How To Get A Value-For-Money Notebook

The manufacturing technology of notebooks has advanced rapidly. As companies invest heavily on the R&D of notebooks, their prices remain high even if they become smaller. Still, notebooks are high-end and expensive products.

As such, consumers should consider several factors before buying new notebooks. First, bigger brands tend to offer better services. Hence, ignoring this fact might be risky. However, some websites are available for finding the best deal.

Second, consumers should pick the faster processor, requiring minimal upgrade later so as to reduce additional cost. Compromising this aspect compromises one’s working speed.

Third, consumers should upgrade the notebook’s memory only when needed. For example, getting 512 MB in the first memory slot (DIMM) will let you add an additional 512MB (in a second memory slot) later for a total of 1GB, allowing one to use the 512MB that came with it.


Fourth, older eyes usually prefer the lower resolution of a less expensive screen. A few notebooks have 1 or 2 native resolutions that look good. As these are high resolutions, most people over 40 find them difficult to read.

Fifth, although one can skimp on the size of the notebook’s hard drive, one cannot do so for its speed. Insist on 7200 rpm and do not be influenced by varying views on this.

Sixth, one should use a top video card for graphics work, which allows for favourite flicks or the use of Windows Vista with aero interface. However, if you are not doing such work, you might save on this aspect.

Seventh, since repairing notebooks is expensive, a longer warranty offers money-saving.

Finally, paying extra for Windows Vista Ultimate is pointless, if one does not use its features daily. Skimping down to Vista Basic would be useless either, if the cool Aero interface is not used.

While buying a notebook, compare its cost with its performance. A notebook could cost more if offers high performance. Still, one should consider the features one is going to use regularly. Paying extra for features that do not serve your purpose is meaningless. Hence, consider your needs and pick the features you require for your notebook.

Are Deskjet Printer Still Relevant?

After the invention of the portable printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in 1450, printing gained popularity throughout Europe. Today, newspaper, magazine and book printers are aplenty in the market, and the printer has become compact, accurate and more efficient. Technological advancement has led to new makes with enhanced capacity in the market.

Hewlett-Packard manufactures inkjet printers with the brand name Deskjet. The range and capacity of its personal and professional printers vary, with the biggest model being the DesignJet.

In 1984, HP introduced the ThinkJetprinter, and in 1987, the colorful Paintjet. The first mackintosh compatible ones - the Deskjet printers – arrived the following year, and its capacity surpassed laser printers. This inexpensive printer came with coloured ink in 1991.

As production increases, prices of printers fell considerably. By 1993, Deskjets had black and the three-colour variety, and HP further produced a new range of printers – the DesignJet, PhotoSmart and Professional Series. Based on the same thermal inkjet technology, their latest photo printers have a wide shade range. Today, the consumer market offers an array of Deskjet printers. Among them is the HP S450Ci Mobile Deskjet, an ideal printer for the road. Extremely convenient, this lightweight portable printer contains USB and parallel connection facility, with infrared and Bluetooth for instant production of documents from the laptop, digital camera or the cell phone.

Also, the HP Deskjet 450ci mobile printer has parallel printer cable, power cord, an AC adapter, black inkjet print cartridge, a tri-color inkjet print cartridge and printer software on CD-ROM.

Its printing cartridge can produce up to 400 color sheets, and this high-speed gadget can print nine pages per minute in black ink and eight in colour per minute. A durable lithium battery empowers it to print 350 pages per charge, while the installation of the battery gives it a weight of just 4.5 pounds. A one-year warranty and online technical consultation support is provided.

Specially designed for rough use, this HP Deskjet portable printer is the complete office printing solution for good performance every time they are on the move. Among brands like Cannon and Epson, HP seems to have the monopoly. The HP Deskjet F4180 all in one printer, for example, is even faster, producing up to 20 papers per minute in black and 14 in colour.

Consistent and durable, this printer prints pages and photos in vibrant colours. It ensures laser-quality text and bright photos when used with HP inks and papers. No longer is it difficult to preserve documents and photos using the 48-bit colour scanner. In addition, this printer can produce borderless 4`` x 6`` photographs. The six ink colour option offers the scope to enhance the colour quality of one`s snaps. To delete unnecessary printouts, one only needs to press a button, saving ink and paper. Equipped with similar buttons editing and printing is a breeze.

Other Deskjet varieties also have a PictBridge for printing directly from digital cameras. Their input trays hold a minimum of 150-sheets, and the output tray can accommodate up to 50 letter size sheets. An ink-level indicator forewarns when ink store is running low. With so many available features, Deskjet printers are great companions for computer users.

