Dell Laptops - Any Good?

Dell Laptops are extremely popular with the XPS M1530 being a top seller at the time of writing. What are Dell laptops like in general though?
Well to start with they are world renowned for the quality of build and engineering and are known for their reliability. They are quite often the go-to machines for those aiming at affordability simply because they are good machines whose build quality is getting better and better as more and more improvements are made, plus of course they tend to have greats deals at very competitive prices.
Dell has a laptop to fit the needs of most business travellers, students and others who simply want the freedom to use a compact computer virtually wherever they like. The laptops are also designed to deliver excellent performance for business applications whilst they also come with a long list of optional features.
For example Dell's Wi-Fi catcher helps find the strongest wireless signal and connects you to it. None of that awful messing around trying to get a decent connection.
Dell laptops span a wide range of sizes from 12 inches to 20 inches, these being powerful but slightly pricey laptops featuring an Intel Core Duo processor and Microsoft's Media Center Operating System. Don't worry about any unforeseen problems because Dell parts are easy to find and replace besides the fact that their hard drives for laptops are very reliable and affordable, plus they fit many other laptop brands.
Dell, by the way, is recognized as a leader in Service and Support and will provide support for all hardware and operating system issues. Yes, they are truly out in front for hardware and service, before, during and after the sale.

Acer Aspire Laptops - Any Good?

There are loads and loads of laptops out there at the moment and all of them seem to be loved by some and hated by others. Thank goodness we're all different. The Acer Aspire laptops are one of the big sellers at the moment so here is a short, unbiased appraisal of them.
Acer Aspire laptops are designed for the home or small office user, are high on multimedia features and come with a wide range of specifications available from student value to high end gaming machines. If you want to work or play on the move then an Aspire laptop or notebook is the one for you.
This range of laptops is extremely versatile and has great value devices that will bring added power, mobility and performance to your working environment. These are often the choice of most economically minded customers - the prices are fairly reasonable and so they are perfect for those looking for a fully featured notebook at a price to suit.
The Aspire Gemstone range is a good example of one of their laptops and is also one of the latest groundbreaking design concepts from Acer. Tailored to meet the needs of the style conscious and advanced home entertainment user, the Acer Gemstone is a trendy notebook that offers superb performance for your money. If you check other reviews you'll see that this is the case.
Generally, the Acer Aspire range of laptops are seen as excellent in the main. They are designed for price conscious consumers looking for a full entertainment notebook.
Please remember that reviews on just about anything have to be based upon opinion to some degree so it is always recommended to do a little research yourself before purchasing.
John Milligan.
http://www.computer-games-store.co.uk
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Gateway Laptops Review - Gateway Laptop Series, History, Trend and Positioning

