Keeping Your Laptop In Good Condition

April 22, 2009 · Filed Under Computer Hardware · Comment 
by Michael Tan

A laptop computer is not cheap. So if you own a laptop, you should do everything you can to keep it in the best condition.

Here are a few tips to keep your laptop in good shape:

1. Keep your laptop cool - It’s important to keep the temperature of your laptop low, because there’s a risk of damaging the internal circuitry when the temperature of your laptop gets too high. This is especially important for those who use their laptop to run high-powered software as running such program typically generate lots of heat. So always make sure that the fan grills (can be at the back, sides, or bottom of the machine) of your laptop is not blocked. Make use of a laptop cooler if possible.

2. Ensure good maintenance for the screen - LCD screen is the most important component for a laptop. When the screen is broken, it will not be easy to repair. So it’s important to take care of the screen properly. Do not touch the screen if not necessary, and clean the screen only using approved cleaning materials.

3. Avoid dropping your laptop - A laptop computer is designed for portability. But this also means that there will be higher chances of dropping it when carrying it around. One ill fated drop to the floor can immediately kill a laptop. So always be extra careful when carrying a laptop around. For extra protection, put it in a laptop case when it’s not in use.

4. Don’t spill your drinks on it - Many people have the habit of eating or drinking while working on their laptops. Unless your laptop is water-proof, you want to be extra careful when having drinks near your laptop. A few drops of liquid on the right spot of the laptop will easily kill the machine. It’s especially important to keep your drinks away from the touchpad and keyboard.

5. Just say no to viruses - Security wise, make sure you obtain an anti-virus program. Secondly, keep it updated! Buying an anti-virus one month and not updating it for the next six really negates it purpose. Your laptop computer could be exposed to hundreds and thousands of new viruses every month if you don’t update your virus definitions. Most anti-virus programs have automatic update methods, eliminating the need for you to have to remember to do it manually.

And that’s the few basic guidelines that every laptop owners should pay attention to. Following these tips will ensure your laptop to always stay in good condition.

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What Should You Search For In a Laptop Deal

April 10, 2009 · Filed Under Computer Hardware · Comment 

If you happen to find a notebook computer at an incredible price, almost unbelievable, be careful, because you normally get what you pay for. You should probably avoid any new laptop deal you see that is under $300.   Those laptops will usually be out of date, will not be able to run some of the latest software and will be difficult to find parts for.  But that doesn’t mean that laptop deals are nonexistent.   If you are patient, do comparison shopping and follow the advice here, you should be able to get the perfect laptop for you without breaking the bank.

Why Should You Have a Laptop?

Picking a laptop is a little like choosing a car – does it fit into your lifestyle and fulfill your needs? Think carefully about your needs for a laptop before you go out looking for laptop deals. Fast internet access is a plus for a college student also you will probably have a need for word processing. However if you are a business man who does alot of graphic presentations then the requirements will be different for your laptop.

Things To Keep In Mind

Now that you know what you want your laptop to do, here are other questions you need to answer to help you narrow your search for laptop deals:

How long should the battery last? This can be important.   If you are only keeping the laptop at home, it will not need as powerful a battery as a traveling salesman.

How big of a screen do you need? Big screens arent absolutely necessary, but if your showing presentations with charts and graphics then it will be a plus.   If you have poor eyesight, be sure your laptop has a “Zoom” function that magnifies everything.

Do you need to add a lot of peripherals to your laptop?A printer or webcam or other accessories that you can get for your laptop are commonly called peripherals. If your going for extra accessories make sure your laptop will be compatable with these extras.

Don’t Be Swayed By

The are many promises used in laptop deals.”comes with DVD drive” is one- however most of the time this will come in the package. Most laptops have a cd player and writer as well.Furthermore the weight of a laptop will often time determine the price. A lighter laptop may run slightly more expensive the heavier models.   If you don’t mind carrying a few extra ponds (which could help give you exercise), then you should be able to find a great laptop deal.

The Convenience of Small Laptops

April 9, 2009 · Filed Under Computer Hardware · Comment 

Small laptops are the perfect computers for businessmen or students who do a lot of traveling.  It is almost impossible to carry larger laptops along with a briefcase or backpack full of books through airline terminals or college campuses.    

Fortunately most computer brands now offer several portable as well as durable models to choose from. These super-compact, ultra thin small laptops are designed with the business traveler in mind.  Computer technology has created smaller hardware making it possible for the smaller computer to be just as techno packed as a larger desktop.

As a student you would be able study in any location and have quick and easy access to all your school files.  You could go home for a weekend or holiday whenever you want and not miss out on valuable study time.   

I am sure most of us have had the experience of sitting on a plane and not being able to fully open our computers in the small cramped space allotted each passenger.  With a small laptop you can easily open your computer, set it on the tray in front of you and begin working.

