Handy Computer Guide

A review of the Sony VAIO FW notebook PC has been posted over at Notebook Review. 'The fit and finish of the Sony VAIO FW is wonderful, and the overall design is beautiful. The notebook has a streamlined sculpted look, and when opened has a palmrest and keyboard surround that looks like the graceful sloping surface of a car hood. The surface starts out flat, has a small dip, and then gracefully slopes down to the screen hinges. From working day in and day out at a ThinkPad, it is much easier on the eyes to say the least.

Build quality is excellent, with the overall chassis feeling rigid and sturdy. Although thin at the very edges of the palmrest, you can pick the notebook up from the corner with minimal flex from the chassis. Even the super thin screen shows that quite a bit of effort went into making a durable design, as you are able to man-handle and even punch the back of the LCD panel and no ripples or distortion shows on the display.'

Read: Sony VAIO FW Review - Notebook Review

Posted by HCG Admin at 10:09 PM | Permalink

Laptop Magazine have published a review of the ASUS Eee PC 1000 (Linux). 'With a 10-inch screen and spacious keyboard, the $699 mini-notebook sports the same exact design as its sibling Eee PC 1000H ($549). But the Eee PC 1000 (note the lack of an H) isn’t just a copycat: its 40GB solid state drive—the biggest SSD in a mini-notebook to date—and ASUS’ customized version of Xandros Linux (now with more preloaded applications) make it faster and longer lasting. We just wish it cost a bit less

Similar to the Eee PC 901 and 1000H, the 1000 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. The improved silver hinge and black-on-silver combination completes the high-fashion look. Unlike the 901’s shiny white lid, the 1000 is not immune to fingerprints; ASUS includes a cloth for wiping down the system.'

Read: ASUS Eee PC 1000 (Linux) - Laptop Mag

Posted by HCG Admin at 2:24 PM | Permalink

Pocket-Lint have published a review of the Dell Latitude XT tablet PC. 'Weighing 1.6kg, it's an incredibly light notebook to carry around. What's more, the light weight means you can hold this tablet in the crook of your arm and write on the screen without it being an obvious burden. We were impressed with the build quality, as the XT feels solid in the hand and it will certainly withstand the odd knock or drop. The design follows the popular clamshell design, so you can use the XT as a standard notebook for most occasions, switching to tablet mode only when you need to write directly on the screen.'

Read: Dell Latitude XT tablet PC review - Pocket

Posted by HCG Admin at 1:45 PM | Permalink

PC Advisor have published a review of the Linutop 2 mini desktop PC. 'Minimalist in the extreme, the Linutop 2 doesn't come with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or an optical drive. There's room to add a 2.5in. hard drive inside, but the only item that's really meant to be upgraded is system memory; it can hold up to 1GB. The whole thing weighs just 580g, allowing you to do something that few other PCs can: velcro it to the back of a LCD monitor or, with Linutop's adaptor, screw it in place.

Don't expect anything more than basic connections. The system comes with four USB ports, mic, headphone and line-out ports, a wired ethernet networking port and an external monitor port. Although the Linutop 2's graphics have neither dedicated video memory nor 3D acceleration, the system is fine for general use and can accommodate displays up to 1,920x1,440 pixel resolution.'

Read: Linutop 2 mini desktop PC review - PC Advisor

Posted by HCG Admin at 10:06 PM | Permalink

A review of the Toshiba Satellite L305-S5875 laptop has been posted over at CNET. 'The Toshiba Satellite L305-S5875 is a thoroughly average, entry-level laptop. It wasn't too long ago that an average, entry-level laptop meant one that was underpowered and shabbily designed. These days, spending between $600 and $700 for a laptop means you are getting a relatively modern dual-core configuration that comes housed in a decent-looking case. While the $679 Toshiba Satellite L305-S5875, a fixed configuration that you'll find on big-box store shelves this summer, will suffice for students, the Sony VAIO VGN-NR430 E/L proved itself to be imperceptibly faster in the labs with a perceptibly longer battery life. The Sony also can be found for less--as low as $599 at the time of this writing--and feels sturdier with a better keyboard.'

