Tech Tuesday: Cheapest 12 Inch Notebook But Powerful enough for HD Graphics

MSI has done it again. Just recently here in the Philippines we got to see the new Wind U200 series hitting the market and is selling like hot cakes. Two reasons why: Very affordable price and Excellent Specs.

In terms of pricing the U200 series comes in a price range of Php18000 ($391) to Php22000($478). This is due to the Dual Core Processors that run on Low Voltage and of course Low cost. However, unlike the old netbooks that we have seen in the past, these 12 inch laptops are quite capable of handling what a normal laptop would with a Windows Experience Index Score of 3.2. Battery life runs at 4 - 6 hours and is equipped with Windows 7. It doesn't have a DVD or CD Drive which is also why the netbooks in the past have also been able to be priced quite low but in the modern age of wireless fidelity who really needs it.

Here are the current specs out in the market right now based on MSI's Website:

• Intel® Core™2 Duo processor, with Intel® wireless technology
• Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium
(MSI recommends upgrade to Genuine Windows Vista® Business)
• 12.1" 16:9 Glittering Crystal Frameless Screen
• 1366*768 HD Ready Display for clearer and sharper images
• 1.3kg ultra lightweight and ultraportable design
• 6.5 hrs* extended battery life
• HDMI Output
• LED power-saving backlight technology
• Brand new msi Ergonomic De-stress Keyboard

And if you still aren't sold on the idea of getting one here is a video review to help you get a clearer picture of what to expect and I have to say you had better make a decision fast since this one is about to be sold out before the month of January even ends:

Tech Tuesday: Sony Vaio X Series

While going through the mall the other week I got wind of and was able to try out Sony Vaio's hot new gadget. A bit pricey though but a definite eye candy. Though I have to say without a Disc Drive and it being wafer thin at 11 inches this is probably the netbook(mini-notebook) for those with the guts or the money to extravagantly splurge on it.

To show you what a pricey netbook from Sony can give you, here are the specs:
- 2GHz Intel Atom Processor
- 533Mhz Front Side Bus Speed
- Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 500 dengan Intel® System Controller Hub US15W Chipset
- Up to 128GB Solid State Drive
- 2GB DDR2 SDRAM
- QWERTY keyboard, 82 kyes with 1.2mm stroke and 17mm pitch
- Display 11.1 inci x-black widescreen LCD dengan teknologi backlight LED 1366 x 768 Resolution
- Intel High Definition Audio
- WiFi Atheros 802.11b/g/n
- Bluetooth
- VGA Port
- Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband Built-In (3G Modem)
- 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T
- 2 x USB port
- microphone
- headphone jack
- Memory stick dan sdcard slot
- Webcam Motion EYE
- Windows 7 professional
- Electro-Static touch pad
- Durable Battery: Up to 3.5 hours
- Power Requirements: 38 watts or less

here is a commercial from youtube that I found about the x series:

Tech Topic: Extending Laptop battery Life

I just bought a new Compaq Presario CQ35 -109Tu(that was a mouthful) which came with the standard 6 cell battery. So far it has been able to give me an average of 1.5 to 2 hour usage time. That is pretty decent enough but it would still be great if it could last a little bit longer than that. I tried looking around ofr 9 cell and 12 cell replacements for it and found that they could cost between $56 to $149 shipping cost not included. That is quite a hefty sum to pay for extra juice. So for the meantime while I am saving up for the battery upgrade I looked around for the best way to maximize Mr. Q's Battery life. :) Cool thing is I really didn't have to go far to do this. HP had a lot of the answers that I needed.

Here is what they had:

Steps to maximize the life of your battery

There are actions you can take to make your battery last longer during each charge cycle and live longer over many cycles. HP always recommends following the instructions for charging and storage that came with the battery or notebook.

Manage battery power more effectively in Windows Make sure your battery gives the power you need, when you need it. Power Options in Windows XP/Vista/7 allow you to control the power management features of your notebook PC.

Tips for conserving battery power on notebook PCs

You can manually change the power consumption of your notebook PC and conserve battery power.

