Cheap Laptops: Are They Worth The Money?

Remember last year when a sale featuring laptops priced at $500 caused a stampede in one store. What a difference a year makes!

Laptop prices have been steadily dropping, falling below those stampede prices in some cases. As productions costs come down and the marketplace is flooded with all makes of laptops, you can expect laptop prices to drop even further.

No news there, most products come down in price eventually, electronic products are no different. Actually, they seem to come down in prices more rapidly.

This is written by someone who bought a $1000 VCR -- now you can get the same VCR for under a hundred bucks. If you can get anyone to buy it. For that matter, do they sell VCRs anymore?

Technologies change all the time.

Have you bought a TV lately? You may have been surprised at the different ones ( Plasma, LCD, Rear Projection ) and just look at the prices on the old fashion TVs, they have become downright cheap, compared to what they once were.

When one technology is replaced with another you can usually find some nice discounts and cheap prices. Many consumers confuse the word cheap with poor quality,

don't make the same mistake. In most cases, you're still getting a high quality product; just at a lower price.

There is a similar thing going on with laptops or notebook computers. A few years ago, compared to buying a PC, buying a laptop was very expensive.

Now laptop prices have fallen. New technologies have come on stream, most notably the new Intel Duo processor. Rightly or wrongly, it makes a lot of older laptops somewhat obsolete. But these older laptops are still high quality products that you may be able to purchase at a cheaper price.

But the million dollar question remains -- are cheap laptops worth your hard earned money?

Yes and no.

As a prudent shopper you have to be careful and know exactly what you're purchasing. A cheap laptop that will break or not perform up to our expectations is not cheap - just a waste of your hard earned money.

So you have to be careful and play it safe, always go with a high profile laptop maker. HP, Sony, Apple, Toshiba, Dell, Panasonic... many of these companies do sell inexpensive laptops. They also sell perfectly fine refurbished laptops that you should also consider if you're interested in buying a cheap laptop.

Many of these big name laptop makers do offer special deals and discount coupons. Many good quality laptops can now be bought for well under $1000. No matter what type or kind of laptop you buy or from whom, always check the warranties and know exactly what is covered should you run into problems with your newly purchased laptop.

Value for Your Money

However, you must always try to get the best value for your money. You must comparison shop and look closely at what you're getting for your hard earned cash.

Look at the processing speed, look at the amount of RAM, look at the graphics and visuals/display, try out the feel and touch of the keyboard and touchpad -- do they meet or perform to your satisfaction?

Look closely at the different features and ask yourself: do you need a wireless connection? do you need a large hard drive? 40-80-100 gigs? do you need a DVD burner? do you need long battery life? (if you're just using your laptop as a desktop replacement and it will be plugged in all the time, long battery life may not be that important). What connections do you need? How many USB ports? Firewire?

Keep all these features in mind when buying your laptop. A cheap laptop isn't cheap if it doesn't give you all the features you want. To be fully satisfied with your purchase, your cheap laptop must have all your requirements (things you just can't live without on your laptop) included in that cheap price.

In other words, you must make sure you're getting good value for your money. Make sure you're getting a high quality laptop with all the features you need or require in your laptop for a decent price.

Only Buy What You Need

Why buy a fully loaded laptop when you will never use a webcam or DVD burner. Why buy a 100 gig hard drive when you don't and will never need all that storage space? Instead, find the features you want and then go bargain hunting for a laptop within your price range.

Shop Around, Shop Around, Shop Around

The Internet is an excellent place to start your comparison shopping for a quality inexpensive laptop. Most, if not all of the major laptop makers have online sites where you can find some great laptop discounts and laptop deals. Many online stores and affiliate sites will also give you some great laptop bargains, so shop around.

Dell is well known for its online laptop coupons and discounts. Using Dell coupons will get you a cheaper laptop. Many other laptop makers like Toshiba and HP offer great online deals and discounts,

so make sure you look around before you buy that cheap laptop.

And don't forget eBay, but be careful of what you're buying and always thoroughly check out the seller as well as the product. Remember "It ain't cheap if it doesn't work!"

Still, if you're on a limited budget it pays to do your homework and shop around. There are some great bargains to be had, but don't be fooled by all those low prices. Just make sure your cheap laptop has all the features you need or can comfortably accept without too much disappointment. Make sure your cheap laptop is in fine working order and has a nice warranty attached to it.

Then and only then, can you be assured that your cheap laptop is well worth your money.

... For more information on Buying Notebooks and Laptops at Bargain Prices Go Here: Cheap Laptops or Try Here: Dell Coupons Copyright ร�ยฉ 2006 Titus Hoskins This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.

Make Your Laptop More Comfortable To Use With Accessories Like These

Many people are beginning to buy laptops now that prices have gone down on them so much, some are using only a laptop for their computer usage and others like myself use the laptop in conjunction with their desktop or when we have to go away for trips. It is amazing to me how many different accessories are available to customize a laptop. There are numerous performance enhancements that you can add but since most of us go out and buy the most advanced system we can, I am going to focus more on the accessories that will help make your laptop more comfortable to use.

One of the best investments I made for my laptop was a laptop beanbag table. This handy little item that is tapered and angled giving you a comfortable solid surface to work on so that you can sit in bed or on the couch and use your laptop more easily. The hard table also allows for proper cooling which keeps your laptop from overheating, something that happens often just sitting on your lap. To make it even more comfortable the bean bag table also has an ergonomic gel wrist rest to help prevent wrist strain and maladies like carpal tunnel syndrome. Not only was this one of the best investments for me in terms of comfort, it was also one of the cheapest.

Another cool invention is called the laptop wall caddy which makes it super convenient and comfortable to use your laptop anywhere you want in your home. It is basically like a portable desk. The height of the laptop wall caddy is easily adjustable and has a top that flips down to give you a stable workplace and then can be folded out of the way to save space. This is really great if you have a small home or apartment and don't really have the space to be able to set up a permanent workstation.