Xbox 360 – Thinking Out Of The Box

In 2003, Microsoft, IBM, ATI and SIS conceived the Xbox306, the second video game console that enables downloading of Arcade games, demos, trailers, TV shows and movies.

Launched in Nov 2005 in Europe, Japan and the USA, the system soon became popular, rivaling Sony Playstation 3 and Nintendo WII as part of the seventh generation video game console.

Arcade, Premium and Elite are three versions of Xbox360. Each has its features, accessories and technology like wireless controller, re-chargeable battery case, and snazzy faceplates. All three generally include hybrid, composite and component cable, a detachable 20GB hard disc drive that comes with game demos, video clips, and a free Live Arcade game.

The Xbox started with the code name Xenon motherboard and was subsequently re-engineered to Zephyr. Its latest upgrade comprises a Falcon motherboard with an improved GPU heat sink. Manufacturers are now working on the next hardware refresh, the - GPU + CPU on the same BGA package.

The Xbox live arcade offers more than downloading of video games. Besides MS Pacman, the console produces original games such as Assault Heroes, and the Xbox video marketplace is a video store accessible through the console. In addition to enabling the viewing of HD TV Shows and Movies, the system supports audio playback where users may replay their music with an interactive visual synthesiser. This system can display pictures and slideshows with transitional effects too.

For a new game designer, downloading the XNA Game Studio Express, a program for creating games for Xbox 360 and windows, is desirable. For developing Xbox 360 game, subscribing to the Creators Club and having Xbox 360 with a hard drive are necessary.

In the UK, the gaming console can display BT vision and video content. The video game Burnout 3 is available, while Halo 3 is Xbox`s bestselling game.

Although Xbox 360’s launch was meant to capture the market before Sony Playstation 3’s arrival, its premature market entry left flaws in its hardware. But since then, improved designs are available.

To reduce overheating and prolong the game console unit’s lifespan, Microsoft has also installed heat sinks to the system, leading to the extension of its warranty period to three years.

The Core OF Dual-Core Process Computer

The computer has revolutionized the way man eats, drinks, sleeps and thinks. From the Eniac I to the hand-held palmtops, the computer has evolved over the years.

The latest addition to this revolution is the dual-core processor technology. It refers to the CPU (Central Processing Unit- the brains of the computer) that possesses two independent and complete execution cores for each of its two processors. This CPU contains two combined processors with their cached memories and their controllers integrated into a singular circuit (commonly known as a silicon chip).

The dual-core process computer can perform multitasking. Because its CPU has two independent execution cores and independent interfaces to the front bus, it has excellent capacity to execute several programs and tasks simultaneously. Also, dual-core process computers may have more processor cores, which is why it is called a multi-core process computer. Overall, these are highly efficient machines for conducting intensive computing.

While the Pentium dual-core process computer has x86-architectured microprocessors integrated onto its circuit, the 32-bit Yonah processors are for mobile computers, and the 64-bit Allendale processors are for desktop computers.

By early 2007, Intel launched dual-core process computers for notebooks. This was a vital decision, as Intel faced no rivals in the market for computer architecture. Intel only decided to launch the dual-core process computer system for notebooks as demand existed among the notebook manufacturers. The first processors to appear in notebooks using the dual-core process computer technology were the Pentium T2060, T2080 and a 32-bit Pentium M based on the Yonah core with a 1 MB L2 cache, instead of the usual 2MB cache memory.

With low-cost single core Conroe-L core architecture processors that came with 1 MB cache, Intel forced a return of the Pentium brand to the market arena on 2006 These were numbered `1` to distinguish them from dual core process computer cores that had been labeled with the digit `2`.

On June 3, 2007, Intel released two desktop dual-core processors from the Pentium brand - the E2140 and E2160, and in September 2007, the model E2180 emerged. Because of the Allendale derived Core architecture, these processors supported the Intel64 extensions, and the demand for them exceeded supply.

Dual-core process computer systems have dominated computing today. Its multi-tasking ability has gained worldwide acclaim with its superior quality program execution and task completion abilities. Heavier programs and complex games may be run with these dual-core process computer systems at the pace of conventional single-core processor systems that run light programs on the execution chart.

Evidently, the age of sleek and efficient computing has just begun with the dual-core process computer systems.

The Evolution Of Desktop Computer

Nowadays, four kinds of computers are available -- workstations, internet servers, special communications computers and personal or home computers. Used in homes, businesses and schools, desktop computers are relatively cheaper and modular.

Upgrading or substituting components of desktop computers is not difficult and various elegant cases and styles are available. Desktop computers are able to multitask, performing video editing, internet browsing, office work and digital photography at the same time.

