Laptop Computers-Find The Perfect Fit!

Features And Functions Of Laptop Computers

Take a look at several laptop computers to see if their features and functions match your lifestyle and your needs. There are a plethora of laptop computers on the market today, so if you are in the market for one, you should take the time to do some pre-purchasing research. By doing such research on laptop computers, you will be guaranteed to make a wise decision.

Are Laptops Reasonably Priced?

The first thing that you need to consider is price. A laptop (or notebook) computer may cost about twice as much as a desktop computer of the same capabilities and features. There are basic computers, and then there are those full of extras, such as memory, graphic capabilities, etc. You will find a wide range of prices for laptops, so go online or to different computer stores to cost compare.

Features To Look For:

Wireless Internet Connection

Laptop computers are a great tool for people who need computers, but are always on the go. Wi-Fi, or wireless internet connections, are very important to such people. Many laptop computers come already equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities, which means you can use your laptop in special areas (library, coffee shop, book store) that offer Wi-Fi access. Other laptop computers have a unique space for you to insert a Wi-Fi card that you can purchase at most computer or cellular phone stores.

Speed And Memory

Some laptop computers are actually slower than their desktop counterparts. In general, the type of internet connection and memory space you have on your laptop is what will determine your speed. If a fast speed concerns you, you should use a wireless connection and purchase extra memory for your hard drive. Lower priced laptops usually come with a 20 to 40 GB hard drive, but you can purchase a laptop with an 80. You should also look for something with greater than 128 MB of memory so that you can run all of the current software and applications.

Portability

Most people who use laptop computers need them for their portability, ability to be carried from place to place. Laptop computers may weigh a lot, over eight pounds, so it is recommended to go to different stores to lift the different types, styles, and models from different manufacturers.

Which is the Best Wireless Router?

A wireless network is incomplete without a router. The router connects to the broadband connection and in turn the access point in the router enables your laptop or computer to connect with the Internet. There are many wireless routers available in the market and to label one of them as the best and the other not so good is not an easy task. But when we take the speed of transmission of the data, the range it transmits and the ease of use, there are not many that can compete with each other in the wireless router category.

After extensive research we found that the Belkin Wireless Pre-N router is the best in the wireless router category. People who use the router have found it to be very good and it is easy to install as well. The range it covers is very good. It works with Windows, Mac and Linux too. The best part about the router is that it is able to withstand cellular and cordless phone interference. The speed with which data is transmitted is also good.

Though it is priced a little on the higher side, the benefits that it provides make up for it. Not only our research, but experts in the field also provide testimony to the fact that the Belkin Wireless Pre-N router is the best wireless router.

Huntsville, AL Offers Municipal WiFi Offering That Makes Sense

For the past several years, municipalities across the country have talked about and even begun implementing free WiFi offering. Many critics of these plans have claimed that cities have no business offering free high-speed wireless access as it competes with local telephone companies, cable providers of broadband, cellular companies and even local small business owners that use free wireless access to attract customers.

Proponents of free municipal provided WiFi say that it will bring internet access to lower-income households, improve tourism and benefit businesses. There are benefits, but many of these do not pass even the most basic cost-benefit analysis.

Even with free internet access, the cost for a computer and wireless card are still a large barrier for many low-income households, but the “digital divide” is one that does need continued attention. A better program would include a program for providing refurbished computers, training and fixed line broadband at no cost.

General businesses use a tremendous amount of bandwidth and currently pay large fees for these services. If a municipality offers free access WiFi, business will begin to transition to the free service. With the increased load on the municipal network and decreased service provider revenue from the businesses, the service fees the municipality pays will increase drastically. As these costs increase, the general tax base will need to cover these services, which fundamentally spreads the costs among all, even those people and businesses that are not using the internet.

Some municipalities have proposed offering WiFi for a cost and simply providing free services for low-income households, but this still leaves the cost of the initial computer hardware as a barrier to internet access and moves the city into the position of a utility/service provider.

There is a noticeable benefit to tourism, especially business travel, when advertised, but most municipalities have only proposed these all encompassing wireless offerings.

Enter a simple but novel approach from Huntsville, Alabama. Many do not think of Alabama as a technology front mover, but Huntsville is home to 1) one of the country’s two U.S. Space Camps 2) Intergraph Corporation, 3) sizeable offices for Boeing, Northrop Grumman, LG Electronics and Lockheed Martin 4) Redstone Arsenal which houses several military and NASA installations, plus external associate firms 5) many other large technical installations and smaller R&D houses.

Huntsville’s approach to WiFi is to partner with Traveller Internet Solutions to offer a limited free WiFi solution to visitors of the Big Spring International Park, which covers the Von Braun Convention Center [http://www.huntsville.org/meetingguide.php] (170,000+ square foot center) and much of downtown.

Technicians are still fine tuning the service and will fully activate the links shortly. When completed, each user will be given three free house of service per month, with the ability to pay for extended service.