Another thing that I consider in the comfort area is also a performance enhancer, a wireless card. The reason I consider it a comfort feature is because it gives you freedom to use your laptop anywhere without being confined to a certain space or tied to wires. Of course you will need a wireless service plan as well, but it is worthwhile to have just to be able to enjoy the mobility that it affords you. I promise once you get it you will never want to give it up. Make sure you have extra batteries too, that way you don't have to be plugged in at all.

Gregg Hall is an author and internet marketing consultant living in Navarre Florida. Find more about laptop accessories and laptop batteries at http://www.laptopbatteriesplus.com.

The Wireless Web: Are You Sharing Your Client's Data?

Are you wireless? Should you be? Does it matter?

With wireless capabilities being built into every new laptop under the sun, the internet is quickly becoming an always-on, always accessible way of doing business.

So what does that mean for you then?

Well, I don't need to tell you the value of being able to communicate with your clients from anywhere, at anytime. (Of course, we all have the power to choose just how accessible and available we are to our clients, but I digress...)

The real power of a quick email reply to an urgent client request from your wireless device of choice is this: it makes your client feel VALUED and IMPORTANT. It is a feeling we all live for. Delivering that feeling to your clients will do more for increasing your profits than many other activities.

That's the power of wireless.

Want to go wireless? Here are some basics. Much of this is not stuff you need to remember, but just information to help fill out your understanding:

*Wireless networks have flavors. There aren't many, but most wireless networks are one of three types, which are labeled by the letters a, b, and g. The differences are quite technical. In short, A and B are pretty old and G is the newest and the fastest. End of story.

*Wireless networks have names. These network names have been given the techie acronym SSID, which stands for Service Set IDentifier. When you sit down at your laptop and pull up the list of wireless networks in the area, the names in that list are, you guessed it, the SSIDs. Please don't bother to remember this acronym, you most likely won't need it again.

*Wireless networks can have extra security. This extra security comes in the form of encryption. Just like the technology used to protect your data when logging on to your bank accounts online, wireless networks can be (and should be) ENCRYPTED to protect your business data.

*New laptops are wireless ready. Most every new laptop comes with wireless access built in. No additional hardware or software is required. For older laptops, however, you will need a small wireless card that can be purchased for anywhere between $15.00 and $100.00 at your local computer store.

While wireless internet access provides many, many benefits to you and your business, there is a dark side...

As internet access becomes more and more interwoven into the business landscape, internet SECURITY, will become more and more of a priority.

Wireless security is not only something for the tech world to worry about. When dealing with private client data (which we ALL do), it is in your best interest to understand what you are dealing with. Don't worry, it's just a matter of understanding a few simple ideas and then applying them to protect yourself.

By default, most wireless networks send everyone's data flying through the air unprotected. If you have the proper tools (which are easily downloadable from the internet), you can pluck that data straight out of the air.

The wireless access at your local coffee shop or library is most often this type: completely unsecured and open to prying eyes. Yes, even Starbucks lets your data fly through the air, available for all.

So enough scare tactics...

The only word you have to remember when it comes to protecting yourself and your data is ENCRYPTION.

A good rule of thumb: If a wireless network is not encrypted, DON'T connect to it.

Some might say this is a bit paranoid. To that I might say, "Should my clients expect anything less?"

It is one thing if you are a college kid sitting at a coffee shop sending messages back and forth between your friends. It is quite another when you are preparing a legal brief or some other piece of confidential information that will be sent to your client.

So how do you tell if a wireless network is encrypted?

Simple...

If you need a password to connect, it is encrypted. If no password is required, you are operating in the open with no protection whatsoever.

There are various encryption strengths, some suited for your basic office environment and some more suited for even more confidential situations, like a doctor's office.

At this point, the important thing is not so much the strength of the encryption as much as whether or not you have it at all. Most would-be internet thieves (no, that is not their technical name), upon seeing an encrypted wireless network, will move on the thousands and thousands of easier targets with no encryption.

The bottom line:

The benefits wireless internet access bring to your business are too numerous to count. If you aren't "wireless" yet, look into it. If used properly, it can add heaps of value to the service you offer your clients.

Once you go wireless, you owe it to yourself, your business and your clients to be knowledgeable enough to protect your data from theft.

Jason Leister, the Real Estate Technology Guru (tm), is owner of Computer Super Guy, LLC, a Chicago-based technology firm that helps real estate professionals profit with technology.

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Small Business Opportunity Laptop Ideas

When a good small business opportunity idea is combined with the latest in laptop technology, expect nothing less than an explosively successful enterprise.

The reason should be obvious. The extra mobility that a laptop provides means that a small business opportunity entrepreneur can be on the road for months and yet clients and customers wouldn't even know it nor care less. This allows for a fascinatingly efficient one-person business enterprise because the principal can promote their business across the country and even the globe and yet do everything as if they never left their cozy head office premises.

Small Business Opportunity Laptop Idea: Recruit Agents For Your web site Worldwide

An excellent laptop computer well able to access the Internet means that you can go around the country promoting your web based business and recruiting agents while still efficiently running your site. It has clearly been proven that offline advertising and promotion of online small business is very effective. Radio and newspapers have been especially effective in promoting online enterprises in recent years.

With all your tools in your laptop, you can very effectively go all over the place promoting your site in local newspapers and radio stations, as you gradually cover the whole country and beyond. This exercise of sending sales persons on the road was previously an extremely expensive undertaking that usually required a person to recruit a fairly large sales team. Now the net and modern, efficient and powerful laptops have opened up vast new opportunities for the small business entrepreneur that were a wild impossible day dream just a few short years ago.

