely based on its megapixel count.
Shop by brand

Before diving into specific models, consider some characteristics by brand, culled from our years of digital-camera tests. For example, Fujifilm offers image sensors with proprietary technology that produce high image quality at high ISO settings. Kodak emphasizes simplicity and ease of use. Canon, Nikon, and Olympus offer full lineups for every type of user. Casio specializes in ultra-slim models. Samsung offers cameras with high styling and multimedia features. Panasonic uses image stabilizers and Leica lenses throughout its line. Sony often uses Zeiss lenses, a brand well known in the camera world.
Try it out

The smallest, lightest models aren't necessarily inexpensive cameras. And the biggest and heaviest aren't necessarily found at the high end. If possible, try cameras at a store before you buy. That way, you'll know which one fits your hands best. In our tests, some of the smallest didn't leave much room even for small fingers.
Keep your other cameras in mind

If you own a film camera with interchangeable lenses, you can often use the lenses on digital SLRs of the same brand. But there are exceptions. For example, some new Nikon bodies only operate autofocus on its AF-S or AF-I lenses.
Forgo the extended warranty

Overall, digital cameras have been among the most reliable products in our subscriber surveys. About 4 percent of those bought from 2006 through 2010 have been repaired or had a serious problem. Yet in our latest survey, 60 percent of camera buyers were pitched an extended warranty in stores, and 16 percent of those bought one. We don't think it pays for most consumers.

28
Jan
computer monitor

Computer monitor: Sopping for a computer monitor tips

Always think about next things when you are about to buy a computer monitor:

- Look for a long warranty;

- Check the viewing angle;

- Consider easy adjustments;

- Check for ample connections;

- Take a shine, or not.

Buying a monitor is thinking these steps.

computer monitor

computer monitor

The most important attribute in a monitor, display quality isn't a major worry, thanks to a generally high standard of performance. All the monitors tested for our latest Ratings of recommended models had very good display quality, and one smaller model even achieved an excellent score. Even among the other models we tested, the worst performers received good scores, which is adequate for many people.

A note to video viewers: Don't expect TV images to look as good as they do on your flat-panel TV. Even the best monitors fell short of most LCD TVs, with blacks that weren't as deep, slight haziness, and some light leakage around the edges of the screens.

Check the viewing angle

 Few monitors measure up to the best LCD TVs for viewing from a wide angle. That won't matter for typical computer use. But if you often share your screen with a crowd, say for slide shows or games, you may want to pick a model that experiences less image degradation when viewed at an angle. When comparing specs, the bigger the number the better.

Consider easy adjustments

 Virtually all new displays tilt up or down, for a quick adjustment. For extra flexibility, look for monitors that allow you to adjust their height. Such models may also be able to rotate 90 degrees, from a landscape to portrait mode, which is especially useful for viewing a larger portion of Web pages or text documents.

Also look for conveniently placed controls that adjust contrast, brightness, and other settings that affect images. We prefer a dedicated front-positioned contrast/brightness control.

Check for ample connections

Many new monitors feature at least one USB port, which can provide convenient connectivity for peripherals if your computer doesn't have many USB ports or accessing the ones it has is difficult.

Virtually all new monitors have the DVI ports needed to take advantage of higher-end video cards, but not all include the DVI cable. More models have HDMI ports.

Take a shine, or not

Like laptop displays, LCD monitors are showing up with glossy instead of matte-finish screens. The glossy screen can make dark areas of the image appear deeper and less washed out in bright, ambient light. But they can also reflect light-colored objects in the room like a mirror.

Some antireflective surfaces help minimize this problem. View the screen in bright light before buying, if possible.

Look for a long warranty

Many monitors come with a three-year warranty on parts and labor, but others have only one-year coverage. It's worth looking for the longer coverage, especially if you're purchasing a more expensive model. Another consideration is the manufacturer's defective-pixel policy. Some consider a certain number of stuck, dead or hot pixels acceptable, while others will replace a monitor during the warranty period if it has even a single faulty pixel.