Reduce the brightness of the screen to the minimum readable level. Use the Fn and F7 or F8 keys to adjust the brightness.

Remove peripherals when not in use. External hard drives, CD-ROMs, Zip drives, PC cards, and other peripheral devices can draw power from your battery even when they are not in active use. Disconnect them when you have finished using them.

Reduce the speed of your processor. The faster your computer works, the more quickly it uses up the supply of power. By cutting down on processor speed, you can extend the charge of your battery. Methods to reduce processor speed vary from model to model, and your manual should provide instructions for doing so.

Turn off the Wireless On-Off button when it is not in use. If your notebook has one, press the Wireless On-Off button so that the light turns off.

Battery care practices
Battery cells suffer gradual, irreversible capacity loss over time. Such aging occurs more rapidly as temperature and discharge loads increase. Here are some suggested ways to minimize the capacity loss for your battery.

Store Li-Ion batteries between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F) with 30% to 50% charge. Do not leave batteries exposed to high temperatures for extended periods. Prolonged exposure to heat (for example, inside a hot car) will accelerate the deterioration of Li-Ion cells.

Remove the battery if the notebook will be stored (turned off and not plugged into AC power) for more than 2 weeks.

Remove the battery if the notebook will be plugged into AC power continuously (via a wall adapter or docking station) for more than 2 weeks.


Note: Recommendations for battery use and storage are covered in the HP User Guides for each model.

Calibrate the notebook PC battery
Short discharges and recharges do not fully synchronize the battery's fuel gauge with the battery's state-of-charge. This can result in the amount of power available in one cycle being less than expected or the battery meter being inaccurate.

Under normal usage, batteries should be calibrated a minimum of once every 3 months. Your battery can be calibrated by following these steps:

Step 1 - Disable the Windows Power Management
In Windows, right-click the Desktop and select Properties in the menu list.
Click the Screen Saver tab and then click the Power button.
Under Power schemes, select Always On in the drop down menu.
Under Settings for Always On power scheme, select Never in each of the drop down menus.
Click OK on the Power Options Properties window and then click OK on the Display Properties window.

Step 2 - Fully charge the battery
Connect the AC adapter to the notebook.
Charge the battery until the Windows battery meter is at 100%.

Step 3 - Fully discharge the battery
Remove the AC adapter.Keep the
notebook on until the battery has completely drained and the notebook
automatically turns off.
Connect the AC adapter to the notebook.
Keep the AC adapter connected to the notebook until the battery has completely
charged.

Step 4 - Enable the Windows Power Management
In Windows, right-click the Desktop and select Properties in the menu list.
Click the Screen Saver tab and then click the Power button.
Under Power schemes, select Portable/Laptop in the drop down menu.
Click OK on the Power Options Properties window and then click OK on the Display Properties window.

Note: After completing the steps above, your notebook PC battery will be calibrated.

Following this actually helped me out a lot but if you really want to get the best battery life for your laptop and you have money to shell out, getting a battery upgrade either 9cells or 12cells would be the best. I also would have bought the ACER timeline series, since they last for 8hours, but they were Php5,000 beyond my budget and I really needed the 2.0Ghz processor power for the amount of multitasking that I had to do for work and blogging. :) The Acer timeline that was at 13.3 inches only had 1.33Ghz and no DVD player. Mr. Q had that and even lightscribe (this is used for labeling Dvds). Since the only issue I have is that Mr. Q can't last for long I just have to make sure that I get to work in places where an outlet is readily available :)

If you have any laptop battery tips to share please do share it over here. I would love to hear some more and am sure others will too. :)

Here are the links to some articles that I have found you useful as well.
9Hour battery Setting
Extending Laptop battery life - yugatech

Hope that this helps you guys out with your laptop battery concerns :) Till the next time. xoxo

Technology Tuesday on Empty Streets: Toshiba Mini NB200

Toshiba has finally entered the Netbook market with their version known as the Toshiba NB200.
I have to say that after trying it out myself and it being equipped with the new Atom N280 coupled by a very easy to the fingers type of keyboard (chicklet type - Think of Sony Vaio), is putting this netbook on the my faves list. It even is aethetically designed with an elegant bronze finish guaranteing its user to become a definite head turner. Unfortunately though this has to come with a hefty price tag in competition that of the Asus Magnesium Netbook.
Here are the Specs:

