Handy Computer Guide

A review of the new Dell Studio 15 laptop has been posted over at ZDNet. 'While clearly inspired by the popular XPS M1530, the Studio 15 has a more angular look, with its large side hinges curving the screen down at a sharp angle; the XPS presents a more rounded look. At 6 pounds, it's a bit heavy to tote around every day, but still at the lower end of the 15-inch scale, around 6 pounds. Our early review unit had a matte midnight blue lid, but there are a variety of color options. We've also seen some leaked shots online of several artistic designs motifs that should be available in the future, which we've previously covered on Crave.

The Studio 15 follows Dell's recent, and welcome, trend of putting HDMI outputs and touch-sensitive control buttons on just about every laptop--you can also get those on even the cheapest Inspiron 15-inch. Like the XPS 1530, it has a slot-loading optical drive and an Express Card slot that doubles as a holder for a credit-card-style media remote.'

Read: Dell Studio 15 - ZDNet

Posted by HCG Admin at 10:05 PM | Permalink

PC World have publsihed a review of the HP TouchSmart IQ506 Desktop PC. 'Like the Gateway One and waves of Apple iMacs, the TouchSmart IQ506 is all about elegance. I was hypnotized, staring at a beautiful-looking machine with a touch screen--something the competition doesn't offer. This isn't HP's first attempt at an all-in-one, either. However, the first-generation TouchSmart IQ770 more closely resembled a highly stylized desktop than it did a display. As much as it got right, a few things disappointed us back then, namely its poky components and the fact that its 19-inch touch screen would recognize only a single point.'

Read: HP TouchSmart IQ506 Desktop PC - PC World

Posted by HCG Admin at 1:45 PM | Permalink

PC Magazine have publsihed a review of the HP TouchSmart IQ506 All-in-one multimedia PC. 'The IQ506 has been redesigned from the ground up. About the only thing that the IQ770 and IQ506 have in common is the Media Center remote, and maybe the mouse too. The screen is larger: up from 19 to 22 inches with a higher-resolution 1,680-by-1,050 widescreen. The screen itself is glossy, with colors that "pop." The screen initially does a good job hiding fingerprints, even though its glossy surface will become covered with the evidence of its touch capability after several hours of heavy use. Good thing it comes with a cleaning cloth.

The whole Vista interface is touch-screen accessible, thanks to the hooks that Microsoft put in the OS for the Tablet PC interface. Instead of using a stylus, your finger may be the only pointing device you need. While the Vista windows and buttons haven't been updated for the touch screen, it's easy to navigate. The screen is intelligent enough to figure out that you're clicking on a link in Internet Explorer, and it reacts accordingly.'

Read: HP TouchSmart IQ506 PC - PC Mag

Posted by HCG Admin at 10:07 PM | Permalink

Trusted Reviews have published a review of the Dell Vostro 1310 13.3in Notebook. 'Aesthetically, the 1310 is everything you might expect from a "business" laptop. Finished entirely in black, its only attempt at flair is the glossy black section of the lid and around the edges. Otherwise it's all solid matte black plastic and though it doesn't make the 1310 a very exciting machine to behold, it does make it strong and durable. This makes it a good choice for the road-bound sales rep or home office worker, who needs a simple and long lasting machine for both in or out of the office - it might even be a great option for a student, too. Another by product of this design is that it's cheap to make and this saving is passed onto the customer. Our sample specification of a 2.1GHz T8100 Intel Core 2 Duo, 2GB of RAM, 160GB 5400rpm hard drive, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth, 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, 1.3-Megapixel camera and a six-cell battery will set you back just £575 exc. VAT (£675 inc.), a very handsome set of components for the price.'

