The New One Laptop Per Child A Tablet Computer
|
The One Laptop Per Child Program or OLPC is an initiative to get every child, primarily in Africa, a new laptop. The initial goal was to offer a $100 laptop, but unexpected costs drove it much higher. Now, OLPC is making another push to deliver more affordable technology by building a tablet computer. This tablet is supposed to cost around $75 although many debate if they will be able to hit that price point exactly. It is a touch screen device giving it complete flexibility and portability. It does not have a physical keyboard, but a touchscreen keyboard can be used on the tablet’s screen. There is a unique philosophy that the developers are taking on this tablet. There are no ports on it like USB or even a power plug. The idea is that these devices might be used in areas with quite a bit of dirt and limiting access to dust and dirt might extend the life of the devices. To charge it, it’s likely they will be laid on top of a magnetic charger of some kind like the Palm Pre currently does. However, the missing USB ports could become a potential problem. USB would allow for external keyboards and other hardware like flash drives. It would be nice if there was a way to install information onto these tablets without needing internet access which many children in third world nations realistically are not going to have. If there was a flash drive available, it would offer an easy way to distribute educational applications, audio, and reading materials for children to learn from. Hopefully, what comes shipped with the unit will be sufficient to educate children for thousands of hours since there isn’t an easy way to get more material onto the device without an internet connection. The new OLPC tablet is intended to cost less than $100. There are absolutely no ports for external devices on this touchscreen tablet. While this could offer some advantages, it will also take away the ability to add additional hardware and external memory. Visit my newest site, Handheld Portable Scanner, to find the latest reviews and best deals on a handheld image scanner and more of the best handheld scanners for sale today. |
Looking to buy a Laptop Think about a Netbook
|
What is a Netbook
A Netbook (InterNET and noteBOOK) is a class of Laptop computer designed for wireless communication and access to the Internet. Netbook is primarily designed for web-browsing and emailing. Netbooks are gaining grounds on their compact design, slimmer looks and sleeker appeal. Netbook is a Notebook computer with a low-powered x86-compatible processor (compatible with PC standard software), small screen (no larger than 10 inches), small keyboard, equipped with wireless connectivity, lightweight (under three pounds) and generally with no optical disk drive. They sometimes have Solid State Drives (SSDs) instead of Hard Disk Drives, which are lower capacity but have no moving parts and should, in theory, increase battery life and speed. Netbooks can run either Linux or Windows XP. Why a Netbook The obvious question is why should anyone buy a device with a smaller screen, slower processor, no optical drive when you can get a full-featured notebook? When it comes to a portable computer, the things that matter to most are speed and convenience.A Netbook is more convenient because it is lighter, and it usually has a lightweight operating system. The processor itself isn’t as powerful, but there’s much less processing that needs to be done with Windows XP or Linux in order to be usable. If we are just looking for a portable computer to take along with us while traveling, to check e-mail, chat on Skype, watch some Youtube videos, take some notes, then a Netbook is what we want. Where as if we’re going to do intensive image editing, multimedia authoring, gaming etc then a Notebook/Laptopi is more suited for our needs. Don’t confuse these low cost Netbooks with some of the sub-compact full featured Notebooks that are also out there. Sony, Dell and others also offer small lightweight Notebooks that have all the features of a full size computer in a tiny package but at a hefty price of $1400 and up. Some of these have plenty of power and features and up to 9 hours of battery life. These are real computers that are just packed into really small cases. How does it compares to a regular Notebook Let’s see the differences between a typical Netbook and a regular Notebook. Features of Dell Mini 9 Netbook are compared with a regular sized Dell Inspiron Notebook below: Inspiron Mini 9 Inspiron 1525 Pros compared to a regular Laptop: Cons compared to a regular Laptop: Which Netbook to buy? It seems that Initially Netbook category was lead by Asus, Acer, but today computer giants Dell and HP jumped into the race. According to the PcWorld.com the TOP 10 Netbooks are: As with any purchase, you have to decide for yourself on what suits you best. So go ahead explore the world of Netbooks and see if it’s a better choice compared to a Laptop. While the Laptop market is declining in this economy, interestingly the Netbook sales are predicted to be on the rise. A couple of useful resources: Read the original article and more blog posts about tech gadgets and shopping tips Author is a blogger and adviser of consumer electronics and posts information on best online deals everyday |
How To Buy A Small Laptop
|
