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Netbook buying guide

admin — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:58:07 +0000

NetBook

After you did all of your researches, and now have a few netbook models on your shopping list. You are almost there, and you need to close it with good buying tricks.

Go with a bigger netbook manufacturer such as business broadband. Unless you are technically savvy, it is reasonable to go with a mini-laptop made by one of the major manufacturers. Although a few lesser-known brands may work adequately, it’s usually less risky to go with a familiar name brand. That is because you will likely get better supports and larger manufacturer tend to have greater user community in the internet. In many cases, you’ll find online forums offer better and faster helps than what you’ll get from the customer supports.

Check out feedbacks and reviews – online retailer web sites such as NewEgg and Amazon are good sources for user reviews. Get as many testimonials as you can. Generally, an important tenet of statistics is that the bigger the sample size, the more accurate the data will be.

Compare prices. Prices vary widely, especially online. Every cent saved these days counts, and you may easily save an extra 20 bucks with a smart buying technique, depending on where you buy the netbook. Amazon, Buy.com, and Newegg all stock netbooks, as do most smaller online laptop retailers – Google is your best buddy in finding them. If you are low on cash but still need a mobile computing, consider early netbook models. With sellers getting rid of older and discontinued models, you may find some great price cuts on various online deals – and don’t forget about using eBay. Many times, you can get brand-new early model netbooks for about $150 or less.

Shop at local stores. If possible find a local store that sells netbooks and see it in person. (In the US, Target, Costco, Best Buy, and even Toys“R”Us sell some netbook models).

Some manufacturers have discounted prices on used netbooks. Those netbooks are usually in good condition. They have been brought back to the manufacturer for some reasons and have been repaired and tested thoroughly. Most come with complete warranties. Check the netbook manufacturer’s internet site to see whether you can easily score any deals. Try Buy.com to see latest offers on refurbished netbooks.

Choosing the right RAM amount for your netbook

admin — Sun, 01 May 2011 13:32:06 +0000

Ram

Like all computers, netbooks have internal RAM (random access memory). Over the years, as RAM prices have declined steadily, however operating systems and programs have gotten more bloated (they have higher RAM requirements to support those glittery, new features), desktops and laptops are now have gigabytes of RAM. Even so, it’s a bit weird to see a low-end computer stuffed with 4 GB of RAM, because usually, it hardly uses more than 2GB. When you are considering about netbooks, you may be surprised that a few models only have 512 KB of RAM. You may ask, “Won’t the netbook run as slow as thick molasses in the end of December?”

Actually, no, both Linux and Windows XP can easily run on 512 Kb of RAM and still have satisfactory performance – if you don’t have many files or programs open at once or run a memory-intensive program, like editing a 50 MB image in Photoshop CS3. That said, 1 GB of memory will give you better performance and you don’t have to worry so much about curbing the multitasking. Netbook makers offer 512 KB of RAM in cheaper netbooks and 1 or 2 GB in standard models. Most netbooks can only support 2 GB of RAM. It is not caused by technology limitation, Microsoft’s licensing agreement stipulates that makers can’t sell netbooks that run Windows XP, with more than 2 GB of RAM.

Choose netbook with at least 1 GB of RAM, or if you are stuck with 512 KB, make sure it is possible to upgrade the memory some time in the future. Also make sure your RAM is the DDR2-800 type to get better performance.

How to Choose the Best External Hard Drives

admin — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 14:12:55 +0000

Best External Hard Drives

The external hard drives are very helpful in having computer backups. Computers are not always reliable to store important information and data as it can be lost any time. But the external hard drives will help in preventing any loss of files and it be used for both the laptops and desktop computers. The external hard drives can be easily installed and used. They are available in various storage sizes. There are many factors to be considered while buying the best external hard drives. Some of them include the capacity of the hard drive, what can be stored in it, how easy is that to use, budget and who can use it. Buying the large capacity external hard drives are always best. The speed of access of the hard drive must be considered when doing video editing as this is being done to spin speed which is measured in rpm. Most of the hard drive will have either 5400 RPM or 7200 RPM. But now, it is also possible to get the external hard drives with 10000 RPM and 15000 RPM.