Manufactured by Micro Instrumentation Telemetry System (MITS) 8800, the first desktop computer system appeared in 1975. With this offer, many other companies became interested in producing personal computers. In 1977, Tandy Corporation (Radio Shack) launched its first personal computer with a keyboard and CRT, while Apple II and Commodore PET, which are now the market leaders, released their first models.

The PC marked a turning point when IBM introduced it in 1981, with the Intel 8088 microprocessor based device becoming a success. The 16-bit microprocessor led to more powerful devices. Standardisation was possible, as the IBM PC possessed an operating system that could be incorporated to any other computer. The Apple Mac PC, which ran on Motorola 68000, was another popular 32-bit PC that Apple launched in 1984.

A contemporary computer would come with CPU, display motherboard, primary storage (RAM), and keyboard, mouse, power supply, optical disc drive, expansion cards and secondary storage (HDD).

All the desktop computers had ports for plugging to devices like keyboards, monitors, scanners and printers. These ports may be for power connection, headphone, modem, card reader, PS/2, VGA, universal serial bus, firewire, ethernet, serial and parallel.

Detailed guidelines are available on the net that one should consult before purchasing a desktop. Making a choice between an Intel processor and AMD can be difficult. The relative speed and the number of cores in the processor constitute the main difference in the matter.

For the system, at least 1 GB of memory is advisable and the older DDR memory standard is better eschewed, as faster memories mean better performance and future upgrades should be possible.

Having at least 250 GB is desirable. Usually, in most drives, serial ATA interface offers easy installation.

It is best to keep a Multi format DVD burner that supports +R/RW and -R/RW with a 16x recordable speed. Integrated graphics should suffice if 3D graphics are not required. One should pay attention to the memory capacity and performance of the card, the direct X version which it supports, and the output connectors. To run games smoothly, getting a direct x 10 card with 256 MB memory would be good.

To facilitate upgrading and adding peripherals to computers, external interfaces are preferred to internal cards. IEEE 1394 or FireWire points and USB 2.0 should be present in a desktop computer.

Today, LCDs have over taken CRTs monitors, as LCDs are smaller and consume less power. Larger display screens have also become more popular than the 4:3 ratio screens, and the lowered prices of 20-22 inch models are also encouraging.

The World Of Laser Printers

Applying the principle of xerographic printing, laser printers offer fast printing, high quality text and graphic. They differ from analog photocopying machines where direct scanning of a laser beam on the printer’s photoreceptor produces the image.

Several advantages arise from using the laser printers, and different models of laser printers may have different speed, depending on factors like the graphic intensity for processing.

The latest models of laser printers can print more than 200 single colour pages in one minute. Although the colour laser printers are relatively slower, they can print at more than 100 pages per minute. In addition, the high-speed laser printers can be used for printing mass mailings like utility or credit card bills.

The cost of laser printing depends on the price of the toner and paper, as well as the replacing of the drum, and changing of consumable parts of the printer like the transfer and the fuser assembly. In the long run, laser printers with soft plastic drums can cost more. This becomes apparent when the printer requires drum replacement.

The duplexing model is another feature in the family of laser printers. It allows printing on both sides of a paper without the need to remove the paper. This technology can cut paper cost into half and lessen the filling volumes. In the past, the duplexing technology applied only to high-end laser printers. Now, it is present on many mid-range office laser printers, although it can reduce the printing speed when the paper path length increases.

The dot-matrix and inkjet printers accept the incoming spooled data and print that on paper. This process is slow, which can stop when the printer is waiting for more data. A laser printer cannot work this way because large amounts of data go to the printer continuously. If the printer waits for the data to arrive, gaps and misalignment on the page can occur. Using printer buffer resolves this problem.

With it, the data builds up in the printer’s large buffer, and this data bank accounts for all dots printed on a page. Still, storing dots in the memory before printing limits the laser printers’ capability. Most laser printers cannot print long banners, as no storage memory for that amount of data exists.

The printing comprises seven steps. A Raster Image Processor scans the entire page line by line and stores a bitmap of the page in the raster memory. The drum is then charged negatively and the bitmap is written on the photosensitive drum using a laser beam, whose functionality depends on the bitmap image. The charged toner particles are charged negatively. Charges will repel at locations where the laser has not discharged the drum. As such, printing will not take place. The toner contains a plastic powder that is attracted to the parts where the laser hits. Eventually, the plastic powder is fused at 200 degrees Celsius to bond the ink with the paper.

The Pen Drive: Pandering To Memory Needs

Pen drives or USB drives are small and light devices for memory storage. Coupled with the universal serial bus connector, they are removable and rewritable. Compared with other storage devices like the floppy disk, the pen drive also offers several advantages. First, they store more data and are faster and more compact. Second, they are more reliable, as they involve no mobile parts. Third, their design provides durability.