The first step in doing your pre-purchase research is to decide what your computer needs or desires are. Will you want to download videos and music?  Will you be producing graphic designs?  Could you get by with a small screen or do you need a larger one?  I have listed a few best laptop computers below along with some of their specs.

ASUS Eee PC 904HA

For the economically challenged businessman or student this is the perfect choice with a price tag of just under $400.   The ASUS Eee comes with a 160GP hard drive and several USB ports.  On the down side it does not come with a DVD drive.

HP Mini (AKA 2113)

These small laptops have been specifically created for the traveling population. It has an aluminum shell, titanium chasis, HP3D sever service hard drive and a moisture-resistant keyboard.  This is the smallest of the three and is only outmatched in thinness by the Mac Air. It is also a great value with a price tag around $750.   

Toshiba Satellite Pro U400-S1001X

If you are looking for small laptops that are heavy duty this is the one.  Also in the $800 range it may be the strongest and when plugged into an energy source (even when turned off) it can charge any USB item.

Apple MacBook MB061LL/B
This computer is not the smallest on the small laptop list and is also a bit heavier. It has a larger screen size, not great for travel but some people prefer the larger screen size.  At $970 it is also not the cheapest in the small laptops category.  It does have excellent WI-Fi connectivity and can pick up a signal almost anywhere.

As with any large purchase it is important to comparison shop, read laptop computer reviews, and get advice from the computer expert in your family (every family has one!)

Innovative Sony Vaio Notebook Computer

March 4, 2009 · Filed Under Computer Hardware · Comment 

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.

Among other computer hardware manufacturers Sony is at the top due to its ability to be used by students as well as professionals. It has the features needed to complete the most technical of jobs as well as a simple word document.

The Sony Vaio notebook computer, with all its high quality features, is consistent with other trusted Sony products.  The power and features keep it at the top of the list in notebook computers.

The Sony Vaio notebook computer has always prided itself on its features and its ability to stay up with whatever state of the art components are being offered for notebook computers.  One of the things that Sony was the first company to integrate into their Sony Vaio notebook computer was wireless networking without adding an extra card or using a separate interface device.  Now the wireless networking connection is standard as the rest of the field tries to keep up with Sony.

Sony was also one of the first companies to offer CD-ROM drives in their notebook computers which made transferring data from one machine to another that much easier.  They continue to stay ahead of the curve with state of the art security features for their new line of notebook computers.

Customize Your notebook computer With Color

Continuing to be the innovator, Sony was the first to offer their notebook computers 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 notebook computer by allowing them to make personal choices in innovative technology and design.  This is what keeps their customers coming back.

Sony has also been developing external security features that include a tougher outer skin on the Sony Vaio notebook computer.  notebook computers used to be extremely sensitive machines and while they still are very sensitive Sony has taken some of the incidental bumps out of the notebook computer by encasing some of their notebook computers in hard carbon fiber casing.

Sony is always trying to stay ahead of the curve.  By owning one of these great machines you will also be ahead of the rest.

 

How to Find The Perfect Laptop

February 22, 2009 · Filed Under Computer Hardware · Comment 

If you’re in the market for a brand new laptop, you’ll definitely want to scout around and find the ideal computer hardware for your needs. Although laptops  come in all shapes and sizes, the following tips should guide you well enough to make a smart purchase.

Firstly, you want to make sure that the technical specs of your laptop is exactly what you need. You should get exactly what you need to match your activities, not more, and not less. For example, you need totally different system if you’re just planning to use it for work related purposes, as opposed to letting your laptops be your entire home entertainment system.

Different applications need different type of laptops, and getting more than what you need is literally a waste of money. On the other hand, getting less than what you need will just frustrate you and waste your time.

The first thing you need to consider is the Central Processing Unit or CPU; it is the “brains” of your notebook. Generally speaking a faster CPU is better as it will cut down on loading and processing time, but there is a choice between Intel processors, or other manufacturers.

You should also think about the overall weight and size of your laptop. If you’re a woman or just prefer lighter loads, go for thinner ones than weight less than 1.2kg - these are usually on the higher price range but it will be worth the money, and the lack of tired nights!

Your laptop’s warranty perios and service details are just as important. Generally speaking most laptops come with standard one-year warranty, but certain brands like Dell also offer “extended” three-year warranties and on-site repairs. This means that they will send someone over to your office or home to solve any problems you may have with your laptop. Expect a premium for the “on-site” repairs, but extended warranties are quickly becoming standard items and you should look out for for laptop models that offer them at no additional cost.

As for personal choice, I prefer Lenovo notebooks, especially the Lenovo Thinkpad series that is both affordable and sufficient for high-end processing. Ideally, your laptop should be powerful enough that you’ll never need a new one for at least 4 years. Not many laptops fit the bill though, so shop for your laptop wisely!

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