Today’s laptops range from large widescreen heavy laptops, to lightweight small cheap laptops. If you have ever shopped to buy a laptop then you know that size is only one of the factors to consider. Often laptops are built to a buyer’s specific needs, so its important to try and find the laptop that suits your needs. If you need a high spec machine to act as a desktop pc replacement for gaming or for managing complex software or programs, then one of the larger laptops available on the market would be for you. If you need a small low priced laptop computer with extreme portability for carrying out small tasks like videos, music and internet surfing with some word processing too then a small laptop or notebook would be the ideal purchase. Before shopping for a laptop you should consider how and where it will be used. If your primary goal is to get some word processing done whilst staying on top of your emails then a small laptop would be for you. One of the most important factors to consider is the CPU which determines how well the laptop performs. Another important factor to consider is memory or RAM, the more memory installed the better it will perform. Upgrading memory on a laptop is trickier than on a desktop so try and find a laptop with plenty of memory pre installed. The screen size of your small laptop is an important consideration. Laptop screens continue to get bigger and at the same time get smaller. 10? or 11? screens are a good size for small laptops and desktop replacement pcs offer displays up to 18 inches. Remember that a laptop’s screen only looks as good where you want to use it. Many small laptops screens look sharp on shop shelves thanks to extra glossy coatings but when you try and use them outdoors or in public places like coffee shops the screens can be difficult to see, so keep in mind not only how you want to use your netbook but also where you are planning to use it. It is always recommended to check the internet for reviews on a particular laptop before going ahead to purchase. When buying a small laptop try also to get a large hard drive. Many small laptops have 120 GB hard drives which allow storage of plenty of files and information. If you plan to work with spreadsheets, databases or digital photos then opt for a larger hard drive. When dealing with any portable laptop battery life is key. You should check the manufacturer’s specifications. It can also be worth investing in a higher capacity battery for users who don’t have access to a power outlet regularly. Though you can get accustomed to a particular keyboard it is still a good idea to try before you buy, especially when purchasing a small laptop. Also check that the laptop has full wireless capabilities and ethernet access to wired connection sources. You should also check the number and location of USB 2.0 ports. Most laptops have between 2 and 6. If you want to connect an external drive or digital camcorder look for a firewire port. Many sellers allow you to custom build a machine so use these steps to buy the best small laptop as they will give you control. Its important to remember that only some of the components are upgradeable whilst others are permanent once they have been installed at the factory, so take your time and buy what you need. |
Mini Laptop HP Mini Note 2133 Review
|
This ultra mobile netbook features an impressive 8.9-inch screen, a spacious and large keyboard, a full-sized notebook hard drive, and plenty of other impressive features. Let’s take a closer look at the Mini-note too find out if it is a good notebook. HP Mini Note 2133 Specifications: Windows Vista Business VIA C7-M ULV Processor 1.6Ghz. 2GB DDR2 160GB hard drive 8.9-inch diagonal WXGA (1280 x 768) Broadcom 802.11a/b/g, b/g with option for Bluetooth 2.0 3.23 lb with 6-cell battery and 160GB hard drive Conclusion The HP 2133 Mini-Note is one of the most impressive subnotebooks we’ve ever seen. Unfortunately, the amazing design and solid range of features are put down by a sub-par CPU and a price tag that places this notebook dangerously close to far superior 12-inch notebooks such as the HP tx2000. HP managed to create the single most impressive ultraportable notebook available for purchase, and then decided to put a lackluster CPU in it. Despite the weak CPU performance, the HP 2133 Mini-Note is a remarkably solid system that might be a great fit for students, teachers, or mobile business professionals. If HP decides to swap the VIA processors with the new Intel Atom processors or alternative processors from Intel, the Mini-Note would become the best subnotebook on the market. Pros The most desirable 8.9-inch notebook we’ve ever seen Superb build quality Terrific keyboard ExpressCard slot offers fantastic expansion capabilities Multiple configuration options Cons VIA CPU just doesn’t do well Windows Vista might be too much for the VIA CPU and graphics Peculiar location for touchpad buttons Screen is too reflective due to second glossy protective layer Aluminum and plastic casing gets a little too hot Price is a little too high for what you get Check out my blog on Laptop news here at http://laptop-updates.blogspot.com/ and also check out my Laptop reviews at my website http://laptop-computer-planet.com/ |
Benefits of Using a Laptop Computer
|