Visit the writer's blog to read the rest of this article and to get more small business opportunity laptop Ideas. Or hire a low cost writer who will change the destiny of your blog.

Automobile Pedestrian Radar Hurt WiFi Performance

And for those of us to have WiFi enabled computers, we know it is very important to get a good line of site connection when we use our computers or laptops from our vehicles. Unfortunately some of the new pedestrian high-tech radars being installed in modern automobiles will cut the signal.

So if you are a real estate agent downloading your e-mails on your computer in the parking lot at Starbucks or in front of the best Western hotel or even the parking lot outside your office, you may become very frustrated with someone in a new SUV with high-tech everything electronics balances in the parking lot and over the speed bump, as their pedestrian radar will cut your signal short.

Recently I talked with some Honda engineers at a trade show and I asked them if I am inside Starbucks using their WiFi and one of your cars with the special pedestrian radar parks out front facing in through the glass; will it cut my signal? They said that is entirely possible, however if the key is out of the ignition to pedestrian radar is turned off.

They did tell me that the new Volvo pedestrian radars do have a stronger signal and they would definitely cut my signal. At the SEMA autoshow there were several new prototypes of aftermarket pedestrian radars, which hooked into the dashboard or directly to the battery and they would go off even if the car was parked in the key was out of the ignition. This poses a problem also for those who are trying to pick up a WiFi signal from across the street and a delivery truck drives by with one of those aftermarket pedestrian radars. Bummer.

Lance Winslow

Wireless Ethernet: A Viable Business Opportunity for the IT Consultant

During 2002, many vendors were rushing to market 802.11a (up to 54Mpbs) wireless Ethernet products that were supposed to be the next wave in wireless networking. However, at the same time, an "in-progress" standard called 802.11g may supplant both the original 802.11b and newer 802.11a standards. So frankly, the "safest" bet for now may be to seek out wireless Ethernet hardware that supports all three standards: 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11g.

Wireless Ethernet as a Business Opportunity

As an IT consultant you should be aware that wireless is a great business opportunity for savvy computer consultants. However, since there is a fairly large installed base of 802.11b (11Mbps) products already, and most 802.11a products are not backward compatible with 802.11b products (although many vendors are rushing to market with hybrid 802.11b/802.11a products), this 802.11a standard faces an uphill battle in the marketplace.

The Bottom Line about Wireless Ethernet

While wireless Ethernet will likely overtake wired Ethernet (Category 5) as the dominant small business networking standard at some point in the future, the "when" and "how" is still very unclear. In the meantime though, many small business computer consultants are still finding wireless Ethernet to be a tremendous marketplace opportunity.

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Joshua Feinberg helps computer consultant business owners get steady, high-paying clients. Learn how you can too. Sign-up now for Joshua's free audio training program that shows you how to use field-tested, proven Small Biz Tech Talk tools.

Simple Tips To Buy A Laptop

With the extensive variety of laptop, or notebook, models available on the market today, it is extremely difficult for some people to conclude on purchasing the one that is most convenient for their needs. Different computer features offer potential laptop users a vast world of technology based ideas to accomplish a given task. From copying a CD-Rom data to writing your own code, laptops can be used as desktops, adding effectiveness and efficiency to their small easy-to-carry size.

Given that you are not a computer expert, but you do know some of your desktop computerรขโ�ฌโ�ขs main functions and components, the following simple steps can lead you closer to a laptop deal that you will not regret two weeks after the purchase.

Begin by thinking of your ideal laptop computer size. With the world of mobile computing increasing at a great speed, size currently does make a difference. In particular, a notebookรขโ�ฌโ�ขs size affects two main factors of your next laptop decision: its ability to be carried around easily and its display screen size. In fact, if you are constantly on the go and you need portability to be a key characteristic of your laptop experience, then it is advisable to purchase a smaller model. On the hand, in case you are planning to spend hours in front of your laptopรขโ�ฌโ�ขs computer screen, then you are better off with a larger display that will not cause your shoulders any unnecessary strain. With screens exceeding 17 inches, some of the available laptops do not loose anything when compared with desktops. But the down side is that as bigger the laptop gets, its weight also increases.

Next you have to figure out how big you need your hard drive to be as well as how much of system memory, or RAM, you will need. Deciding on your laptopรขโ�ฌโ�ขs hard drive is a process that requires you to think whether or not your notebook purchase will be you main computer system, or if it going to act as a supplement to your existing desktop. In case this will be your principal computer system, it is wise to select a larger hard drive that will accommodate all your software programs and files รขโ�ฌโ��purchasing a laptop with 60 GB RAM or more is the perfect solution in this case. If you are now planning to use your portable computer unit as a graphic designerรขโ�ฌโ�ขs tool or digital photographerรขโ�ฌโ�ขs database unit, then you will need as much memory as a laptop can hold. In fact, how much memory your laptop can hold can be part of your decision, since larger than 256 MB of RAM would not serve your publishing or image development needs.

Of course, your laptops network connection abilities should be such so as to allow you to stay connected either to the Internet, to a wireless network, or to a home and office intranet network. Build-in network connections will allow you to be always accessible and will ease your overall laptop experience.

Finally, but most importantly, prior to any purchase decide on your available budget. Although, laptop prices have decreased, itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs still a pretty big investment.

John Gibb is the owner of Laptop computer sources, For more information on laptop computers check out http://www.laptop-computer-sources4u.info

Used Laptop Computer: Your Quick Purchase Inspection Guide - Part 2

Used laptop computers are everywhere these days. How can you sift through the mass of available used laptop computers to narrow your search down to the right laptop for you? This is the second part of a series of articles designed to give you a few suggestions for your next purchase.

Assuming you've done the visual inspection mentioned in part one, you're ready to power up the laptop and do some more digging.