24
Jan
Motion Computing CL900 Rugged Tablet-PC

Tablet Computers

What is a tablet?

Tablet PC: computer embedded in a portable touch screen without keyboard that synchronizes to a larger computer and can connect to the Internet.

Motion Computing CL900 Rugged Tablet-PC

Motion Computing CL900 Rugged Tablet-PC

Why we choose a tablet PC instead of another type of computer?

The first point is that a tablet is always on and ready go. Not everything you do requires sitting at a desk or typing on a keyboard. In fact, considering how much personal entertainment is available for streaming from the Internet or played from storage in the tablet, a portable, lightweight and thin-screen device may be all you need. You can also use a tablet for email, browsing, playing games, viewing photo galleries, listening to music and reading digital books or magazines. In fact, considering how many apps have been developed for tablet use, there’s little you can’t do. Still, tablets are meant to coexist with—not replace—other computers.

What are basic considerations in choosing a tablet?

As with other computers, it’s a matter of how comfortable you are with the software and hardware. Tablet operating systems are dominated by Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android. If you’re familiar with iTunes on your Windows or Mac computer and own an iPod or iPhone, you’ll be synching an iPad in no time. Though Apple has a monopoly on iOS tablets, a variety of manufacturers offer Android-based tablets. The more advanced such tablets use the Android Honeycomb operating system, also known as Android 3.0, and above. Other manufacturers offer Windows-based tablets.

Apple’s iOS devices have the largest number of apps available, but Android apps are catching up. So, if you’re looking to use a particular app, make sure it’s compatible with the platform you’re running. Similarly, if you expect to attach a particular accessory, check to see if it’s offered for the tablet you have in mind. Another way to narrow your selection is to identify whether you’ll be using the tablet mainly as a media player or to be productive. If the emphasis is on consuming entertainment, you probably won’t miss a physical keyboard. Nevertheless, it’s an option for iPads and some Android devices. Windows tablets are more likely to be equipped with hideaway keyboards. The category is sometimes referred to as a Tablet PC.

How do I judge the screen?

Though bigger is better when it comes to a TV or computer screen, it’s a burden in terms of portability, usability and battery life. Tablets start at about seven inches, but most manufacturers have settled on 10 inches or so as the optimum for screen diagonal—somewhat less than a sheet of paper or magazine page, but considerably larger than the screen on a personal media player or phone. Compared to the monochrome, non-backlit and mostly hard-button controlled screens on dedicated e-book readers, tablets’ screens are in color, can be used in the dark and are multitouch controlled.

Screen resolutions are typically either 1024 x 768 for the iPad and iPad 2 or 1024 x 600 to 1280 x 800 for Android or Windows tablets. (For seven-inch tablets, resolutions range from about 800 x 400 to 800 x 600.)

How much storage capacity do I need and can it be expanded?

Unlike a netbook, notebook or even a pocket media player like the iPod Classic, tablets are not equipped with hard drives. They use solid state memory—one reason why a tablet can be more expensive and contain fewer gigabytes of storage than other types of devices.

Since an iPad contains neither a memory card slot nor USB port, you’re at the mercy of whatever internal memory capacity you selected when you bought it. So, choosing between the 16-, 32- or 64-Gigabyte version will directly impact how much content and how many apps you’ll be able to accommodate at once. Video, especially high-def video, consumes more space than music or photos, so if you plan to store lots of movies, you’ll want a higher-capacity model. The Android-based models are more likely to have ports to accept memory cards and USB storage devices, shifting the burden from internal memory alone.

How does the tablet communicate with the outside world?

Every tablet comes with a USB cable that enables you to copy content from your computer. The rest of the time, you can access the Internet through Wi-Fi or a cellular network. While Wi-Fi is freely accessible on your home network and in certain public locations, a cellular plan carries a monthly fee. If you’re choosing a tablet with the intent of subscribing to a data plan, make sure to choose a 3G or 4G model rather than one that is Wi-Fi only. Most tablets have Bluetooth built-in for connecting wirelessly to a variety of peripherals including keyboards, speakers and headphones.

