Refurbished Laptops Make a Great Second Computer

by OCD

Most people already have a desktop computer. Wouldn't it be great to have another computer that someone can use and still be able to get online and do school work? Refurbished laptops are a great way to make everyone in your home happy!

The vast majority of people who own a single computer own a desktop system. That is great. With that you can do homework, business, get on the internet and a whole bunch of other applications. The problem is only one person can do that at a time. That presents a serious issue if several household members need to use it at one time. Now a cheap and inexpensive way to get rid of that problem is refurbished laptops.

Refurbished laptops are considerably less than a new notebook computer and the best part is it is easier than ever to hook up a home network. Imagine if you are online and somebody else has things to do too. You can either try and work out a schedule, or simply purchase a cheap laptop computer and save yourself the hassle. Through wireless technology you can have one internet connection (via cable or DSL broadband) and even share one printer. Isn't that awesome!

Now you and whomever else can do what they have to do and no one has to wait. Your time is precious and most of us do not have a lot of it to spare. Easily add another computer and you will not have to worry about space. A laptop computer unit will not clutter up your room. In fact they are no larger than an average three ring binder. Stores anywhere and you can take them anywhere you go because most of them weigh between four and eight pounds.

Right now we have learned that notebook computers save space, time, and easily connect to a network. Now let us get to the best part. The cost. Refurbished laptops are about half the cost of a new one. They are proven reliable, otherwise they are put in the trash. Great for the kids, spouse, or anyone that wants added convenience in his or her life.

Here is how a refurbished notebook computer is born: 1)Customer buys new laptop computer 2)Customer returns it for any number of reasons usually within 90 days 3)The unit cannot be sold as new and it is sent back to the manufacturer 4)They then repair and replace anything that is necessary after testing it 5)The laptop is tested again to make sure it works like new and it is resold

Not all retailers sell factory reconditioned laptops though. They decide to do it themselves. Better performance is proven when a highly skilled professional does the refurbishing. They are more up to date and have current software and hardware applications, so you are basically getting a notebook with only a few miles on it.

Everyone can benefit from an added computer in the house. You can take your time and do what you need without having to squeeze time in. Thanks to modern technology refurbished laptops are just as good as new, but with one good twist- they are cheaper. Refurbished notebook computers are here to stay because they are proven reliable and a great alternative to the high cost of new equipment.

About the Author

Online Crazy Deals offers factory refurbished laptops to assure the highest quality.

LET YOUR LAPTOP SKIN EXPRESS YOUR PERSONALITY

by Lim

Art is all about self-expression It is all about you expressing your thoughts, emotions, desires and secret fantasies.

Some people choose to express themselves through canvas; others choose to do so through photography; and yet still others through engraving their skin with multi-coloured motifs through the ancient art of tattooing.

Where it comes to you expressing your personality and creativity, there is no better way than with Garskin skins.

Best of all, this is painless, unlike tattooing.

You probably have seen it before. You have admired the artistic creation from afar, You may not even know its name.

What we are talking about is a laptop skin. It is now possible to improve your laptop's appearance with a slick looking laptop skin. Surely, your laptop deserves good treatment, being a trusted guardian and repository of all your working documents, your intimate email exchanges and your travel photos. It deserves a laptop skin makeover.

So what do you need to consider when you are choosing your laptop skin?

LET YOUR LAPTOP SKIN EXPRESS YOUR PERSONALITY Use a laptop skin to express your personality. Some people prefer simplicity, while others like elaborate designs with intricate details.

When you truly feel that a particular laptop skin design is able to express your interests or life aspirations, you will realize that you have found a suitable laptop skin design.

COMPLEMENT YOUR OUTFIT AND MOOD WITH LAPTOP SKINS We all want to look good, whether at work or at play. Having spent so much effort in dressing up, it makes sense to also skin your laptop so that it matches your outfit.

Laptop skins come in so many designs and colours, you are literally spoilt for choice when choosing one to match the occasion, your outfit or even your mood.

GOOD QUALITY A good quality laptop skin does not leave any sticky traces when you remove the skin. The skin should come off in one piece.

A good quality laptop skin is durable and can last for a few years. In poorer quality laptop skins, the surface layer of lamination starts to peel off after a few months.

Since you will be changing laptop skins frequently, reusability is an important consideration. With proper handling, you will be able to apply your high quality laptop skin many times.

A high quality laptop skin exhibits high standards of color management. In fact, you should see the same color intensities as the image you see when you are purchasing it online.

COLLECTOR'S ITEM Over time, you will be inevitably building up your collection of laptop skins. The same principles apply to any type of collections. The rarer, the more artistic, the more intricately detailed a laptop skin is, the greater value it will eventually fetch for you.

Garskin prides itself in fusing artistic designs into the latest leading-edge laptop skin technology. Garskins, as they call their laptop skins, exemplify the highest standards in aesthetic design and quality. Recognising the need for each individual to express himself or herself, Garskin designers dig deep within themselves to come up with the most innovative and rare designs which will resonate with the individual.

http://www.garskin.com/?part=165ad2d7

About the Author

http://www.garskin.com/?part=165ad2d7

Laptop Buyer's Guide (Battery)

by adger

An important factor to consider is how much battery life you'll need on your laptop. No matter how much battery you have, using your built in DVD drive a lot and having a 15" TFT screen will drain it faster. Battery technology--just like any technology--is improving all the time. Yesterday's laptops featured Ni-Cad (Nickel-Cadmium) batteries that hurt the environment, didn't offer much up-time (comparatively), and had the annoying habit of remembering how long you have used them and refusing to work any longer the next time. Then there were NiMH (Nickel-Metal-Hydride) batteries. They offered longer life, better efficiency, and no memory problems. The current generation of laptops uses Lithium Ion batteries. These batteries are a gain in efficiency over NiMH batteries. Future batteries may be Lithium Metal batteries. They offer an extremely low discharge rate (long shelf life when charged) and efficiency improvements over Lithium Ion batteries, but movement towards new battery technology has slowed recently.

Some laptops claim up to five hours worth of up-time on one battery--take this figure with a grain of salt. That's probably how long the battery would last if you put on the blank-screen screen saver and didn't touch it for five hours. Expect more in the range of two or three hours per battery under continual use. If you plan to be on flights, trains, or buses for ten hours at a time, buy some extra batteries and use this feature, make sure you have a power plug handy, or consider buying a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) instead. Most PDAs typically tout a 9 hour or longer battery life. At one point, Micron offered a battery plate that fit on the bottom of their laptops, adding size and a few pounds, but got you about 10 hours of battery life. If that's what you need, check around for interesting battery setups. Several manufacturers also offer laptops with expansion slots that will accept a variety of peripherals, including a second battery. The second battery can double your battery life, and make sure you get a battery charger to go with it so that you can charge both batteries at the same time (one in the laptop, one in the charger).