Usually, computers come with no floppy drives, while pen drives are available at all PC and laptop dealers. Supported by the latest operating systems like Windows, Mac, Linux, the pen drive uses the USM mass storage standard. The pen drive or flash drive consists of a small plastic or metallic circuit board housed in casings, so that it can be carried around like a key chain, while a cap protects it.

In addition, the pen drive can be connected directly to the computer, and plugging it into a built-in USB host controller or a USB Hub gives access to stored data.


The pen drive integrates old technologies with new features like mini size, low cost and minimum power consumption. The memory is based on previous EPROM expertise. Contents are erased completely and electrically without using UV light. But for the later models, partial erasing is possible. As such, the latest pen drives are miniature version of the microprocessor system.

The new model of pen drives enables serial access to memory storage. They come with the development of small but high-speed (using low power) systems. Many MP3 players can be used as a pen drive.

Trek first marketed its pen drives in 2000, and the next generation of flash or pen drives have USB 2.0 connectivity.

The shapes and sizes of pen drives vary. One even looks like a delectable piece of sushi, but over-designing may lead to bulkiness. Nowadays, pen drives have also been integrated to portable items like watches, pens and a penknife. Some even look like bricks and toys.

The wide use of pen drives has led to issues regarding data security, so biometrics and encryption are becoming common. Pen drives are popular with those who deal with system and network administration for configuration, system maintenance. Naturally, the pen drive has become indispensable in the field of PC repair.

Immune to scratches and dust problems, pen drives are ideal for transferring data from one location to another. The object is almost ubiquitous, as it works with any computer. Its storage capacity is dense and its power consumption is low. No additional device is required to read from and write on pen drives. Pen drives can even withstand chewing from puppies and soaking in the washing machine. No one should forget to use the pen drive to satisfy their memory needs!

Noting The Notebook’s Development

Also called a laptop computer, the Notebook is smaller than the desktop computer. With components assembled compactly and shaped like a digital display box, it is portable. Its weight ranges from 1 to 8 kilograms, depending on its content makeup.

A singular battery from an external AC/DC adapter usually powers the notebook. This adaptor charges the battery as it supplies power to the laptop. A 3-volt backup cell is usually present in many notebooks. For many notebooks, this supplies power when no steady power supply is available.

Although notebooks can do the same work as desktop computers, they are less powerful than the latter at the same price, as most parts in notebooks are miniaturized versions of those in desktop computer.

Usually, Notebooks have LCDs (liquid crystal displays) and they use separate memory modules for their RAM. They also have a touchpad (or trackpad) for a mouse and an in-built keyboard. External installments of these can also be attached.

Commercially, the first laptop (the name notebook was not feasible at that time as they were much bigger than the versions available now) was the Osborne I in 1981. The name ‘notebook’ was not given to it, as it was bigger than current versions. Still, despite being heavier and having a tiny CRT monitor, it revolutionised the business and industrial sectors.

Then in 1983, a better installment of the laptop or the `notebook` came - the Compaq Portable, a notebook version of the IBM Personal Computer then, which was Compaq’s first tech-product. It became popular, as it was more IBM-compatible and portable than previous laptops.

But arguably, the first notebook was the GRiD Compass 1101 released in 1982 by Bill Moggridge. It introduced the `clamshell` or the `notebook` design, where the LCD monitor remained shut against the keypad. Enclosed in a magnesium case, it could run on batteries.

The first Systems (ZDS), which competed with several other companies such as IBM, Toshiba, Compaq and others to notch up a deal with the U.S. Air Force for a contract of supplying commercially successful notebooks were from the SupersPort series from Zenith Data 200,000 notebooks in 1987. This made the laptop popular and penetrative to the business and affordable price ranges to the common consumers.

Although the notebook might seem powerful and mobile, it has its fallacies. Because parts of notebooks are miniaturized, compared with their equivalents in desktop computers, the notebooks are weaker. This miniaturisation also increases the prices of notebooks, which are generally more expensive than their desktop counterparts.
For good performance, notebooks require steady power supply despite their mobility.

In addition, the notebooks’ portability, makeup, integrated composite structure and design make them more vulnerable to shock, wear and physical damage than desktop computers. The purchase value of a new LCD screen or motherboard, if damaged, is more than the purchasing value of the entire notebook.

Generally, given the same price range, desktop computers perform more highly than notebooks. But with the advent of technology, this may not be true any longer, as consumers demand better use of energy and portability for their notebooks. As such, the use of desktop computers may be outmoded in the future.