Read: Toshiba Satellite L305-S5875 - CNET

Posted by HCG Admin at 10:04 PM | Permalink

PC Magazine have published a review of the lightweight Voodoo Envy 133 Notebook PC. 'The Envy 133 is the latest addition to the exclusive "laptops that fit into a manila envelope" club. Seen for the first time, it draws the same oohs and aahs as the MacBook Air. The Envy 133's dimensions (9 by 12.7 by 0.7 inches, HWD) are thinner than those of the Air (8.9 by 12.8 by 0.7 inches, HWD) at its thickest part. Of course, the Air has a tapering design that becomes even thinner as you move toward the bezel, so neither one can proclaim itself the thinnest here. If it's any consolation, the Envy 133 is thinner than the Lenovo X300 (9 by 12 by 0.9 inches, HWD).

The Envy 133's use of carbon fiber, topped off by a layer of protective gloss, is more cutting edge than any HP-branded laptop on the market, though the MacBook Air's aluminum and the X300's magnesium housing are more resistant to fingerprints and smudges. Picking the best-looking laptop at this point is a toss-up and really depends on your taste. Despite its thin profile, the 133's 3.5-pound frame is heavier than both the X300's (with an optical drive) and the MacBook Air's. It's difficult to tell which laptop is sturdier based on the way they feel in your hands, so you really have to admire the art of design engineering.'

Read: Voodoo Envy 133 - PC Mag

Posted by HCG Admin at 4:06 AM | Permalink

ZDNet have published a review of the affordable eMachines T5274 desktop PC. 'The eMachines T5274 is eMachines' higher-end budget desktop for the back to school season. While it seems like a good deal for $400, the fact is that the low-end PC market has become increasingly competitive this year, which makes it hard for systems such as this one that straddle two different price points. If all you want is basic functionality for a rock bottom price, you can find PCs for $200 to $300 that will do the job (including eMachines own W6350 and T3656 models). If you're looking for a minor performance uptick, you can spend $50 to $100 more for more RAM and a larger hard drive. Worse, systems from Compaq and Acer (eMachines' parent) offer nearly identical specifications for less money. It's become more difficult than ever to nail the sweet spot for low-end desktops, and unfortunately, eMachines missed it with the T5274.'

Read: eMachines T5274 - ZDNet

Posted by HCG Admin at 10:24 PM | Permalink

A review HP Pavilion Slimline s3500f desktop PC has been posted over at DesktopReview.com. 'The most striking thing about the Slimline s3500f is the very compact size of the unit. Measuring just over a foot long and less than a foot high, this desktop can live up to its name by fitting on your desk without taking up too much room. It’s easy to get used to the size until you open the optical disc tray and realize just how small the case is. The stylish chassis is solid, with metal covering all four of the sides. It won't be so easy to scratch as some plastic cases. The optical drive is set vertically -- a requirement since the machine is only four inches wide -- with a glossy exterior cover and button to match the rest of the case front. It’s heavier than it looks but for a desktop, that’s a good thing. There’s no need to worry about accidentally knocking it off of your work surface.'

Read: HP Pavilion Slimline s3500f Desktop Review - DesktopReview.com

Posted by HCG Admin at 10:09 PM | Permalink

PC Magazine have published their review of the MSI Wind UMPC. 'The Wind's 1.6-GHz Intel Atom N270 processor helps it avoid a problem that plagues the HP Mini-Note: running warm in your lap from heat that it generates. Unlike the HP Mini-Note's VIA C7-M processor, the Atom is more energy efficient and is a much better performer. Its video-encoding score of 5 minutes was almost twice as fast as the HP's (9 minutes). And the 1GB of memory is more than enough to run Windows XP.

As energy-efficient as the Atom processor is, battery life is still restricted by the size of the battery: Its 24-Wh battery (alas, no upgrades are available) yielded only 2 hours 24 minutes on MobileMark 2007. Because the HP Mini-Note has a 55-Wh battery option, you can get up to 4 hours of battery life, according to HP. (Because of limitations inherent in the MobileMark 2007 test, we were unable to use it to test the Mini-Note.)'

Read: MSI Wind - PC Mag

Posted by HCG Admin at 4:32 PM | Permalink

Notebook Review have published a review of the Lenovo ThinkPad SL400 Notebook. 'The ThinkPad SL400 is quite solid in terms of build quality, though the plastics used in the chassis construction do give in to some case flex when squeezed. The entire chassis exterior is plastic and while the appearance is nice, the "feel" of the notebook is a little less rugged than we've come to expect from ThinkPads. Unlike with the other ThinkPads, you don't get a double latch mechanism with button release to make sure the screen is held down when it is closed and being carried. Instead, the SL400 uses hinge tension to hold the screen in place.

Speaking of the tension hinge, the hinge on our review unit didn't provide nearly as much tension/resistance as we would have liked. Specifically, if you pick up the base of the SL400 and lightly shake the base of the notebook forward and back the screen will "flap" forward and back as you shake the notebook.'