Laptop Operating System

Does the laptop you're looking at come with an operating system? If not, it could be difficult for you to fully test the operation of the laptop. One good alternative to a built in operating system is to download and burn a copy of Knoppix. Knoppix is a linux operating system that runs off the CD-ROM drive instead of the hard drive. This allows you to test the laptop even if it doesn't have an operating system installed. You can find Knoppix at www.knoppix.com

Quick Power Up Inspection

Power up the laptop if it already isn't on. Make sure to open the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive that comes with the laptop. Look for USB ports and make sure they are in good repair. Locate the vent for the CPU fan (if it has one รขโ�ฌโ�� most do) and listen to the sound it makes. If you hear any whining or grinding sounds, beware. This may be an indication that the CPU inside has not been getting proper cooling which can definitely lead to problems down the road like random crashes, shut downs, etc...

Examine the LCD Screen

Chances are, you're going to be staring at that screen an awful lot. Make sure the colors are stable and that there are no parts of the LCD screen that are washed out or discolored. Replacing an LCD screen is expensive. Better to find a problem with it before you buy it then afterwards.

Is the LCD screen bright enough for your needs? Some used laptops will have LCD screens that are too dim to be practical. Keep in mind that older laptops will often not be very bright in direct sunlight. They should all be bright in normal lighting conditions however.

Joe Duchesne is the Webmaster of Asklaptop.com a site that offers you information when you buy a laptop including related information. Reprint freely as long as the links in this resource box are live and point back to Asklaptop.com.

Mobile Technology - Writing on the Run

Iรขโ�ฌโ�ขm a big fan of using the right tool for the job when getting words down on (virtual) paper. I like to write but I hate dragging anything out in the field that I donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt have to. On the other hand, Iรขโ�ฌโ�ขm not very good at transcribing my journals from a notebook into a document file. I wrote a series of newspaper articles during both my Appalachian Trail thru-hike and Mississippi River trips for the Greensboro News and Record. During those trips I was largely dependent on public libraries for their computers and Internet access to post articles and photos. While libraries are wonderful about letting me use their systems, this isnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt the most optimal set-up for many reasons. Hours of operation, distance from where I was staying, and just the issue having to go to one more place just to upload 1,000 words and a few photos. Thereรขโ�ฌโ�ขs got to be a better way. Maybe there is.

For the next trip Iรขโ�ฌโ�ขm planning on using something like a Palm TX with a folding keyboard for writing and photo management. As is stands now, I do most of my writing at home on an old Handspring Visor and folding keyboard that I canรขโ�ฌโ�ขt manage to kill. I love the convenience of just whipping out the PDA and hammering out a few words at the drop of a hat. For just getting words on paper, itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs hard to beat. The battery life on those old black and white units are incredibleรขโ�ฌโ��Iรขโ�ฌโ�ขll go for about three weeks on a set of AAรขโ�ฌโ�ขs. The downside is that I donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt have WIFI or a card reader for the photos with that setup.

We did use a Pocketmail email device for much of our short emails on the river. It was very easy to upload and download text emails, but no provision for photos. Thereรขโ�ฌโ�ขs an audio modem on the back, so you just dial a toll-free number from any phone, hold the unit to the receiver, then get you emails. Very handy.

Iรขโ�ฌโ�ขve also demo-ed a unit from Alphasmart called a Dana. Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs a Palm-based unit thatรขโ�ฌโ�ขs the size of a thin laptop, with a great keyboard and usable black and white screen. Batteries last about 40 hours, and it has built-in (but slow) WIFI. For just basic word processing, this is thing is great, and itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs built like a tank. But then thereรขโ�ฌโ�ขs no real provision for photos....

What I want is a flash-based PDA with lots of memory, built-in WIFI, folding keyboard, and a battery life of at least 20 hours. That, and a benevolent benefactor to foot the bill for another long trip!

John Pugh has over 5,000 miles of backpacking and paddling experience, including a thru-hike of the famous Appalachian Trail. In 2005, he and his fiance paddled 2,150 miles down the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers to raise awareness for the Audubon Society's Upper Mississippi River Campaign. His book on the expedtion is being released in October, 2006. More information about their Source to Sea expedition, including their journals, sponsors, photographs, river resources can be found at http://www.sourcetosea.net.

A Guide to Refurbished Laptops

Computing freedom, independence, and mobility donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt have to come with a hefty price tag.

Manufacturers refurbish laptop computers that have been returned. The laptop might have a scratched screen or other minor blemish. In some cases, the laptop was an unwanted gift or its packaging was dented. The laptop is inspected by the manufacturer, tested for quality, and repackaged for sale at a much lower price.

While many new laptops can cost thousands of dollars, most refurbished laptop computers usually cost less than a couple of grand, and often less than $500. In most cases, they are as good as new and have a very low return rate. They even come with guarantees and warranties, just as you would expect with a new model.

A refurbished laptop can satisfy most peopleรขโ�ฌโ�ขs basic computing needs, such as word processing, running software, reading e-mail, creating spreadsheets, playing CDs, surfing the Internet, and more. Laptops allow access to all these features from anywhere.

All laptop manufacturers offer refurbished laptops, including such popular brands as Dell, IBM, Toshiba, and HP.

Computer prices are affected by type of processor, operating system, modem, and network card; size of the hard drive and RAM (Random Access Memory); and whether there is a CD/DVD-ROM/RW, a video card, a sound card, and zip drive. Prices are also affected by screen size and type of chassis.

The price will be affected by all these specifications, along with how well preserved the chassis is, the name of the manufacturer, and whether you acquire the laptop form the factory or through a private dealer. Private dealers charge less, but beware: not all dealers are up to par with their refurbishing skills. Be sure to go to one that is reputable and experienced.

