Batteries for Your Laptop October 9, 2008
Posted by laptoplunches in Laptop Guides.Tags: Batteries, battery, computer, laptop, pc
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With technology advancing more every day, electronics have become smaller and more mobile. This includes computers. The laptop, or notebook computer is extremely popular these days and many people have them as backup or secondary computers or even as their main computers. The great thing about a laptop is that it uses a battery to power the unti when you are away from a power source so you can literally take your computer anywhere. But in addition to the batteries, there are other parts of the laptop computer that make it work.
You know that another important part of your laptop is the screen. There are many different types of screens and the screen is important since it is the display that will show whatever you are working gon with the computer and you may spend many hours looking at it. Early laptop screens were dim and dark with poor quality but they are very improved today and even come in wide screen and more.
However, you know that the display is not all there is to the laptop. There are many more important parts to the computer. The CPU is very important because it makes your computer work. There are mobile CPUs which keep the machine cooler and prevents overheating. These are great because they also use less power.
There are many great features to the laptop computer. Most of them come with modular (or swappable) drive bays which allow you to remove the floppy drive, the DVD drive and the hard drive. If you want to use different media for storing and saving your data, it is easier than ever to do this while you continue working. You don’t even have to shut your computer down.
The laptop is powered by AC power that plugs into the wall. This makes it easy to charge your laptop and charge the batteries. These typically plug into an ordinary wall outlet. The only downside is if you are in a confined space because many have power bricks that take up space. If you plan on using your laptop a lot in hotels and other close quarters, you might want to purchase a more compact device to make it easier.
Ultimately, the most important aspect of the laptop is it’s ability to be mobile. This is why the batteries are so important. Most laptops come with one or two batteries or you can purchase an extra battery later. Most laptops batteries last from 2-4 hours when fully charged. Depending on the type of laptop and battery you have, it may be more or less.
Melissa Knab is the owner of Batteries Pro which is a premier source of information about Pro. For more information, go to: http://batteriespro.com
How Notebooks are Different than Desktop PCs September 28, 2008
Posted by laptoplunches in Laptop Guides.Tags: Computer equipment, computers, desktop pc, laptop, notebook, pc
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Laptops are different from desktops in the following ways;
Power supply: As desktops can be plugged in an outlet in the wall (AC Power) so can laptops with an AC adapter. But how a laptop is different from a desktop is that it is portable because batteries can also power laptops. The batteries are rechargeable; lithium, nickel-cadmium, or nickel-metal hydride.
Display: Also like desktops, laptops have some type of LCD display screen. Modern Laptops have 800 x 600 pixel resolution. This gives it a very clear screen and anything less should be avoided.
Input Devices: On a desktop computer you usually use a mouse and keyboard to enter data and navigate. With laptops keyboards are built in but since they are portable so they don’t have a mouse. Instead they have one of three input devices in place of the mouse. A trackball, rotating the ball allows you to move the cursor. A trackpoint allows you to push your finger over the point to move the cursor. Lastly, a laptop may have a touchpad that you move your finger across to move the cursor.
Docking Connections: Many laptops come with a docking connection to make it more comfortable to use at a desk. You just plug your laptop in and use it as a desktop. The docking station comes with many peripheral devices: full size computer monitor, full size keyboard and mouse, disk drives and printer.
Thanks for reading
A1-Computers
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Laptop Computer Security – How Safe Is Your Notebook? September 28, 2008
Posted by laptoplunches in Laptop Guides.Tags: articles, computer, computers, hardware, laptop, laptops, notebook, notebooks, tech, technology
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Hundreds of thousands of laptop computers are stolen every year, yet only a tiny percentage of those laptops are ever recovered! Most notebooks are swiped when they are left unattended in offices, hotel conference rooms, taxi cabs, and public places such as airports and restaurants.
When your laptop is sold on the street, valuable data is lost with it. Sometimes the data, not the computer, is the real target. A devious thief with access to personal details stored on your laptop’s hard drive such as, name, address, date of birth, bank details, and social security number, could wreak havoc with your personal finances and credit rating.