If you need it, get 3 or 4 extra batteries and keep them fully charged for those long flights. You may face additional scrutiny at the security check-points, though, and keep in mind that the batteries can cost up to and over US$200 apiece.

If you're having problems with a laptop crashing and shutting down randomly after using it for several months, chances are that the battery is what is causing the problem- even if it's plugged in. Laptops expect to be able to charge the battery, and if the battery is charging in a faulty manner, your laptop may decide to start shutting itself off. Hopefully, most newer designs take care of this type of problem, but we've seen it many times with older models.

Recommendations Make sure you get a Lithium Ion battery. NiMH or, even worse, Ni-Cad are old technologies that are best forgotten.

www.geek.com

About the Author

Visit http://www.advancedigitech.com, the affordable consumer electronics online store, a site which is owned by the author.

The Benefits of Aluminium Laptop Cases

By Morgan Hamilton

Do you have a laptop computer? If you do, then you should consider getting aluminum laptop cases. These products really come in handy if you often bring your laptop along with you on the road. You probably put a lot of information on your portable personal computer and put quite an investment in it. That is why it makes sense that you do your best to protect your laptop.

You may also be thinking that investing aluminum laptop cases seem a little over the top. Well, I can't blame you because these products cost more than a few hundred bucks. In fact, a few of these products are even more expensive than refurbished laptop computers. But then again, you may rethink your outlook on this investment when you consider everything that goes into your portable PC.

Many people are satisfied with using a simple soft case that offers adequate protection from casual daily use. The problem is that so much can happen when you take your computer on the road. It would be wise to invest in something that will protect your investment like aluminum laptop cases if you frequently travel with your laptop in tow.

You should consider the benefits of investing in aluminum laptop cases if you want to insure that your laptop computer is kept protected from the elements when you take it out on a daily basis. You may find yourself looking for one for your own use after you consider the benefits of acquiring these products.

The aluminum laptop cases will take more punishment than any soft carrier because they are made of sturdy material. Your precious laptop will be safe from serious damage because the case's metal holder is designed to absorb shock. Remember that a single incident that damages your laptop can cost you a lot of money. The aluminum laptop case has already paid for itself when it protects your computer from just one jolt.

These products will also give you peace of mind because you know that your laptop is adequately protected from harm when you are outdoors. If you take your computer everywhere, then there's a good chance that you are losing sleep over the idea of having a mishap when you're away from home.

The travel dilemma has found its solution in aluminum laptop cases. Their attractive designs are another benefit that these laptop cases can offer. The sleek cases come in silver tone and a smoky metal tone. It's great to know that these laptop cases offer both style and protection.

About the Author

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Aluminum Laptop Cases. Visit our site for more helpful information about Aluminum Laptop Cases and other similar topics.

A review of Toshiba's Qosmio laptop

By Brenda Moore

Toshiba's Qosmio laptop is the first laptop to expertly blend personal computing and audiovisual capabilities. It offers access to a TV, TV recording and DVD functionality without even having to boot the computer. This integration is a first in the world of PCs.

This particular Toshiba laptop includes three models in the Qosmio E10 series, featuring screen sizes from 15 inch to 17 inch. Toshiba designed the Qosmio based on the concept that customers not only like to enjoy their content at home but on the go also. With this in mind, they included a TV tuner that can be configured for use with NTSC, PAL or SECAM. The laptop also includes high-grade image reproduction and exceptional sound quality.

For the Qosmio, Toshiba developed a technology that combines a total of 11 image processing technologies for a wide range of image sources, including TV and DVD. It also includes a video enhancer for producing top-notch images in the Windows environment.

Image quality is further enhanced by the display on this Toshiba laptop. The "High-luminance Clear SuperView LCD" achieves a degree of brightness that is comparable to an LCD TV. This is accomplished by the integration of the two backlights and dual filter coatings that reduce the diffusion of internal light and the reflection of ambient light. The result is a super clear, high contrast image.

But what is the use of great image without great sound to accompany the picture? Toshiba solves this dilemma expertly. The Qosmio laptop includes two 2W 30mm diameter Harman Kardon speakers, the largest speakers ever integrated into a laptop computer. The result is sound like you have never heard, without the aid of a woofer.

This Toshiba laptop strived for ease of use and versatility. Therefore, its "QosmioPlayer" and "QosmioUI" control software allows quick access to TV, CDs or DVDs, without even having to boot Windows. To top it all off, the Qosmio supports recording to an integrated HDD.

If you are looking for a quality computing environment with extensive multimedia performance, the Toshiba Qosmio laptop will be hard to beat. It features the best of both worlds by seamlessly integrating computing and audiovisual technologies.

About the Author

Brenda has is a frequent user of the free laptop website.

The Brief History of Apple Laptops

By Brenda Moore

The release of the Apple laptop was the product that helped put Apple back on top in the computing world. For years, Apple had been appreciated by graphic designers, artists, and other visually minded people who appreciated the plethora of graphics programs on Apple's computers. And for this reason, Apple became entrenched in a niche market and struggled gain footing as a serious competitor in the computing world.

But with the launch of the Apple laptop, Apple was able to finally break free from this restrictive mold. Apple was able to separate itself from the crowd with a visually appealing product that catered to the customer's needs and wants - a powerful computing machine that was easy to use.

Apple laptops, such as the iBook and PowerBook models, were visually unique also. They stood apart from other laptop designs with their trademark sleek white or shimmering silver color and a curvy design that lacked edges. These laptops appealed to both the upper echelon as well as the common dweller.

The Apple laptop also incorporated accessibility into its design. This Apple product was different in that it could be used with PC and Windows products, which is one of the attributes that helped propel Apple beyond its constrictive refines. Apple users were no longer restricted. Another plus is that the Apple laptop tended to outperform comparable laptop PCs.

The novel design of Apple laptop even included a built in trackball which served to set it even further apart from its competition. No other laptop manufacturers included such a feature that was integrated as well. With the Apple laptop, the trackball was placed in front of the keyboard making it easier to use and much more comfortable will.

Apple even managed to package its laptop into a smaller space than other PC manufacturers. The Apple laptop was less than 2.5 inches thick and only covered an area slightly larger than a letter-size sheet of paper. And in addition to that, it weighed in at only 6.8 pounds, while its PC counterparts averaged well over 8 pounds and lacked many of the features found in even the cheapest desktop system, such as hard drives and mice.

By incorporating features that other laptop PCs did not include, the Apple laptop managed to gain footing in the IT world and propel itself to the top of the ranks. And by remaining on the cutting edge of technology, Apple shows no signs of slipping yet.

About the Author

Brenda has is a frequent user of the free laptop website.