The external hard drives are very useful to store images, video, audio and other types of files. The software that comes with the external hard drive is more important to be considered to use it easily. The best external hard drives can be simply plugged into the Firewire or USB connection. If there is more than one computer then there is a need for an external hard drive that connects to the network and software to support the connections in order to take backup. The next thing to be considered while buying the best external hard drives is the budget which is always the deciding factor. To decide or select the external hard drive to buy based on the budget, it is also important to determine the size and quantity of files that needs to be back up. This is because the files that have sound, videos, graphics may require more space. It is important to ensure that there is at least 50 percent of the spaces is free on the external hard drive. Comparing the external hard drive on form factor is essential. The mobility, performance and capacity of the hard drive can be determined by its size. A large external hard drive will have high capacity and offers better performance.

Choosing Between a Hard Disk and a SSD for your Netbook

All About Net books

admin — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 23:21:46 +0000

The Net books are also called as subnotebooks or mini laptops. The Netbooks are the small low power and low cost systems. The Netbooks are the portmanteau of notebook and internet and they are coined by Intel. The Netbooks are optimized generally for the essential computing like e-mailing, light word processing, web browsing, photo sharing and much more. The Netbook Reviews features of various models of Netbooks offered by different companies like Thoshiba, Hewlett Packard, MSI, Dell, Samsung, and Lenovo with more speed, power and capacity like the laptops. But of course the keyboard and screen size of the Netbooks have been downsized and the specifications were also limited when compared to the laptop. But they are very effective when compared to web browsing on small Smartphone and convenient than a laptop. The Netbooks will be the best choice for the hardcore gamers or for anyone who wants to run programs or big applications.

The Netbook Reviews on the features of Netbooks includes information about the screens which are about 10 inches with 1,024 x 600 resolutions which offers the best image quality. They displays of Netbooks are backlit LCDs which will produce crisp and bright screen and it can be used in bright lights or full sunlight and also in classroom and airline terminal. The Netbooks also offers many other best and useful features that are very productive particularly during travel times. The Netbooks averagely weigh 2 to 3 pounds and this makes it very easy for travel purpose. And when compared to the laptops, the batteries in Netbooks can last up to 7 hours and this will therefore help to work for a long time. The Netbooks can also run faster, better and hold a lot of information as you use. The best features, various form factors, performance, cost would make anyone to own the Notebooks as the secondary computer.

The Netbook Reviews offers the buying guide for Notebooks. There are many popular models of Notebooks available in the market like Toshiba Netbook, Asus Eee PC Notebok, HP Netbook, Acer Aspire One Netbook, Lenovo Netbook, MSI Wind Netbook and much more. Before you plan to buy a Netbook, it is important to figure out the model and brand in order to pick the form. It is also essential to know that the manufacturer of some major Netbook may make different brands by customizing aesthetics and exterior in order to fit the strategy of their brand but more or less the Netbooks are same with features.

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Choosing Between a Hard Disk and a SSD for your Netbook

admin — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 22:53:45 +0000

Notebook Storage

Why should you be confused by storage? Surely, that’s an easy decision, right? All you have to do is buy a netbook that has a sufficiently large hard drive capacity to hold all of your files and programs.

Well, it’s actually a bit more complicated than that, because today’s netbooks have two storage options, traditional hard disk drives and solid state drives. Here is the lowdown on both types.

Which one would you choose? Netbooks with 16 GB of solid state drives or those with conventional 160 GB hard disks? Both are available at the same price.

You may wonder if this is a typo. It seems a little ridiculous to limit yourself with only 16 GB of storage when you can have 10 times more storage for the same price level.

This is a problem netbook buyers occasionally face. Due to the fact that solid state drives are a lot more expensive than contemporary hard drives, netbook manufacturers use low-capacity solid state drives to keep prices down. Here is a bit of advice if you are having trouble making a quick decision.

