Thursday, November 12, 2009

Notebooks : Apple MacBook Pro MB991LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop



I just got my brand new 13.3" Macbook Pro in the mail. I customized mine with 4GB of RAM and a 250 GB hard drive, but with the entry-level 2.26 GHz Intel processor. I unboxed it in front of my mother and sister, and they were both oohing and aahing about how beautiful and thin it was. They also loved the magnetic connector on the end of the power adapter that snaps the power cord into the computer nearly by itself. I powered the computer up, went through the Leopard setup screens, and within minutes was logged in. While starting up, the light sensor powered on, the screen dimmed, and the keyboard lit-up automatically. Everything about this computer suggests ingenious design and engineering, with great attention to every detail. It is very light, and since I am using this for school, I am very happy with the size and form factor, particularly the charger. Switching from a large Dell that sported a charger that could be used to bludgeon somebody to death, the small white charger that is about the size of a wallet is a breath of fresh air. This laptop will be a pleasure to travel with.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Netbooks : ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1005HA-PU17-BU 10.1-Inch Blue Netbook - 10.5 Hours of Battery Life (Windows 7 Starter)



It's been 2 days since the release of Windows 7 and this netbook. With one-day shipping, I've been playing with the machine for about 6 hours. So, I have some initial thoughts, but no great insights into battery life or use while traveling (I'll try to update after my business trip next week).

My overall impression is very positive. It's small and easy to use. The keyboard and trackpad work as well as my full sized laptop. I've installed a bunch of basic programs like Firefox and have had no problems. The only minor frustration I have is one of the silly limitations of Windows 7 Starter Edition: you can't change the desktop's wallpaper. It's a silly limitation, but not worth paying to upgrade to Home Premium to overcome.

Along with the netbook, I purchased a 2 gig upgrade: Crucial Technology CT25664AC800 2GB 200-pin SODIMM DDR2 PC2-6400 Memory Module and an external DVD burner: ASUS USB 2.0 8x DVD Writer External Optical Drive SDRW-08D1S-U (Black). If you look at the pictures above you can see just how easy it is to install the memory. It did take a little more force than I liked to remove the memory cover after unscrewing the one screw, but everything else went smoothly.

Oct 28 Update: Read the comments on this review for my initial battery impressions as well as some good comments from other folks.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Handhelds and PDAs : Sony Digital Reader Touch Edition - Black (PRS600BC)



First digital book I've owned and I am blown away. I've already torn through two books and have downloaded several free books that I was delighted to find. Amazed out how easy it is to use and read. Glare is a bit bothersome but i've adapted and don't really notice it so much. In full sunlight the contrast is the best. Will this replace real books in my life? No, but it does make reading and carrying multiple literary items around much more convenient!

Desktops : Apple iMac MB417LL/A 20-Inch Desktop



This review is intended mainly for PC users who are new to the Mac. I'm not a huge computer person, I've always had PCs, and frankly I've always thought Macs were for hippies with ponytails. I pretty much have to use a PC for my job functions, but over the last few years I've been underwhelmed by both my home and work desktop (both dells) and my home notebook (HP). I'm fed up with the windows BS - freezing for no reason, slowing down for no reason, taking forever to shutdown/startup, constantly nagging to update virus software etc. I'm ok putting up with this for my work PC, but when it was time to replace my home desktop I decided to take a look at the Mac. I'm glad I did. I went with the 2.66ghz iMac with 24" monitor and 640gig HD.

Computer Add-Ons : Targus Accessory Kit for 10.2 Inch Netbooks BUS0187



The Targus Netbook Accessory Kit features a slipcase designed specifically to fit netbooks with up to 10.2" screens. Also included in the kit is an ultra-mini optical mouse with retractable cable and a portable USB hub. The accessory kit features the entry level accessories useful to a netbook owner at one low cost. The slipcase is designed to help protect the netbook from scuffs while the mouse makes it easy to surf the web and operate the netbook while on the go. The hub features a cable that stows away inside of the unit for added portability and allows you to connect up to four additional peripherals to your netbook simultaneously.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Tablet PC : Genius MousePen 8 x 6-Inch Graphic Tablet for Home and


This is the first tablet I've ever had. I purchased it because of the low price, thinking that I would just deal with the defects inherent in buying a cheap product. However, I have yet to encounter any defects! It works perfectly with my existing programs, the stylus is comfortable to handle, the tablet is light, easy to transport and plug in, and the pad is very sensitive. Definitely worth the money and I would recommend it to any first time tablet user. It's incredibly easy to use. My only complaint is the hot buttons on top all look the same, but I solved that by putting little stickers above the ones I use the most often to differentiate between them!
I can't imagine what more a person would want from a tablet, to tell you the truth, and why buy a $100+ one when you can get this?