How To Select The Best Student Laptops

By Tim Childree

Laptops are the perfect educational tool for students. They can handle an innumerable amount of tasks and serve many different functions that allow students to consolidate all of their class assignments and home studies into one convenient location, which simplifies workflow and increases productivity.

The two most important things to look for in a student laptop are portability and battery life. This laptop will likely be carried in a backpack or shoulder bag from class to class, so you will definitely want a system that is light and easy to transport. There is also no guarantee that you will have access to an auxiliary power supply in your classroom or on campus, so you will most likely want a battery that lasts up to several hours per charge.

Desktop real estate can be limited in your class, so you want to make sure your laptop is compact and economical in size, preferably around 14" X 10" in general dimensions.

As far as individual specifications, you can get by with most base configurations. A 1.66GHz processor, 512MB of RAM, a 40GB hard drive, and a standard DVD/CDRW drive should suffice, but you may wish to upgrade certain components depending on whether or not you want to use your notebook for any extra curricular activities, such as gaming or multimedia production.

Unless you intend to do higher-level networking, or unless your school requires domain-based authentication to access the school network (check with your IT department), Windows XP Home Edition should more than meet your needs for an Operating System.

Lastly, you will need some office suite software to process and edit your reports and class assignments. Microsoft Office Basic will be able to handle most of your needs, however, if you plan on doing any slide-show presentations or website creation, you will want to go with Office Pro.

These are the main things you need to know and consider before purchasing a student laptop. This is just a general outline. Feel free to make additional customizations if you have specific requirements for school.

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

Copyright © 2007 MALIBAL, lLc

About the Author

MALIBAL is the Home of the World's Fastest Laptops! Please, check out these recommendations for the best notebook computers for students.

Dell Inspiron E1505 (Core 2 Duo)

Product specifications

Type: General Purpose, Media, Value

Operating System: MS Windows XP Media Center

Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo T5500

Processor Speed: 1.66 GHz

RAM: 1024 MB

Weight: 6.8 lb

Screen Size: 15.4 inches

Screen Size Type: widescreen

Graphics Card: ATI Mobility Radeon X1300

Storage Capacity: 120 GB

Networking Options: 802.11a/g

Primary Optical Drive: DVD+R DL

PCMag has a reviev of the Dell Inspiron E1505 (Core 2 Duo) and comments:

"Dell laptops are often the go-to machines for those aiming at affordability. Of course, that doesn't imply that buying one means that you're cheap or cash-strapped. If anything, it's a sign that you're a savvy shopper who's sensible with money. If you're a fan of the Dell Inspiron 6000 or the Dell Inspiron E1505 (Core Duo), you'll love the Dell Inspiron E1505 (Core 2 Duo). Considering what you get, it's a great purchase: The E1505 (Core 2 Duo) is the only $999 (E-Value code: DNCMEA1) laptop on the market that comes with discrete graphics, a Core 2 Duo processor, and 1GB of RAM. Indeed, there's no other system like it, and for that reason, it earns the Editors' Choice title (for the third time) in the budget space."

Sony VAIO® VGN-SZ340

An achievement in intelligent mobile design, the ultra-smart, ultra-lightweight VGN-SZ340 CTO Series is easy to use, anywhere. Get great, versatile performance whether at work or at play.

• Select up to Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T7600 (2.33 GHz)
• Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition with Service Pack 2

Product Description
Get more from every moment with the ultra-portable and impressive VGN-SZ340 CTO Series notebook. With a superb 13.3" widescreen display, long battery life, optional Intel® Centrino® Duo mobile technology, a 5400rpm SATA hard drive and advanced DDR2 memory, you can work faster and play longer. Control efficiency and output with innovative Hybrid Graphics System, while integrated security features keep your information secure. An optional DVD+R Double Layer/DVD±RW drive makes data storage easy, and an optional camera and microphone make communication convenient and fun.

Features List
The ultra-thin, lightweight VAIO® SZ340 CTO series notebook optimizes mobility while offering superior performance on every front. Boasting hardware solutions that will power you through your most demanding tasks, including a super-fast 5400rpm Serial ATA hard drive advanced DDR2 memory for ultra high-speed computing and optional Intel® Centrino® Duo mobile technology.

Premium Portability
The VGN-SZ340 CTO Series delivers intelligent mobile design while placing a priority on usability and performance. Measuring a mere 1" thin, this super-slim, ultra-lightweight notebook PC features a superb 13.3" widescreen displaywith XBRITE™ LCD technology, long battery life and a generous, comfortable keyboard.

Connectivity
You'll never have to worry about connectivity with the versatile VAIO® SZ340. Integrated Bluetooth® technology and ExpressCard™ make it possible to connect to a broad range of networks and peripherals while your on-the-go. In addition to PC card support, it supports ExpressCard™, an emerging standard in smaller, faster PC card solutions with the throughput to port data at incredible speeds, making it ideal for transfers of video and large files. This notebook PC also includes integrated 802.11 a/b/g/ wireless LAN allowing you to enjoy wireless freedom both inside and outside of your home or office.

Mobile Multimedia Entertainment
Watch movies and play games for hours with streaming graphics and high definition video. Experience outstanding performance for interacting with games due to the VAIO® SZ notebook’s powerful Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor. Balance your notebook’s graphics cards for optimal power consumption with the revolutionary Hybrid Graphics System and enjoy watching and managing high-quality graphics and digital media on a powerful, high-performance PC. You can even conduct videoconferences with the optional camera and microphone.

DVD Creation
Create, edit and burn your own DVDs and present your digital video content in a professional-looking package with high-quality tools like Click to DVD® software and the optional DVD+R Double Layer/DVD±RW drive.

VAIO® Creation Suite Software
Customized VAIO® SZ Notebooks allow for a new level of software customization. Since each software package is individually customized, it’s simple and easy to find the correct music, digital imaging and video editing software for your needs.

Lenovo ThinkPad X60 Tablet

CNet has a review of the Lenovo ThinkPad X60 Tablet and writes:

"This update to the company's ultraportable X41 Tablet includes a few key upgrades on the usability front, including a touch-screen display, an improved stylus, and the new Active Rotate feature (more on that below). When it's not folded into a tablet, the ThinkPad X60 Tablet also makes a good ultraportable laptop, with a Core Duo processor and decent-size 80GB hard drive. You'll have to pay to have the best tablet on the block, though: the X60 Tablet's price starts at $1,699, but our review unit included a number of upgrades that brought its price to $2,299--and that still didn't include even an external optical drive. If you're looking for a laptop with an optical drive that you can occasionally use as a tablet, look to larger systems such as the Gateway M285-E. But for those who can afford it, the flexible, highly portable ThinkPad X60 Tablet combines the best features of a tablet and a laptop.