Buy a netbook with normal hard drive if you want to:

Install lots of programs
Store MP3 files and movies on your drive
Run programs that use big cache and files (such as graphics editing or professional mapping programs)

Buy a netbook with an SSD if:

You like to have the lightest configuration possible
You prefer very fast startup times
You don’t plan on installing other programs beyond internet browsers and Office applications.
You use the netbook only for accessing the web

However, most buyers choose conventional hard drive instead SSD. SSDs are quiet, fast and durable, but their low capacity and higher price can be a turn off. When 120 or 160 GB SSDs significantly come down in price, they may change their tune. Modern hard drives for laptops are reliable, affordable, and popular – and are generally easy to replace or swap.

Choosing between Windows and Linux for your Netbook

admin — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:40:52 +0000

If you are having trouble choosing between Windows and Linux for your netbook, here are a few advices to steer you into the right direction:

Choose Windows if you…

Have plenty of experience with Windows and don’t have time to learn other operating systems.
Plan on using certain Windows programs that can’t run in Linux.
Have hardware (scanner, printer, and so on) that doesn’t work in Linux.

Choose Linux if you…

Prefer free, open-source environment
Already use Linux for at least a few months and feel comfortable with it.
Are ready to trade off a couple of quirks for a really secure operating system.
Are willing to invest more time in learning a new OS. (If you are an experienced Windows user, you can become a good Linux user in just a week or two.)

Windows Linux

Each day, Linux is getting closer to become a solid competitor to Windows on desktops and laptops, but it still has a few quirks that can frustrate average Windows users, not to mention the compatibility and hardware support issues.
If you go to retail outlets to look for netbooks, there is a good probability you will find a Linux netbook. But, stores are increasingly stocking only Windows netbooks – a few reports said that netbooks with Linux have a slightly higher return rate; it is likely because the new GUI and compatibility issues frustrate impatient Windows users. If you need a netbook only to go online and do light office works, you should use Linux and spend one or two days learning the new GUI. Ask the retailer to install your devices, for example; USB modem or portable printer, to the netbook, since occasionally installing hardware in Linux requires complicated settings. If you have a netbook with Intel processor (Atom or Celeron), keep in mind that you are not tied to using the pre-installed OS.
That means you are allowed to dump Windows and replace it with Linux.
You should first find a suitable distro. Check out related online forums, often you’ll find a lot of discussions about a popular distro and it is a good idea to ask for the easiest way to install the distro to your netbook.

Download the distribution and burn it to a DVD or CD. (It is also possible to put the distribution image on a USB flash drive or an SD memory card, but having an external optical drive is usually the easiest route.)
Back up all important files
Boot from the installation disc – it typically involves changing the boot-up sequence in the BIOS menu.
After you run the installation disc, follow the installation instructions.
Restart the netbook, and Linux will run.

Many distributions have “live” versions; it means you can run Linux from the CD, without reformatting the hard disk and replacing the original Windows OS. It’s a good way to test whether a Linux distro suits your needs or whether it works nicely in your netbook. Some netbook manufacturers provide a copy of the installation package in a separate hard disk partition. It could be easier to reinstall Linux because you don’t need a CD/DVD. But if you format the hard disk and want to reinstall Linux, then you’re out of luck. If a Linux installation disc is not provided with your netbook, contact the seller to see whether it is possible to get one.

Bluetooth and Netbooks

admin — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 14:22:25 +0000

Bluetooth

Many netbooks tout bluetooth as one of their important features. But what exactly does bluetooth mean to you? Well, here’s the lowdown: In short, bluetooth is a wireless standard for exchanging data over very short distances -up to 32 feet or 10 meters. A bluetooth device transmits a 2.4 GHz radio signal, while other device receives the signal, both will start talking with one another.