Many longtime computer users recognize the fact that Gateway has been a major contender in the computer world for much of the personal computer's existence. Gateway was long heralded as one of the highest quality products on the market and was also highly praised for their attention to customer needs and support. In recent years, Gateway's focus has changed a little from being a custom computer builder to offering mass marketed and mass manufactured machines that in turn appeal to a greater portion of the general public. This doesn't mean, however, that they aren't worth a good looking. Gateway laptops still hold a reasonable share of the portable market. This being said, they shouldn't be discounted by people in the market for a new machine.
Gateway laptops are well designed and full featured computers that have the extra visual appeal that many look for. Designed with a sleek housing, bright colors and patterns, Gateway laptops have a satisfyingly modern feel. A generous number of USB ports on all models allow you to connect what you need without carrying additional hubs around, and the addition of a built in webcam in all but the most budget oriented models offers the ease of instant video communication wherever you are.
Gateway laptops really shine with the P series, which is their top performer, and is well equipped for whatever you want to throw at it as far as entertainment goes. Taking a step further is the P-FX series, which has all the extras that a gamer is sure to love. A 17" high definition wide screen, standard HDMI output for hookup straight to your HD screen, 5-in-1 media card reader, high performance graphics card and extra fast Intel Core 2 Duo processor make this series perfect for anything you have in mind. Starting at $900 and moving all the way up to the high end at $2000, this series is very competitively priced.
With mobility being stressed more and more these days, Gateway offers their solution in the form of a convertible that offers all of the features of a laptop, as well as the pen-and-paper ease of a tablet PC. The C series is really just a laptop that can operate as a tablet PC, with the addition of a rotate and flip style screen. For those searching for compact and sub-compact type PCs, you will have to look to other manufacturers, however, if you want the additional functionality of a point, click and draw surface, the C series does this quite nicely. Equipped with a 14" screen and weighing in at just over 6 lbs, this one is really just a full laptop in disguise. Offered in multiple configurations from $1000 to $1200
For money conscious buyers, you will find that Gateway laptops fall comfortably in the middle to middle high ranges as far as pricing goes. You might be surprised though to find that Gateway laptops only offer Intel processors and, being that Intel chips run a good chunk of change higher than their AMD counterparts, you will not be able to compare Gateway to other manufacturers that offer the option of the less expensive AMD chip. The bang for your buck factor works out pretty well though, as what you get for your money should satisfy most everyday computer users.
Gateway laptops offer these different series:
M series - S - Intel Core 2 Duo T5550, 2GB RAM, 160GB HD, 15.4" WXGA Screen $900
M series - X - Intel Core 2 Duo T5450, 2GB RAM, 250GB HD, 15.4" WXGA Screen $1100
M series - XL - Intel Core 2 Duo T8300, 3GB RAM, 160GB HD, 15.4" WXGA Screen $1300
P-172x - Intel Core 2 Duo T5550, 2GB RAM, 160GB HD, 17" WXGA+ Screen $1000
P-172s FX - Intel Core 2 Duo T5750, 3GB RAM, 160GB HD, 17" WXGA+ Screen $1400
P-172x FX - Intel Core 2 Duo T8300, 4GB RAM, 320GB HD, 17" WUXGA Screen $2000
C-141x - Intel Dual-Core T2330, 2GB RAM, 160GB HD, 14" Widescreen $1000
C-142xl - Intel Core 2 Duo T8300, 3GB RAM, 250GB HD, 14" Widescreen $1300

Toshiba Laptops - Any Good?

With lots to choose from it's no wonder we sometimes don't know where to start when choosing a new laptop. What about the Toshiba laptops then? Let's take a quick look.
Traditionally, Toshiba laptops are perceived as business portable computers and are highly regarded for their bullet-proof build quality and sharp screens, and are now one of the most popular notebook manufacturers in the UK. Indeed they are also popular with American and European buyers.
All new Toshiba laptops are RoHS-compatible, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances, so that's one good start at least. They are also known for their durability and reliablity with high quality plastics making them very durable plus drop dead looks that would make any onlooker stare with envy.
These machines are all fully upgradeable and come with enough memory to suit most people's needs. They are great for business users, as well as home users looking for affordability and ease of use whilst being thick skinned, working laptops that are designed to be tough, secure and to keep you always connected. They are even said to be so strong and durable that an occasional drop will not break it. I personally haven't tried that so not quite sure how true that is I'm afraid.
Toshiba Laptops are the ultimate mobile companion and are also often wireless, therefore they are very comfortable to use. So if you are often on the move with your computer but do not want to spend a fortune to get the best of the mobile world, the Toshiba laptops are what you might be looking at especially if you are into graphics, gaming or any other kind of multimedia. From the powerful A9 to the budget minded Satellite Pro, Toshiba laptops are built to run fast and last.
Bear in mind that the cheaper Toshiba Laptops are bursting with features aswell. They too are fast and have a build quality that matches many of their more expensive competitors hardware.
If you look at other reviews you will find that most speak very highly of the Toshiba range of laptops but please always remember that any review is subject to some extent at least, to personal preference so do a little research before you spend your money. Your friend might not like a product but you might.

Apple MacBook Pro Laptop - Any Good?