Measuring 10.8 inches wide, 9.6 inches deep, and 1.1 inches thick, the ThinkPad X60 tablet is nicely sized for using as a laptop or for taking handwritten notes. Its 4-pound weight is a bit bulkier than its predecessor's but is lighter than the HP Compaq tc4400; in our use, the ThinkPad felt light enough to carry around every day and even hold in one arm while taking notes in tablet mode. Its candy bar-size AC adapter adds 0.7 pound to the tablet's total weight."

" Arguably the most innovation on this new ThinkPad tablet can be found on its 12-inch XGA display. The touch screen (available as a $200 upgrade) lets you use your finger or the included stylus to navigate menus; we appreciated the additional mode of input, especially when we were surfing the Web in tablet mode. The touch screen's indoor/outdoor viewing capability meant we were able to use the tablet in direct morning sunlight that washed out the displays on other laptops. Neither of these features are unique to ThinkPads, but the new Active Rotate feature, standard on all ThinkPad X60 Tablets, is a true innovation. Most convertible tablets include a rotate screen button so that users can manually adjust the screen from landscape to portrait mode; the Active Rotate feature on the X60 Tablet uses the computer's internal accelerometer to detect the tablet's angle and adjust the screen position accordingly. This feature is convenient for showing notes to a colleague or toggling back and forth from note-taking in portrait mode to reading in landscape mode. Though unusual angles or uneven surfaces can throw off the system, during our tests it almost always aligned correctly; a user can disable this feature. Lenovo includes a manual screen-rotation button on the display bezel, along with standard tablet navigation features, such as a button that calls up a convenient tablet shortcut menu, power and Esc buttons, a circular four-direction navigation button, and a fingerprint reader."

Various practical bags for laptops

On this page, I will list a few bags for your laptops that I thinks quite good and practical as found at Amazon.com, with some of the descriptions of the product.

Enjoy and happy shopping!!


Timberland Timber Cheshire - Deluxe Dual Compartment Laptop Pack

Product Description
Contoured Shoulder straps and back panel with substantial pading dispurse packs weight for maximum comfort, Padded knit back panel for comfort, two large compartments provide ample storage, front zippered pocket to stach small items, organization panel with key fob stores keys, cards, pens, etc., two mesh external water bottle pockets, letter sized fan file to protect and organize papers, padded computer sleeve with pockets stores up to a 15 in. laptop, suede wrapped haul handle feels good in hand.



Samsonite University Computer Backpack

Product Features

• Music pocket with headphone gate
• Max Comfort padding with Cool_Flow
• Shoulder straps with gripz
• Large main compartment
• Padded zippered computer sleevepocket

Product Description

Samsonite combines a heritage of comfort, durability and quality with the needs of today's style conscious wearer. The University provides organization for all your personal items.

Targus TXL617 17 XL Notebook Backpack

Product Description

• Separate, Padded Notebook Compartment Compatible with Most Notebooks with 17¿ Screens
• Main Compartment for File Storage Includes Soft Organizational Shelf
• Extra File and Accessory Storage Throughout The Backpack
• Side Water Bottle Pocket and Side Pocket Lined with Protective Material for Safe Sunglass Storage
• Audio Player Sleeve with Line-Out Porthole for Headphones
• Product Dimensions: 15.5 x 8 x 20.5 inches ; 3.4 pounds

Targus TLE400 17 Deluxe Leather Notebook Case

Product Description

• Notebook Compartment with Protective Nyflex Lining Compatible with Notebooks with Up to 17¿ Screens
• Front Zip-Down Workstation Houses Business Card Holder, Key Clip, Pen Loops, Accessory Pockets and File Section
• Removable, Mesh Accessory Pouch
• External Mobile Phone Pocket
• Luggage Strap for Easy Attachment to Rolling Travel Cases
• Product Dimensions: 17.5 x 6.5 x 13.5 inches ; 6 pounds

Business/Computer Cases Samsonite® Aluminum 4" Attaché

Product Description

Striking good looks in an attaché that holds your laptop and is comfortable to carry
•Durable aluminum exterior
•File pocket organizer features business card pocket, pen/pencil holders, and 2 open pockets
•Padded foam interior has adjustable padded bar and restraint straps to protect a laptop computer
•Removable, adjustable and padded shoulder strap
•Combination locks for added security

Product Features

• Laptop computer compartment
• Organizer pocket
• Combination locks
• Removable padded shoulder strap
• Laptop Compartment Dimensions: 17" x 12.25" xx 2.25"
• Case weight: 6 lbs.

New Release : HP Pavilion tx1000

QUICK SPECS:
CPU	1.8-GHz AMD Turion 64 X2 TL56
Operating System	Windows Vista Home Premium
RAM/Expandable to	2GB/4GB
Hard Drive/Speed	160GB/5,400 rpm
Optical Drive	8X DVD+/-R DL
Display/Resolution	12.1 inches/1280 x 800
Graphics/Video Memory	Nvidia GeForce Go 6150/128MB shared
Wireless Networking	802.11b/g
Ports	Three USB 2.0, S-Video, VGA, S/PDIF, Ethernet, two IR, modem, mic, two headphone, docking connector
Card Slots	One ExpressCard, 5-in-1 memory card reader
Weight	5.0 pounds
Size	12.1 x 8.8 x 1.2/1.5 inches
Warranty/Support	One-year limited hardware/one-year free hardware tech support/30-day free software support

Laptopmag has a review of the HP Pavilion tx1000 and writes:

"The tx1000's basic ergonomics are quite good. The keyboard layout is spacious for the design, and you get full-sized Enter and Backspace keys, although the right Shift key is half-sized. The touchpad, on the other hand, is an acquired taste; it's a unique design that uses a small field of depressed dots to read your finger passes. Some may find that it provides too much resistance, but increasing the mouse speed in the control panel helps. We very much like that the scroll control part of the touchpad is offset from the main rectangle, so there is no mistaking which touch zone you are using.

Displaying 1280 x 800 pixels, the 12.1-inch widescreen display provided good off-angle viewing, except from the top-down perspective, where it washed out. That resolution may prove too tight for some eyes on standard text-based work, but we were pleasantly surprised at how sharply this display scaled below the native resolution."

"The underlying hardware here is quite good: a 1.8-GHz AMD Turion 64 X2 mobile processor works with a generous 2GB of memory and a roomy 160GB hard drive. We had no problem launching multiple programs such as the new Office 2007 suite, Internet Explorer 7, and DVD playback in an instant. The Nvidia GeForce Go 6150 graphics handled Vista's glassy Aero interface and its 3D desktop objects well, even though this GPU uses shared memory. All of this power does require some cooling, and we did find that the tx1000 put out more fan noise than most Intel-based dual-core notebooks we have reviewed recently. Our preproduction unit even had a bit of a rattle when the fan intermittently kicked in. Nevertheless, the tx1000 doesn't broil your lap."

