Could Netbooks Be the Notebook Future?

March 12th, 2010 by ashleyhuff

This week is IDF, and one of the platforms Intel is highlighting is called Netbooks, based on its Atom processor. I struggle with this concept because a Netbook feels and looks like a small notebook and the initial offerings act like notebook computers. The old saying goes if it looks like a duck and walks like a duck, chances are it is a duck.

But Netbooks promise a different experience, and I’m convinced we haven’t yet seen the second shoe drop.

Let’s talk about that second shoe today.

The Netbook’s Strength and Weakness

Let’s start with weakness first. These products are not high-performing, if you measure performance by graphics and processor speed. You won’t be doing photo editing, gaming or any truly processor- or graphics-intensive work on them. Multi-tasking won’t be their greatest strength, either. Some are too small, in terms of screen and keyboard size, for many users.

Where they match notebooks is in connectivity and compatibility. Netbooks generally have the same wired and wireless capabilities as regular notebooks, and they will run a full OS (typically Linux or Windows XP, with some capable of running Vista).

The products’ strengths are battery life, size and price, making the product potentially more appealing to the most mobile of notebook users.

To net this out, this product is vastly enhanced by connected solutions, but at a disadvantage against a laptop as a traditional desktop replacement.

Enter the Cloud

Much like Apple did with iTunes and the iPod, the real opportunity for a Netbook lies not in the hardware or the applications that run directly on it, but in the services to which the device connects. This may be the ideal platform for a blended mobile thin client offering, where the device is mostly connected via WAN, Wi-Fi or Wimax but has the capability to be used on a plane or otherwise disconnected in a pinch.

It still has enough power and battery life to play music or watch videos, and it can even play remote or local Flash-based casual games, making it acceptable to a wide audience of users who also like its aggressive price, small size and relatively good battery life.

Given the security advantages of cloud-based applications (the data generally remains with the more secure remote location) and the increasing popularity of applications like Salseforce.com, Google Docs, Jooce, Evernote, TwitterFone, Blist and G.ho.st, this seems like the right product (if bundled properly) at the right time.

Refining the Offering

I’ve been using a couple of these for a little bit now, and I’m convinced that the current operating system choices aren’t showcasing this product well enough. You get Ubuntu Linux, XP and occasionally Vista Basic. In other words, you get your choice of an incompatible OS (that looks old), a compatible OS that is old, or a crippled version of a new OS. What I think this class of product needs is an OS that is specifically designed for it, much like what Apple did for the iPhone.

Other users think that the gOS Ubuntu variant is likely better than the slightly modified version I’ve seen so far, and WindowBlinds makes a big difference in terms of making the user interface (XP or Vista Basic) seem more advanced.

I also think services like SugarSync and Live Mesh, which better mirror what is on a full-sized laptop or desktop system, go a long way to making this generation of product vastly more useful. I’ve always thought the missed opportunity with a small laptop like this is that it could be used in conjunction with a desktop computer, rather than instead of it.

In the end, though, I think this is the birth of something interesting, and eventually those that are currently doing thin clients and blade PCs will likely come around to the idea that these may be an excellent solution to temporarily bridge the gap between the wired clients they use and the mobile clients we want at an affordable price.

Whatever the result, there is clearly a change in the wind.

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Samsung NC10-14GBK 10.2-Inch Black Netbook - 6 Cell Battery

March 11th, 2010 by ashleyhuff

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Samsung NC10-14GBK 10.2-Inch Black Netbook - 6 Cell Battery Description