Key Features - Intel® Atom™ processor N280- Genuine Windows XP® Home Edition- 1024 MB DDR RAM (800MHz)- 10.1" Widescreen TruBrite® VGA (1024 x 600) High Brightness display

Processor	type : Intel® Atom™ processor N280 clock speed : 1.66 GHz Front Side Bus : 667 MHz 2nd level cache : 512 KB
Operating system	Genuine Windows® XP Home 32-bit Edition (pre-installed, Toshiba-HDD recovery)
Design Colour	colour : Satin Brown
System memory	standard : 1,024 MB maximum expandability : 2,048 MB technology : DDR2 RAM (800 MHz)
Hard disk	capacity : 160 GB certification : S.M.A.R.T. drive rotation : 5,400 rpm
Display	size : 10.1 " type : Toshiba TruBrite® WSVGA TFT display with LED backlight internal resolution : 1,024 x 600
Graphics adapter	manufacturer : Intel® type : Mobile Intel® GMA 950 memory : up to 224 MB total available graphics memory with 512 MB system memory memory type : shared
Internal video modes
Max External Video Modes	Max Resolution : 1,600 x 1,200 Max Refresh Rate : 85 Hz Non-interlaced resolution with max refresh rate : 1,600 x 1,200
Interfaces	1 x DC-in 1 x external monitor 1 x RJ-45 1 x external microphone 1 x built-in microphone 1 x headphone (stereo) 3 (Left 1, Right 2) x USB 2.0 Sleep-and-Charge 1 x integrated VGA Web Camera 1 x 2-in-1 Bridge Media slot (supports SD™ Cards up to 16 GB and MultiMedia Card™ up to 2 GB)
Expansion	1 x memory slot
Wireless communication	Compliancy : Wi-Fi® Network Support : 802.11b/g Wireless Technology : Wireless LAN
Wired communication	topology : Fast Ethernet LAN speed : 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
Sound system	supported audio format : 24-bit stereo speakers : built-in speaker
Keyboard	keys : 86 Windows keys : Yes
Pointing device	type : Touch Pad
Battery	technology : lithium-ion maximum life : up to 9h05min (Mobile Mark™ 2007)
AC adaptor	input voltage : autosensing AC adapter (100/240 V) for worldwide usage
Physical dimensions	W x D x H : 263 x 211.5 x 25.4 (front) / 32.25 (rear) mm weight : starting at 1.33 kg
Warranty	1-year international warranty. Upgrade your standard warranty with Toshiba warranty extension, uplift and all-risks insurance packs.
Bundled hardware	AC adaptor
Bundled software	Connectivity Doctor Toshiba User's Manual McAfee® Internet Security Suite - Toshiba Edition (includes free Internet updates for 30 days) Toshiba Recovery Disc Creator Microsoft® Works, Microsoft® Office Home and Student 2007 (free 60-day trial) Google Toolbar Google Picasa ConfigFree™ Toshiba utilities and drivers Chicony Camera Assistant Software
Toshiba EasyMedia	McAfee® Internet Security Suite - Toshiba Edition USB Sleep-and-Charge Smart Display Support Built-in camera & microphone Diversity Antenna Integrated Bridge Media Adapter Toshiba ConfigFree™
Security features	slot for Kensington Cable Lock user password supervisor password HDD password on request
Special features	SM BIOS compliant integrated microphone for Voice over IP ENERGY STAR qualified computer integrated VGA Web Camera for Video over IP Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep® Technology HD Audio support

Here is a short video review of the Toshiba NB200:

Technology Tuesday on Empty Streets: LGX110

LG wants in on the netbook market with plans to roll out the X110 netbook in a couple months' time. This 3G-integrated device will come with the following specifications :-

• Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor
• 1GB RAM
• SDHC memory card slot
• VGA out
• Ethernet connectivity
• 1.3 megapixel webcam
• Three USB 2.0 ports
• 160GB hard drive

For €399, the LG X110 will ship with Windows XP SP3. Better find a decent data service provider that offers competitive rates for an unlimited access account if you plan to use the LG X110 at just about anywhere you are.