How To Select The Best Gaming Laptops

by Tim Childree

Most veteran PC gamers know exactly what they want in a gaming laptop, and those who have the time and money have probably already built their dream computer themselves, but if you are a little newer to the field, a little more fond of the smaller notebook footprint, or a little less comfortable with a do-it-yourself computer, you need to be armed with these basic facts before purchasing your gaming laptop.

The three most important components for any high-end laptop are the processor, RAM and graphics card. Since you are building a gaming rig, you will want to focus on your graphics card first and foremost. Make sure you load up the video memory with at least 256MB and remember to select a notebook that has a dedicated graphics card. Integrated graphics simply cannot handle any modern, 3D gaming.

The next most important component is your processor. Dual-core CPUs are the hottest thing out right now. Ideally, you want to stay within the top two or three fastest dual-core CPUs, in terms of processor speed, that are currently available at the time of your purchase. This will ensure that your notebook is fully optimized for all of today's latest 3D games.

The third most important factor in the speed of your laptop is RAM. You will need at least 1GB to safely play most 3D games without any memory bottlenecking, although most hardcore gamers opt for 2GB or more just for the added punch and/or bragging rights.

The fourth and final tip would be to go with 7200rpm hard drives, as these will definitely speed up load times by adding some extra horsepower to your gaming machine.

With recent advancements in mobile technologies, laptops are now becoming more and more popular in the gaming community, as the prospect of a portable gaming rig that can produce desktop-like performance on the go is something that appeals to all gamers. Just remember to follow these four simple guidelines to ensure that your laptop will be able to meet or exceed all of the hardware requirements for your gaming sessions.

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

Copyright © 2007 MALIBAL, lLc

About the Author

MALIBAL is the Home of the World's Fastest Laptops! Please, check out these recommendations for the best notebook computers for gaming.

Apple MacBook Pro (Core 2 Duo 2.33GHz, 17-inch)

CNet has a review of the Apple MacBook Pro (Core 2 Duo 2.33GHz, 17-inch) and writes:

"The 13.3-inch Apple MacBook and 15.4-inch MacBook Pro, both featuring Intel Core 2 Duo processors, impressed us by mixing Apple's lauded industrial design and user-friendly operating system with the kind of high-end hardware usually seen only on the PC side--not to mention the ability to run Windows XP through Boot Camp. The high-end 17-inch MacBook Pro adds some hard drive space and screen real estate over the 15-inch MacBook Pro, boosting the base price by $300. The $2,799 system (our $3,374 review unit was tricked out with extra RAM) is very light for a 17-inch laptop, and it's a good choice for anyone needing an easily transportable big-screen laptop, although most users will be just as happy with the excellent 15-inch version.

The aluminum MacBook Pro is a clear departure from the black or white plastic look of the iPod, the iMac, or the (non-Pro) MacBook. Weighing just 6.8 pounds (7.5 with the AC adapter), it's easily the lightest desktop replacement laptop we've seen. Other 17-inch systems, such as the Dell XPS M1710 and the Fujitsu LifeBook N6420 weigh between 3 and 4 pounds more. The MacBook Pro is also very thin, measuring 15.4 inches wide by 10.4 inches deep by only 1 inch thick. While it's still too bulky to commute with every day, it can certainly make for high-impact presentations and can act as a decent portable home theater.

Opening the lid, you'll find the typical minimalist Apple design, including only a keyboard, a power button, stereo speakers, and a sizable touch pad with a single mouse button. The built-in iSight camera sits above the display. The keyboard is the same size as the one on the 15-inch MacBook Pro, and it's somewhat jarring to see it floating in the middle of this giant keyboard tray. Other desktop replacement systems make up for this by using larger keyboards and adding separate number pads. We continue to be big fans of the two-finger touch pad scroll (run two fingers down the touch pad and it scrolls like a mouse wheel).

The 17-inch MacBook Pro includes three USB 2.0 ports, both FireWire 400 and FireWire 800 ports (previous models had only FireWire 400), and a slot-loading SuperDrive DVD burner running at 8x, compared to the 6x drive in the 15-inch MacBook Pro. You still won't find a media card reader, however, which has become an almost ubiquitous feature on Windows laptops, but you will find an ExpressCard slot, handy for adding mobile broadband capabilities later on. Built-in networking hardware includes an AirPort Extreme 802.11a/b/g wireless card and Bluetooth.

The 17-inch display looks positively massive against the thin, silver screen bezel. The native resolution is 1,680x1,050, standard for a screen this size. We've seen only a handful of laptops with higher resolutions, such as the 1,920x1,200 Dell XPS M1710. Those involved with very high-resolution photo editing might like a higher resolution, but the default is perfect for common tasks such as Web surfing and displaying media. Output to an external monitor is available via a DVI port on the side, and a DVI-to-VGA cable is included.

For Apple devotees, it's the little things that make the difference, and the MacBook Pro has a handful of extras that help it stand out amid a fairly generic field of competitors. The MacBook's AC adapter connects magnetically to the laptop, so if you accidentally trip over the cord, it will simply detach instead of sending the entire system crashing to the floor. And additionally, you get Apple's Front Row remote. This tiny remote is the same as the one that comes with the iMac, and it controls Apple's Front Row software for playing back movies, music, and photos from a 10-foot interface.

Also included is Apple's excellent suite of proprietary software, iLife '06, which includes intuitive tools for building Web sites, creating DVDs, composing music, and working with photos.

There are only a few configurable options on the MacBook Pro. The 2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU is set in stone, but the RAM and the hard drive are both upgradable. Going from 2GB of RAM to 3GB (which our review unit had) adds $575 to the cost, because it requires one expensive 2GB RAM module plus a regular 1GB module. The standard 2GB configuration uses two 1GB modules.

While the Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro significantly outperforms the older Core Duo version, the performance of the 15- and 17-inch Core 2 Duo models was essentially identical--which is to be expected, as they share identical processors, RAM, and hard drives (although the default configurations call for a smaller hard drive in the 15-inch model). We did see a significant boost over the non-Pro version of the MacBook, which includes a slower 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo CPU, in both the Photoshop CS2 and the iTunes encoding tests. As with any current Core 2 Duo laptop, the MacBook Pro is more than powerful enough for running productivity and multimedia applications and tackling basic photo and video editing, as well.

The ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 GPU, the same one found in the previous generation of Core Duo MacBook Pros, isn't going to make this a blazingly fast gaming laptop, but in Quake 4 running at a resolution of 1,280x1,024, we got a very playable frame rate of 32.8fps. Gaming is not the first thing that springs to mind when one thinks of Macs, but thanks to Boot Camp, the utility that allows users to run a partitioned installation of Windows XP on their Intel Macs, you'll be able to play many popular PC games on this hardware.