This three hour free offering will serve the need of most business and personal travelers and are projected to be a great new benefit for the convention center. In exchange for the right to offer and charge for extended services, Traveller provides the WiFi network, under municipal supervision, at no cost to the city. This arrangement also allows businesses and even the convention center the ability to work with Traveller to provide additional complimentary hours.

Other municipalities would do well to copy this arrangement from Huntsville. It provides wireless data access to visitors and residents for basic needs at little cost to tax payers, may even become a revenue stream from commissions on extended plans sold by the service provider and leaves open the possibility of helping low-income households access the internet.

Introduction to Tablet PCs

The Tablet PC is a notebook or slate-shaped mobile computer that is approximately the size of a paper tablet. It gives us portability, flexibility and usability that are changing the way we work with our computers. Its touch screen or digitizing tablet technology allows the user to operate the computer with a stylus or digital pen instead of a keyboard or mouse.

Tablet PCs will have two formats: the "convertible" model with an integrated keyboard and a display that rotates 180 degrees and can be folded down over the keyboard, and the "slate" model with only a screen and pen. They can use external wireless or USB keyboards. The most popular convertible tablet PCs are the Acer and Toshiba. The most popular slates are the Motion Computing/Gateway Computers, Fujitsu, and HP/Compaq.

Many Tablet PCs use a Wacom digitizer, which delivers pen-position input to the computer at a fast rate. Tablets with these digitizers project a small magnetic field above the screen that interacts with electronics in the tablet's stylus. The user therefore is able to rest their hand on the screen without affecting the image or mouse pointer; only movement of the stylus affects the mouse pointer.

Tablet PCs became available to the general public with the introduction of Microsoft's Windows Tablet PC Edition in the fall of 2002. Before then they were used in small markets in industry, medicine, and government. Now they are used by students and many professionals.

Let us now have a look at the improvements in Tablet PCs:

oThe battery life of Tablet PCs has increased a great deal. This gives us more freedom to do what we need to do when we need to do it. We're free to take our computers into meetings and classrooms and to take notes the way that's most familiar, by writing. Centrino technology has improved. This means that more powerful processors can be used with little or no loss of battery life compared to lower powered CPUs.

oBetter wireless support allows us to log on to networks more easily than ever, with built in firewire. All this convenience comes packaged in a 3 pound computer that's not much bigger than a paper tablet.

oThose who don't type have the option to use handwriting, can use keyboard to enter data. Others may prefer speech input, or a combination of both. We're free to take our computers into meetings and classrooms and to take notes the way that's most familiar, by writing.

oTablet PCs are lighter than the majority of notebooks. Most weigh about 3 pounds or less. Size is also smaller, with the Tablet PC about the size of a paper tablet. Some of the newer Tablets have larger screen sizes or built-in drives. These can increase the weight considerably.

oThe Tablet PC uses a low or ultra-low voltage CPU chip that's actually considerably faster than its "number" indicates. This also improves battery life. With the introduction of the Intel Centrino and Dothan, the Intel-based Tablet PCs will be comparable with faster desktops. As an example, according to Intel, a Centrino 1.6Ghz processor is comparable to 2.4Ghx Pentium4-M.

oSome Tablet PC models are including a CDRW-DVD drive within the unit. Some have USB or firewire models available. There are also third party drives available.

oThe Tablet PC can use the pen technology in PowerPoint presentations, etc. These annotations can be saved for future presentations or erased completely. Using a Tablet PC with a projector allows the presenter to annotate slides, etc as he speaks.

oThe Tablet PC can be used in both portrait and landscape modes. A touch of the button changes it instantly. There's no need to reboot.

oTablet PCs generally use a 1024x768 screen resolution. High-resolution displays and Microsoft's Clear Type display technology make the Tablet PC an excellent reading platform. Video is also improving with one model offering a resolution of 1400x1050.

oSome Tablet PCs offer fingerprint scanners for increased security. There are also 3rd party devices such as USB pen drives that contain a security lock. Without the pen drive, the information on the Tablet PC is irretrievable.

Tablet PCs are changing the way we use computers. They'll continue to do so and in more ways than we're currently envisioning. As this year progresses, expect to see more innovations in features and size and even more availability and features galore, including dual core processors and better graphics.

3 Important Techniques for Securing a Wireless Network

Have you recently gone wireless? If you have a wireless network at home or in the office, it is critical to have it secured. Wireless networks are prone to attacks from outsiders - perhaps even more so than with wired networks. This article shows how you can implement 3 techniques to secure a given wireless network.

1. Disable Broadcast SSID

One of the key things to do is to secure a wireless network is to disable broadcast SSID. WiFi WLANs identify themselves with a service set identifier (SSID), which names the network and works (loosely) like a password.

Unfortunately, most wireless access points transmit their SSIDs by default, which is pretty much like standing in the street and shouting your bank card PIN. Unless you have equipment that requires the access point to broadcast the SSID, turn this feature off. If you do leave it on, change the SSID to something other than the default.