The MacBook Pro is the successor to the 15-inch and 17-inch models of the PowerBook G4 series, and is the first Macintosh laptop to be powered by the Intel Core Duo processor. It has to be said - this is a machine to behold.
This is a fully featured notebook inside one inch of sturdy aluminum and is rated at four times to five times faster than the previous PowerBooks.
The MacBook Pro has advanced wireless capabilities built in and with its Leopard Operatin System it can run both Vista and Mac programs. It has the performance, power, and connectivity of a desktop computer and comes to you with the latest release of the world's most advanced operating system, Mac OS® X version 10. The brilliant widescreen sports a 1,440-by-900 resolution.
A MacBook Pro comes out of the box with something in the area of five and a half hours of battery life if you're just browsing the web and using office applications. Remember the older laptops lasting just an hour if you were lucky?
The Apple MacBook Pro is a sleek and elegant-looking laptop based on Santa Rosa, which features a faster, 800-MHz frontside bus, the ability to address up to 4 GB of memory, and better power conservation. This is an evolutionary improvement in the line, featuring new display backlight technology, a new logic board with more memory capacity and an updated Core 2 Duo CPU from Intel, and nVidia's new GeForce 8600M GT mobile graphics processor.
Though you may have to dig a little deeper into your pocket, all in all, the MacBook Pro is a must have for everyone.

Choosing the Right HP Pavilion Laptop Computer

Today, almost every household has at least one laptop computer and with the designs now being small, portable, and convenient, yet highly efficient, it only makes sense that a laptop would be chosen over a standard desktop unit. Sure, the market has many different laptop brands to consider but people who want the best of the best, there is only one - the HP Pavilion laptop computer.
HP, which stands for Hewlett Packard, has been around for many years with a strong reputation for quality, service, and affordability. In addition to desktop and laptop computers, HP also sells digital cameras, printers, networking, servers, software, and the list goes on. Best of all, everything that HP offers is current and high technology, making the product top quality.
Okay, so why should a consumer buy an HP Pavilion laptop computer over another brand?
The benefits associated with an HP Pavilion laptop computer are many. First, the company provides consumers with a nice selection. Unfortunately, some computer brands are very limited but HP works hard to create laptops that meet the demands of the consumer, regardless of what that is.
In fact, purchasing an HP Pavilion laptop computer is an easy decision, ensuring you get exactly what you want and need, all rolled up in one system.
Although there are many models that would be great choices, a few stand out. For instance, the Pavilion dv9500tv series is the ideal option for people who want something powerful. The features are entertainment-friendly, innovative, and unique such as the fingerprint reader, something you do not commonly find on other laptops.
With this HP Pavilion laptop computer, you will be amazed at its abilities. Operation is also top of the line to include the 64-bit New Core 2 Duo and Intel Core Duo processors. This means that more than one multimedia application can be run at a time without the system showing any signs of slowing down.
Of course, this is just one option to consider, another the HP Pavilion tx1000z series. This computer option is extremely portable, lightweight, and cost-effective but also very powerful. One of the primary features is the display, which can be opened for everyday use or if needed, the display can be twisted to view files and movies in small spaces such as an airplane.
Because the display is in high definition, every image comes across with the ultimate clarity and quality. Equipped with an AMD Turion 64x2 dual core processor that comes with the HyperTransport technology, you will fall in love with the operation of this computer.
Just remember, no matter the HP Pavilion laptop computer you decide to buy, you know it is backed by the HP reputation and service, the most important of all considerations. With so many incredible options, you will find you have multiple choices of the perfect laptop, one that will do what you need it to do while fitting into your budget.