In our DVD battery-drain test, we got 3 hours, 2 minutes of battery life from the MacBook Pro. Three hours for a laptop with a 17-inch screen is excellent, especially since the battery is not an extended model that sticks out from the back of the system. The battery is larger, however, than the 15-inch MacBook Pro's, which explains why both systems had nearly identical battery life even though the 17-inch model has a larger display to power."

What Should I Know About Laptop Hard Drives

Need more storage space in your notebook or maybe need an upgrade? If you’re shopping for laptop hard drives, here are a few tidbits that will hopefully find useful.

- There are a few manufacturers of laptop hard drives so make sure that you get one made by Seagate, Maxtor (now part of Seagate), Western Digital, Samsung, Fujitsu and Toshiba.

- There are different laptop hard drive speeds. The faster it is the more performing a notebook will be although it’s on a very small scale. The caveat of speed is quick battery consumption of course.

- Today, many people would rather install their new laptop hard drives to save unnecessary service fees because the process is usually well explained in the manual. However, I would strongly suggest to the average computer user to shell out the bucks for extra peace of mind.

- No matter how much storage space you long for, you will always need more. I don’t know if there’s a law named after this strange phenomenon but most people I know who buy a new drive, fill it pretty quickly. All this to say that you should just go for the biggest drive that you can afford.

- Today’s laptop hard drives can have as much storage space as convention external drives. As I write this, I just read somewhere that one of the mentioned manufacturer has just unveiled a 750GB notebook drive!

- Once your upgrade is made, don’t just throw your old drive away. It may fall in the wrong hands and you could just use it as back up in case something goes wrong. Since something always goes haywire, it might be a good idea to have your old drive stored somewhere.

- You should check out some really cool external laptop hard drives. They are slick accessories to carry with you as opposed to usually brick sided conventional external drives.

- Before purchasing a laptop hard drive, do make sure that it’s compatible with your notebook. Drives are not the cheapest computer part so make sure that you don’t get any nasty surprises.

I hope that these points on laptop hard drives come in handy during your shopping journey. Good luck.

These great tips is sourced from www.laptopadvisor.com

Dell Latitude ATG D620

CNet has a review of the Dell Latitude ATG D620 and writes:

"The screen bezel, the keyboard tray, and the keyboard are black with silver accents, lending the machine an industrial look. The touch pad has two sets of mouse buttons--one above and one below the touch pad--along with a more traditional ThinkPad-style pointing stick in the keyboard, so you should be able to find an input style you're comfortable with. The keyboard tray itself is sealed, offering resistance to dust and minor spills. We tested the system with a few small water dribbles, and it easily survived our hazing. While it doesn't meet military specs for truly rugged laptops (MIL SPEC 810F), it does meet the requirements in certain categories, including vibration and humidity."

"To keep your data safe, the ATG D620 ditches the more common 2.5-inch hard drive for a smaller 1.8-inch version, which is then stuffed into a custom, shock-mounted 2.5-inch hard drive bay. You lose some speed and capacity, but hard drives and their spinning platters are notoriously fragile. If you're in a situation that calls for a rugged laptop, you'll want the extra data protection--even at the expense of a few rpms. The rear ports--two USB 2.0, Ethernet, modem, VGA, and serial--are protected with a plastic cover, but the side ports (headphone, mic, PC card, and two more USB 2.0 jacks) are left exposed. We would have preferred to see all the connections covered (as on the Itronix Hummer)--a little sand in a USB port can ruin your whole day."

New Release : Dell Inspiron E1505

CNet has a review of the Dell Inspiron E1505 and writes:

"With the release of Windows Vista in late January, PC manufacturers have been quick to update their laptop models--those that can handle the upgrade, that is--with various flavors of the new operating system. For the midsize Inspiron E1505, Dell now offers a choice of Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Home Basic. We got our hands on an updated E1505 with the Premium version and an Intel Core 2 Duo processor. Despite its high-end components, the laptop's performance on our benchmarks didn't wow us, most likely due to the new demands of Windows Vista. We expect to encounter similar lags on most of the first-generation Vista systems, though, and because we still like the Inspiron E1505's design and feature set, we think it remains a solid choice for home users who want a basic media-friendly laptop."

"The Vista-based Inspiron E1505's battery ran out of juice at the 2-hour, 34-minute mark of our DVD battery-drain test. That's not bad for a laptop that isn't particularly portable, although the smaller battery on the 15.4-inch MacBook Pro (which includes a slower hard drive) lasted almost half an hour longer. The Dell Latitude ATG D620, with a smaller screen and less-power-hungry components, outlasted the Inspiron E1505 by 1 hour, 21 minutes."

Asus ASMobile Z84Jp

NotebookReview has a review of the Asus ASMobile Z84Jp and writes:

"As far as build quality goes, the Z84Jp is quite solid, and is better built than a typical mainstream notebook by a noticeable amount. What I mean when I say “better built” is that the Z84Jp feels more solid than a typical consumer-grade notebook from a mainstream manufacturer – it is constructed in such a way that it feels like one solid piece and reacts as such. When picked up, the Z84Jp doesn't make any creaking sounds, nor does it feel like there are any parts/panels that are weaker than others. The palmrests and the area around the keyboard feel solid; hard pressure will yield some flexing but largely there is none and under normal usage flex is nonexistent. The chassis itself proved to be inflexible and solid as a board when I tried to flex it. I am impressed by the build quality, although the plastic itself does not have the highest-quality feel to it. Don't get me wrong – it is strong and rather thick, but the feel isn't quite top notch in my opinion. Also note that the Z84Jp is constructed entirely of plastic – no aluminum or other alloys. This is not a negative in my opinion and was probably done as a cost reduction measure."

"The Z84Jp features a large 17” display with a WSXGA+ (1680x1050 pixels) resolution and a “Color Shine” glossy coating. How does it look? Simply put, it's gorgeous. It has more than enough brightness for all tasks; it even looks amply lit in a sunlight room. It is not too bright – I was not squinting or shielding my eyes. The display has 15 brightness settings; the lowest one turns the screen off. I found 7/15 and up to be usable during the daytime, and even lower ones are fine in darker rooms.

Contrast is equally as good as the brightness – blacks are deep and white is white and is not tinted. This display does not suffer from a sparkling effect like some notebooks do. Colors literally flow out of this screen, and high definition images and video look stunning.

Viewing angles are excellent; images are not distorted from above or to the side; when viewed from below, the display does appear darker like most displays, but the colors are kept basically intact."