The NC10 Netbook by Samsung is ideal for users looking for a low-cost, highly mobile solution that is aimed at ¿consuming¿ data via the Internet versus ¿creating¿ data. Key System Benefits - Easy to take with you whether it¿s around the house, the campus or wherever one might travel; provides significant performance capabilities to wander the Internet and take care of basic productivity applications; enables one to view the Internet in full screen without compromise in a clear and comfortable display; maximum storage capacity for everything you download from the web; provides maximum system performance for basic web browsing and limited system functionality; enhances system performance without adding unnecessary system overhead; provides a great balance of price and performance; full size, easy to use keyboard. Key System Features - Weighing in at just 2.8 pounds; the NC10 adopts the new Intel Atom CPU; 10.2¿ wide LCD display providing 1024 x 600 resolution with 250 nits of brightness and an anti-reflection gloss coating display; high capacity 6-cell Lithium Ion battery providing up to 8 hours of continuous run time; 160GB capacity hard disk drive (HDD); 1GB system memory (RAM); Windows XP Home Operating System; Silver-Nano Keyboard; available in Blue or White color.

 

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@#:Post Time Mar 11, 2010 15:14:04

Customer Reviews

Almost a year and I’m still in love - Harbi - Chicago
I got this netbook April 2009. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. it’s so light and portable. taking a laptop with me when i go out was a decision…not anymore. so far i haven’t faced a problem with it.
I have a regular sized Toshiba that i don’t use anymore ( it seems gigantic compared to the NC 10)
my only complain would be that it doesn’t have a DVD drive, but i bought a portable one (to watch my netflix movies.

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Latest Trend - Small, Durable Laptops for Kids

March 11th, 2010 by ashleyhuff

Lately, the computer industry has decided to shift its focus to a slightly younger demographic. No, it’s not those technology-loving college kids, or even those teenagers with infinite knowledge of the Internet. Instead it’s middle-school kids - ages six through 12.

The world’s largest PC manufacturer, HP, recently announced the release of its new Mini-Note PC laptop - a small, rugged, light and cheap computer designed primarily for children. More likely than not, HP’s decision to produce the Mini-Note is a direct result of the success of Asus’s Eee computer. Since its initial release last year, Asus’s Eee PC has become a top seller. The miniature device with a 7-inch screen (referred to by the company as a “super mobile Internet device” rather than laptop) carved its own niche by taking aim at middle-school children. But, as is the case with any invention that finds unexpected success, the crop of imitators are now beginning to trickle into the marketplace.

Still, HP is certainly the biggest company to jump into the mini-notebook market thus far. And their Mini-Note does offer more features than the Asus Eee. The Mini-Note has a larger (9-inch) screen and a sleek and sturdy anodized aluminum shell. It has a scratch-resistant display and the keys are coated with a protective finish. The HP Mini-Note keyboard is also bigger than the keyboard of the Asus Eee - making it easier for adults to use too. For additional durability, The Mini-Note incorporates HP 3D DriveGuard, which sends a signal to shut down the hard drive upon sudden movement or shock (like being dropped). Other advantages the Mini-Note has over the Asus machine include Wi-Fi capabilities and a USB drive. The Mini-Note is about $100 more than Eee on the lowest end however, with a retail price of $499 (and more advanced models priced at over $1,000).

Along with providing some competition for Asus, the Mini-Note is also an attempt by HP to crack the education market - one of the few markets the computer giant doesn’t own. Both Dell and Apple provide more computers to schools then HP, putting the company in a distant third. HP also recently announced the development of the Teacher Experience Exchange, an online resource where teachers can access tutorials for teaching technology in the classroom. Along with the Mini-Note, this initiative is intended to help put the HP name on the minds of educators.

By gearing the Mini-Note specifically to middle-school children, HP hopes to boost their share of the education market and, hopefully, experience the same success as Asus. For now, it’ll be interesting to see whether the more stylish Mini-Note is able to take a bite out of the cheaper Eee’s sales. Either way, both products will face stiff competition in the coming months as more companies attempt to cash-in on the mini-laptop craze. Intel (who actually beat Asus out of the gate with its Classmate mini-computer) will soon be releasing the next-generation Classmate, which has a 30GB hard drive and, like the Mini-Note, a 9-inch LCD screen. And, rumor has it that Acer will be next in line, releasing its own mini-computer with a lower price than the Eee.

Though not yet available in stores, the HP Mini-Note is available for purchase at the HP Web site.