These past few years have seen the emergence of the laptop as a popular device among professionals and students. Gone were the days when only a select few can afford to buy laptops. Due to the advances made in technology, the prices of laptops have been constantly going down. It is for this reason that people wanting to purchasing their first computer are considering laptops instead of desktops. Having doubts in purchasing a laptop? Let’s try to clear your apprehensions by listing the benefits of using a laptop computer. Portability People who want to bring around their computers should consider getting a laptop. Laptops right now are designed to be light enough to carry around and durable enough to withstand constant travel. If you are going to give a presentation during one of your office meetings then you can prepare the presentation at your home using the laptop and bring the laptop over at the meeting. This way you would be sure that the presentation would go smoothly. Students and businessmen prefer to use laptops than desktops because it is convenient to carry around, just put it in your sling bag and bring it anywhere. Less Power Consumption Because laptops use smaller components when compared to desktops, they consume less power. On an average, a single desktop is equivalent to 3 laptops in terms of power consumption. This means that if you want to save in your power bill get a laptop instead. Although most high end laptops cost a lot, the savings you get in the long run from power bill would be worth it. Space Saver A laptop is great for people who have little space to spare in their houses. Let’s face it, if you buy a desktop you also have to buy a computer table and computer chair. This would then eat up what little space you have in your house. By getting a laptop you wouldn’t be having this problem at all since you can use your laptop anywhere. You could use it while sitting on the couch or while in your bed. Productivity Laptop owners are generally more productive since they can always finish up their work during their spare time. You can do your presentations or your emails while you are traveling on a plane . Instead of just sitting around doing nothing, with a laptop you can finish work that needs to be done. After finishing up your work you could then relax by playing that favorite movie you just downloaded while waiting for the plane to arrive. These are just some of the benefits you get when you purchase a laptop. Laptops nowadays are becoming as powerful as desktops as well. A couple of years ago only desktops could properly run graphics intensive software. Today the playing field is level with laptops able to properly run 3D applications and processor hungry software. Whether your field of expertise is engineering or design, laptops can assist you in your daily work. If you need to purchase a computer why not make your choice a laptop. You would definitely enjoy owning one. Jane Somme works in the Technology industry and enjoys writing articles about Technology and Dell Computers in his spare time. You can find more articles and information about him at his website Coputer Deals Australia. |
Seven Ways to Make Your Laptop Run Faster
|
Nobody likes watching the hourglass on Windows laptops while waiting for an application to load or perform a task. Yes, newer laptops are smaller, faster, and cheaper, and upgrading your laptop with a faster one is definitely a reasonable option but while you wait for the government to offer a cash for clunkers laptop program, here are some suggestions to make your current laptop run faster. 1. Add More Memory On Windows laptops you can see how much memory you have by right clicking on “My Computer” and clicking “properties.” If you have 1 GB of RAM you should definitely consider spending the $25 to bump it up to 2 GB. It’s usually a simple procedure requiring nothing more than a small screwdriver. Memory vendor Crucial has a scanner that can tell Windows users how much memory they have, how much they can add, and sell them the right type of memory on the spot. 2. See What Apps Are Running and Then Stop Them It’s very common to have programs running on your machine that you don’t need. Preventing these from loading at start-up or uninstalling them can free up resources and make your laptop run faster. “What’s Running 2.2,” is a free program that tells you what processes are running under Windows 2000/XP/2003. The ubiquitous Task Manager invoked with (Ctrl-Alt-Del) is perhaps the easiest way to see what’s running. Microsoft also offers a free program called Process Explorer that provides a much more detailed view of what’s running and what’s using which resources. Once you’ve determined what’s hogging the resources or which programs start-up automatically that you never use, it’s time to disable them. You can use Windows’ “msconfig” that you bring up from “run” on the “startup” menu and then “uncheck” the applications you don’t want to start. 3. Defragment Your Hard Drive Every time you delete a file on your hard drive the operating system keeps track of the free space created. When you create a file the operating system looks for some free space to use and may break up the file and store it in different physical locations on the disk. If a disk gets severely fragmented, the operating system has to access parts of files all over the disk resulting in a lot of disk thrashing. Defragmenters consolidate files and make accessing them much more efficient. There are lots of third party defragmenters available along with ones built into operating systems including one in Vista that can be scheduled to defrag on a regular basis. 