It has included integrated 3G, with an Ericsson F3507g mobile broadband module promising support for up to 7.2Mbits/sec.
Ergonomics

Aside from the styling, LG doesn't alter much of the recipe that has made MSI's Wind such a success. The keyboard is among the best you'll find on a netbook, and touch typists should find it possible to reach quite a pace. The only irritation is that the touchpad, placed very close to the spacebar, is easy to hit with an errant thumb, which can move the cursor when you don't want it to.

The screen is a mixed blessing. Measuring 10in diagonally, it's home to a netbook's typical 1,024 x 600 pixels, and its brightness counteracts the slightly mottled appearance. As with the Wind, this is only obvious when you're using an evenly coloured background - such as the white background of Microsoft Word - and you'll struggle to notice it when web browsing.

A disappointment was the X110's battery life, which measured a measly 2hrs 10mins under light use. Before you dismiss the X110 entirely, though, we should add a couple of caveats. For a start, you can already buy extended batteries, with a 7,200mAh unit costing £45 exc VAT. Also, our benchmarks suggest you'll obtain over one-and-a-half hours' life even if you push the processor at full belt. So while it's arguably a mistake not to include a larger battery as standard, it isn't fatal.

And we can understand why LG didn't want to spoil the X110's carefully crafted lines. This is a very nice-looking laptop, with smooth contours and slim dimensions - even at its thickest point, it measures just 35mm. It's light, too, tipping the PC Pro scales at 1.19kg.

Here is a video review of LG X110:

Technology Tuesday on Empty Streets: HP Mini 2140

I have just purchased my own HP Mini 2140 since I lost my Acer 4310 two weeks ago. I bought this netbook since I needed a quick replacement for the laptop due to the fact that I desperately needed to get back online and start blogging again since an ample amount of my own personal income came from blogging itself. At first I was a bit skeptic about how this would perform for me and if it could keep up with my multitasking needs from blogging as well as from my office demands. I was quite pleasantly surprised that as of last week from the time of purchase, The HP Mini 2140 has been performing without a glitch and when people have told me that there are many things that this netbook may not be able to do has been disproven. There are even reviews where this was supposedly made to be a non primary computer but if you are like me whose lifestyle is primarily net based and basic documentation needs, The HP mini does the job. But of course if you will need to use the laptop for heavy duty graphics and multimedia editing then you'd have to look elsewhere.

Overall the things that I liked about HP Mini 2140 are:
Large Keyboard - 92% of original size
Ample battery life - 7 hours with a six cel batter
Beautiful aluminium finish
Hyper Threading of Intel Atom N270 has allowed for decent Multi tasking performance
Large HD Size - 160 GB
Ram is upgradable to 2GB
Widescreen 10.2 inches
Decent Quality speakers
Wifi is capable of using all frequency types
Energy Star - Highly energy efficient

To sum everything up for you - The HP Mini 2140 is definitely a business class netbook for the serious net users that are constantly on the go.

Here are the details that may help you decide on purchasing the HP Mini 2140.

System features
See detailed specs	US QuickSpecs » html » pdf
Operating system	Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic 32 Genuine Windows® XP Home SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 FreeDOS
Processors available	Learn more about HP notebooks and Intel Centrino vPro technology Intel® Atom™ Processor N270 (1.60 GHz, 512 KB L2 cache, 533 MHz FSB)
Chipset	Mobile Intel® 945GSE Express
Specialized Design	HP 3D DriveGuard

Memory
Memory	1 GB 800 MHz DDR2 SDRAM 2 GB 800 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
Memory upgrade	Supports up to 2 GB (one SODIMM slot)

Storage
Hard drive	160 GB 5400 rpm SATA 160 GB 7200 rpm SATA 80 GB Solid State Drive
Optical Drives	Optional optical drives via External MultiBay II