Reviews on Toshiba's Tecra Notebooks series

Geardigest has a review of the Toshiba's Tecra Notebooks and writes:

"Toshiba is known the world over for its long list of consumer electronics products. The company doesn't, however, produce or sell desktop PCs; instead, it has focused on notebook computing, which has made it one of the most respected brands in the notebook PC industry.

Sitting at the top of Toshiba's notebook hierarchy is the Tecra line. When Toshiba first rolled out the Tecra brand in the 1990s, it was targeted at office workers who needed the most reliable and flexible platform for expansion. That is still the case. Tecras are business computers. Generally, their components, buttons, slots, connectors and ports change more slowly so that small, medium and large businesses can train employees to use a computer without worrying that the computer will be obsolete in three to six months, as are some consumer models. Slower change also means that support and repair are less of a problem as time passes and Tecra notebooks age."

"The A8 and M7 live up to the Tecra name from a construction point of view, both featuring good quality and sturdiness. The Tecra M7 is more expensive than the A8, but when you consider the additional functionality and display quality of the M7, it may well be worth spending extra dollars on Toshiba's M7 Tablet PC."

New Release : Fujitsu LifeBook P7230

Fujitsu today introduced the P7230 ultra-portable notebook, an upgrade to their existing Fujitsu P7120 10.6-inch screen ultraportable. The P7230 will offer a Core Solo low voltage processor, built-in dual layer multi-format DVD Writer, built-in web cam and your choice of Leather Black or Leather White outer design.


NoteookReview has a review of the LifeBook P7230 and below are some of their quotes:

"The P7230 will come pre-loaded with Windows Vista Business or XP Professional, the choice is yours. You can get up to 2GB of RAM that'll help run Vista better, but it'll cost you $850 to get that amount since there's only one RAM slot. The base offering is 1GB which should suffice though."

"Following are the quick specs for the high-end $2,499 offering of the P7230:

• Intel® Core™ Solo Processor ULV U1400 (1.20 GHz, 2 MB L2 cache, 533 MHz FSB)
• Genuine Windows Vista™ Business
• 10.6" Crystal View wide XGA display
• 1 GB (1 GB x1); DDR2 667 MHz SO-DIMM (one DIMM slot) memory
• 80 GB P-ATA 100, 4200 rpm, shock-mounted1 hard drive
• Multinational 56K V.90 modem and Gigabit Ethernet LAN
• Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945 Network Connection (Tri-mode 802.11a/b/g)
• Integrated Bluetooth wireless
• Built-in Camera for instant messaging
• Modular Dual-Layer Multi-Format DVD Writer
• Embedded TPM and Fingerprint Sensor
• Dual digital microphone array with noise cancellation
• Main battery: Lithium ion (6-cell, 10.8V, 5700 mAh, rated up to 6 hours)
• Ports: Two USB 2.0 ports, an IEEE 1394 port, full-sized video port, modem, LAN and audio in and out jacks. A combination of Secure Digital (SD), Memory Stick® PRO and xD card slots
• Port Replicator
• Leather Black color
• One-year International Limited Warranty"

Used Laptops Could Be Your Best Option

Most people who want to purchase a new laptop look at brand new laptop computers. There are many used laptops available. Is buying a used laptop a good idea? It depends on where you look and what you need in a computer. Used laptops do not come with warranties and usually have no guarantee. However, if you are looking for a laptop for basic functions, this could be the way to go.

Most used laptop computers were sold so that the previous owners could upgrade to a newer model. Others are for sale because companies upgrade their computers frequently. In some cases, you can find top quality laptops at a fraction of the price. If you want to consider purchasing a used laptop, the first step is to make certain that you are buying from a reputable dealer. There are numerous dealers that sell used laptops online. Online marketplaces often do have larger quantities and set prices for their used laptops. Some may even offer limited warranties. If you choose this route, check into the dealer and the computer offer carefully before making a purchase. Most of these dealers sell computers that are good brands that have also been upgraded in some way. In all cases, a used laptop should have the memory completely erased and ready to go when you buy it. Many used laptops can be found on online auctions. This could be a risky way to purchase a computer. Prices for used laptops can vary greatly depending on the seller. If you are using an online auction to buy a used laptop make sure you ask the seller plenty of questions before bidding, and check their seller reputation on the auction site. Be wary of any seller that has poor seller feedback.

Another thing to consider when looking at used laptops will be if the computer has the ability to be upgraded. Make sure the laptop computer you are looking to purchase can have the upgrades you want. Older computers may have less memory and will need more memory to make it useful. If the asking price of a used laptop is low enough, buying more memory may not be cost prohibitive. Also, you will need to check to which types of programs are already installed on the computer. If you will have to purchase expensive programs such as a Windows program, you may not come out on top with the purchase. If you will need to access the internet, make sure the used laptop has the capability to do so. Some older models may not be able to access WiFi or a high-speed internet access without upgrades.

Before looking at used laptops, remember that these computers are not certified. If you experience problems, used laptops usually do not offer any type of warranty or guarantee. There is no guarantee of how long the laptop will work. Also, remember that used laptops may need repairs or part replacements. In addition, if you get a used laptop and have problems, you usually have no recourse with the seller.

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Extend The Life Of Your Laptop Battery

If you are the owner of a laptop computer, you know how frustrating it can be when you are working on the laptop and your battery is low. If you are constantly on the go, it is sometimes difficult to find a place to plug in your computer to let it recharge. There are a few things that you can do to help you take care and extend the life of your laptop battery.

General caution should be observed when running the battery of your laptop. A laptop should be plugged in to the AC adaptor whenever possible. This will ensure that your laptop battery is always charged and ready to go when it is needed. Another tip is to not expose your laptop to extreme weather conditions, especially very cold temperatures. A cold battery will run much slower than one that is warm. Also, try not to use your laptop for long periods of time without recharging the battery. This can cause information to be lost if the battery sudden stops working.

When using your battery on your laptop, remember use as little power as you can by adjusting the settings on the laptop. This will make your computer go inactive when not in use for a certain amount of time. Adjusting the power setting is easy if you go into the control panel and set the display time. It is also possible to adjust the brightness of the screen display to help the life of the laptop battery. Remember to turn programs off that you are not using. This will waste battery usage quicker. Also, running movies and videos will quickly drain the battery charge.

When using your laptop battery you will want to make sure you check the battery charge frequently. Charge your laptop as soon as you see the battery getting low. Whenever you can, plug in your computer. It is a good idea to always plug in your computer so that it is ready to go. Also, take care of your battery. It is important to clean the laptop battery and keep it free of dust and debris. Using canned air or a cotton swab on a regular basis can do this. The battery will run longer if it is cleaned frequently.