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Netbooks : ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-PU1X-BU 10.1-Inch Blue Netbook - 10.5


Bought this netbook for our upcoming trip to Europe, immediately tried to install Windows 7 RC on it, worked PERFECTLY. I highly recommend buying the 2GB RAM upgrade (I went with the Amazon recommended 2GB 667mhz crucial module), best $20 you'll ever spend. All drivers installed fine on Win7, Aero is enabled, everything is very snappy. Can't wait to take this thing on the road.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Notebooks : HP Pavilion DV4-1433US 14.1-Inch Laptop


I purchased this Laptop on August 26th and it arrived on August 28th; very speedy free shipping
from Amazon I must say.

This laptop is everything I thought it would be; it is extremely fast and while it is too soon
to evaluate it I am satisfied with it.

It came with Windows Vista Home Premium 64 bit installed and is eligible for Windows7 upgrade
The Intel Core Duo 2.1 GHz processor and the 4GB Memory make it very quick;
this notebook also has a relatively large 320GB 7200 rpm hard drive

It is worth much more than the $649.99 price I paid for it on Amazon shipping included


I have had little or no problems with Hewlett-Packard since I started using HP product ,Laptops,
Desktops, Printer and Scanner many years ago.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Handhelds and PDAs : Palm TX Handheld


I have been using a Palm m515 for the past several years and was waiting for the right moment to upgrade. I purchased the TX with some reservations because Palm has had quality issues, and I wanted to avoid the aggravation I initially had with my m515. I have owned my TX for about a month and have no complaints so far.

In reading my review and other reviews, keep in mind that each person buys this unit with different expectations and uses, and what matters to one person may be irrelevant to another. With that perspective in mind, let me go over the features that I like.

The TX has a nice feel and appearance;the stylus is nicely weighted and fits snugly in the slot. The color screen is vivid and beautiful to look at. I read literally dozens of e-books each year, so screen resolution and brightness are important to me. The TX excels. Even when the brightness is dimmed to the lowest setting, which I sometimes do when reading in bed at night, reading is very easy.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Desktops : Compaq Presario CQ5110F Desktop PC


I bought this computer as a gift for my mom when my old Laptop died. This computer is VERY fast. There is a LOT of bloatware that comes pre-installed (MS Office 2007 Trial, Norton Anti-Virus Trial, Various Games Trial, etc) and I recommend you remove these trials and install your own programs.
As a Computer Technician, I know my stuff. And I FULLY recommend this computer highly.
In short this is a good basic and inexpensive computer for that works wonders for Internet use, MS Office, etc.

I agree wholeheartedly with the reviewer *Paglia* who recommends this desktop as well. It is much lighter than my older desktop, yet it feels strong and well built. I mention this because some of the newer desktops look and feel flimsy, as if they could be blown over by a feather......not so, with this one. It doesn't get hot and bothered either.

It is extremely fast for my needs and I can open many windows without any delay in speed. It is also very quiet, one of the most quiet desktops I've ever owned. It comes pre-installed with lots of goop and all the essentials as well. I just remove the goop and add a few ingredients of my own... I don't do any *gaming* so I can't vouch for that, but there seems to be more than enough space for my needs.

The price is great and the machine is perfect. For everyday personal or business needs, this desktop is your best bet...... HAPPY COMPUTING !!!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Computer Add-Ons : Targus Netbook Accessory Kit


Saw it locally at a well known office supply outlet and had to have it...I should have waited and purchased it at Amazon....way better deal and price...

Pros: *It does exactly as it say's, cools my little netbook. *Serves as a stable surface when I'm not using my portable laptop table.

Cons: *If they had an additional input on the opposite side of where the plug meets the unit it would have been more convenient and universal. Because the fans are placed to one side and the vents on my netbook are opposite it, I've turned the unit so the fans are directly under it. Now the connecting plug faces me and in front.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Tablet PC : Wacom Intuos4 Medium Pen Tablet


First of all, I must say that the only tablet I have used before is the Wacom Intuos3, so I will be drawing my comparisons mainly between the Intuos3 and Intuos4. I understand that there are a multitude of tablets/digitizers in the market, such as Genie and *forgot the company's name*, but my review will mainly focus on Wacom's line of tablets. To start off, I must say that if you are considering a tablet, then you might want to first try the Wacom Bamboo/Bamboo Fun before shelling out hundreds for a Intuos.

Everything aside, I love my Intuos4, and I think it is definitely a worthy upgrade from Intuos3 (or any other tablets in general), especially if you spend hours everyday with a pen.

Intuos4, instead of the gray metallic look of the Intuos3, hosts a cool black matte finish with a high-gloss black side panel. It is a lot thinner than the intuos3, a much lower profile, and a 16:9 aspect ratio.