2. Turn on WEP

Another thing to do is to turn on WEP, and use 128-bit keys. You shouldn't rely on WEP to be absolutely secure, but the cracker next door isn't less likely to have the tools, systems, or know-how to break it. WEP is a lot better than nothing (unless you're using 64-bit keys, which are far weaker than 128-bit keys).

Access points and adapters typically let you set up the WEP key either by typing a passphrase or by entering a hexadecimal (base 16) value. We've had trouble making passphrases work across multiple vendors' equipment, so we recommend generating a hexadecimal value using a long passphrase and then using the hexadecimal value everywhere. Keep a copy of the key somewhere secure because you can't be sure you can regenerate it later.

3. Set MAC address restrictions

You should also set MAC address restrictions. Most access points let you list the physical (Media Access Control -- MAC) address of equipment allowed to connect to your LAN. A typical MAC address looks something like 00-0C-38-55-F4-AD. You can use a MAC restriction list containing all your devices to ensure only authorized devices connect,

although you can't limit who might be able to listen.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article has shown you how you can secure a wireless network to give it some basic level of protection against attackers. Good luck and happy networking!

Noise Cancelling Headphones: Making Travel Bearable

Noise cancelling headphones are fast becoming the must have item of the year. Both music lovers and travelers alike are beginning to realize the benefits of noise cancelling devices. In fact this new product is taking the audio industry by storm and promises to develop into a significant portion of the headphone market in a very short time.

Both audiologists and consumers agree that headphones that cancel ambient noise are very beneficial. From a consumer standpoint, the electronic devices allow for a far more peaceful journey, particularly in noisy environments such as planes and cars. In fact, noise cancelling headphones can reduce or eliminate the persistent hissing of an aircraft or the drone of an engine and even the muffled conversations that so often disturb our listening experience.

But perhaps more importantly, from an audiologist’s point of view, noise cancelling headphones allow people to listen to their favorite music, without competing with noise pollution. This is quite a significant issue, because people have a tendency to compete with other noise by just increasing the volume level of the music that they are trying to hear. Clearly this ploy has a major flaw in the sense that it ultimately results in negative impacts upon a persons hearing.

According to [http://www.cancelingnoise.com] the human ear is capable of shifting its threshold of hearing to suit the noisier conditions and thus noisier headphones will appear to be blocking out the sounds. Ultimately the noise will damage the function of the ear, most likely leaving the person with permanent hearing loss and possible tinnitus.

On the other hand, by using noise cancelling headphones, not only can the wearer enjoy a quieter journey, he or she can also listen to music at lower levels without losing clarity. In this case, the human ear will shift its hearing threshold to a lower level and a person can therefore listen to music at lower volume levels, without sacrificing their listening experience.

The technology is quite exciting for consumers, particularly those who have previously relied upon smaller headphones in the past. One drawback that has been observed is that it does require an over the ear style of headphone to work most effectively. This will mean that people who like to jog or exercise while listening to music will most probably need to buy a separate set of regular headphones and also a set of noise cancelling headphones for travel. But let me assure you that anyone who finds them self on a long distance flight will be glad that they made the investment in a set of quality noise cancelling headphones.

Get the Highest Speed Out of Your Wireless Computer Network

When it comes to a wireless standard, the first thing we all look at is how fast will this baby run! And you know the trade-offs, you can spend a lot of money to get the fastest thing running, or you can back off a little and save a lot.

The good thing about wireless networks is that the price difference between wireless standards is almost gone. There are some things that could add up, but I will explain the difference and why you might want to go that route or not.

Now, let's get to the different wireless standards you can choose from.

1. 802.11b - 11Mbit at 2.GHz

2. 802.11a - 54Mbit as 5.0GHz

3. 802.11g - 54Mbit at 2.4GHz

4. Hybrid Systems

When you get ready to purchase your equipment, you will see a lot of systems saying that they are faster than these standards listed above. Most will say 108Mbit per second, some 125Mbit per second and a few even higher. To operate at these speeds usually requires you to only use their network cards to access their access points, some of them require a specific card from them to get that speed. If any other card connects, then they will drop back to the standard speed and you lose the extra speed you probably paid extra to get.

What Should You Get

I was purchasing equipment for a completely new wireless setup. We only had one older wireless computer and I replaced the card in it with a new one. I did purchase a system that advertised the 108Mbit speeds since I knew who was going to connect to it.

If you are building a new network setup, I suggest you purchase a system that will run faster than the standard, but only if you know who is connecting. If not, then get a system that runs on the 802.11g standard. The price is about the same as 802.11b but runs 5 times faster.

Secure Remote Access

The advancement of information technology and wireless communication has made our life simpler by making information available even from distant sources at the click of a mouse. With Remote Access technology, a user can access a computer located in a remote distance by gaining full control of the system. This technology comes with a bundle of advantages, as it eliminates the distance barrier while saving time and money required in actually traveling to that place. However, it raises an important issue of security in accessing remote systems. The threat of information leakage and illegal access and control of a system makes it important to ensure measures for Secure Remote Access and integrity of data.