Refurbished Laptops Info provides detailed information on quality, cheap refurbished laptops by manufacturers like Dell, IBM, Toshiba, and HP, as well as refurbished laptop batteries and related products. Refurbished Laptops Info is the sister site of Rack Mount Computers Web.

Pocket PC

Pocket PC can mean an operating environment based on Microsoftรขโ�ฌโ�ขs Windows CE operating system (a variation of Microsoft Windows operating system for miniature computers and embedded systems) or a handheld device that runs a specific version of that OS. According to Microsoft, the Pocket PC is ""a handheld device that enables users to store and retrieve e-mail, contacts, appointments, play multimedia files, games, exchange text messages with MSN Messenger, browse the Web, and more."

To be labeled as a Pocket PC, there are some prerequisites for handheld devices, such as running Microsoft Windows CE, PocketPC edition; being bundled with a specific suite of applications in ROM that include a touchscreen, directional pad, and a set of hardware application buttons; and being based on a ARM version 4 compatible CPU, Intel XScale CPU, MIPS CPU, or SH3 CPU.

The Pocket PC platform was introduced in 2000, by Microsoft and includes a combination of Windows CE Version 3.0, an enhanced user interface, Pocket Office applications, handwriting recognition, an e-book reader, wireless Internet, etc. Versions that include mobile phone features and capabilities, such as Mobile 2003 Phone Edition, have also been released. Popular handheld PDAs such as the Hewlett-Packard Jornada 540 series, the Compaq iPaq, and the Casio Cassiopeia E-115 run on the Pocket PC platform.

The latest Pocket PC from Microsoft is Windows Mobile 5.0, officially released on May 10, 2005. It is based on Windows CE 5.0, can be mounted as a USB Mass Storage device, and incorporates features such as Direct3D Mobile, integrated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi stacks. A Phone application is also included, and Windows Mobile 5.0 is compatible with Microsoft's Smartphone OS and related applications.

Pocket PC provides detailed information on Pocket PC, Pocket PC Software, PDA Pocket PCs, Pocket PC Games and more. Pocket PC is affiliated with Tablet PC Software.

5 Tips For Buying The Right Laptop Computer

It's easy to be intimidated by all the laptop models on the market today. There are literally dozens and dozens in every price range.

The key to finding the right one for you is to step back and consider exactly how you plan to use your laptop. When you define what you need before you go shopping, buying the right machine becomes much easier.

Here are 5 basic factors to consider:

1. SIZE

In the world of mobile computing, size definitely matters. The size of a laptop affects two key areas: portability and display size.

If you're always on the go and will be using your computer only in short bursts, a so-called ultralight will save you some shoulder strain.

On the other hand, if you're going to spend hours in front of your laptop, a larger display may be in order.

Today, some laptop displays exceed 17 inches, rivaling the display size of many desktop systems. The down side is that these monsters can easily weigh three times as much as an ultralight.

2. HARD DRIVE

Speaking of size, what about the size of the hard drive? One way to approach this issue is to ask yourself the following question:

Will this be my primary computer, or will it supplement my desktop system?

If the former, you should look for a bigger hard drive - 60 GB or more.

If the latter, you may be able to make it with a 20-30 GB hard drive.

But even this isn't absolute.

If, for example, you plan to copy a huge MP3 library from your desktop system to your laptop to make your music library portable, you'd be well advised to err on the side of too big.

3. MEMORY

In determining the right amount of system memory, or RAM, take a look at the ways in which you intend to use your laptop:

If your needs are somewhat mundane - email, spreadsheets, word processing, etc. - 256 MB of RAM should be plenty. This is a common configuration for many laptops, so it means you probably won't need to spend extra for more RAM.

On the flip side, if you're an aspiring mobile digital photographer or videographer, you should stuff your laptop with as much RAM as it can hold.

In fact, exactly how much RAM your laptop can hold may in part drive your purchase decision. Applications for editing and manipulating multimedia content are notorious resource hogs.

4. NETWORK CONNECTIONS

Thanks in no small part to the Internet, computing in the 21st century relies heavily on being connected:

Connected to the Internet, connected to a corporate network, connected to a wireless network, connected to a home network, connected to an online service.

Your life will be easier if you buy a laptop that includes built-in means to connect to them all.

5. PRICE

If you're considering a laptop, you're probably wondering how much money you'll need to spend.

A few years ago, you'd be hard-pressed to find one for under $2,000. Today, there are plenty of laptops to be had for under $1,000.

What's more, most of the major manufacturers offer a variety of financing options.

Laptop prices have come down, to be sure. However, a laptop still represents a fairly major purchase for most people.

If you take the time to search for a laptop that meets your specific needs, you should get many years of use and enjoyment from this important investment.

--

You may republish this article, but must keep the resource box and copyright at the end.

About The Author

The author, computer journalist John San Filippo, has created the definitive guide for buying a laptop computer. It's an easy read and explains everything you need to know. Check out ==> http://howtobuyalaptop.com/

Free WAV Ringtones

Technology and scientific development is making the world a better place to live in. With the onset of technology, extensive research is constantly leading to new scientific inventions. Heavy monetary investments are being made in the field of technology research.

Thanks to technology, it isnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt difficult to stay connected. Technology has brought forth many inventions that make connectivity happen at the touch of a button. One of many such inventions is the cell phone. Cell phones play an important role in todayรขโ�ฌโ�ขs world. Because of the demand for customized cell phone content, unique ringtones, and ringtone companies have sprung up in the past few years. Meeting customer demand is an ever-changing task that requires staying on top of new technologies and trends, but these companies meet the challenges and offer many different free ringtones.

It is quite possible that any individual can get a free ringtone, as long he knows what type of free ringtone he needs. The one type of free ringtone that is almost synonymous with the word "technology" and that is the WAV ringtone.