There have been many high profile victims of laptop theft. Recently a laptop computer was stolen from California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s press secretary, Margita Thompson. Access to confidential political data may have been the prominent motive behind the theft of this notebook.
Protecting your laptop computer
Recently IBM has created a fingerprint reader for select Thinkpad T42 models, that could well be the future of laptop security. The fingerprint reader creates a biometric layer of security almost impossible to breach, but what about the rest of us with older notebooks?
Below you’ll find 4 useful ways to protect your laptop computer.
Laptop cable locks
Cable locks should deter the casual pilferer. Many laptops are equipped with a Universal Security Slot (USS) that allows the notebook to be attached to a cable lock. They can be purchased cheaply at office supply outlets and computer stores.
Engraving your laptop computer
Permanently engraving your precious notebook may seem like a drastic measure, but marking the outer case of the laptop with your phone number and address, may deter thieves and, if stolen, increase the chance of having the laptop returned to you.
Laptop motion detectors
Equipping your notebook with a motion detector alarm that sets of a loud noise if it is moved. Such an alarm might cause a thief to discard the laptop. An interesting variation is a small radio transmitter that triggers an alarm when a notebook moves more than 10-20 feet away from a receiver kept in your purse, wallet or pocket. Such an alarm would certainly alert the thousands of people a year who simply leave their laptops in taxis.
Laptop tracking
Stolen laptops can be electronically traced using a software tracking code installed inside the laptop’s hard drive. Tracing programs, such as Cyberangel work when the laptop connects to the Internet and secretly reports the location of the laptop. Computrace Personal offers a similar service through a three year contract and agrees to pay up to $1000 if your notebook computer is not recovered in thirty days. Ztrace is a company offering an interesting twist to laptop tracking. They offer a facility to remotely delete or encrypt sensitive files on your laptop after it is stolen.
The portability of laptop computers is both a boon to busy executives and to laptop thieves. Learning to secure your notebook will thwart their efforts and keep your laptop and precious data safe!
Tom Fox writes for the The Laptops Weblog, a web site providing information and articles related to notebook computers.
Is it Time to Replace Your Desktop PC with a Notebook Computer? September 28, 2008
Posted by laptoplunches in Laptop Guides.Tags: desktop replacement, laptop computer, notebook computer
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It used to be that to get all the computing power you needed, you needed a desktop. But would you be surprised to know that today, a notebook computer is not only as powerful but is even more useful?
And with the many technology advances we’ve seen in recent months, notebooks are now very affordable.
So as you look at that big clunker taking up all the desk space, why not consider a notebook computer?
All the big manufacturers make them: Dell, Gateway, Toshiba, HP, Sony, Lenovo, Compaq and, of course, Apple computer with its like of MacBook and MacBook pro computers.
First, though, just what is a notebook computer?
A lot of people – even come computer manufacturers – use the words laptop and notebook interchangably. If you do, that’s okay. But the terms are really different. While both are portable computers meant to be carried from place to place, a notebook is generally smaller than a laptop. It gets the term from a sheet of note paper.
And that’s a pretty good rule of thumb to use in defining it. A notebook is about the size of a sheet of 9-by-11-inch note paper and generally about an inch-and-a-half thick and less five pounds in weight. Anything bigger than that can reliably be called a laptop. Other than size, there are no other significant differences between a laptop and notebook so if you want to use the same term for both, no one is going to quibble.
There are two classes of notebooks. Notebooks with 12 or 14 inch screens are standard-sized. Smaller notebooks – those with 9 and 10 inch screens and weighing around two pounds – are called ultraportables. Ultraportable notebooks usually have smaller keyboards, don’t have built-in CD or DVD drives and hard drives that typically have 20 to 40 MB capacities
Technology has made notebooks smaller, more powerful and much more affordable today than even a year ago. You can expect to fiind a solid, reliable notebook for well under $1,000, with fully-featured powerhorse models listing out at a tad over $2,000. Notebooks can easily be used as replacements for desktop computers. Many fit into docking stations that hook them up to larger screens, power supplies and bigger keyboards and mice. A docking station at home or in the office is a great convenience.