To ensure safety in the use of Remote Access to a system, which might be a remote PC or a system in a large network of a big organization, a secure infrastructure should be designed as total end-to-end solution for the entire communication framework. One of the most common methods of securing Remote Access is a virtual private network (VPN).

There are several varieties of affordable VPN protocols-, PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol), L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol) and SSL. By creating an encrypted ""tunnel"" through the public network, VPNs protect data in transit while achieving significant savings over alternative approaches to Remote Access, such as dedicated dial-up telephone lines.

Increased threats of security of information and simultaneous awareness about the same has made a large numbers of ISPs and security vendors offer VPN-termination services as part of a total managed security package. Unfortunately, VPN technology alone does not provide reliable proof about who is accessing the data at either end of the tunnel. The solution to this problem is Remote Secure Access technology, which combines diverse security technologies--including strong authentication, access management, encryption and digital signatures--to empower employees to achieve greater results while offering a high level of security compliance.

Remote Email Access

The advancement of wireless technology has brought the world together, with easy and convenient access to information, whenever we need and wherever we are. Remote Email Access is one example of the flexibility provided by the remote access technology. Remote Email Access gives the user the ability to access, receive and send emails wherever he or she is located.

There are two approaches to Remote Email Access, depending on how conveniently and frequently you can access the computer. In case you have a computer at your disposal than the POP approach best works, but if you are dependent on a cyber café, than you may prefer web access instead.

POP stands for post office protocol and is the way real email systems work. To access your mail using POP, you need to access a POP server that verifies your username and password before granting you access to your emails. Once the mail is downloaded on your system, it is deleted from the POP server. You can access these mails even when you are offline. To access your mails through POP, you would use email client software such as Eudora, Pegasus or Outlook, or the email component of a web browser suite such as Outlook Express or Netscape Messenger.

An alternative way to access mails is to use a web browser such as MS Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator or Opera to visit a web site, than you need to sign in with a user id and password, and then read your mail online. The biggest advantage of web access is that you can check your mails through any computer that has a web browser installed. The only disadvantage is that you have to be online all the time while checking, receiving or sending mails.

Thus, you can use either of the two options according to your convenience and access and exchange your mails with your boss, friends or relatives, wherever you are.

Remote Access Services

With the surge in popularity of the Internet, Remote Access Services (RAS) have become widely popular in the IT environment. RAS let you connect to your computer from a remote location, such as your home, to the SLAC network. RAS's primary function is to let you access files on a server from a remote location. In order to use RAS from a remote location, a RAS client program is required, which is usually built into the most versions of the Windows or PPP client software.

RAS is a built-in feature of Windows NT that enables the users to log in to an NT-based LAN environment using a modem, X.25 connection or WAN link. RAS works with almost all the major network protocols, including TCP/IP, IPX, and Netbeui.

RAS lets a user dial into any network and use any dialup connection just as if it were a network connection. Though it has its own set of disadvantages, like being slower in comparison to a regular network connection.

Once connected to the RAS, you need to follow the usual procedures to access the network. For example, of you want to connect to a drive on the network, use Windows NT 4.0's My Computer icon from your remote computer, with the map network drive, or explore the network neighborhood, just as if you would explore it from your office PC.

In order to run a program available on the host computer, download and run the executable code on your remote computer. RAS works just like any other network connection, not as a remote control.

Business Management: Create a Mobile Office

What's in an office anyways? Create a Mobile Office the simple way by just learning what you need on the road and collecting it all in a convenient travel sized pack. In my case, it's a briefcase, a phone, and a laptop. My briefcase, opened, is a convenient mobile office with all the necessary parts. A tiny little box of office 'supplies', file folders in the lid, pens, pencils, note stickies, and a compact stapler will organize most anything I need to keep. The notepad-portfolio I carry for business meetings fits inside when necessary, and I always keep an extra notepad in the lid.

Don't forget the address book. Add new people in, and keep up with all your old friends and associates. You never know when you might be able to grab a cup of coffee and network. My motto is "The only way to get out of my little black book is die - or move up to everyday contact."

Create a Mobile Office by first thinking about what you might need on the road. I do a lot of travel writing, so my main objective is being able to - well - write. My laptop is essential. For transmitting those files back to home base, I use my cell phone or a wireless modem. Often my cell phone works best. Rural areas are not known for having the best wireless reception - so, I make do.

Quite effectively, a mobile office should be as directly related to what you do as your website. Clean, efficient, effective, and to the point - you can work better in a mobile office if you have what you need but nothing extra. Leave all the reports you won't be reading anyway at home in your full time office, and just do what you have to take with you. It's easier than carrying a huge file box full of "duds".

Oh, and just in case you do break down on the road, have an extra batterpack for that laptop. It will keep you moving while you wait for the tow truck. Of course, you can always resort to pen and paper, if you have it. Don't forget a time piece. I use my cell phone, but even cell phones need power eventually.