Will I need a built-in camera?

It depends. Most tablets now come with front- and rear-pointing cameras for taking photos, capturing video and letting you chat by video via the Internet. Still image and video qualities vary by tablet manufacturer, so check the specs if you care. While you probably won’t replace a dedicated camera with a tablet, there may be occasions when a tablet is the only device you have on hand to take pictures and record video.

How much battery run time can I expect and how can I extend it?

While internal battery time varies by model, tablets with 10-inch screens typically run up to 10 hours before requiring a recharge. Car charging adapters are available, but one way to increase the tablet’s self-contained power is to get an external battery that plugs into the tablet’s dock connector. Such batteries are sometimes built into a slim case that wraps around the back of the tablet.

What are some other features to be aware of—just in case I might want them?

While almost every tablet will auto-adjust its display to portrait or landscape orientation depending on how you hold it, less frequently seen features include Adobe Flash media support, an HDMI output for sending the tablet’s picture and sound to your TV and a built-in kickstand so that you don’t necessarily need an accessory stand.

What are some crucial accessories?

You should get a protective case for transporting and storing your tablet. Choose a case that’s made for your model so that the tablet will fit properly and controls and ports will be accessible. Also, many cases double as stands for hands-free entertainment or photo frame type display. Another crucial accessory is a set of headphones. Unlike iPods, iPads and other tablets are not shipped with earphones. (At least the audio jack is in place.) While tablets all have speakers, there will be times when sharing the sound won’t be cool. At other times you may want to attach more robust speakers precisely for widening the sound field.

A real keyboard can be another desirable accessory. While typing on glass expedites a first visit to a URL, writing email or taking notes without the tactile feel of depressing keys could send you packing to your desktop prematurely. Keyboards typically connect to tablets via wireless Bluetooth technology, so you have the flexibility of typing at a comfortable position and distance from the screen.

Also, if you’re a photographer in the market for an iPad or iPad 2, you may want to get a camera-connection kit for the convenience of transferring images by cable or memory card reader when you’re away from your computer. If you’re getting a Windows-based tablet, you may also be able to add a USB-attachable DVD reader/writer or hard drive.

Should I consider a hybrid tablet/notebook or dual-boot tablet?

Several manufacturers have introduced Windows-based notebooks or netbooks with keyboards that can be swiveled out of the way and stored against the back of the screen. Since the display is a touch screen, the resulting device looks and acts like a tablet, and the computer often comes with a digitizing pen or stylus. For some people, it’s the best of both worlds—a fully-functional portable computer with the ability to run Word, Excel and other familiar Windows applications and the instant convertibility into a Windows tablet. While iPad and Android apps are not for Windows, there are media players, handwriting-recognition programs, drawing tools and customized applications available. Also, some people—especially mobile workers—like the flexibility of using a stylus pen to do data entry on a tablet-based spreadsheet rather than typing in numbers or guiding a mouse. For them, it’s the ultimate clipboard. A variation is the dual-boot tablet (not a hybrid) that lets you start up Windows or Android.

 


23
Jan

How to buy a laptop.

Personal computer is such an important part of life of the modern user, so it is simply impossible to imagine that an apartment or office, work and entertainment are without this communication device. And if a couple of years ago under the acronym PC was uniquely implied for stationary computer (or desktop), but this days buyers prefer lightweight, compact and functional notebooks.

pic1.Dell Studio 1535. Home laptops series with different designs.

 However, with the huge number of brands, models and configurations of these devices is not easy at all to select the optimal model, because besides the typical for any computer characteristics (type of processor, motherboard and video card, RAM and hard disk, required connectors, etc.) additional selection criteria, which we will explain how in this article, have important meaning.