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MSI U130-416US 10-Inch Black Netbook - 3 Hour Battery Life

March 10th, 2010 by ashleyhuff

MSI U130-416US 10-Inch Black Netbook - 3 Hour Battery Life Description

Intel Atom N450 1.66 GHz, 1 GB RAM, Starter, 3 Cell,160GB Hard Drive, Wireless 802.11 b/g/n, 1.3 MP Webcam, 4-1 Card Read (XD/SD/MMC/ MS) 3 x USB 2.0, Headphone out; Microphone-in, VGA, RJ-45

 

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@#:Post Time Mar 10, 2010 18:04:22

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Wireless Internet For Laptop

March 10th, 2010 by ashleyhuff

The wireless Internet for laptop is very essential for those users who love to travel. It is a necessity for the full capabilities of your laptop machines. Since a laptop computer is one kind of a mobile, users prefer to have their laptop’s Internet connections to be just like mobile, which is very convenient. In this sense, the need for a wireless Internet for laptop is now becoming revolutionized.

With wireless Internet for laptop, corporate businesses are now conducting their business in the easiest way that is more convenient for them. Having the Internet connection around through wifi for laptop, making business is becoming more prevalent. The Internet technology can help enhance sales figures and productivity as well as the over-all financial status of the business just by applying acute time of management practices.

As long as you have WiFI, there are public spaces and cities where you can go at your convenience that will provide you the easy access to the Internet and your other online activities. However, you need to search and determine on the best spots for it. WiFi is one great access to technology that is available 24 hours a day as long as there is a wireless Internet access around. Currently, industries and marketing of all kinds are now getting revolutionized on the capabilities of wireless Internet for laptop.

When the machine of portable laptop was introduced, the idea of it as a mobile was already present. With this, the idea of installing a wireless Internet for laptop had never been impossible. This idea had been a perfect combination as far as the Internet technology is concerned. With WiFi, a laptop is easily moved from one place to another especially within an office, a home or a country. Internet logging had never been hassle for laptop as you don’t need to look for a modem just to connect in the Internet. However, if you have a wireless connectivity for laptop, you also need to have a ISP WiFi service that is present within the area of coverage. This computer wireless service is often provided by a particular network providing service.

Because of the extreme popularity of wireless Internet for laptop, there had been public places as well as cities that have added certain Wi-Fi hot spots where any laptop user can be able to connect to the Internet every time they are in need. These hotspots are even offered wire-free for those who are just near the locations. Aside from the convenience that these hotspots offer to the Wi-Fi users, the hassles of dial-ups are also prevented. Now, it is unbelievable what wireless Internet for laptop can offer when it comes to convenience, flexibility, and speed galore!

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How to Buy a Laptop Battery?

March 10th, 2010 by ashleyhuff

When you have finally decided to purchase s new replacement battery for your laptop you should ensure that the manufacturer has a reliable reputation. If the battery is manufactured by the maker of the laptop then you can rest assured that the battery will be reliable. However, it might come as a surprise to you that most manufacturers of laptops, even the most reputed ones do not manufacture batteries but have an ancillary unit doing so in their name. For instance, if you were to open a genuine Sony battery (not recommended) you will find that he cells inside are manufactured by Toshiba, Exide or some other battery manufacturer. So in the final analysis you are, in fact, buying third party batteries for your laptop. The third party manufacturers of laptops are also buying their cells from the same manufacturers that are supplying the so called OEMs and so is a good bet to buy your replacement battery from. Besides the lower price you will get additional benefits such as an extended warranty and replacement offers. A one year replacement warranty is a must for your replacement battery, so never settle for less.