Read: Lenovo ThinkPad SL400 Review - Notebook Review

Posted by HCG Admin at 2:09 PM | Permalink

A review of the Acer Aspire 8920G-934G46Bn Blu-ray 18.4in Notebook has been posted over at Pocket-Lint. 'With a large frame supporting a massive 18.4in LCD screen, you’ll find plenty of real estate around the full sized keyboard. You get a standard Acer Aspire QWERTY keyboard with a number pad flush against it on the right. On the left-hand side is the CineDash "media console", which is the feature of the Gemstone Blue series that gets the most attention. All these areas however are different colours and materials, so there is no sense of design cohesion, which we found disturbing.

In use the CineDash operates the bundled Acer Arcade Deluxe, which unfortunately, does have the potential to confuse. One issue is when you play a disc, as soon as you move the mouse, the Acer Arcade controls appear, when you are actually after the controls in the disc menu. The direct controls on the side do work well enough once you have a film playing, however the volume control is frustrating, leaping up and down the scale from almost silent to deafeningly loud – you have to slide the scale, rather than poking the volume point you want.'

Read: Acer Aspire 8920G-934G46Bn notebook review - Pocket-Lint

Posted by HCG Admin at 10:05 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Sony Vaio VGN-FW140 Centrino 2 laptop. 'Sony's new Vaio FW140 covers a few firsts for us. It's the first 16-inch laptop we've gotten our hands on--and the display's movie-friendly 16:9 aspect ratio will become more popular in the next year or two (we've already seen it in the excellent 18-inch Acer Aspire 8920). It's also the first laptop we've tested that's built on Intel's new Centrino 2 platform and features the new 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo P8400 processor.'

While the new Centrino 2 CPU here didn't show much of a boost in raw processing power in CNET Labs, we were pleased with the battery life, thanks to a more power-efficient CPU design. At $1,750 for a fully decked-out model with Blu-ray (basic versions start at $1,000; our Blu-ray-less review unit costs $1,150), you'll pay a slight premium for the new screen size and sharp design, but Vaio buyers have always been willing to spend a little more to stake their claim as the coolest kid in the coffee shop.'

Read: Sony Vaio VGN-FW140 - CNET

Posted by HCG Admin at 10:07 PM | Permalink

Trusted Reviews have published a review of the Samsung Q45 HSDPA Notebook. 'Our model came with Vista Business, though the Q45 is also available in other configurations with Home Premium and Windows XP Professional. The dual core 2.4GHz processor along with its 2GB of RAM ensures the H001 whizzes along under Vista, and most tasks are fairly snappy. Battery life is not bad either, though the Q45 is surprisingly beaten by Dell's Vostro 1310, despite that model having identical features and battery, and using a bigger screen.

When it comes to pricing, however, the Q45 is its own worst enemy. You see, instead of the H001 model which comes in at the £918 mark, around £570 will net you the A00D version with Core 2 Duo T5450 1.66 GHz processor, a very generous 3GB of RAM and a 320GB hard drive. This gives you nearly £350 to buy an external HSDPA modem and any other upgrades, and for many users, the increased memory and storage will more than make up for the weaker processor.'

Read: Samsung Q45 HSDPA Notebook - Trusted Reviews

Posted by HCG Admin at 4:23 PM | Permalink

Laptop Magazine have published a review of the Acer Aspire One mini-notebook PC. 'Measuring 2.5 x 1.2 inches, the trackpad on the Aspire one is disappointingly small and vertically very narrow. The result is a lot of back-tracking. Similar to the trackpad on the HP Mini-Note, it is vertically straddled with the right and left mouse buttons, forcing us to use both hands to access the buttons. The Aspire one is well equipped with ports; VGA, three USB, Ethernet, headphone, and microphone jacks surround the system. Acer includes both a 5-in-1 card reader (for transferring photos, music, and other files) and an additional SD Card slot so you can expand the measly 8GB of storage capacity on the system.'

Read: Acer Aspire one (Linux) - Laptop Mag

Posted by HCG Admin at 10:04 PM | Permalink

A review of the Kohjinsha SC3 convertible notebook PC has been posted over at Pocketables.net. 'The Kohjinsha SC3 series is the company's newest 7-inch mini notebook line and one of the first Menlow-based ultraportables to begin shipping in the world. Announced in Japan last month and launched on July 11th, the series includes built-in GPS, a swiveling widescreen touch panel, ExpressCard/34 and 3-in-1 memory card slots, upgradeable RAM, a redesigned casing that's more compact than ever before, and of course the long-awaited Intel Silverthorne (now Atom) processor and Poulsbo chipset pairing.'