WAV is the computer file name is that is short for "wave" and is a type of audio formatting that can be stored on your personal computer. This file can then be downloaded from the computer onto your cell phone and set as a ringtone. This is one way you can have a free WAV ringtone. These WAV ringtones can also be obtained free of cost from the ringtone manufacturing companies. The output of the free WAV ringtones is best on any phone that falls into the "smart phone" category. Some of these "smart phones" include the Nokia 3650, 7650, Sony Ericsson, and also the BenQ P30. These free WAV ringtones are about 100Kb in size. Moreover, they have fade in and fade out qualities. There is a huge collection of free WAV ringtones to choose from. There are over a hundred of English free WAV ringtones and more than a fifty Chinese free WAV ringtones to select from on some Web sites. The creators of the free WAV ringtones are constantly researching and uploading new and different WAV ringtones, and ways to make it easier for the user to download them.

FreeRingtonesNow.net is a website that offers visitors the ability to find free ringtones and specific information on free wav ringtones.

Sony Moved into Laptops with the VAIO Brand in 1997

Sony was started in the aftermath of World War II, during the rapid reconstruction of Japan that gave birth to its world-leading electronics industry. The company originally had a Japanese name, Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo (TKT), but the founder changed this feeling that a short, catchy name using the Western alphabet would work better if the company wanted international success (this was a rare practice at the time, and was considered a controversial practice in Japan).

The company immediately started innovating, building Japanรขโ�ฌโ�ขs first tape players and the first successful transistor radios in the world รขโ�ฌโ�� they specialised in taking American inventions and making them smaller and better, and then exporting them all over the world. As Sony made transistor radios smaller and smaller until they were easily portable, sales boomed, all the way through to the end of the รขโ�ฌห�50s. This got Sony enough money to invest heavily in diversifying and building more and more new products, and the rest is history.

Since then, Sony has had many notable products: the Walkman and Discman portable music players, the Minidisc music format, the Playstation video game consoles and even a robotic pet dog, AIBO. Today, Sony is a giant not only in electronics, but also in entertainment, with a movie studio (Sony Pictures), a record label (Sony Music), a video game division (Sony Computer Entertainment) and far more besides. Overall, the Sony Group of companies is one of the largest in Japan, and is also up there with the biggest companies in the world.

Sony moved into laptops with the VAIO brand in 1997, and again found instant success. Originally, VAIO was a brand of desktop and laptop computers, but Sony stopped making the desktop models after the laptops became a runaway success. They built a reputation for high-quality components, good bundled software, low weight and long battery life, making it the laptop of choice among many high-end Windows users.

John Gibb is the owner of http://www.Sony-Laptops.info For more information on Sony Laptops check out Sony Laptops

The Eternal Vigil For The Google Box

Amid rumors that just won't die, the eternal vigil or wait for the Google Box rages on. Google protests it is not building a Google Box. If you believe them, your next question should be -- why the hell not?

Recent fury about a Google Box was again unleashed at the latest CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas this year when a rumor spread that Google would be unveiling a Google Box. Causing its stock price to rise and Google watchers' hearts to drop when there proved to be no substance to the rumor.

For now Google seems content to 'piggy-back' on other systems. It has announced it will be partnering with Motorola to place the Google icon and search on certain Motorola cell phones. So close, yet so far.

Google still insists it is not building a Google Box. But does it really matter what Google wants... Internet users want their Google Box and they will get it in one form or another. It might not even come from Google. Their lost!

If you haven't been following the Google Juggernaut, you may be wondering what's all this buzz about a Google Box? Simply put: it's a rumor/hope/dream that just won't die.

What are consumers, customers, Internet users (everyone on the planet) all clamoring for?

They are clamoring for a newly minted integrated 'all-in-one' portable handheld device, with a Google OS (operating system) and an RSS powered Google Browser (via the Firefox model) that's an Internet/Phone/Laptop/XM Radio/Ipod Video/TV/GPS/ and last but not least a Search Engine.

If such a device is built it would finally bring the Internet (screaming and kicking) into our future wireless universe. It would be our dream technotopia device. One that would meet all our electronic/communication needs and place them firmly in the palm of our hand.

It would place all the World's Information, Videos, TV shows, Music, a Billion Web Sites, and Aunt Sally neatly in the palm of your hand. It would deliver all this with the Google Brand Name, quite frankly who else would you trust with your Aunt Sally?

Not only should Google Build it, they should give it away for Free or next to Free, make it affordable to the lowest income demographic on the planet. It would simply be good business. It would simply be a better return on its shareholder's money.

Technically such a device or Google Box could be built right now. The resources and expertise are available, just might take a hefty down payment to give birth to this baby.

Is such a venture realistically feasible for Google to undertake?

As we see from their offer of providing free broadband Wi-Fi services to the lucky residents of Mountain View, in the heart of Silicon Valley, it is not that far-fetched. It is not such a leap of faith that someone at Google may be musing at the possibility of a world-wide wireless system delivered on a Google Box.

Advertising is Google's Bread and Butter. Consider the Google Box as just a virtual version of your morning newspaper. It would be the perfect vehicle to carry all that Google delivered advertising. Delivered to everyone anywhere in the world. Advertisers would be lining up around the world for a piece of that action.

Actually, if you really examine the implications of such a delivery system. Google must build that Google Box or lose out to others who will build such a delivery device... it just won't have the Google name.

How far are we from such a delivery system? How long will we have to wait for the eternal Google Box? Don't hold your breath but have you heard any good rumors lately?

The author runs a modest website on Bizware and Business Solutions, including a section on VoIP Phone Services. VoIP Phone Service
Why not visit his site and get a few Free Marketing Tools for your business. Titus Hoskins Copyright ร�ยฉ 2006. This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.