Wired to Wireless - the Final Answer

One of the most common questions we as consultants have to answer on a daily basis is the difference between wired and wireless networks. Let me summarize:

Wired: In simple terms; the communication between two devices via cables.

Wireless: the communication between two devices without cables.

Now, is it that simple? Not exactly, each method of networking has its own pros and cons.

Wireless networks do not use any form of cable. The transmission of data (your files, music, printing to the printer etc) occurs over radio waves... just like cordless phones or the Bluetooth headset that came with that snazzy phone you purchased recently. The major advantage of having a wireless device is the mobility and freedom that comes with it. Moreover, there is less clutter and fewer wires to worry about. But, you sacrifice in most cases on speed and security.

Wired networks on the other hand have been around for some time now. Officially known today as the Ethernet, the cables usually connect these devices using CAT5 cables. The speed and security in this scenario are greatly enhanced. The latest Ethernet routers can support up to 1000Mb/s or a gigabit/sec. that's 10 times faster than the widely used 100 Mb/s router. Moreover the over all cost of a wired network is lower, provides high performance and better security than wireless networks.

The choice depends on your day to day activities. Wireless networks won't become mainstream anytime soon in office environments. But as home users, wireless networks have become the choice. A little sacrifice in speed or security as a residential user is minimal but for an enterprise environment - well, it becomes a whole new ball game... and, pretty detailed too.

Why Purchase a Dell Laptop?

One of the most well known brands on the market are Dell laptops. Of course, this comes from a lot of advertising. But their quality goes a long way in explaining why they are so big in the IT world.

Let's take for example the new Dell Inspiron 6000. This is a high powered notebook that features the so-called Sonoma chipset which happens to be the latest Intel processor. Now, this chipset is strictly for mobile computers, so it is specifically designed to make sure your laptop works as optimally as

possible. This involves the best in battery power life, the fastest graphics for gaming and multimedia, and wireless connectivity.

As far as wireless technology goes, these Dell laptops pack the latest technology. For example, they offer the optional Bluetooth for you business users out there. Of course then there is the standard 10/100 ethernet card and Wi-Fi access, so you can use your card in wireless hotpsots at home, in your local coffee shop ar at work.

Here are a few other accessories that round out the connectivity of these computers. It has an IEEE 1394 port, a Firewire port, an S-Video port and four USB ports. Now, if that's not enough, the Inspiron 6000 also has a slot for Secure Digital Memory cards.

Now, no matter how many digital cameras, music players, personal digital assistants (PDA's), or cell phones you have, your Dell Inspiron 6000 notebook will have enough access for all of them.

This computer also has a big brain! You can choose from either a 1.30 GHz Intel Celeron processor or the 1.60 GHz Pentium processor. As far as hard drives go, they also come in a selection of ranges from 30 GB to 80 GB. You can also pack the computer with optical drives like a DVD double layer burner or a writeable CD/DVD combo.

What does this mean for the layperson? All these numbers and abbreviations mean only one thing, no matter what you need your computer for, there are Dell laptops out there that are perfect for the task.

I have had nothing but Dell computers in my office as well as my home and I will continue to buy them and recommend them. Not just because they are excellently made computers, but because Dell stands behind their products in price as well as service.

Just to give you an example of the Dell Service, I purchased a Dell Desktop last year for my office, one of many. This one computer did develop a problem with the DVD drive. I could read DVD's but I couldn't burn one. I called support they responded very quickly and while I was on the phone with them the technician had me run some tests. The DVD unit was found to be defective. The technician offered to send me a new unit by next day air or have a technician come to my office. I chose the latter, and the technician showed up within 24 hours replaced the unit and had me up running. Now for me I couldn't have asked for better or faster service.

Infrared And Bluetooth: Connecting Things Easier

With different electrical devices produced everyday, the problem of connecting things is becoming more and more complex. The system that comprises the computers and other electronic devices makes use of varieties of connecting wires, cables and the likes. These parts communicate trough light beams, lasers, radio signals and infrared. However, the problem with this devices and technologies is often the connection between each component. Thus, most systems are not used to their full extent due to complexities.

To simplify things, a solution was created to streamline the process of connections - bluetooth.

Bluetooth is wireless and automatic and offers users with varieties of excellent features that has recreated the art of connection. It has revolutionized the standard method of connecting things that virtually anything can be connected on a single system. From computers to mobile phones and from keyboards to headphones by means of wireless, automatic and inexpensive connection.

Other than the bluetooth technology, there are other ways of connecting things. Take for example the infrared or IR. It allows low frequency light waves which the eye can no longer interpret to transmit signals to another component. The technology is easy to create and cost of incorporating the IR device into a system is in barest minimum. Yet it has limited operations that seldom obstructs the process of connection.