Size Matters When it Comes to Computing

It's fair to say that in computing, smaller is generally better than bigger, especially if a reduced size comes with more power. But large computer corporations, such as HP, Dell, Intel and Acer, aren't pleased with the latest small products to emerge from Taiwan. Two Taiwanese companies, Asus and Everex, have developed small, energy-efficient "netbooks" that are designed primarily for internet use and email. Netbooks have very little onboard memory, make use of very cheap chips, and sell for a relative pittance; a combination which has large computer companies seething as they see their already low profit margins drop even further.
While PC manufacturers dislike the cheeky little netbooks, consumers love them. It was initially thought that the netbooks would appeal to the education sector and adolescents, but the convenience, not to mention the retail price (a mere $300, £150, or R2244) has grabbed the attention of computer consumers at large and companies are struggling to keep up with demand. The Asus Eee PC sold out its global inventory of 350,000 netbooks, with suppliers running out of stock almost as soon as they get it. The Everex Cloudbook has not done quite as well, selling only 20,000 netbooks, but as demand increases, those figures seem likely to climb.
Predictions for the netbook market are very favourable. Market research firm, IDC, predicts that the netbook market will reach nine million by 2012. Intel foresees a far richer future and sets the number at 40 million units per year by 2011, which could be why they are currently developing their version of low-powered chips that can be used in netbooks, and the emerging net-tops. Net-tops are low-cost, energy efficient desk top computers also designed for purely online purposes.
While manufacturers such as Dell, Acer and HP prepare to enter the battle for netbook supremacy, some companies are choosing to stay well clear of it. Fujitsu says that the market simply isn't profitable enough for them to take part in. And even though Dell is entering the market, Michael Tatelman, who is their vice-president for marketing, believes that netbooks have "limited customer appeal". He believes that they may make useful second computers, or have value for people on the go, who spend a lot of time waiting in airport transit lounges or travelling on buses and trains, but they don't serve a truly constructive function.
Nevertheless, it seems like the computing giants have been caught napping in complacent self-assurance that what people want is more power and a greater array of functions, when instead, a couple of start-ups have struck gold by offering the barest minimum in computing simplicity. All that's left for the big boys to do is try to keep up.

Choosing a Travel Laptop - Five Key Points You Must Consider Before Buying

If you're a big traveler, you've already experienced the dilemma: should I bring my heavy laptop on the road, or should I just leave it and do without? Indeed, this can be a hard choice, because traveling light is key to having a good experience, and you certainly won't be traveling light with a heavy laptop, charger, and accessories.
How is the tech savvy traveler to solve this problem? Well, thanks to todays technology, it is possible to purchase a wide array of highly functional, yet incredibly light and compact laptops that are perfect for traveling.
However, buying one of these isn't quite as simple as rushing out and buying the smallest, lightest laptop you can find at the store. Travelers have special needs they need to consider first.
One of the biggest of these issues is durability. Many ultra portable laptops can tend towards the flimsy side, requiring them to be carefully packed and babied at all times. Instead, you want to strike a compromise between size and durability. Look for laptops with strong hinges and frames that will stand up to the rigors of travel.
Secondly, you need to consider what kind of performance you need from your travel laptop. If you're trying to save weight, you're not going to be able to get desktop level performance. Instead, you need to decide which features are most important to you. If you can do without an optical drive, dedicated 3D graphics, and other high end features, you can save quite a bit of size and weight.
Another huge issue with laptops is connectivity. For today's mobile computing needs, there are many options to consider. Pretty much all laptops these days come with the essential wi-fi connectivity, but there are some other options you need to think about. Will you need to dial in with a modem? Ethernet? Do you need mobile, nationwide broadband? Make sure that your laptop of choice comes with the options you need.
In addition to this, you need to think about usability. Do you need a full size keyboard, or can you deal with a compact one? What about screen size and resolution? Need a tablet PC? These types of issues can make or break the usability of your laptop, so getting them worked out ahead of time is critical. If you type a lot, you'll most definitely need a full sized keyboard. If you're doing a lot of graphics work, high screen resolution is key to productivity. Know what you need, and don't compromise.
Battery life is also a huge issue for travelers. Obviously, the longer the better, but keep in mind that a larger battery means more weight. Many laptops will allow you to purchase different sizes of batteries, for different needs. This can help you find the perfect compromise.
Overall, choosing a travel laptop doesn't have to be too complicated. Simply identify your needs, do your homework, and you're sure to walk away with a laptop that will prove to be a perfect travel companion.