Read: Dell Vostro 1310 13.3in Notebook - Trusted Reviews

Posted by HCG Admin at 4:13 PM | Permalink

A review of the Zepto Notus A12 Notebook has been posted over at Notebook Review. 'The bottom of the computer has small protruding feet about 1.5mm (1/16" long). There is a single removable cover for the mini PCI-E slot which contains the wireless card. There are no air vents on the bottom so this notebook is suitable for use on the bedclothes without sucking in fluff. The standard 6 cell battery fits at the back of the notebook and is held firmly in place by two latches.
The battery appears to be the main reason for the back of the Notus being relatively thick. Sony had addressed this problem on the G11 by letting the battery be exposed at the back of the keyboard. The Notus would have benefited from the same approach, which would have also made the battery gauge accessible.'

Read: Zepto Notus A12 Review - Notebook Review

Posted by HCG Admin at 10:06 PM | Permalink

CNET have publsihed a review of the Averatec All-in-One desktop PC. 'Averatec's new, self-describing All-in-One offers yet another Windows-based take on the iMac. Compared with similar systems from Dell and Gateway, the $1,300 All-in-One actually has the most aggressive price, as well as the largest screen. In general, and as with those others, Averatec's new PC is less compelling than the iMac. As is typical of Windows-based all-in-ones, the Averatec offers the capability to upgrade that the iMac cannot. And either the larger screen or Windows Vista may be selling points or necessities for some of you, as well. Otherwise, there's very little this Averatec can do that the iMac doesn't do better.'

Read: Averatec All-in-One - CNET

Posted by HCG Admin at 10:05 PM | Permalink

The Register Hardware have published a review of the MSI Wind Windows XP Edition sub-notebook. 'The Wind’s 10in display is surrounded by a thick bezel, which also houses a webcam and a single microphone. With a resolution of 1024 x 600 – the same as its 8.9in rivals – the Wind's display is sharp enough to show Windows XP without the need for some frantic scrolling. It’s a lot brighter than the panels found on other Small, Cheap Computers, and colours are reproduced with impressive accuracy.

One of the major benefits of the larger chassis is a much better keyboard. The keys are bigger than those on all but the HP MiniNote, and even those with the stubbiest of fingers or disjointed of typing actions should get along fine. We found the board rigid and free from flex, and the firmly attached keys were responsive and featured a decent travel.

Read: MSI Wind Windows XP Edition sub-notebook - Register Hardware

Read: Asus Eee PC 901 review - PC Advisor

Posted by HCG Admin at 4:20 PM | Permalink

TweakTown gets under the cover of the new ASUS Eee PC 1000H PC and provides some insights on the components of the ultraportable. 'Eee PC 1000H is Taiwan’s version of the latest Eee PC launched by ASUS late in 2007. Since then, like a wildfire the Eee PC revolution has burned asunder all competition before it. There is literally no other genré of PC like it. However, that being said, I have to say the look and feel of the model we are looking at today is a lot different from the first Eee PC we originally exposed in all her innocence a while ago.'

Read: ASUS Eee PC 1000H Under The Covers - TweakTown

Posted by HCG Admin at 10:07 PM | Permalink

PC Advisor have publsihed a review of the Asus Eee PC 901 ultraportable. 'At first glance, there’s little to separate the latest 901 version of the Asus mini-laptop from the 900 model that was released less than two months ago. So now the casework is subtly restyled, giving gentler rounded corners, and the finish is glossier, where the previous model was satin. But the important difference lies in Asus’ choice of processor. Out goes the 900MHz Celeron, and in comes 1.6GHz of brand new Intel Atom. Lifting the lid, we have the same 8.9in screen, a useful step up from the 7in of the original Eee PC 701, allowing the display to fill out the lid space more naturally.'

Read: Asus Eee PC 901 review - PC Advisor

Posted by HCG Admin at 10:17 PM | Permalink

Laptop Magazine have published a review of the ASUS Eee PC 1000H (Windows XP) sub notebook. 'Similar to the Eee PC 901, the 1000H has an updated look and feel from earlier Eee PC models. The glossy black “Fine Ebony” lid is accented with the new Eee PC logo in cursive script. Add in the improved silver hinge and the black-on-silver combination and you have a high-fashion look. Unlike the 901’s shiny white lid, the 1000H is not immune to fingerprints; ASUS includes a cloth for wiping down the system.'