Infrared technology is one to one process. Due to this limitation, you may only send signals from one component to another, like the case of the television set and the remote control. The same is true between laptops and desktops. You may only transmit signals between the two but not with another separate system, say a PDA through simultaneous actions.

It also works only on the line of sight principle wherein one has to point the infrared device directly to the host system to achieve a desirable result.

In spite of the fact that these two natures of infrared technology are obstacles to acquiring results, these same qualities have worked in advantage to connection. Because infrared devices need to be lined up directly on opposing locations, too little interference occurs between transmitters and receivers. The one to one principle on the other hand is designed to transmit signals only to the original recipient. Given that there are varieties of infrared recipients in a location, the intended recipient alone will receive the signal coming from a transmitter.

However, technology was not contented with what infrared offers. They resolved these limitations through creating the bluetooth solution.

Bluetooth technology works by transmitting signals via low frequency radio signals. The path of communication is approximately working on 2.45 gigahertz. The same frequency band is utilized in ISM devices.

The design of the technology was such that it has created a new system that does not interfere with the other devices that make use of the same frequency band (e.g. ISM). One way of doing this is the programming of the bluetooth technology to only transmit signals that has 1 milliwatt or less. Beyond this, other systems may be affected. By comparison, cell phones and other mobile devices send signals at a rate of 3 milliwatts and more.

The standard range of the bluetooth is around ten meters. This lessens the possibility that interference between device may occur. With this low transmission, it is still possible for the user to transmit bluetooth signals between obstructing walls.

Bluetooth in many ways have contributed much in connecting individual systems without being bothered by the bulk of the cables and wires.

Your Laptop Repair Service - What to Expect

When your laptop suddenly won't boot up, or that full cup of coffee you just poured yourself gets spilt over your laptop keyboard.

How do you go about getting it fixed? Where do you take it? Whoever you take it to, your trusting somebody you don't know to mess with

what is probably a very sacred object to you -- Well, here's a few tips to help you on your way.

Where to get it fixed?

You could send it back to the manufacturers, each laptop company has a service

department, but expect to pay £450-£500 to replace a cracked screen,

or £700-£900 to replace a faulty motherboard. Your local computer

shop may be able to help, but most laptop repairs require specialist knowledge

which they may not have. There are a number of laptop repair companies to

be found on the internet. Just searching for 'laptop repair' on the internet

will bring you a long list of companies willing to do the work for you. In

most cases whichever way you go, unless you very lucky to have one close by,

this means sending/having collected, your laptop for repair.

Services and pricing

Laptop repair companies should clearly describe their repair service prices,

ensuring that there are no hidden fees. Prices should be displayed, and preferably

be a flat fee depending on the repair type. Most repair companies now days

will look at your laptop for free and offer a diagnosis and estimate for repair,

you may well have to pay postage costs, if you turn down the repair. But that

seems fair.

LAPTOP repair warranties?

Any repair company has a duty by law to warranty their work. How long this

warranty lasts is dependent on the laptop repair company, but should be no

less than 6 months. Ensure that the warranty period is clearly written on

any invoices, before you pay them. Ask them about their returns policy, for

instance, who pays the collection/delivery costs if the unit fails again with

the same fault within the warranty period?

How long should it take?

This largely depends on the availability of parts, for common makes like

Dell, Sony, Samsung and compaq, parts are usually in plentiful supply. But

if your unlucky enough to have let's say a 'Multivision' (They're now defunct),

unless you stumble across an independent laptop repair firm that has a secondhand

part, you can expect a long delay, if indeed the parts can be sourced. But

for a 'bread and butter' repair, let's say, 'replacing the screen on a Dell

inspiron' look to a maximum 7 days. Most repair places whoever they are

should be able to achieve the repair in this amount of time.

WILL I Loose my data?

The burning question!

If the problem is disk related, there is a small chance you may loose some

data, but in %99 of cases, data can be lifted from even the most damaged

disk, it just depends how much money your prepared to throw at it. Of course

that's a worst case scenario.

If your laptop has a hardware fault that is not disk related, EG. It will

not power on when the 'on' button is depressed. The simple answer is 'NO'.

But if your worried, call around a few companies and describe the problem

to them. They will then be able to advise you of the possibility.

Microsoft's Ultra-Mobile PC: All about Microsoft Origami

Microsoft has suddenly taken the center stage of technology world with its new product called Origami. Every major media of the world seems to be running after Origami now. All the news websites contain more than one article about Origami. It seems that Origami is the next big thing in the technology world is going to dominate the market in the next few months or may be years. Intel is with Microsoft in making Origami. Origami is expected to address a new market for portable computers. It is neither a laptop nor a smart mobile phone or PDA but has can do many works for a user. In terms of size it is in the middle between a PDA and a notebook PC. The only shocking thing is that the device will not be called as Origami but as Ultra-Mobile PC (UMPC) and most probably this name will gradually take place of the name, Origami.

Speculations were very high among the tech bloggers from around the world about Project Origami in the last few months. Although scare information was available until recently, every one expected Microsoft to produce something that would create a storm in the technology world.