But so is a notebook. That’s why for many, it’s their main computer. Taken from home to office to school, on business trips and vacations and – with wi-fi Internet connectivity or PC card modems that patch into the cellular phone network – notebooks provide always-available computing and Internet access. All your files, all your programs, are always with you.
As you can see, notebook computers make a lot of sense as replacements for desktop PCs. So start shopping. Once you have one, you’ll be glad you did and wonder how you got along with one for so long.
The author is publisher of NotebookScoop.com (http://laptopscoop.com), a site devoted to notebook computers, and YourInfoConnection.com (http://yourinfoconnection.com), which is an online resource for facts and shopping advice.
Getting Acquainted with Notebook Computers September 28, 2008
Posted by laptoplunches in Laptop Guides.Tags: dell computer, hp computer, laptop computer, laptop computers, notebook computer, notebook computers
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Not so long ago notebook computers were expensive, heavy and reserved for a small portion of computer users, no longer. Today’s notebooks are lighter, less expensive and can be as fully featured as their stuck on your desk counterparts. A little knowledge can be helpful if you are considering making the leap to the convenience of a portable computer.
What are your computer needs? Notebook computers, sometimes referred to as laptop computers, just like desktop computers can be configured for a variety of purposes. Will you be using your notebook primarily for business? If so, are you heavily into word processing or spreadsheets or is your work directed toward graphics? Do you need to be connected to the internet for research and/or communication? Maybe you want a notebook mainly to enjoy games or movies? Make an inventory of your computer use priorities, such a list will help you determine which notebook computer is right for you.
Once you have ascertained what you want out of a notebook computer it’s time to make a list of the options your machine will need.
* Processors and RAM – A 20 gigabyte hard drive and an Intel Pentium Mobile processor with 2.8 gigahertz of speed will handle the needs of most computer users quite well. Gamers will need at least 526 megabytes of RAM. If you will be opening large files or having several files open at once you might want to consider a full gig of RAM.
* Screen size – A 13 inch screen with a resolution of 1024 x 768 should do the trick for most notebook computer users. Notebook users who are mainly interested in gaming or movie watching or professionals using graphics programs will probably want as large a screen as possible and may want to add a graphics card.
* Weight – If you are on the go, constantly in and out of your vehicle or on and off a plane and always carrying your computer an ultra light notebook computer may be best for you. Ultra lights can be pricey and you may have to give up a few features or settle for a smaller screen. Standard laptops weighing in at four to five pounds are more moderately priced and can have larger screens and more options.
* Ports, drives and bays – Portability and storage will all be enhanced by choosing a notebook computer with at least two ports. USB and Ethernet are pretty much essential. Expansion bays for CD-ROMS, DVDs and an extra battery should also be considered.
* Keyboard – The keyboard on a notebook computer can be confusing, even downright annoying, for someone used to any of the standard desktop computer configurations. Most laptop keyboards will be smaller and have the mouse integrated into the center. Learning to operate a mouse with your index finger can be exasperating. Look into buying an external mouse as well.
* Battery – Finding out your battery is dead when you’re in your seat on the airplane renders the most expensive notebook computer worthless. Investing in a good Lithium Ion battery is worth the extra cost. Don’t forget the more hardware and software you have up and running the shorter your battery’s life will be.
Finally, while online notebook computer shopping certainly takes some of the hassle out of buying, nothing beats a hands-on demonstration. Comparison shop a few models via the internet then test drive them at your local computer dealer. Rest the notebook computer on your lap after it has been running for at least twenty minutes. Is it comfortable or does it run hot? Type in the old standby “quick brown fox” sentence to see how the keyboard feels to your fingers. Look at the screen from a variety of angles. Open the software programs you use the most. Do they openly quickly and smoothly?
Notebook computers can be handy tools which offer solutions for both work and play. However, be sure to take the time to explore your needs and the solutions that a notebook computer can supply before making the purchase plunge.