4. Diagnose Your PC With PC Pitstop PC Pitstop temporarily loads a small Active X Control on your Windows computer and then uses that to scan your computer, run benchmarks, and look for problems. They have been around for many years and have been used by millions of users to diagnose their computers. The tests are free but some of the solutions may cost you a few bucks. 5. Rid Your Computer of Spyware It’s easy to inadvertently allow spyware to be loaded onto your machine. Programmers who write spyware don’t particularly care how their programs affect your computers performance or how they interact with other programs. Spyware can slow your computer to a crawl as well as cause all kinds of other “weird” problems. All commercial anti-malware companies offer anti-spyware utilities. There are also some very good free anti-spyware applications like Adand Spybot- Search and Destroy. 6. Clean Your Registry The registry in Windows machines is where all the important settings are stored. It’s a jumble of indecipherable codes and numbers. A “corrupted,” registry can cause your computer to fail. This is why we treat anything that claims to “fix” registry problems, with caution. That said, tuning up the registry can boost computer performance. We recommend you have an image backup of your computer before you start messing with the registry and use a reputable product like Registry Mechanic from PCTools. 7. Upgrade With Windows 7 Windows 7 is due to go on sale in October of 2009. After the less than stellar reviews for Vista, Windows 7 is being hailed as a big improvement over past Windows operating systems. Desktops and laptops are cheaper and more powerful than ever. You can get a lot of laptop for well under $1,000. There so many other reasons to upgrade your laptop including better, bigger screens, bigger faster hard drives, faster network connections, higher performance CPUs and graphics processing engines, not to mention all new applications and drivers. Consider handing down the old clunker and treating yourself to something more state-of-the-art. Andrew Eisner, Retrevo’s director of community and content and resident hard core gadget enthusiast. Eisner comes to Retrevo from the world of computer journalism. Whether you’re shopping for a new high definition TV, a car amplifier, or any other gadget or gear, Retrevo has reviews and manuals for all the latest products like digital cameras, camcorders, laptops, and more. |
NetBook or Laptop Which Should You Choose
|
So you want to be more mobile in your home computing but are having some trouble deciding between a traditional full sized laptop and a netbook or mini-laptop. Well, it just happens that I have had a netbook for almost a year and can share what my experience has been. First the pros and cons of the netbook: under the pros heading; I love the small size and light weight of it for carrying it around. I just throw it in my briefcase or suitcase for travel or just carry it around like I would a book. I also like the price, though the smaller (15 inch or so) laptops are starting to rival the netbook prices. I chose Windows XP (a trademark of Microsoft Corp.) as my OS rather than Linux, so there’s not much change from my desktop in that respect. I love the netbook’s display; it’s very sharp and crisp and I really don’t mind the small size. In fact, I’m writing this article from it right now, sitting in my den. Still addressing the pros; it has a built-in wireless card, three USB ports, and the usual input/output receptacles you’d expect. Lastly, the speed is not blinding, but is surprisingly quick for a device of this size and price. Now for the cons: I wish I’d paid a little more for a longer-lasting battery, but that’s my fault. I also wish the keyboard was a little larger. I’ve got large hands and it’s a little uncomfortable to use. I’ve gotten use to holding my hands closer together on the keyboard, but I still fumble-finger keys more than on a full-size keyboard. That being said, I love to use it and do almost every day. The last item that I consider a con is that the netbook has no optical image drive for watching videos or transferring data. However, even this item can be overcome with a little planning and a large capacity thumb drive. Overall, I’m pleased with my little buddy and enjoy it’s portability very much. I recommend that you go to your local computer store and do a little typing on the netbook of your choice, or several of them to see if the keyboard size is a problem for you. If not, go for it and get a little buddy of your own to keep you company in your den. Paul Lubic is a seasoned IT guy who’s used computers at home for more years than he’d care to say. His objective is to use this article and his blog site to pass on lots of valuable information that you can use in your home computing endeavors. Check back often to see what he’s up to at Paul’s Home Computing Blog at http://www.paulshomecomputingblog.wordpress.com. Remember, home computing is a blast…keep it productive and enjoyable. |
How to choose between Netbook vs Laptop
|