Another tip is to have an extra battery on hand. These are easily purchased. Have at least one fully charged at all times for a quick battery change. Some laptops can run with two batteries. Most laptops are also compatible with external batteries that can easily be added and changed when necessary. Battery charges that work in the car are also good options for anyone taking their laptops on trips. Also, if you are purchasing a new laptop computer, consider buying a smaller, lightweight version. These are more efficient and are able to run longer on a battery charge than the larger laptop versions. Following these basic tips can help extend the amount of time your computer can run with a battery.

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Practical Tips For Buying Your New Laptop

So you want to buy a laptop but don't know where to start. You're not alone. Buying a new laptop can present many challenges, especially if you're unfamiliar with laptops or notebook computers.

Over the last little while so much new laptop technology has hit the market... Intel Duo Processors, SLI, Dual Graphics... it can all be totally mind boggling to the average consumer. For the first time laptop buyer understanding all the techno jargon can be downright scary.

Mainly because a whole new generation of notebook technology comes around every two years or less; probably much less when you consider all the new advances made recently. It can even be a little overwhelming even for someone like myself who runs an online Laptop Guide and who has a keen interest in all things laptop.

Regardless of all these fancy new improvements, devices and notebook technology, you must remember you're buying a new laptop for you and you alone. You must first decide if all this new stuff is important to you? Do you really need all this new notebook technology?

But most of all before you can consider that question you must first figure out WHY you want a laptop? Why are you buying a laptop? What chores or tasks do you want the laptop to perform?

If you just want a laptop for simple web browsing and emailing, a laptop made five years ago will do the job nicely and cost you a heck of lot less. You really don't need a top of the line laptop unless of course, you're keeping up with the Jones and want the latest top model of everything. But that's moving into Dr. Phil's territory... lets not venture there!

So what do you need the laptop for?

Do you need a lightweight portable laptop for business trips or meetings? Do you need a student notebook for classes? Or do just want a desktop replacement computer that you can easily move around in your home?

Your answer will greatly determine which type of laptop you should buy.

In my case, I work full time at home and do a lot of web design so I needed a solid machine with a lot of RAM. I also enjoy downloading and enjoying the occasional movie so a DVD Multi Drive and a wide screen display were important. High quality graphics and sound was also important for what I needed.

* RAM

RAM is to computer what location is to real estate. RAM or Random Access Memory is perhaps the most important factor to consider when buying your laptop or any computer.

RAM will greatly determine the speed of your laptop or computer. How fast it will process your tasks and graphics. You must make sure you have enough for your needs. You can now find many laptops pre-loaded with 1 Gig of RAM and capable of upgrading to 4 Gigs or more. Compared to yesterday's computers that's a lot of RAM. If you're not into gaming, handling large video files/editing, all that RAM is not needed but it will make your laptop run faster. Also, remember if you're into gaming, Video RAM will be important -- you need a top of the line (read expensive) Graphics Card and it will increase the cost of your laptop.

Also it may be wise to buy a laptop with upgradable memory - since new applications, multi windowed browsers, streaming video... of the very near future may place high demand on your laptop's RAM.

* Dual Core Processors

CPU or Computer Processing Unit is the heart of your laptop and in this case you have Two Hearts -- Intel Centrino Duo is the front runner in this area right now. However, AMD is giving Intel some stiff competition in the dual core battle with its Athlon™ 64 X2 dual core processor. Either one would be a wise choice.

* Hard Drive

The amount of space or size of laptop hard drives are steadily increasing, a 100 Gig laptop is now common. If you don't want a lot of storage, buying a smaller size hard drive will save you money. Many laptop experts choose the SATA hard drive with a high 5400 or 7200 RPM.

* Weight or Size

Perhaps the major reason you're considering buying a laptop is its size or weight -- otherwise you're better of saving your money and buying a desktop computer instead. A laptop is portable, you can carry it anywhere... tuck it under your arm and cart it to class or your next business meeting. It is ideal for taking your information and work to wherever you want to go. This portability is the main selling feature of a laptop.

Obviously you must pick the best sized laptop to suit your needs. Laptops are divided into different categories, here's a quick rundown:

Tablet PC (smallest) Size of a paper tablet or notepad, less than 3 pounds.

Ultra Portable (small) <11">13" x >11" More than 1.5 inches, more than 7 pounds and up

Pick the size that suits your purpose and use.

* Price

Laptop prices are steadily falling, it is now possible to get a quality laptop for well under a $1000. Many are selling at the $500 - $600 range. High quality gaming laptops offered by such specialty laptop makers as Alienware, Rock, will still set you back 3 to 4 grand. Ouch!

* Warranties

Don't overlook this factor, if you're buying an expensive laptop, you might want to check out these extended warranties. If you do a lot of traveling, you might need to purchase insurance against thief and loss.

* Dead Pixels Was the Only Thing I Feared!

If you can check your laptop for any dead pixels. A dead pixel will give you white spots(pixels)on your LCD display screen. Most cases you're buying your laptop straight out of the box, booting up and finding you have dead pixels is not a pleasant experience. If you want to check your laptop screen for dead pixels, just do a search for the free 'Dead Pixel Buddy' software program and run it to check your laptop for dead pixels.

* Use The Internet For Information Or Even Purchase

I run a simple Laptop Guide on one of my sites and I also keep a laptop blog so I am constantly using the Internet to gather information and compare prices. You must shop around and check out the consumer reports on the different laptop makers and the different laptop products. You must also check out the service records/reputation of the major brand names.

I researched all the different laptops and found the one that met my requirements and price. I bought it in the real world at a local Computer store mainly because I wanted to examine the laptop's graphics and keyboard in the flesh. However, I checked out all of the product's details beforehand on this store's online site -- much easier than in a busy crowded store.

* Kick The Tires

Like buying anything, it is always a good idea to fully check out your purchase. Sample the laptop's keyboard, does typing feel comfortable? Try the touchpad, is it responsive? Open your favorite programs and check the processing speed of your laptop. Bring along a DVD and sample the sound and graphics. Take note of any problems or irritations that may pop-up, in my case it was a small right shift key but this was so minor I knew I could get used to it and it didn't stop me from buying my desired laptop.

* Research Your Laptop

Use the Internet to research your desired laptop, know exactly what components it has and know what software is already preloaded. Be careful of salespeople who will try to charge you extra for configuring or installing programs on your laptop when these programs may already be preloaded at the factory stage!

I settled on a Toshiba Satellite P100-SD3: it has Intel Duo, 1 Gig of RAM, 100 Gig Hard Drive, 17" widescreen TrueBrite Display, compatible with the new Windows Vista... it meets all my needs and I am quite pleased with my new laptop. And I will be writing a full review after I have used it for a couple of weeks... but that's another article.

If you consider most of the simple points and check out the factors listed above then making your own laptop purchase will not only be quite painless but it may even prove an enjoyable experience. Do a little homework and you will easily find the perfect laptop for you.

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