Bluetooth is named after a Danish King Harald “bluetooth” blaatand. Of course Harald did not invent the wireless protocol – but he was known for unifying Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Because the bluetooth inventors saw the protocol as a unifying communications standard, they wanted to honor King Harald. Obviously, the symbol on the bluetooth logo is King Harald’s initials in Nordic runes. It is a good way to replace data and peripheral cables. There are bluetooth-compatible mice, headphones, keyboards, printers, GPS receivers, cell phones, and PDAs. None of them need cables. One of the most useful features of bluetooth is calendar and contact synchronization among cell phones, laptops, and PDAs. If you have a bluetooth-compatible cellphone, it’s possible to connect to the internet through the cellphone without data cable.

Remember that bluetooth transfers your files at a rate of 1 Mbps. Although that’s about six times faster than serial and parallel ports, it is substantially slower than an 802.11 Wi-Fi connection – you shouldn’t use bluetooth for your day-to-day Internet connection.

Even so, the next generation bluetooth Ver. 3.0, will amp up the standard’s data rate to a zoomy 24 Mbps. Other than the speed increase, the bluetooth standard will also offer improved power management capabilities, so new bluetooth devices can run longer on batteries.

If you don’t have built-in bluetooth in your netbook, but you are tired of those data cable, you can get an affordable bluetooth adapter (around $25) that you can plug in to a USB slot – you may need a driver to run your modem, but in most cases, Windows would automatically do it for you.

In Windows, you need to configure bluetooth before using it, just follow the configuration wizard to easily adjust the setting. You should choose the types of services you need, such as file transfer, PIM (Personal Information Manager) synchronization, headset, and so forth.

When the configuration is completed, Windows creates a ‘My bluetooth Places’ icon on the desktop. If you click the icon, a window is opened to control all bluetooth connections (you can also search for nearby devices). Another bluetooth icon is also placed in the taskbar for easy access.

Check the netbook’s user manual for more information on using bluetooth. If you have a built-in bluetooth in your netbook, you should turn it off to improve battery life. Use a menu command or press a function key (check the user manual) to turn it off and on.

Using Windows Vista in Netbook

admin — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 21:15:54 +0000

Windows Vista

Windows Vista hasn’t been a smashing success Microsoft expected it to be. Since Windows Vista was introduced in 2007, a lot of computer users expressed their satisfaction with Windows XP (especially Service Pack 2) by choosing not to migrate. And with the sales of desktop and laptop (which come pre-installed with Windows Vista) down, Microsoft hasn’t been able to create as big of a dent in the user base as it thought it would.

Vista requires more computing horsepower and memory than previous Windows versions, and it is where Microsoft made a poor assumption. Up until now, computer components have evolved very predictably – latest computers have faster processors, bigger hard drives, better graphic cards and more memory than earlier generations. Microsoft assumed that the Moore’s Law would continue, and that PCs would eventually and naturally beef up to meet Windows Vista’s demands. Unfortunately, the emergence of netbooks in the end of 2007 flipped this assumption on its head – underpowered, no-frills laptops are selling like hot cakes. For many consumers, internet access and better portability have taken priority over computer performance. Because basic netbooks have only one gigabyte or less of memory and relatively low-performance processors, Windows Vista isn’t the best OS to use. A few netbook users have attempted installing Vista on their midget notebooks and were disappointed at the performance and speed. That’s why most netbook users still use Windows XP as their favorite operating system. (Cost factor is one of the reasons, as copies of Windows XP have a cheaper licensing fee than Windows Vista.)