 Format
 Unlike desktops, dimensions and weight of which does not have a significant importance, the format of the notebook is its defining characteristic. That's true, once gathered a desktop and put him under the table, you can just forget about his appearance, but on what format of the notebook you prefer depend such important characteristics as screen size, ergonomic keyboard and overall weight of the device.

pic2 Usual PC keyboard with additional number Pad is good for users wich are working a lot with numbers

 Today, laptops can be divided into three classes: small-format (screen size from 11" to 13"), medium-format (screen size from 14" to 16") and large-screen (17 "to 19").  Pocketbook (11,1, 12,1, 13,3) - are very tiny and lightweight devices, which are the best for mobile use - daily transportation to work, school and back home, for business trips and holiday travel. Please pay special attention to the capacity of the battery - the more often you plan to use a laptop away from power outlets, the autonomy level you need. However, a small-size screen, keyboard and compromise the relatively low "iron" (used to increase battery life) make it difficult to work with them in a stationary position.

pic3 Lenovo IdeaPad G550. Cheap and good design.

 Medium format (14,1", 15,6", 16,1") - middle-class devices, the smallest of which (14-inch) may be constantly carried with yourself, and the largest (16-inch) - used as a leptop for working. These have large enough screen to perform most common tasks and, depending on the model, the keyboard can be fitted with additional digital block. Often they are using powerful discrete graphics.

pic4 HP Pavilion dv7. Large screen laptop with a great design and mane multimedia features

 Large screen laptops(17,3", 18,4", 19,1") - the most massive and heavy equipment that are purchased for the organization of permanent jobs. Because of the solid mass and a low autonomy level you wouldn't move them often over long distances. But big screen, most comfortable keyboard (almost complete analog of familiar desktop) and, as a rule, the most powerful components ideally suited for use as a replacement for their desktop.
 Summarizing, we can say that notebooks with a screen diagonal of 15.6 inches so far are the most common, so if you still do not know what yu need a laptop for, it is most likely the best choice would be this model.

series laptops

 In order to make it easier for customers to select a leptop, practically every laptop manufacturer divides its model on types - home, office, image, games and so on.  In each of them usually present models of all sizes: small, medium and large.
So, after you have decided wich screen size you want, it is time begin choosing a suitable for your needs notebooks series.
Each of them has its own characteristics, which we will discuss:

pic5 Acer Aspire 5737Z. Powerful multimedia laptop, very good for home entertainment.

 Home laptops (multimedia) - have a bright design (high-gloss surface, the abundance of colors, patterns, etc.) and functionality aimed for home use (viewing photos and videos, listening to music, etc.).
 Typically, such models have implemented dedicated buttons, touch panels, and even wireless remote control to adjust volume, rewind the video, running entertainment applications, etc.  An expanded set of connectors for home use are used - Dual headphone output, digital HDMI-port for connection to LCD and plasma televisions, a multiformat card reader to transfer images from your camera, etc.

pic6 Alienware M17x. Powerful 17" gaming laptop

 Gaming Laptops ("gaming") - very expensive specialized devices with aggressive design and the most powerful processors and graphics cards that can easily play in the modern game.  Differ enhanced cooling system, an optimized keyboard (lights, provision of gaming WASD keys, etc.) and large "fast" screens, which do not have grease in dynamic scenes. Unfortunately very expensive, too massive and have short battery lifetime playing games in offline mode.

pic7 Fujitsu Amilo Pi3560. Nice design, good for home and office use laptop

 Office (work) - Notebooks with a calm, often inexpressive design (matte surface, black or gray, strict outlines of the hull) and the absence of additional multimedia elements (control volume and playback control), which may detract from the serious work.  The focus of these laptops manufacturer makes on an enhanced design, able to bear loads in active use, ergonomic keypad, which can be conveniently used throughout the working day, and a set of connectors that are sufficient for use in office environments.

pic8 Acer Ferrari 5000. premium class Laptop. Design was made by Ferrari professionals.

 Imaginary (premium class) - expensive and stylish devices.
 Differ with really elegant design with premium materials (metal, leather, glass, ...). Typically, these laptops are buying off by people who want to further emphasize their high status, as well as those users for which the design supports the defining characteristic of the notebook (artists, stylists, designers, etc.).

pic9 eMachines E725. Cheap and good laptop, and quite powerfull at the same time.