With its larger 10-inch screen, the Eee PC 1000H is the largest mini-notebook to date: Measuring 10.5 x 7.5 x 1.0 to 1.5 inches, the system is bigger than the 10-inch MSI Wind NB, and at 3.2 pounds is about half a pound heavier. However, the 1000H still slid nicely into a shoulder bag and felt extremely light in a backpack. ASUS has also kept the power brick slim, bringing the total travel weight to a manageable 3.6 pounds.'

Read: ASUS Eee PC 1000H (Windows XP) - Laptop Mag

Posted by HCG Admin at 10:10 PM | Permalink

The Register Hardware have published a review of the Asus Eee PC 901 (Linux Edition). 'Open the machine's lid, and you see the same 8.9in, 1024 x 600 screen as before and, above it, the same 1.3-megapixel webcam. However, the 901 comes with a dual pick-up microphone array, the better for VoIP calls using the bundled Skype software. The keyboard's much the same - always an Eee strong point - but there's now a chrome-styled bar above it that's home to the new, slim power key at one end and a set of screen and performance controls at the other. Asus' choice of icons is odd, since it's not immediately clear what these keys are for, but trial and error reveals that the first turns the screen off - handy for power conservation. The second flips the screen from native resolution to what appears to be 800 x 480, the original Eee screen resolution, though why you'd want to, God alone knows.'

Read: Asus Eee PC 901 Linux Edition - Register Hardware

Posted by HCG Admin at 4:56 PM | Permalink

Digital Trends have publsihed their review of the lightweight Lenovo IdeaPad U110 Notebook PC. 'This is an incredibly thin and light notebook, though it’s not an anemic machine by any standards. It’s powered by a low-voltage Intel Core 2 Duo “Merom” processor running at 1.6GHz that plugs into an Intel 965 “Santa Rosa” motherboard. It sports 2GB of DDR2 memory and uses onboard Intel X3100 graphics to run Windows Vista Home Premium. As you may know, Lenovo’s ThinkPad notebooks have as much flair and style as sheet rock, so we were very pleasantly surprised to see so many small touches of elegance and style all over the IdeaPad. For starters, the LCD lid is covered in an interesting pattern that causes the lid to have a unique texture and appearance, and Lenovo put some of this pattern on the underside of the notebook as well. Second, above the keyboard there lies a hidden row of customizable hotkeys. During normal operation the keys are invisible, but if you apply a small bit of pressure anywhere along the area the keys softly come into view, as if a soft orange lamp was slowly illuminating.

Read: Lenovo IdeaPad U110 - Digital Trends

Posted by HCG Admin at 10:10 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Samsung Q1 Ultra Premium 7" ultra mobile personal computer. 'While the Q1 is not as pocket-friendly as smaller UMPCs, such as the OQO model 02 or the WiBrain, we've always liked its combination of lightweight and a big screen. Looking more like an oversized Sony PSP than a laptop, it's meant to be gripped in both hands rather than sitting on a desk or table. However, there is a built-in kickstand if you need to free up your hands or sit back to enjoy a miniature movie. A bright, clear 7-inch wide-screen display dominates the glossy, black plastic chassis and features a native resolution of 1,024x600. Half of the QWERTY keyboard sits on each side of the display, positioned for thumb typing, as on a BlackBerry or Treo. One notable improvement over the previous version of the Q1 is that the plastic keys no longer have the same slick, glossy surface as the rest of the system, so they're easier to get a grip on. Still, slightly rubberized keys would have been welcomed.'