Christopher M. Luck has an extensive background in working exclusively with notebook computers and is now offering his free notebook computer secrets to the public. If you are at all interested in Christopher’s computer advice, tips, or secrets, you can visit his computer blog
A Guide to Refurbished Dell Computers September 28, 2008
Posted by laptoplunches in Laptop Guides.Tags: dell, dell computers, gx150, gx240, gx260, gx270, refurbished computers, refurbished dell computers
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If you are looking into purchasing a new computer you would be remiss NOT to first consider purchasing a quality refurbished PC. Refurbished computers generally offer all the computing power, features and reliability you will need at a fraction of the price of a new one. Whether you are purchasing a first or second computer for home, buying for a school or school district, or a business looking to upgrade or expand, refurbished computers should be considered as an alternative to pricier new machines.
What is a refurbished computer?
A refurbished computer is any computer that has come from a working environment, be it business or personal, and has been reconditioned to like new condition for resale. This can include machines that were leased by businesses, schools, or government organizations and computers that are traded in by home users. Generally speaking the computers that make the best option for refurbishing and reselling are business class machines. Business class computers were designed with corporate users in mind and are developed to be reliable, upgradeable, and easily maintained. Quite simply these computers are built to work every day and every time, year after year. Examples of these computers include but are not limited to the Dell Optiplex line; including the Dell Optiplex GX150, GX240, GX260, GX270 and GX280. Other Dell business variations would include GX50 and GX60 machines and Dell Precision machines. The Dell Optiplex and Precision lines were designed with business in mind and are extraordinarily reliable, easy to maintain and upgradeable. Computers that were originally designed for the home user often do not come close to meeting the quality standards set by their business counterparts and as such should be considered to be a somewhat less desirable option.
Generally there are two distinct types of refurbished computers available, off lease and factory refurbished computers. Factory refurbished equipment has been retuned to the original manufacture, usually by a dissatisfied consumer. This equipment is then reworked by the manufacturer and sold as such; generally these computers come with a reasonable warranty, the original manufacturers guarantee, and a premium price. Off-lease refurbished machines are refurbished by the seller and not the manufacturer. Off-lease machines generally offer the same reliability, conditioning, options and warranties as those refurbished by the manufacturer but can often be found at a significant discount compared to factory refurbished equipment.
Where do refurbished computers come from and if they are so reliable why are they available?
Businesses, Government organizations and schools generally lease their computers and equipment for a period of time ranging from months to a few years. At the end of a lease many organizations opt to return this completely functional and useful equipment to comply with their accounting practices. You may ask why organizations would return completely functional equipment only to spend millions replacing it. The answer is simultaneously simple and complex, but in brief; most companies adapt accounting practices that devalue their computer and office equipment yearly as a tax benefit. Generally, at the end of three years, companies show that their existing equipment has no value and accept that the purchase of new equipment is merely a part of their accounting practices and not a waste of good equipment and money. Refurbished computers almost always come out of a clean, well maintained corporate environment. These computers are generally in a working condition, other than perhaps some minor flaws, or cosmetic damage. Other sources for refurbished computers include customer returns, floor or testing models.
How to tell if you are good candidate for a refurbished computer.
Refurbished computers are an excellent choice for virtually all but the most demanding power users. Many refurbished computers today can offer virtually identical performance as new equipment and at less than half the cost. It is important to ask yourself what kind of user you or your organization is. Those users who only want to work in Microsoft Office applications may have drastically different computing needs than people who want to play 3D games or edit video. Those of you who are into the latest and greatest computer games, video editing or CAD programs may need to invest in a new computer.
If you are purchasing for a business, school or government organization, very few users on your network will be power users. This gives you a great opportunity to save your organization thousands, if not tens of thousands of dollars, by supplying computers to your users that specifically meet their needs.
Home users generally do not need the latest and greatest in computer technology. Most home users are looking for solid internet access, the ability to edit photos, download music and play simple games, all of which can be easily handled by most refurbished computers. Home users who consider themselves to be power users can often tweak a refurbished computer to meet their needs and save hundreds of dollars in the process.
Most major manufactures offer potential customers the illusion that newer is better. In most instances this simply isn’t true, refurbished computers can meet the needs of virtually any user and at a fraction of the cost of new.