The other thing to look for when buying a replacement battery is the type of battery. Manufacturers will use many different technologies however, for laptops there are four technologies used. These are Ni-Cad, Ni-MH, Li-Ion, and Li-Poly out of these Ni-Cad or nickel cadmium batteries are a very rare commodity and are being phased out gradually. Don’t go in for a Ni-MH battery if you have a choice between this and a Li-Ion or Li-Poly battery because the Ni-MH battery weighs much more than the rest and have a lower power to weight ratio, meaning it delivers less power than its lighter weight counterparts. Li-Ion and Ni-Poly batteries are the most advanced and last longer. So try for one of these two technologies. Some laptops are designed to use the kind of battery it originally came fitted with, this means if it came with a Ni-Cad battery it must be replaced with a Ni-Cad battery. This is because the internal circuit of the battery must match the laptop hardware for optimum charging and discharging. However, this is not always the case so check with your manufacturer of the laptop if the battery can be interchangeable.

Finally you must study the power ratings of the battery you are buying. Batteries are growing smaller and the power capacity is increasing. Batteries have two ratings marked on them. One will be the voltage and the other Amperes. When buying your replacement battery buy one with the same voltage rating as the old one but try to get a battery with a higher ampere rating. This battery will have longer charge cycles.

Many batteries are rated in watt-hours. This is perhaps the simplest way to rate a battery. The wattage of a battery is calculated by multiplying the voltage by the amperage so a battery with a 14.4 volt rating and an ampere rating of 3600mAh (3.6 Amps) will have a watt rating of 51.84 watts (14.4X3.6 = 51.84).

If the power rating on the battery reads 51.84 watt-hours it means that the battery can supply 1 watt of power continuously for 51.84 hours or 51.84 watts of power for one hour or any combination of the two. No suppose your laptop runs on 17.28 watts (which is pretty unlikely) a 51.84 watt battery will power it for 3 hours. SO divide the power ratings in watts of the battery by the watts of your laptop to see how long the battery will run your laptop.

Sometimes the power ratings in volts and amps on a battery vary. For instance a laptop that runs on a Li-Ion 14.4 Volt, 3600mAh battery may be able to run on a Ni-MH battery with a 9.6 Volt, 4000mAh rating. The Li-Ion battery will be stronger even though the amperage ratings are lower. Here is why:

Li-Ion: 14.4 volts multiplied by 3.6 amps will deliver 51.84 watt hours of power and a Ni-MH battery will deliver 38.4 watt hours of power because 9.6 Volts multiplied by 4 amps will equal 38.4 watt hours. Naturally the Li-Ion battery should be your choice for a replacement battery.

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Gateway LT2120u 10.1-Inch Netbook - White

March 9th, 2010 by ashleyhuff

Customer Rating :

Gateway LT2120u 10.1-Inch Netbook - White Description

Gateway LT2120u Netbook comes with these specs: Intel Atom Processor N450, Windows 7 Starter, 10.1″ WSVGA High Brightness LED-backlit Display, Mobile Intel NM10 Express Chipset, 1024MB DDR2 667MHz Memory, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3150, 250GB SATA Hard Drive, Built-In Webcam, Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader, High-Definition Audio Support, 802.11b/g/Draft-N WiFi CERTIFIED, 3 - USB 2.0 Ports, Multi-gesture Touchpad, 6-cell Li-ion Battery (5600 mAh), 10+ Hours of Battery Life, 2.76 lbs. | 1.25 kg (system unit only), AC Power Adapter, AC Power Cord, Wireless Setup Card, Registration/ Limited Warranty Card, Norton Internet Security (60-day trial)

 

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@#:Post Time Mar 09, 2010 10:16:04

Customer Reviews

Love, love, love this computer - D. Tran -
I do a lot of shopping on Amazon. I look at reviews and what is bestselling. I knew I wanted a netbook. I chose this Gateway because of the reviews it had received, both through Amazon and other sites. I absolutely love it! The screen is so crystal clear. The keyboard feels nice and big for a netbook. My husband has an Acer and we both agree, this is a better netbook. The styling is great. I only need it to surf the net, so I cannot comment on use of programs and such. I would be surprised if anyone was actually disappointed with this product.