 In addition to the categories listed above, there are also universal laptops that are not clearly defined positioning, making them equally be used for both work and study, and for entertainment.

Таблица с розетки.

 Configuration

 Once you have decided what kind of laptop you need the last and easiest step - selection of a specific hardware configuration. You can use two ways - meticulous study of the characteristics of modern element base of laptop or purse method, which consists of choosing the most expensive configuration for which you have enough money.

pic10 Sony VAIO CS и CW. 14" laptops from Sony are expencive and refined.

 No one will argue that "productivity can be enough", and if you have enough money, then choosing an expensive configuration, you will get the most powerful processor and graphics card, hard drive, the most voluminous and most extensive set of communication interfaces.

pic11 HP ProBook 4510s. Reliable working laprop with a nice design

 However, those who want to save, and buy a laptop with sufficient performance, should pay attention to:
 - processor type - so far the best choice is the Intel Core 2 Duo, but if there is no enough money Intel Core Solo, Pentium or Celeron;
 - RAM and hard drive - not less than 2 GB and 250 GB;
 - video card type - integrated video from Intel will save your money, and discrete versions of ATI and NVIDIA will play simple games;
 - availability of wireless adapters - Wi-Fi module is installed in all laptops by default, but not the Bluetooth, some manufacturers can save;
 - set of connectors - Choose a model with the maximum number of ports USB, card readers, HDMI to connect to LCD televisions and so on;
 - type of operating system - budget laptops are often equipped with rather complicated for beginners Linux. So if you are not willing to spend time and effort to learn this operating system, it would be logical to choose a more familiar Windows operating system.

 We hope that this article will help you to choose your perfect laptop. You can see what are your financial capabilities, follow the chain of selection criteria "format-series-configuration" and you will become the owner of the device, which will give you pleasure in using it.

Happy shopping!

27
Dec
mtop-cat-laptops

How to buy a laptop. Prices, reviews and specs you have to know.

How to Buy a laptop

How to Buy a laptop

Are you looking for a new laptop? Want to buy a new laptop, or upgrade your four-year-old system that just can't make you happy anymore? Maybe you're buying one as a gift this holiday season? Going through the labyrinth of  laptop brands, product names, and specifications can be tough. From tiny netbooks to big and powerful desktop-replacement systems, the differences in pricing, features, and performance are staggering. Follow our comprehensive guide to make sure you get the ideal laptop.

 

Deciding what to buy is tough not just because of all the makes and models and the dizzying array of specifications and customization options, but also because every user need is different. Maybe your child needs a laptop for doing their high-school homework during the week and playing some games, chatting with friends, and watching videos on the weekend. Maybe you're buying for a college student whose aging notebook doesn't have the battery life to last through a day of classes.  Or maybe you're shopping for a gaming enthusiast who wants something really powerful but a little easier to carry to a buddy's LAN party than a desktop computer.

Buy a laptop.

Buy a laptop.

Even if you know what you want, with so many laptop models available it can be hard to decide.

 

It's probably best to start by determining which category of laptop you're most interested in. Laptops can be broadly divided into four main categories: netbooks, ultraportables, all-purpose laptops, and desktop replacements.

Once you have decided which category of laptop is right for your gift recipient (or yourself), it's time to consider the specs.

Netbooks

Although netbooks are great for their intended purpose, they aren't satisfactory for much else. They aren't powerful enough to do everything you need a PC for. Rather, they're meant to be companions to your main PC, very good during travels and business trips. Small and light enough to carry around all day, they're the perfect thing for taking notes in class or surfing the Web from a commuter train. A typical netbook weighs about 3 pounds or less, and has a screen size of 6 to 10 inches. Most cost about $300 to $400, but premium features can drive the price up further.

Buy Netbook

Buy Netbook

If you need to buy a new primary PC, look elsewhere. Netbooks' limited screen resolutions (10-inch netbooks typically top out at 1366 by 768), RAM, and processing power make editing photos or spreadsheets a pain. In addition, some Web pages, Flash games, and applications simply don't fit well on a small screen. Still, there's something to be said for a system with a battery life of 6-8 hours or more; in PCWorld Labs tests, that's how long most of the newest netbooks last.