Microsoft bosses hope that they have been able to address a new market with Origami since it is a unique device in terms of size, price and performance. It is so light that its weight is less than 2.5 pounds and it comes with a 7-inch touch-sensitive screen. Thus Origami is really portable. Microsoft officials are upbeat with their optimism that within a few years Origami computer (UPMC) will become indispensable like mobile phone. Perhaps the main reason behind their high expectations is the versatile nature of Origami computers. It runs on Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition operating system and it can do many works including playing games, digital music, mobile communication, and surfing internet, checking and responding to emails and so on. In future, Origami computers will run on Windows Vista. Origami computers can support both Blue Tooth and Wi-Fi wireless technology. This also means that a user can use his keyboard with the help of wireless technology. They run on microprocessors built by Intel. The only thing that a user may miss is keyboard. However, it has USB 2 ports and thus adding an external keyboard is not a problem. 30 to 60 Gigabyte hard drive means a user can really use it like a regular PC too.

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Taiwan's Asustek Computer Inc. and China's second largest PC-maker, the Founder Group, are the 3 companies who are going to produce the hardware of Origami computers (UMPC). All of them are serious players in the technology world and naturally they will try their best to make Origami computers popular in the market. Samsung's product (known as Q1) will hit the market in this May. However, the price of Q1 is going to high.

Who will be the main customers of Origami computers? Microsoft officials are hopeful that this device will attract everyone. Since it can do the works of a mobile phone, a personal computer, a notebook and a PDA handheld device, Microsoft bosses have the feeling that may be this is the ultimate portable device we all need. GPS, a webcam, fingerprint reader, digital TV tuners, and compact flash and SD card readers will be in many Origami computers (UMPC) in very near future. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Ethernet networks can be used to connect between Origami computers and wide-area networking is on the card too.

Many people think that project Origami is an effort to seriously challenge Apple's IPOD, the portable music player. iPOD has remained largely unchallenged since its birth as a portable device and many bloggers have speculated the emergence of Origami from Microsoft as a response to Apple's supremacy in the portable device market. However, Microsoft officials are in no mood to confirm this theory and surely they have a strong point. Origami is not just a music player like iPOD but lot more than that. Microsoft officials can also argue that many players have been trying to make an ultra thin and ultra light but very powerful portable computer but Microsoft could make the breakthrough. Since, Origami computers run with Windows XP operating system, it will be able to do many functions. This feature will also make the works of application developers easier.

The main problem with Origami computers is its high price. When Bill Gates first talked of the idea of an ultra light portable computer, most people got the perception that its price would be under US $500 but we already know that the price will be from US $600-1000. Such a high price may discourage many users. However, it is natural that any technology is expensive at first and later becomes cheaper. The same will happen for Origami computers too. Finally, Origami is not just a source of entertainment but also

Microsoft's bid to enter into the portable device market seriously will surely create pressure on other industry players. It is for sure that other major players both in the hardware and the software world will try to come out with something substantial to answer to Microsoft's challenge. If another company can address the price issue seriously then surely Microsoft and its partners will face serious challenge. On other hand, we are yet to get any reaction from the open source world about Microsoft's Origami computers. Are they thinking of their own version of UMPC?

Until a few years ago, the idea of an ultra thin computer was like a science fiction. Microsoft has successfully brought this idea into reality with its project Origami. We have heard in the recent years that the computers of tomorrow will be thin like paper and users will be able to fold them after using. Project Origami only reminds us that the researchers are not sitting idle to make this idea into reality.

A Guide To Buying A Budget Laptop

Laptop Basics

A laptop computer (also known as notebook computer) is a small mobile personal computer usually weighing from 1 to 3 kg. Laptops usually run on batteries but also from adapters which also charge the battery using mains power. Laptops are capable of many of the same tasks that desktop computers perform, although they are typically less powerful for the same price. Laptops contain components that are similar to those in their desktop counterparts and perform the same functions but are miniaturised and optimised for mobile use and efficient power consumption.

Laptops For People On A Budget

You may want a budget laptop for tasks such as word processing, internet research and email. A good source for finding budget laptops is eBay as is our site which is dedicated to providing you with information on locating cheap laptops. Look for a good 14.1-15-inch screen, a 30GB hard drive, a cheap processor such as Celeron, 256MB RAM, plus features like an Ethernet network card and a modem for use at home. This is the minimum you should be looking for in a budget laptop.

You may also want to check price comparison sites such as pricerunner.com before parting with your hard earned cash.

Suggested Budget Laptops: IBM Thinkpad T23, Dell Latitude D505, Sony Vaio FR415B, Toshiba Satellite.

What Apple iPod to Buy?

With all the different models of iPod, which one should I buy?

Models to choose from are iPod Shuffle 512MB or 1GB, iPod Nano 1GB, 2GB or 4GB or iPod, also called video iPod, 30GB or 60GB. If you want to buy second hand there is the earlier models like iPod Photo, iPod mini and 1st, 2nd 3rd and 4th generation iPods. There are shops that still sell some of the older models too.