Internal Battery Design

The wireless revolution, the prolific use of PDAs, MP3s, MP4s, Laptops, Cell Phones, Smartphones, DVD players, and other portable devices have increased the need for smart and high capacity portable batteries. Portable batteries however are not typical in design. Indeed the battery that powers your portable device is what is known as a smart battery and as such the internal system design of a smart battery is more complex then most people realize. Let's look at what the internal design of your portable battery looks like!

To begin with high powered portable devices require an electrical current. There are two types of electrical current (direct current flow and alternating current flow). Direct current means that the flow of charge is in one direction. A battery produces direct current (DC) because there is no way to change the + and - you see on the battery.

In order to create direct electrical current electrons must be caused to break away from atoms to create an electron flow. Why? The answer is because electricity is a property of certain subatomic particles (protons, electrons, and neutrons) which couples to electromagnetic fields and causes attractive and repulsive forces between them; by doing so an electrical flow is created, and this is where electricity comes from. Letรขโ�ฌโ�ขs explain!

Scientists have found ways to create large numbers of positive atoms and free negative electrons (in other words they have found ways to separate electrons from atoms). Since overpopulated proton (positive) atoms want electrons (negative) so they can be balanced, these positive atoms have a strong attraction for electrons. The manufactured disequilibrium creates a state of continuous flow of electrons to atoms with an overpopulation of protons (positive atoms). When electrons move from one atom to another atom a current of electron flow (which is how we get electricity) is created. This current can then be captured, stored, and used to power a potable device. In a portable battery the creation of electricity begins with a chemical reaction. To cause electrons to break away from atoms a chemical reaction must occur. In PDA batteries for example lithium ion or lithium polymer is used. Lithium is used due in large part to its superior energy density in terms of power per unit of weight and space.

General Characteristics of Lithium

Name: lithium
Symbol: Li
Atomic number: 3
Atomic weight: [ 6.941 (2)] g m r
CAS Registry ID: 7439-93-2
Group number: 1
Group name: Alkali metal
Period number: 2
Block: s-block
Standard state: solid at 298 K
color: silvery white/grey
Classification: Metallic

Lithium is used, amongst many other uses, as a battery anode material (due to its high electrochemical potential) and lithium compounds are used in dry cells and storage batteries. In fact the energy of some lithium-based cells can be five times greater than an equivalent-sized lead-acid cell and three times greater than alkaline batteries. Lithium cells often have a starting voltage of 3.0 V. This means that batteries can be lighter in weight, have lower per-use costs, and have higher and more stable voltage profiles.

In PDA batteries lithium is converted from chemical energy to electrical energy. This process then makes a battery an electrochemical device that stores chemical energy and releases it as electrical energy upon demand.

Chemical reactions are strongly influenced by their environment. The environment of an internal battery includes design parameters, current requirements, capacity and runtime requirements, temperature requirements, and safety requirements.

Critical to battery design is knowing how much voltage is required? Voltage is the electrical measure of energy. To know the voltage requirements we need to know the upper and lower voltage range (nominal range).

The second key component to know about a battery is its current requirements. PDAs, MP3s and other portable devices, for the most part, utilize a constant power discharge to operate. This means that the amount of current will increase as the battery discharges electricity in order to maintain constant power. So we will need to ultimately know the maximum current required. This is important since knowing the max current requirement will influence the necessary protection of chemistry, circuitry, wire, and capacity amongst others. Again we must know the current requirement over the entire nominal voltage range of the battery including start-up currents, surges (intermittent transient pulses).

One other important aspect to know about current requirements is the inert current drain of the device. Devices, even when powered down, require small amounts of current to power memory, switches and component leakage.

The third key requirement to know is the necessary battery capacity and runtime. This will define the overall physical size of the battery. Capacity and runtime is measured in Amperes. Amps - or A - is an abbreviation of Ampere, a 19th century French scientist who was a pioneer in electricity research. Amps measure the volume of electrons passing through a wire in a one second. The electrical current is measured in amperes, where 1 ampere is the flow of 62,000,000,000,000,000,000 electrons per second!

Amp hours - or Ah - measures capacity. Amp hours is what is ultimately important to consumers as it is the capacity or amp hours that tells us how long we can expect a battery to deliver a charge before it runs out. As with all metric measurements, Amps can be divided into smaller (or larger) units by adding a prefix, in this case by adding an "m" to the amp hour we are renaming the amp hour to milli amp hour: mAh; (1Ah = 1000 mAh).

When we consider the design capacity we must determine the chemical needed to insure that the necessary runtime will be met. Lithium is used because of its electrochemical properties. Lithium is part of the alkali family of metals a group of highly reactive metals. Li reacts steadily with water. In addition the per unit volume of lithium packs the greatest energy density and weight available for this grouping of reactive metals.

Ambient operational temperatures are also important because the internal heat of the battery compartment will dramatically affect the life of a battery. Usage and storage patterns are external effect that will also affect battery life and are the responsibility of a user (for example do not leave your device in a hot car with the windows rolled up, or take your device into a sauna).

A safety requirement for a battery that contains lithium requires protection circuitry to prevent the cells in the battery from conditions like over charge, over discharge, high currents, and or short circuits. Protected circuits consists of integrated circuits (programmed digital circuits), several field-effect transistors (FET) that control the current between two points, and resistors (a two-terminal electronic component that resists the flow of current, producing a voltage drop between its terminals). These circuits add cost and space to the battery pack requirements and careful placement is required in physical layouts to preserve system integrity.

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) or protection from electrostatic discharge is another safety concern. EMI, radiated or conducted, can occur throughout the electromagnetic spectrum. The primary problem with EMI is the disruption of performance of electronics. In wireless devices EMI can cause attenuation losses in signal strength and noise during transmission. Battery packs act as radiated sources of EMI and therefore shielding measures must be taken to reduce and or prevent EMI.