Read: Samsung Q1 Ultra Premium - CNET

Posted by HCG Admin at 1:15 PM | Permalink

Laptop Magazine have published a review of the feature-rich ASUS M70SA-C1 Notebook. 'The first thing that jumps out at you when you lift the M70SA-C1’s eye-catching, black pinstriped lid is the gorgeous 17-inch (1920 x 1080 resolution) widescreen display, which delivers true 1080p videos. When we popped a Blu-ray version of There Will Be Blood into the 2X Blu-ray drive, we were pleased with the fine detail, rich blacks, and vibrant colors of the on-screen images. Above the display resides a 1.3-megapixel webcam that provides bright and fairly sharp video. The webcam also works in tandem with Asus’ SmartLogon facial recognition software, which allowed us to login to the M70SA-C1 simply by facing the camera.'

Read: ASUS M70SA-C1 - Laptop Mag

Posted by HCG Admin at 10:27 PM | Permalink

Trusted Reviews have published a review of the Asus Eee PC 901 20G Linux Edition PC. 'As with the MSI Wind, Asus has also adopted a CPU throttling scheme that it is calling Super Hybrid Engine - catchy, eh? It has three performance modes, Power Saver, High Performance and Super Performance. When left to its own devices the system will activate the Power Saver mode, which clocks the CPU down to 1.2GHz, when unplugged and activate the standard clocked 1.6GHz ‘High' Performance mode when plugged in.'

Read: Asus Eee PC 901 20G Linux Edition - Trusted Reviews

Posted by HCG Admin at 2:00 PM | Permalink

A review of the Toshiba Satellite Pro U400 business notebook PC has been posted over at Notebook Review. 'The U400's stylish design features a 2-tone color scheme of matte silver on black. Many of the traditionally-square notebook features have been softened with round edges. The overall style is carried onto the keyboard and touchpad areas with both reflecting the shape of the notebook itself. Once the factory stickers are removed from the palmrest areas, the notebook's design blends into a cohesive whole.
The plastic case of the notebook is fairly durable, with no squeaks or creaks when carrying it around. Some flex is present on vast open areas like the screen cover or palmrest, but it is pretty minor unless you always find yourself giving your notebook a death grip. The left edge of the palmrest above the ExpressCard slot is probably the worst point of flex on the entire notebook, since it has no bracing unless a card is inserted.'

Read:Toshiba Satellite Pro U400 Review - Notebook Review

Posted by HCG Admin at 10:39 PM | Permalink

Tablet PC Review have published a review of the HP Pavilion tx2500 convertible Tablet PC. ‘Clearly the tx2500 inherits the design elements of its predecessor, the tx2000. The tx2500 has a high-gloss HP Imprint Finish, this time called the "Mesh" Imprint Finish. Like its predecessor the lid is glossy black, but this time it has the Mesh pattern, which also extends inside to the silver keyboard. It's a very sleek design, but it is somewhat vulnerable to fingerprints smudges. That said, the Imprint Finish is remarkably durable and resistant to scratches.

The tx2500 feels solid and weighs in around 4.23 pounds with the standard 6-cell battery. It gets a little heavy to carry around in tablet mode, but it does come packed full of media-rich features not found on many other tablets. You can also substitute the weight saver in place of the optical drive.’

Read: HP Pavilion tx2500 First Look Review – Tablet PC Review

Posted by HCG Admin at 1:23 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Alienware Area-51 ALX gaming PC. 'The Alienware case design remains unique in the industry. It's not for everyone, but it also comes with the best use of case lighting around if you opt for the $100 AlienFX upgrade, as was included in our review unit. AlienFX is an LED lighting and software combination lets you not only customize the color of the various LED lights zones around the case, but it also lets you tie the lights to various functions. You can use the software to shift the lighting to a particular mood-setting scheme when you open a game, and you can even tie it to certain application functions, like making the front panel alien head blink when you have new e-mail. No other vendor has such a feature that we know of, and although it's borderline gimmicky, it helps set Alienware's desktops apart. AlienFX is an option for several Alienware desktops, but Alienware kept a few options exclusive to the Area-51 ALX. Chief among them is the capability to overclock the Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9770 quad-core processor from 3.2GHz to 4.0GHz. Choosing that option costs you $450, because in addition to the $200 fee to overclock, Alienware also requires you to upgrade to a 1,200 watt power supply, a $250 premium over the 1,000 watt standard PSU. The other major exclusive feature is 1,600MHz DDR3 SDRAM. Alienware offers only 1,333MHz RAM on its other Area-51 systems.'