Graphics and Input/Output devices
Display size	10.1-inch diagonal HP Illumi-Lite LED SD; 10.1-inch diagonal Illumi-Lite LED HD (Coming Soon)
Graphics	Mobile Intel® GMA 950
Integrated camera	Integrated VGA camera

Audio, Slots, and Ports
I/O Ports	External: 2 USB 2.0 1 microphone in 1 headphone/line-out 1 external VGA monitor 1 RJ-45 1 AC power
Slots	1 Express Card/54 1 secure digital
Audio	High Definition Audio, stereo speakers, integrated stereo microphones, stereo headphone/line out, stereo microphone in

Communication features
Network interface	Marvell Ethernet Integrated Controller (10/100/1000)
Wireless	Broadcom 802.11a/b/g/draft-n; Broadcom 802.11b/g; HP Integrated Module with Bluetooth 2.0 Wireless Technology

Product specifications
Weight	Starting at 2.6 lb (1.19 kg)
Dimensions (w x d x h)	10.3 x 6.5 x 1.05 in (261.4 x 166.2 x 26.7 mm)

Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency	ENERGY STAR® qualified
Battery	3-cell (28 WHr) high capacity Lithium-Ion; 6-cell (55 WHr) high capacity Lithium-Ion
Power supply	65W HP Smart AC Adapter, HP Fast Charge
Battery Life	3-cell with Hard Drive: up to 4 hours; 3-cell with SSD: Up to 5 hours; 6-cell with Hard Drive: Up to 8 hours and 30 minutes; 6-cell with SSD: Up to 10 hours

Manageability
Security management	Configuration Control Hardware; Memory Change Alert; Ownership Tag; Setup Password; Power-On Password; Kensington Lock Slot

Service and Support
Warranty Feature	HP Services includes a one-year standard parts and labor warranty, pick-up or carry-in, and toll-free 7 x 24 hardware technical phone support. On-site service and warranty upgrades are also available.

Here is more about why this is such a great netbook:





SPECIAL ARTICLE ADDITION:

I would like to introduce a netbook that could probably rival my HP Mini 2140 in more ways than one and I have to admit am anticipating its full launch.

YUGATECH Netbook

YugaTech Netbook

• 10.2″ OLED display screen (1280×960 resolution)
• Intel Atom Z550 2.0GHz CPU
• 2GB DDR3 1333 MHz RAM (maximum of 4GB)
• 128 GB SSD or 500GB SATA HDD
• 5 x USB 2.0
• Bluetooth 2.1
• WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
• WiMax 802.16e
• 3G/HSDPA up to 7.2Mbps
• 2.0 MP webcam
• Fingerprint/Facial recognition
• 7-in-1 card reader
• Backlit keyboard
• Multi-touch
• 8-cell 7200 mAh Battery (up to 9.5 hours)
• Ubuntu or Windows XP Home

Looking at the specifications I would say that this is definitely something to watch out for and to be honest am hoping I get to win one of them so I too can test run it and give it a full review. :) Till the time of it full launch I can simply wait. But for Mr. Yugatech I do wish you the best of luck and from Empty Streets You have our full support ;)

PS. The Yugatech Netbook article was written by Abe on April 1 :) so it is upto you to figure out if this is real or not heheheh :) have fun :) hehehe

Technology Tuesdays on Empty Streets: Sony Vaio TXN

I have featured environmentally friendly mobile phones at the start of this year and now I have discovered that there are also environmentally friendly laptops as well. One in particular is from Sony with their Sony Vaio TXN models.