Most netbooks are based on Intel's Atom line of processors. These chips can run the standard Windows operating system you're accustomed to and all your usual applications, but they're not fast compared with more-expensive Intel CPUs found in larger, more expensive laptops. Some netbooks use AMD's Fusion E-series CPUs, which are far more powerful but don't last as long. In either case, the speed of a netbook will pale in comparison to laptops that weigh and cost a little more. A netbook is fine for simple Web browsing or word processing, but it struggles to play games, edit large photos, or run multiple applications simultaneously.

One more drawback: Netbooks almost never have an optical drive, so you can't play DVDs or load software off a disc without buying and using an external, USB-attached DVD drive.

If you need something as light (or lighter) than a netbook, with similar battery life, but with considerably more processing power, check out the new emerging class of extremely thin ultrabooks. They'll cost a lot more than a netbook, but with larger screen sizes, more powerful processors, and solid state drives, they provide a much better computing experience.

Ultraportables

Slim and light, ultraportable laptops are a step up from netbooks. Sure, in choosing an ultraportable over a netbook you tack on maybe a pound of weight, but that added heft means a more powerful processor, more RAM, and often a larger screen. These systems are ideal for users who need a fuller PC experience but still want a machine that's easy to carry around. Screen sizes vary, from around 11 inches to 14 inches, but models with larger screens are usually considered "ultraportable" only if they're especially thin and light. You can expect an ultraportable to weigh from 2 to 4 pounds, typically; battery life extends from 5 to 8 hours. Prices generally land in the $600-to-$800 range, but some superthin models with larger screens can cost more than $1000 - sometimes much more.

Buy ultraportable laptop

Buy ultraportable laptop

Compared with netbooks, ultraportables have more processing power. In pricey models, you can even get performance that rivals much bigger, heavier laptops. Ultraportables typically use dual-core CPUs or low-voltage processors from Intel or AMD that aren't as powerful as what you usually find in bigger notebooks (or more expensive ultraportables) but are far more capable than Atom or Fusion netbook processors. Most ultraportables have 4GB of RAM or more, too. As a result, ultraportables perform a lot better than netbooks on everyday applications, and they're far more suited to running multiple applications at once.

Due to saving weight, lowering cost, and improving battery life, many ultraportable laptops stick with integrated graphics chips that lack the oomph to handle modern games or other strenuous 3D rendering. It's not too hard to find ultraportable PCs with dedicated GPUs from Nvidia or AMD; typically these laptops are powerful enough to run modest 3D games, and they do a good job accelerating video playback.

If you want to play DVDs or load software from a disc, make sure to look for an ultraportable with an optical drive. In slimming down, many ultraportables these days have omitted the optical drive, but you can find some models (typically the pricier ones) that incorporate them.

24
Oct

Buy DR-900 e-book from ASUS !

ASUS has announced that on November 29 in Taiwan, will begin selling e-book DR-900, premiere of which took place in the spring of this year at CeBIT 2010 . The cost of Asus e-book DR-900, equipped with a screen diagonal of SiPix 9-inch 1024 x 768 pixels, about $ 390.  Among the technical characteristics of the ASUS DR-900 - 4 GB of internal flash memory, adapters, Wi-Fi and 3G; on a single battery charge allows the device to commit up to 10,000 page turning.

It should be noted that the fate of open markets fell to another e-book ASUS - TZ-900: selling it began only recently - 21 October. Interest is the fact that the electronic book is distributed mainly among members of the largest Buddhist organization of Taiwan Tzu Chi and specially adapted for them. The first 5,000 copies of the news broke on reservation, and all ASUS plans to sell about 100,000 Buddhist e-books - 10 000 per month.  With the number of Tzu Chi - more than a million people, the company's plans to be fulfilled completely.

Asus DR-900

Asus DR-900

Contract manufacturer of both electronic books ASUS - and DR-900 and TZ-900 - made Qisda. Can we get Asus e-book DR-900 in USA - nobody knows.