Read: Review: Kohjinsha SC3 - Pocketables

Posted by HCG Admin at 10:08 PM | Permalink

Digital Trends have published a review of the Toshiba Satellite M300-S1002X Notebook. 'Like previous Toshiba notebooks we’ve reviewed, the M300 comes with quite a bit of pre-installed software. In addition to the numerous Toshiba utilities such as Disc Creator, Speech System, Power Saver and others, Toshiba also includes a 60-day trial of Microsoft Office 2007 and a 60-day trial of Norton 360 All-In-One Security. Other pre-installed apps include a business card maker, Picasa 2, Netwaiting, Google Desktop and Intervideo WinDVD.

Holding the M300 in our hands we got the impression that it is certainly not super-light, but nor is it bulky or too heavy either. We like the aesthetics, though some may call it boring as it’s very understated and not very flashy at all, and that’s what we like about it. The main chassis is silver while the rest of the notebook is all-black, including the area about the widescreen LCD. We think it makes for a tasteful combination, and helps with the notebook’s “business” focus.'

Read: Toshiba Satellite M300-S1002X - Digital Trends

Posted by HCG Admin at 12:34 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the HP Pavilion dv2915nr laptop. 'The Pavilion dv2915nr features HP's signature silver-and-black chassis; both its glossy black lid and silver keyboard deck feature a subtle imprint design, which adds interest without being showy. In terms of both size and weight, the dv2915nr is comparable to the Dell Inspiron 1420 and the Gateway T-6836. Weighing a half-pound less than 15.4-inch mainstream models, including the HP Pavilion dv6915nr, the Pavilion dv2915nr provides a little bit more portability in exchange for sacrificing an inch of screen size.'

Despite the smaller screen, the Pavilion dv2915nr offers the same 1,280x800 native resolution as the larger models, which makes for sharp text and images. The screen's glossy finish produces rich colors and contrast; we found it minimally distracting while surfing the Web and typing e-mail but quite enjoyable for movie watching. A 1.3-megapixel Webcam above the display lets users conduct video chats.'

Read: HP Pavilion dv2915nr - CNET

Posted by HCG Admin at 10:09 PM | Permalink

A review of the Acer Aspire One sub-notebook PC has been posted over at Computeractive. 'The One looks smart, with a white case and shiny black bezel around the 9in 1,024x600 pixel screen. The screen isn’t particularly bright, but it is good enough for browsing online and for work. Acer has employed a lot of font smoothing, though, so text doesn’t appear as pin-sharp as it does on some others. Along the two sides are sockets: three USB, network, monitor, headphone, microphone and memory card readers. The card reader on the right side works like a normal one, but the one on the left can be used to expand the computer's main storage: a memory card inserted there will add its capacity automatically to the main storage (instead of a hard disk it uses an 8GB memory chip).'

Read: Review: Acer Aspire One notebook computer - Computeractive

Posted by HCG Admin at 2:19 PM | Permalink

PC Magazine have published a review of the Alienware Area-51 ALX (QX9770) multimedia PC. 'The Alienware Area-51 ALX (Q9770) ($6,829 direct) has heady performance numbers and a price tag to match. Previous Alienware systems have primarily been about their presence on your desk, with quite a bit of performance thrown in. Some Alienware desktops have aspired to performance greatness, only to fall just short. With the ALX (Q9770), Alienware has finally hit the mark, shipping us a lust-worthy system that blew the roof off our benchmark tests. This is a system you'd want to put on your desk to admire and to show off—provided you have the funds for a $7,000 PC.

The ALX (Q9770)'s case isn't subtle. It's light years ahead of the old Alienware cases, which looked pretty from a distance but seemed somewhat cheap when you got closer. This case's black visage with chromed accents announces that you are either a rich hardcore gamer or a well-funded poseur. Inside are components worthy of any tech connoisseur's checklist: a liquid-cooled 3-GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9770 (aka Yorkfield XE) processor overclocked to 4.0 GHz, 4GB of 1,600-MHz DDR3 SDRAM, dual nVidia GeForce 9800 GX2 graphics cards (with each card containing two GPUs) in a Quad SLI configuration, and a Blu-ray burner.'

Read: Alienware Area-51 ALX (QX9770) - PC Mag