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HP Pavilion DV6707US - Latest Laptop is a Real Pleasure

March 9th, 2010 by ashleyhuff

HP Pavilion DV6707US is one of the most famous models of a laptop among laptop users. Many users high value its mobile performance and entertainment capability. This model of a laptop presents only the most advantageous features of laptops. With the help of this laptop users have an opportunity to handle multitasking, watch their favorite movies, play games chat with their friends and etc.

An integrated webcam allows users to chat face to face with their relatives and friends, also take video clips and pictures. This model of a laptop is not heavy at all. Its weight is only 6.06lbs. It can be easily taken anywhere. Take this light weight laptop together with you.

A 15.4 inches screen is colorful and bright. No matter where to work either indoors or outdoors the brightness of this screen is amazing. Playing games or watching movies on this screen is a real pleasure. Windows Vista is an integrated operating system in this model of a laptop. According to users’ testimonials it is a great operating system.

A spacious hard drive disk allows users to store a lot of work and personal documents, unlimited number of pictures, games, video and audio files. A powerful processor provides a stable work of the laptop. Thanks to powerful processor users have an opportunity to download something from Internet and work with files. HP Pavilion battery works quite a long period of time.

Besides, this model of a laptop has a very stylish design and plus it is sold for a very affordable price.

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OEM - The Hidden Laptop

March 8th, 2010 by ashleyhuff

What do you know about the notebook industry? Do you know the Original Equipment Manufacturer?

But what is a laptop Original Equipment Manufacturer(OEM)?

Nowadays, the manufacturers who conceive and assemble themselves their machines are very rare. Acer, Compaq, Toshiba, Apple, Dell, Sony and others entrust at least the production to thirds.

People as Acer sell models directly drawn from the ranges of the “true” manufacturers of notebooks after some aesthetic final improvements.

True manufacturers like Quanta and Compal (which is not Compaq) alone produce almost 50% of all the portables run out in the world. The remainder is divided between Wistron, Asus, Uniwill, Clevo, FIC, Aopen, ECS, etc.

The Research and Development part is done mainly in Taiwan, but roughly 50% of the world production are ensured in China!

It should be noted that certain cases are very amusing, like that of Asus, the manufacturer produces laptops for thirds (Sony and Apple for example), for his own brand but also his own models “without brand”.

The series TravelMate 29x of Acer comes directly from the line CL5x of Compal. But the machines like TravelMate 800 and 8000 profit of specific design from Acer (but we do not know who produces them).

Notebooks OEM are sold directly by the manufacturers to wholesalers or retailers. A little like barebones PC, part of the equipment is already included in “the case”. In the case of the laptops, they include all except: processor, memory, hard disk, optical reader and wifi.

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Dell Inspiron iM10V-2734IBU Mini 10v 10.1-Inch Netbook (Ice Blue)

March 8th, 2010 by ashleyhuff

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Dell Inspiron iM10V-2734IBU Mini 10v 10.1-Inch Netbook (Ice Blue) Description

The Mini 10v is everything you want in a mobile companion and more. It may be small, but you’ll be surprised by all the fun features packed inside. Be productive with a keyboard 92% the size of a traditional laptop keyboard. Enjoy a beautiful view with a seamless display surface1 and 16:9 aspect ratio. And stay connected with advanced wireless options.

 

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@#:Post Time Mar 08, 2010 00:20:05

Customer Reviews

Love it! - Geo - Hoboken, NJ USA
Great little machine for traveling, surfing the internet on the couch and skyping.

The good:
The quality of the keyboard is very good.
The screen quality is better than I expected.
Surprisingly zippy performance. Starting up, especially.

The bad:
The trackpad is too small up and down.It is not very accurate and takes time to get used to.
The battery fits a bit loosely and rattles slightly.
The viewing angle of the screen could be better.

BE AWARE. THE BATTERY THAT COMES WITH THIS IS NOT PICTURED. The battery is double the capacity which is good, but does not sit flush with the bottom of the machine and effectively doubles the thickness of the computer. See the photo here: […]

The negatives are just to let you know the shortcomings. For a netbook at this price, they are minor at worst. Definitely a great buy.

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