Which one to buy depends on budget, requirements and personal taste. First you

need to know how you want to use it, and how much music you want to be able to

have on you.

A lot of people are quite happy to play one or two albums over and over again on a

day. If I were one of these people I would get an iPod Shuffle. They are the cheapest

Apple iPod and even the 512MB model will still store say 10 Albums. The iPod

shuffle is the only iPod that does not have the dock connector. So if you plan on

connecting a accessory, you probably want to have an iPod Nano. Further, the iPod

Shuffle is the only Apple iPod that does not have a display.

The iPod Nano is an incredibly thin iPod. It comes in 1GB, 2GB or 4GB capacity,

which is enough for a lot of people. It does not play video, but does show your

photographs. If you want an iPod that you can always wear on you then the Apple

iPod Nano is your thing.

If you are like me, and listen to many different kinds of music and like constantly

listen to new music, get the 30GB or 60GB iPod if you can afford it. 60GB means you

can store a few thousand music Albums, and some video's. Keep in mind that

video's take up a lot more storage than music files.

To date this is the only iPod that reproduces video, which is why they call it the

Video iPod.

Before buying the model that you like, think about how you are going to use it.

There are also many accessories available for your every iPod. You can get a skin,

cases, cover, pouch, charger, speaker system, dock (to connect to your stereo), FM

transmitter (to receive iPod on your radio), all sorts of headphones, cables, car

adapter, battery and 3rd party iPod software, and so on.

Further I would like to encourage you not to download mp3 music for free of

filesharing networks as most is illegal music. For free music downloads subscribe to

podcasts using Apple iTunes. There is a wide variety of music genres available for

free, and legal.

As far as I know there are no iPod games available other than the standard iPod

games that come built in.

Choosing the Right Notebook Battery

There are millions of notebook batteries out there. So it's no surprise that finding the right notebook battery is a nightmare for the everyday computer users. Unless they are willing to spend long hours of research of course...

This article presents important facts about laptop batteries and the various battery technologies available today. The article will help non-technical people in selecting which notebook battery is the right one for them, whether they are just looking for a cheap battery or high-end components such as li-ion rechargeable batteries.

Don't think all laptop batteries are created equal. There is no such things as a generic or universal laptop battery. They are all different and guess what... it is the best interest of the laptop vendors to keep it that way. No, a Dell laptop battery is not the same as an HP laptop battery, and you cannot use the cheap IBM Lion batteries you just bought to replace the Vaio laptop battery of your girlfriend. The shape, specifications, and size of most laptop batteries differ from one model to another, and I'm not even talking about the well-known exceptions such as the flashy Apple batteries or the heavy duty, water-proof, Panasonic toughbook batteries!

All notebook batteries have, however, a few characteristics that are the same:

- The notebook batteries can be recharged an infinite number of times, especially nowadays because they are generally built of li-ion or Nimh;

- The notebook batteries can be pretty pricey, especially for the higher end models such as the HP, 600e IBM, the Compaq laptop batteries, or the Acer replacement battery;

- The notebook batteries can be pretty delicate electronic components: do not be surprised if your battery suddenly drops voltage or the laptop battery won't charge fully;

- The notebook batterys have to be regularly charged and discharged to maintain their battery life.

Let's discuss about the procedure to use when you want to replace your current laptop battery by a new one. The first step is to turn off your laptop pc and remove the power cable from the back of the machine. Turn the laptop down carefully and remove the battery from its slot. A small switch is usually included and pressing the switch will eject the laptop battery pretty easily on most models.

You should then carefully write down the serial and reference number of the battery. These numbers can be pretty confusing because these are long serial numbers that do not mean a thing to most users: they have strange names such as “HP 1739a”, “Dell w1955.” or “Compaq n1020v”....

Armed with this reference number, the second step for you is to decide on three important factors: (i) your budget (are you looking for a refurbished laptop battery, a new one, or maybe a second-hand laptop battery), (ii) the type of battery life you want, and (iii) the brand. You should buy long-life laptop batteries; it is highly recommended. They are only slightly more expensive. But these models are a good investment because there is nothing more frustrating that running out of battery juice in a place where you cannot user your laptop battery charger such as in many airports.

With these information in hand, you should then visit a laptop battery directory such as [http://www.batteriesnotebook.com] They will make it easy for you to find the best notebook batteries offers and you can quickly find the cheapest laptop battery because they have different pages for each top brands. The objectivity of the site is very good because they do not sell the batteries themselves.

Finally, remember the technology for building batteries is a constant evolution. Batteries were invented a long time ago by Benjamin Franklin (1748). But it is the 21st century that will be the most exciting because we are now very close to have access to a new generation of batteries for laptops and notebooks that will include fuel-cell batteries or even solar rechargeable notebook batteries. We will cover the future of these emerging technologies in an upcoming article.