Laptops For the Fashion Conscious

Ever get bored with the shape of your laptop? Ever think, "Gee, I wish that this standard sized, slate grey rectangle could be a little funkier, a little sassier, and perhaps even a little sexier?" If you have, then Ego Lifestyle is the company for you. The designers at Ego were tired of the same laptop style that has been around for the last 20-odd years. "Look at the cars we had 20 years ago compared with the cars we have today," says Jeroen de Punder, managing director of Ego Lifestyle. "They look completely different, but notebooks are all specs and techs." He adds that because notebooks work fine, no one questions the way they look. The matter may seem a trivial one to many laptop users, but for the aesthetically inclined, Ego's unique laptop designs are like a gift from heaven.
Ego's first foray into fashionable laptops resulted in a round number that was remarkably similar to Apple's clamshell iBook. It had large rounded edges and a carry handle built around the hinge. Ego had to design its own circuit boards to fit into the round design, and added four speakers and a subwoofer behind the screen. To complete the package, the machine came with interchangeable skins, so that the exterior could be changed at will.
Since then, Ego, in conjunction with Tulip, has brought out a Love Edition laptop, designed specifically with Valentine's Day in mind. The distinctively round casing is pale red (other colours are available) and boasts a stitched red heart in the middle, it also has a lovely red ribbon on the handle, complete with a heart shaped pendent. But the fun doesn't stop there. They have released a 6-figure ($355,000, £179,583 or R2.6 million) diamond-encrusted model, as well as a Bentley model that was inspired by the legendary British car. Ego launched its Bentley laptop at the British Motor Show in July this year, it features authentic Bentley cross-over hand-stitching in the same colour schemes as the cars. The carry handle even resembles the car's door handle.
The Bentley model is significantly cheaper than the diamond-encrusted one, but at £10,000 ($19,768 or R144,345), it's still priced beyond the reach of average Joe. But Ego Lifestyle isn't about the average Joe; it's about being elite and ostentatious. De Punder says that their target market are the "technofashionistas" of the world, those who are interested in fashion, design and technology, and who presumably have more money than they know what to do with. Their initial design cost around $3,975 (£2,010 or R29,025), while in 2006, its "entry level model" came in at $5,000 (£2.529 or R36,509).

The Innovative Sony Vaio Notebook Computer

The Latest Data On The Sony Vaio Notebook Computer
Sony is a well known and trusted name in technology. They continue to keep their name at the top of the list with the Sony Vaio notebook computer. With its first model they led the other manufacturers in innovation and concept. Even with top of the line technology the Sony Vaio laptop remains easy to use and yet still powerful. One is able to perform intricate tasks as easily as they can read their e-mail.
The name Sony has remained synonymous with the word excellence. It has been and still is one of the highest selling names on the market. The Sony Vaio laptop is no exception.
Innovation is Sony's hallmark. One of the features that Sony was the first to include in the Sony Vaio Laptop was wireless networking. With this laptop there was no need to purchase a separate device or add a networking card, wireless capabilities had been integrated into their machine. The rest of the laptop community had to scramble to keep up.
Sony's stays on top with its new line of laptops that include the latest in security technology. They were also first in the industry to build into their laptops CD-ROM drives. This allows the user more flexibility in adding and storing information or programs.
Available in a Variety of Colors
Continuing to be the innovator, Sony was the first to offer their laptops in a variety of color options. They also offered to emblazon your company's logo on the top. Pink, green, blue, turquoise, you name it and it will be done. Computers are not just for geeks anymore. Sony keeps their customer involved in the building of their personal laptop by allowing them to make personal choices in innovative technology and design. This is what keeps their customers coming back.
The new Sony computers are also built stronger and tougher. They can withstand a few bumps and bangs on the commuter train going to work or school. They now include the strength of carbon fiber casing.
Sony alway stays on top of their game. You will never be disappointed owning one of these excellent computers.