Another aspect of lithium battery design is the concept of smart batteries. A smart battery stores, monitors, prevents, and transmits critical battery information stored within the battery.

A smart battery will communicate with the host device through a connector to provide information about remaining capacity, battery voltage, error conditions, cycles completed, internal temperature, current, and several other factors. A smart battery can request a conditioning cycle, which will fully discharge a battery pack and then recharge it to allow the internal remaining capacity value to be accurately calibrated. Smart batteries often have an LED or LCD display that will allow the user to check the state of charge of a battery prior to use.

Lithium based smart batteries typically use coulomb counting to determine capacity, which means the circuit monitors the capacity in and out of the battery by measuring voltage across a sense resistor. For example 1 coulomb is the amount of electric charge carried by a current of 1 ampere flowing for 1 second. Coulomb counting is based on Coulombs law that states that the magnitude of the electrostatic force between two point charges is directly proportional to the magnitudes of each charge and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the charges.

This review of the internal design of a battery was extensive. By no means thorough. I hope it offers you a basic under the hood understanding of what is inside your battery and how it works.

Dan Hagopian of Batteryship.com authored this article. http://www.Batteryship.com offers PDA Battery Replacement Kits with tools and instructions for iPod battery, iPAQ battery, Clie battery, Palm Battery, Axim battery, Treos, and Blackberries.

Video iPod Seeing Success

According to various industry sources, it appears as if the new iPods are selling incredibly well. Indeed, many skeptics doubted whether the Appleรขโ�ฌโ�ขs new iPod video would be an instant success due to a lack of significant content and the fact that the video isnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt as high of quality as it probably could be. However, despite these potential drawbacks, early reports indicate that Apple is going to be seeing more profits than ever now that the new video iPod has hit the shelves.

The 5th Generation Apple iPod is definitely pushing technological boundaries by combining video capabilities into the mp3 world. Future success was undoubted, but such quick success was indeed looked upon as being not as likely. However, analysts report positively for Apple. "In our recent proprietary checks with industry and channel sources, we believe sales of 5G iPods are coming in ahead of expectations," American Technology Research analyst Shaw Wu said in a research note. "In some cases, in Appleรขโ�ฌโ�ขs own channels, including its physical stores and online store, we believe 5G iPods are surprisingly outselling even the very popular iPod nano."

Businessweek has also pointed out that in most cases there is a 5-7 day delay in fulfilling the orders of the 5th Generation Apple iPod due to a constraint in supplies. Apparently, Apple is looking for a second supplier of LCD screens to relieve this constraint and get more iPods onto store shelves.

UK MP3 are the UK's foremost MP3 player shop and review site. We write accurate, unbiased reviews of all the MP3 players we stock, and have a large number of customer reviews

Remote Access - Stay Connected Anywhere

With today's active lifestyle and constant on the go business style, it's important to stay connected to your computer or network. Remote Access is just that, the ability to stay connected where ever you are. With Remote Access Software, you can easily access your netowrk from your home, your client's office, or even from the golf course!

Remote Access Software along with an Internet connection gives the user complete access to their home computer or Corporqate Network. There are many ways to get connected. As long as you have Remote Access Software installed on both the Portable Computer and the Netork you are accessing. A connection can be made through a standard dial up internet connection, a wireless connection, a cable internet connection, an intigrated services digital network (ISDN)a DSL connection and the best possible connection the dedicated fixed line. The dedicatid fixed line is a line that connects directly to the corporate network on one end and at the other end to your home computer or laptop.

Now a days, Corporate Executives aren't the only ones useing Remote Computer Access. Many people use it to stay connected to their home computers while they are away. From simply checking their e-mail to controlling lights, appliances and home security systems and even looking in on security cameras over the internet, the uses are limitless.

When connecting to a large Business or Corporate Network, it's best to set up a Secure Remote Access Connection. The secure infrastructure is desined from end to end. One way is through a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This VPN is one of the most common and affordable.

This article was written by Kriss Standke who is an accomplished Webmaster and publisher of Remote Access Online, Portable Computers Today, as well as Laptop/Notebook PCs where he provides detailed and informative articles, tips, and advice on Remote PC Access, Portable Computing, and Laptop & Notebook Computers.

Mobile Commerce for Travelling Business

Overview:

Indian travelling is growing rapidly. Various travelling companies are offering huge discounts on Hotel accomodations, Airline booking and other hospitability services. Indians are also receiving Low cost airlines fare. Consequently, train travellers are turning into airline travellers. Overseas tickets are also offered with huge discounts fares to encourage travellers for abroad trips.

Mobile-Commerce opportunities:

In this generation, Mobile have become necessity for every individual. In near future, Big companies have excellent oppurtunites for widening their their industries/business space by entering into Mobile commerce. There will be mutual benefit to customers and companies.M-commerce will prove to be part of this fast generation by saving their time and conducting their lifestyle from any part of the world by just mobile device. Future is Mobile. Following are few examples where M-commerce can board in enormous ways:

Online booking of air tickets.

Online booking of resorts and hotels.

Online booking of movies and drama tickets.

Online Examform submitting by students.

Online results of academy.

Online Railway Booking.

Online booking for Bus

Online Shopping

and various other hospitability services can be possible through mobile devices. Customers can search nearest hotels, bus, taxi and many other valuable helpful services via M-commerce by booking from Mobile.

What is current scenario of mobile-commerce?

Few companies offering online airline booking through mobile devices.

Some companies are offering Search through mobile devices.

Who can use Mobile-commerce?

Business travellers.

Marketing executives

Students

BPO.

General People.

Shweta Mehta is e-Marketing and Software Consultant from Mumbai working Davabazaar http://www.future-bazaar.com http://www.shoppings.co.in http://www.m-commerce.co.in