Although certain manufacturers do use Vista Home after various system settings, netbooks can be fine-tuned to accommodate Vista. If you are a hardy soul, bound and determined to run Windows Vista on your netbook, then follow these tips to make your life easier:

Upgrade your RAM to at least 2GB. A 512K of RAM may give you plenty of excruciating experiences in Vista, and 1GB is better, but can be slow in a few occasions.
Make sure there is enough storage space. Windows Vista is big, and it is not recommended to install it on a low-capacity SSD.
Download vLite at http://www[dot]vlite[dot]net, it is a free utility that creates a stripped-down version Windows Vista. You need to have a legal copy of Vista; as it needs a Vista installation disc to extract the “lite-Vista”.
You should get an external DVD player to install Vista. It may be possible to install Vista from a USB flash drive or an SD memory card, but the optical drive is always the easiest route.
You need new drivers for your netbook hardware. Check the availability of Vista-compatible drivers for all of your hardware before deciding to install Vista.
Search popular search engines for your netbook model and Windows Vista (for example, search for “MSI Wind Vista”) to read about other netbooks owners who may have successfully installed Windows Vista.
Or, better yet, skip the above steps, sell your old XP netbook, and find a new one with Vista preinstalled.

Ethernet and Netbook

admin — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 16:38:59 +0000

Most netbooks have an RJ45 jack placed somewhere on the case. It should look like what you would plug a landline phone into but is a little larger – a phone cord won’t fit in it.

Ethernet

The RJ45 jack is important for wired network access and it connects to a 10/100 Ethernet card in your netbook. Plug a network cable with a RJ45 connector (commonly called a Category 5 or CAT5 cable) into your netbook’s jack and plug the other end into a switch, router, or wall network port, and you are ready to go. If the switch or router you’re connecting to uses Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Windows quickly connects to the Internet. It is as simple as plugging in a cable and getting connected in just a matter of seconds. Many networks today use DHCP, but some still use static IP (Internet Protocol) addresses. In this case you’ll need to have a valid IP address from the system administrator and configure your IP settings. Your administrator may provide an instruction on how to do it.

If an Ethernet connection is available, these are a few things you need to consider:

An Ethernet connection is a lot faster than a wireless (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth)

connection – except a 4G network at full performance.

An Ethernet connection uses less battery power than a wireless connection.
An Ethernet connection isn’t vulnerable to radio wave interferences.

A network status icon shows up in the Windows taskbar – it appears like two computer monitors, which will lit up when data is transferred. Move the cursor over the icon to find out whether you have an Ethernet connection. If you do, its speed is displayed.

You don’t have to turn off your netbook’s Wi-Fi or Bluetooth when you are using an Ethernet connection. Windows is clever enough to handle these connections at once. However, if you are having a few networking glitches though, consider terminating your wireless connections.

Wi-Fi and Netbooks

Using 3G in Netbooks

admin — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:20:38 +0000

Each time you hear the term 3G (or Third Generation), it refers to a data access standard through cellular networks.

This is how it works:

If you ever use a newer cellular phone, you probably see the small 3G symbol near the signal strength indicator whenever you browse the Web and check e-mail from your phone. It is also possible to use a 3G modem (USB modem) on your netbook when accessing the Net. Unlike WLAN, where you have to be near a Wi-Fi access point, with a 3G network as long as you are within cellular network’s data coverage, you can access the Internet. Speed is sufficiently fast (especially if you are stationary), but isn’t as reliable as a WLAN connection. A few netbooks come with integrated 3G modems. If your netbook does not have a 3G modem, you can still get 3G connectivity in several different ways.

USB: It looks like a flash drive and plugs into a USB port.
ExpressCard: some netbooks have ExpressCard expansion slot – it is a smaller model of a PC Card. A few manufacturers offer netbooks with ExpressCard 3G modems.

You can usually get a 3G modem through the cellular provider. USB modems prices range is between $80 and $180 depending on the model and features. But hold onto your hats as many providers are now offering discounted modems or 3G cellphones when you subscribe to a data plan and perhaps, in the near future carriers will start giving away no-frills, subsidized netbooks for data plan subscription.

Check with your carrier to get more details about its 3G service packages and compatibility with netbooks. Before you choose a 3G service, try to get some user feedbacks about how the service quality is in your area -it could be useful to visit forums such as http://cellphoneforums[dot]net or www[dot]howardforums[dot]com. Although your cellular carrier may claim wide coverage area, some places may have better and faster connectivity than others.