Netbooks : ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-PU1X-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook - 10.5 Hour Battery Life


Embrace mobile computing in style with the revolutionary Eee PC 1005HA-P. With an unsurpassed battery life of 10.5 hours, the 1005HA-P eliminates the need to worry about power while on the go. The 1005HA-P packs the latest ATOM CPU from Intel, the N280, which offers a 667MHz FSB, the fastest in its class. Built-in wireless technologies including Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth help you stay connected wherever you go. The 92%-scaled ergonomic keyboard and Multi-Touch touchpad make it a breeze to type and navigate through content. A 160GB hard drive and 10GB of FREE online Eee Storage provide a wealth of storage and backup capacity. Lastly, a 1.3MP Webcam and Digital Array Mic round out the list of the 1005HA-P?s impressive features. With its sleek curves and smooth lines, the Eee PC 1005HA-P offers superior style without sacrificing performance or mobility. A durable sleeve case is included with the 1005HA-P, perfect for protecting your investment while on the go.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Notebooks : Apple MacBook Pro MB990LL/A 13.3-Inch Laptop


I just got my brand new 13.3" Macbook Pro in the mail. I customized mine with 4GB of RAM and a 250 GB hard drive, but with the entry-level 2.26 GHz Intel processor. I unboxed it in front of my mother and sister, and they were both oohing and aahing about how beautiful and thin it was. They also loved the magnetic connector on the end of the power adapter that snaps the power cord into the computer nearly by itself. I powered the computer up, went through the Leopard setup screens, and within minutes was logged in. While starting up, the light sensor powered on, the screen dimmed, and the keyboard lit-up automatically. Everything about this computer suggests ingenious design and engineering, with great attention to every detail. It is very light, and since I am using this for school, I am very happy with the size and form factor, particularly the charger. Switching from a large Dell that sported a charger that could be used to bludgeon somebody to death, the small white charger that is about the size of a wallet is a breath of fresh air. This laptop will be a pleasure to travel with.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Handhelds - PDAs : Palm TX Handheld


Created for today's fast-paced mobile landscape, the sleekly lightweight Palm TX handheld keeps you connected to your most important data--from email to files stored on your office PC--while you're away from your desktop with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. It also features a high-resolution 320 x 480-pixel screen (with portrait and landscape orientation modes), a fast Intel 312 MHz ARM-based processor, expansion slot for Secure Digital (SD), MultiMedia (MMC), and Secure Digital I/O (SDIO) cards. The 128 MB of non-volatile flash memory (of which approximately 100 MB is available for files and software) protects your documents and information, even if the device is not charged and the power runs down. And, of course, the Palm TX features Palm's suite of information management applications, the ability to edit Word- and Excel-compatible files, and synchronization with Microsoft Outlook (Windows only).

I have been using a Palm m515 for the past several years and was waiting for the right moment to upgrade. I purchased the TX with some reservations because Palm has had quality issues, and I wanted to avoid the aggravation I initially had with my m515. I have owned my TX for about a month and have no complaints so far.

Desktops : Apple Mac mini MB463LL/A Desktop


The Mac Mini features the powerful 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor. It has two cores, so it's like having two 2.0GHz processors in one! Another great feature is the suite of applications in iLife '09. Full-featured collections of programs that are designed to let you easily take control of your creative projects. iPhoto organizes your Digital pics, and has a cool feature that groups them by event. iWeb makes it easy to create your own website. iMovie & iDVD lets you Edit your videos and make your own DVD movies. GarageBand gives you the tools to make your own music, and even start your own virtual band! All of this and more are made from sleek, anodized aluminum with refined, rounded corners and a pearly white cover that can fit anywhere! NVIDIA GeForce 9400M with 128MB DDR3 Shared Video Memory Slot-loading 8x SuperDrive (DVD+-RW DL/CD-RW) AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n) Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR 10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit) Ports - 5 x USB 2.0, FireWire 800, Optical Digital Audio Output/Headphone out, Optical Digital Audio input/audio line in, Mini DisplayPort with support for DVI, and VGA, connections via Optional Adapter, RJ-45 (LAN) Approximate Unit Dimensions - 2 (H) x 6.5 (W) x 6.5 (D) Approximate Unit Weight - 2.9 Pounds

Computer Add-Ons : Targus Netbook Accessory Kit


The Targus Netbook Accessory kit includes accessories to enhance your netbook computing experience.

The Targus Netbook Chillmat is small enough to carry with you and provides a stable work surface to support your netbook with dual fans to keep the device running cool. This prevents the components from overheating and helps prolong the life of the battery and the netbook.

With so many USB devices and only a few netbook ports to connect them, this bundle includes a 4-port hub to support all of your USB powered peripherals. The small form-factor is perfect for travelers who prefer using convenient external peripherals while on the go. For smooth tracking and precise mouse movements, the Targus Ultra Mini Optical Mouse with Retractable Cord provides seamless functionality in a compact mouse. The retractable cord makes it easy to adjust the length for a clutter-free workspace.

Blog Archive

My Blog List