Generally though green laptops tend to be a bit slower and less graphic intensive than most regular laptops but this model from Sony has a lot of things that can still be considered competitive in the market. One thing I liked about it is the fact that it can run for 10 hours on its battery power as compared to many laptop power standards of 2 to 4 hours average. It is because of that and a more power efficient processor that makes this laptop a Green Laptop.



here are more of the specifications of this laptop

Processor Processor: Intel Core Solo U1500 / 1.33 GHz, Intel Core Solo U1400 / 1.2 GHz Power Efficiency: Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) Data Bus Speed: 533 MHz Chipset Type: Mobile Intel 945GMS Express Cache memory Type: L2 cache Installed Size: 2 MB Ram Installed Size: 1 GB / 1.5 GB (max) Technology: DDR2 SDRAM - 533 MHz, DDR2 SDRAM Memory Specification Compliance: PC2-4200 Configuration Features: 2 x 512 MB Storage controller Type: IDE Storage Hard Drive: 80 GB - 4200 rpm, 100 GB Optical storage Type: DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM Read Speed: 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD) Write Speed: 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD±R) / 4x (DVD±R DL) Rewrite Speed: 16x (CD) / 6x (DVD-RW) / 8x (DVD+RW) / 5x (DVD-RAM), 16x (CD) / 6x (DVD±RW) / 5x (DVD-RAM) Card reader Type: Card reader Supported Flash Memory Cards: SD Memory Card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO Video Graphics Processor / Vendor: Intel GMA 950 Video Memory: Dynamic Video Memory Technology 3.0 Max Allocated RAM Size: 224 MB Total Available Graphics Memory: 224 MB Audio Audio Output: Sound card Compliant Standards: Microsoft WSS 1.0/2.0 Input device(s) Type: Keyboard, touchpad Keyboard - Localization and Layout: QWERTY Telecom Modem: Fax / modem / cellular modem, Fax / modem Max Transfer Rate: 56 Kbps Protocols & Specifications: ITU V.90, ITU V.92 Service Provider: Sprint Nextel Networking Networking: Network adapter Wireless LAN Supported: Yes Wireless NIC: Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Data Link Protocol: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g Compliant Standards: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g

Manufacturer's product description Extend your power, extend your efficiency and extend your coverage beyond hotpots with the lightweight and compact VAIO VGN-TXN25N/B notebook computer. Power fuses with portability, an Intel processor and integrated wireless technologies to make one incredible notebook.

Expansion / connectivity Expansion Slots Total (Free): 2 ( 0 ) x memory 1 ( 1 ) x CardBus - type I/II, Memory 1 ( 1 ) x CardBus - type I/II Interfaces: 1 x network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX - RJ-45 1 x headphones - output - mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire) 1 x modem - phone line - RJ-11 1 x microphone - input - mini-phone 3.5 mm 1 x docking / port replicator 2 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A 1 x video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15), 1 x display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15) 3 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A 1 x network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45 1 x modem - phone line - RJ-11 1 x headphones - output - mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire) - 4 pin FireWire 1 x docking / port replicator, 1 x display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15) 2 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A 1 x microphone - input - mini-phone 3.5 mm 1 x network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45 1 x modem - phone line - RJ-11 1 x headphones - output - mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm 1 x docking / port replicator 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire) - 4 pin FireWire Power Power Device: External Battery Technology: Lithium ion Installed Qty: 1 Run Time (Up To): 10 hour(s) Operating system / software OS Provided: Microsoft Windows Vista Business Software: Sony Click to DVD, Microsoft Works 8.5, Microsoft Office 2007 (Trial), Norton Internet Security 2007 (60 days subscription), InterVideo WinDVD, Sony SonicStage, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Sony Click to DVD, VAIO Media, Sony DVgate Plus, Sony SonicStage Mastering Studio, VAIO Help and Support, VAIO Update, Adobe Premiere Elements, Adobe Reader, VAIO Recovery Utility, Roxio Easy Media Creator, Infineon TPM Professional Package, InterVideo Instant On, Norton Internet Security (60 days subscription), Microsoft Works 8.5, UPEK Protector Suite QL

Overall based on the reviews that we have read and based on what it has to offer those the purchase it we have rated this gadget a 7.5. Going green is good but I do hope that sooner than later companies can develop a greener but yet powerful solution to our daily technological needs.