Read: Alienware Area-51 ALX (Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9770) - CNET

Posted by HCG Admin at 10:10 PM | Permalink

Pocket-Lint have published a review of the Toshiba Portégé R500-11Z Notebook PC. 'Weighing in at just 1.1kg, this machine is as light as some of the new breed of mini-notebooks that have been grabbing the headlines of late. It may be light and the design compact but you won't find any compromises in performance or features. The body is tough and feels designed to meet the needs of regular travel. You'll also find a DVD rewriter built-in, which is an impressive piece of engineering for a notebook of this size. The 12.1-inch Super-TFT screen uses LED technology to deliver a far better image quality than you'll find with standard fluorescent screens. For the traveller, it also has the added advantage of being thinner and lighter.'

Read: Toshiba Portégé R500-11Z notebook review - Pocket-Lint

Posted by HCG Admin at 10:11 PM | Permalink

A review of the HP Pavilion a6460t desktop PC has been posted over at PC Magazine. 'The HP Pavilion a6460t has hardware galore—a 2.5-GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 quad-core Yorkfield processor (based on Intel 's latest 45nm microprocessor architecture), 2GB of 800-MHz DDR2 memory, an nVidia GeForce 8400 graphics card, a DVD burner, an HDTV-compatible ATSC TV tuner, and a 500GB hard drive. There's an HP-branded MCE remote with an external IR receiver. As a measure of the progress of technology, all this gear would have cost two to three times as much back in 2006. The a6460t sits in a fairly attractive if utilitarian case. The chassis is reasonably open inside, with space for two additional 3.5-inch hard drives and one 5.25-inch optical drive. Likewise, there are two free DIMM slots and space for one PCI and one PCIe x1 expansion card. The internal wiring, though tie-wrapped, is a bit of a rat's nest that could impede the internal cooling airflow a bit. You'll also need a screwdriver to install additional expansion cards or hard drives. We prefer tool-less designs that are easier for the end user to service.'

Read: HP Pavilion a6460t - PC Mag

Posted by HCG Admin at 3:45 PM | Permalink

PC World have published a review of the IdeaPad U110 ultraportable PC. ‘A 1.6-GHz L7500 Core 2 Duo Intel CPU and 2GB of RAM run the show a little faster than Apple's Air. In WorldBench tests, the U110 scored in the middle of the pack with a performance rating of 65 while the thin-and-light MacBook lagged with a 57. The reasonably roomy 120GB hard drive in the U110 spins at a pokey 4200RPM. If Lenovo ponied up for a faster hard disk, I can only imagine what that would've done for its performance score. On the bright side, it scored a respectable (if average) battery life -- lasting four hours, 38 minutes on a charge.’

Read: IdeaPad U110 – PC World

Posted by HCG Admin at 3:53 PM | Permalink

PC Advisor have published their review of the Apple iMac 24in 2.8GHz system. 'We tested the 24in Apple iMac with 2.8GHz CPU, second-to-top model, featuring a 24in expanse of glossy screen framed by a bezel of satin silver metal. All ports are discreetly hidden behind, and with the new low profile keyboard, even the qwerty interface seem to take up less space than ever. Overall finish is staggeringly good. We could find no fault with the fit and finish of the entire Apple iMac package. Already loaded is Apple's OS X, a mature and stable operating system based on Unix, now up to version 10.5 ('Leopard'). But for the sake of testing the Apple iMac, we used Apple's Boot Camp program to partition the drive and install Windows Vista as a second boot volume.'

Read: Apple iMac 24in 2.8GHz review - PC Advisor

Posted by HCG Admin at 10:17 PM | Permalink