Share of netbooks at PC market has rapidly grown recently. They are more often considered as a future replacement for regular laptops that used to utilize before. However there is an inherent confusion as to what exactly a netbook is and how it compares to a laptop. Undoubtedly both of them have their own advantages and shortages. In order to make your life easier when choosing between 2 gadgets we have listed below points to consider before purchasing: Size. What you surely feel in the first instance about netbooks is their size. Netbook’s display usually ranges from 7 to 10 inches whereas laptops normally start from 14 inches. This consequently makes netbooks much smaller and lighter comparing to laptops. They are so portable that you may carry them in a purse or small backpack. Resolution. Most of netbooks currently allow for maximum screen resolution at 1024×600. Anything below doesn’t let you to view whole width of the web page at any one time. So the user has to scroll the page back and forth to read a full line of text. However most recent netbooks are usually produced to allow 1024×600 which is ok for comfortable surfing over majority of web-sites. Power. The smaller size of netbooks makes them much more power efficient. So you can use a netbook for 5-6 hours without recharging batteries which is about 3 times longer than your average laptop. This feature together with an increased portability puts netbooks in a category of must-have stuff for long distant travellers. Performance. Of course a size is not the only difference between these 2 categories of gadgets. The main shortage of netbooks relates to their weaker performance specifications. Lower hard drive speed, processor speed and graphics memory apparently do not add any value to the attractiveness of netbooks. Therefore running any sort of processor-intensive jobs like graphics, footage or video modifying wouldn’t be as smooth as it used to be on laptops. Even excessive playing of videos on sites like Youtube can also slow down your netbook considerably. Keyboard. Another major complaint about netbooks is the dimension of the keyboards. If you have large fingers, you’ll find that you spend as much time correcting typos as you do typing. Netbooks generally carry scrunched up small keyboards that are rather uncomfortable to type on, making them unsuitable for note taking. Optical drives and connectivity. Netbooks usually do not have an optical disc drives – so that means no CDs or DVDs. Nonetheless, connectivity is a central focus for netbooks. All of them come with Wi-Fi built in and an increasing number now also have Bluetooth on board, so they can be connected wirelessly to a 3G mobile phone for internet access on the move. Price. And the last but apparently not least point to consider is the price. Netbooks cost between $200-$500 depending on how fancy you want it and what you are using it for. The cheapest laptops start at around $400. With a low end netbook, you can get on the Internet, type and edit documents, and play some games that don’t need a lot of graphics to run smoothly. The higher end models offer more storage, more RAM, and more features. Read Dawood Mamedoff’s blog here: www.myhowtoos.com |
Should I buy a laptop or a netbook
|
Since the dawn of the netbooks, consumers have been repeatedly asking the same question again and again. Should I choose a netbook over a laptop? We have tried to answer that commonly asked question to help you make an informed buying decision. Size and Weight The screen size of the netbook is in the range of 7-10 inches and the keyboard is really cramped. In comparison, the normal laptop ranges from 12 to18 inches. The average weight of a netbook is around 3 pounds, while the weight of the laptop is over 4 pounds. Due to the minute size and low weight, netbooks are very convenient to carry around. Storage Surprisingly, with these little netbooks, you can store lots of movies, music and files as they have so much space to store data. Currently there are models that have storage capacity up to 160 GB. On the contrary, the newer model laptops have storage capacity from 320GB – 500 GB. Processor It has become a netbook standard to use Intel Atom 1.6Ghz. But they also come with VIA C7 1.2GHz or AMD Geode 800MHz. Netbook is engineered for efficiency and low cost as it for “net-centric” computing. “Net-centric” computing is just checking your emails, browsing the web, running web applications and running small applications. Complex programs (like Photoshop etc) may slow down the netbook significantly. If you are looking for running complex programs, Laptops may be your better choice. Graphics Netbooks fall short in the graphics arena. Laptops use integrated or external graphic card from;’ Intel GMA x3100 to AMD Mobility HD 3870X2, which is way better than netbooks. Bottom-line, netbook may not satisfy your need as a gaming system. Battery The average battery life in a laptop is 2-4 hours. But in a standard netbook, it is 3-4 hours. If you can get a battery upgrade of 6-cell batteries, then the charge can stay up to a whopping 6-10 hours! Thanks to the Intel atom processor, which uses ultra low voltage. DVD and webcam This is a very important point that may sway your decision. At this point of time, there are no netbooks on the market that have CD or DVD drives. Also we noted that most of the netbooks seem to have an inbuilt webcam, which is a bonus. Price Netbooks are very affordable. The current average price for a brand new netbook ranges between 300 to 500 US dollars. Some even are sold within 300 US dollars. But with laptops, the basic configuration can cost more than 600 US dollars and up (as you add on more memory, speed and other features).
Helen Swarna works as an editor for www.extremehotdeals.com! , a premier web blog that reveals the extreme deals of the day in consumer electronics. |