Here is a video of a review made too for the Sony Vaio TXN:


BuyTV Product Feature - Sony Vaio TXN Notebook - The most popular videos are here

Technology Tuesdays on Empty Streets: Sony Vaio P Series

Sony Vaio is finally joining the netbook bandwagon and this time trying to add style and class into the mix of the netbook market with their Sony Vaio P Series notebook. Here are the key features of this rather petite little monster from Sony:
The world's lightest 8" notebook.
8" LED backlit 1600 x 768 display, 1.4 lbs.
1.33GHz Intel® processor
Genuine Microsoft® Windows Vista® Home Premium or Home Basic (32-bit)
Up to 60GB hard drive, available 128GB SSD
p to 4-hour battery
2GB RAM
Starting at $899.99
Here's a teaser for you to get you to see how what this has to offer those the purchase it.

The New Sony Vaio P - The best home videos are here
Overall rating: If it weren't for the price it would have been a 9 but overall an 8.5 is pretty good enough to make you think twice in buying this little tech wonder :)

Tech Tuesdays on Empty Streets: Samsung NC10

The Samsung NC10 has joined in on the netbook market and is fighting neck and neck in terms of specs with the leading brands such as ASUS EEE PC, MSI Wind, Acer One, and Dell Mini 9. And with a lot of similarities amongst the brand Samsung may just be a good option for many that are opting to purchase one of these little laptop wonders. Powered by the Hyper Threading Processor Intel Atom this is definitely going to prove to be highly aggressive in the market.

Here are the specs for Samsung Nc10:
1.6GHz Intel Atom N270, 1GB DDR2 RAM, 160GB hard disk, Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics, 10.2in 1,024 x 600 TFT, 1.3mp webcam, VGA, 3 x USB, SD/SDHC/MMC card reader, Bluetooth 2.0 +EDR, 802.11bg, 10/100 Ethernet, Windows XP Home, 1yr International warranty, 261 x 186 x 37mm (WDH), 1.31kg

Amazing isnt it for such a small little thing - but dont just stop there here is a product review from Laptopmag


Now with all that being said our full assessment based on form, functionality, cost, and durability/support we will give the Samsung Nc10 an 8.0.

Hope you found this review of the Samsung NC10 Useful as you prepare to buy a new laptop or gadget. Please come back daily as there is definitely more topics to come. till then... xoxo

Tech Tuesdays on Empty Streets: Dell Mini 9 Netbook

Dell has finally joined the band wagon of netbook makers and have released their version late this year called the Dell Inspiron Mini 9. A lot of Dell fanatics have been looking forward to what their favorite Dell brand had to offer and so far it has in more ways kept upto par with what is already being sold in the market - which to my point of view is a little too late though.

Here are the specifications of the Dell Inspiron Mini 9

• 1.6GHz N270 Intel Atom Processor
• 1GB DDR2 533MHz (1 DIMM)
• Ubuntu 8.04 Linux with Custom Dell Interface (Includes Open Office) or XP
  
• 8.9" 1024 x 600 WSVGA glossy LED backlit display
• 16GB miniPCI SSD card
• Intel GMA 950 Integrated Graphics
• 802.11b/g Wi-Fi
• 4-in-1 Media card reader
• 1.3 Megapixel webcam, Dell Video Chat application, Dell Support Center
• 4-Cell 32Wh Li-ion battery (14.8V)
• Size: 9.2" x 6.8" x 1.3" (including feet)
• Weight: 2lb 5.5oz (with 4-cell battery), 2lb 11.6oz (with battery and AC adapter)

Not bad as most people would say as it does offer a lot more in terms of what substandard Mini Netbooks have to offer but only had it been released a bit earlier. I say it is a bit late due to the main fact say for example just the memory internally is a 16Gb SSD while the others such as MSI Wind, ACER Aspire One, Lenovo, and HP have release 160GB up version of the netbook with roughly the same pricing or close to it of approximately around $400.

In terms of design and appeal it does have it's plus factors there though positioning the Function keys to be integrated with the regular keys and trying very hard to squeeze everything in could prove to be a blessing or a pain.

Overall since I prefer function over aesthetics sometimes, I would give this Dell Inspiron Mini a Total Gadget Grade Point Average of 7.5.

Here's a CNET First Look review to run you through what Dell Inspiron Mini has offered its Consumers: