Laptop Reviews

Holiday Shopping Tips For Laptop Fans

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Getting a new laptop is great, and if you’ve got a lot of people on your list that could really use something that’s both special and practical, we think that getting them a laptop is really the order of the day. When you think about it, it just makes sense. Even though we do have really cool desktops that can actually do quite a bit, we still like the freedom of being able to carry our laptops around anywhere that we see fit. Of course, if you want to get a new laptop for someone this holiday season, you’re going to have to do your research.

Naturally, research is really the key to getting just about everything you want when it comes to holiday shopping. The last thing that anyone wants to do is find themselves without really getting anything accomplished except for a lot of frustration and misery. That’s not on anyone’s Christmas wish list, you know — even if they’ve been naughty!

The best way to research is to make sure that you go online. It’s a great way to go because you’re always going to be getting multiple quotes on multiple products. Aside from prices, you’ll also be able to look at some of the performance benchmarks of the laptops that are popular right now.

Sure, we could list out a lot of recommendations in terms of brands, but we would rather give you a few notes about the real power in a laptop.

For example, you will want to make sure that you think about processor speed. When it comes to running multiple things on the laptop at once, it’s going to be the processor and the memory working together to deliver a great experience. If you have a slow processor, the whole laptop is going to grind to a halt. On the flip side, if you have a fast processor, then you won’t notice any delays when it’s time to actually handle multiple tasks. These days, having a speedy system is really important. If you’re going to be working away from home or you just want to make sure that you don’t miss a thing online, having the best specs is really going to make all of the difference.

So, where do you go from here? Well, it’s all about making sure that you have hard drive space — you can’t go around with a shiny new laptop without having good hard drive space to go around. If you do, you won’t be happy long. Running out of space is really not anyone’s idea of a good time. So it’s really going to be up to you to get a laptop that has good hard drive space — at least 80GB, but you will find a lot of laptops that have 320GB hard drives or better. The more space, the more power to hold the documents that you find important — and even the ones that you don’t find all that important but want to keep anyway. Hey, it’s only natural.

If you’re going to play hardcore computer games, you’re going to want to have a good video card. It should be independent of the system, meaning a separate card. Yes, that means that you’re looking at serious money, but hey — we haven’t touched on budget yet, right?

Budget is going to be important, only because it’s really all about making sure that you can actually buy what you want.

Oh wait, this isn’t about you, right? Well, if you’re really going to give someone a great new laptop this holiday season, your wants and wishes will be a great starting place. Chances are good that your wants will line up with what the other person is looking for in a laptop. Of course, you do want to calculate in that they might have a different purpose for their laptop than you do.

Don’t worry about missing Black Friday sales — these days, retailers are realizing that people really don’t want to wait in long lines anymore. With the rise of the Internet, Black Friday has had to take a back seat. Shoppers can get what they want, when they want, at the price they want one way or the other. So make sure that you keep that in mind as YOU shop — it will make all of the difference in the long run, we promise!

Acer Aspire 1830T Timeline X

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Introduction:

Acer has been one of the competitive brands when it comes to laptop, now it brings its new addition – Aspire 1830 T Timeline X. This laptop is ultraportable, the battery is good yet the touchpad is not as good as it may seem.

Specifications:

Processor – i7, Intel Core

Graphics – Intel HD (integrated)

Operating System – Home Premium (64-bit) Windows 7

HDD – 500GB, with 5400 rpm

Display – 11.6 inch, resolution of 1366 x 768 in HD, LED backlighting

Memory – 4 GB DDR3

Connections – 802.11 that supports b/g/n wireless and a Gigabit

Ethernet

Battery – 6-cell Li-ion

Weight – 3.09 lbs.

Dimensions – 11.2 x 8.03 x 1.01-1.10

Advantages:

1. When it comes to performance, it does deliver well.

2. The design of this laptop is light-weight and thin.

3. Battery life is excellent.

Disadvantages:

1. The touchpad and buttons are uncomfortable to use.

2. This laptop lacks some gaming capability in it.

Some of its Features:

• 3 USB 2.0 ports

• VGA-out

•   HDMI-out

•   AC power

•   Card reader – Media

•   Lock slot

• Audio jacks

• LAN

Review:

If you are the type of person who wants the portability and convenience a netbook has to offer, you will surely fall in love with Aspire 1830T. It can do multitasking plus superb video performance in contrast with its competitors has to offer. This machine right here costs roughly about $900 which is quite expensive as what average netbooks are priced at.

Aspire 1830T is the light weight and thin version of notebooks under the brand Acer. It offers long life for its battery and superb performance. At first sight, you will look at this machine somewhat the same to almost all Acer notebooks therein. However, if you are going to examine closer, it’s in the inner components that lie the difference.

The quality of its build is great even if at its size so you got a good machine in a small package. The downside of 1830T is that its graphics is a bit low since its integrated Intel HD.

This netbook is great when doing general stuff like sending emails, surfing the net, doing Office applications but when it comes to gaming, it does fall a bit short here especially for a netbook at this price. If the price will be lowered down a bit, it is definitely worth every penny spent. But with 900 bucks to it’s price tag, not so worth it.

Dell Latitude E6410

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Introduction:

Dell has been producing different series to suit the needs of a particular market. The Latitude series is made to suit the needs of the business market. The newly released Dell Latitude E6410 boasts a 14.1 inch display that can be configured that has a processor Intel Core i7 and dedicated graphics from Nvidia.

Specifications:

Processor – i5 Intel

Graphics – Intel HD

Operating System – Professional (32-bit) Windows 7

Display – 14 inch, resolution of 1440 x 900 WXGA+, antiglare, LED backlighting

Memory – DDR 3, 2x 1GB

Battery – 9-cell

Weight – 5.33 lbs.

Dimensions – 13.2 x 9.6 x 1.3

Advantages:

1. It is easy for the user to upgrade.

2. The battery has a longer life span.

3. It is good looks good and the build quality is superb.

Disadvantages:

1. The contrast ratio of its screen lacks luster.

2. There are some hiccups on its ALPS touchpad.

Some of its Features:

• Card slot – SD/MMC

• VGA port

• Security slot

•   USB port

•   Fan exhaust

•   Card slot – Smart

•   Modem port

•   Power socket

•   Network port

•   Display port connector

•   Card slot – SIM

•   Card slot – Express

• Audio ports

•   Wireless switch

•   Optical drive

•   WiFi Detector

• 2 USB ports

Review:

When it comes to the design and overall exterior packaging of E6410 and its predecessor E6400, there is nothing much to differentiate. However, the substantial difference lies on the air vents, the newer version E6410 has a relatively larger vents compared to E6400.

The hinges on this machine remains tight even after weeks of using it. The back display is made out of metal alloy. The battery life on this notebook is really good. You need have to worry of having a presentation all shut down due to low battery capacity. The best part of E6410 is that is quite easy to upgrade unlike other notebooks you see in the market. With its good looks plus a at par quality when it comes to its build, who would not fall in love with this machine. It has more to offer to its consumers. There are tons of features that would make any user enjoy using this notebook even more.

As for durability and longevity, well, it’s Dell. It would definitely last longer and the quality will not deter over a period of time.

Can not get enough of this laptop? Why not get one for yourself now!

Samsung R540

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Introduction:

Samsung has its very own cheaply made laptop that has a 15.6” display, the processor is i3 dual-core and priced around $699.99 – Samsung R450. But let’s see if it does pass what people are expected it to be.

This may be a very cheap laptop, but it certainly gives you an outstanding computing power. Its specifications and superb computing power make it a very ideal laptop for anyone. The Samsung R450 is one of those notebook computers that give you more than what you actually paid for. It does not disappoint and can handle your daily computing tasks with ease. If you’re only getting one laptop and you are into using heavy applications, this would definitely suffice.

Specifications:

Processor – i3 Intel Core

Graphics – Intel HD (integrated)

Operating System – Home Premium (64-bit) Windows 7

HDD – Western Digital, 500 GB, with 5400 rpm

Display – 15.6 inch, resolution of 1366 x 768 in glossy panel, and has a LED backlighting

Memory – 4GB, DDR3

Connections – 802.11 wireless LAN (Atheros AR9285)

Battery – 6-cell

Weight – 5.29 lbs.

Dimensions – 14.9 x 10.1 x 1.17-1.42

Advantages:

1. It has a decent keyboard to tap on.

2. This laptop performs well.

3. It runs quietly.

Disadvantages:

1. The touchpad is a bit small.

2. The screen is washed out.

3. The build is made out of cheap quality.

4. The battery life is somewhat limited.

5. This laptop is overpriced in contrast with its counterparts.

Some of its Features:

• SD card reader

• VGA

• Ethernet

• AC power

• Lock slot

• HDMI

• Headphone and microphone jacks

• USB 2.0

• Cooling exhaust vent

Review:

When it comes to its exterior, Samsung R450 has a simple design but looks kind of attractive thanks to its aluminum finish (faux). The design of this laptop is somewhat minimal and constructed entirely with the use of plastic. Thus, it weighs around 5.29 pounds. Since it made out of glossy plastic, it would be much difficult to clean up the smudges.

As for the screen, it is given good protection. There will be some appearance of ripples especially when there is pressure being applied just from behind. On this aspect, Samsung fails to deliver.

Overall performance, it is at the mid-range. It response well when it comes to doing daily tasks. For those gaming enthusiasts there who would want to play 3D games such as Call of Duty, you need to back off on this one. It is not advisable to play modern games on this laptop for you will be frustrated.

For its price, it could have been lowered than that. Since Samsung R450 has not much to offer for customers out there. When it comes to simple applications, surfing the net, and others, then this laptop can do them all aside from these there is not much to expect from this model.

Dell Inspiron 15R

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Introduction:

Another laptop from Dell is “Dell Inspiron 15R”. This notebook offers nothing but excellent quality for it’s build and has great looks too that has a starting price of roughly $549.

Specifications:

Processor – i3 Intel Core

Graphics – Intel HD (integrated)

Operating System – Home Premium (64-bit) Windows 7

HDD - 500 GB, with 5400 rpm

Display – 15.6 inch, resolution of 1366 x 768, LED backlighting

Memory – 4GB, DDR3

Connections – 802.11 that supports b/g/n wireless, Bluetooth, 10/100 Ethernet, Intel Wi-Di

Battery – 6-cell Li-ion

Weight – 5.79 lbs.

Dimensions – 14.8 x 10.31 x 1.25-1.34

Advantages:

1. The chassis on this notebook is durable.

2. Comfortable touchpad and keyboard, too.

3. It has great looks.

Disadvantages:

1. There are options that are not readily available.

Some of its Features:

• 2 USB 2.0 ports

• VGA-out

• HDMI-out

•   DC-input

•   audio jacks

•   LAN

•   eSATA or USB combo port

• SDHC-card slot

Review:

Inspiron 15R is the latest and newly designed laptop under the Inspiron series. It has a 15-.6 display and a good replacement for desktop. It has either i5 or i3 processor plus integrated graphics from Intel HD; this affordable laptop is targeted to those budget conscious individuals out there.

Inspiron 15R in contrast with its predecessors has a sleeker look. The exterior of this laptop is quite stylish and the screen cover is metal (faux-brushed). This gives you a metal look while making it easier to clean the surface.

As for its build, it is made out of quality chassis and the plastic is durable. One downside though, you need to dissemble the notebook in order to get access to its hard drive.

Another new option for Inspiron 15R is the wireless display or Intel Wi-Di. This enables the laptop to transmit about 720P resolution as for video right towards a wireless HDMI with the use of a receiver box which is attached right to your High Definition TV.

MS Office applications of this laptop are done with a breeze. Plus you can stream wirelessly videos in HD right towards your HDTV; Imagine, watching movies that have a resolution of 720P or 1080P will be all flawless, no problems detected.

This is a definite bomb for a college student or those who do not want too much fuss around in a laptop.

Inspiron 15R is a budget 15.6 notebook that will satisfy not so fussy users out there. It’s worth every penny spent.

Sony Vaio EC

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Introduction:

Sony has been creating good quality laptops and another model to add up to their line up is Sony Vaio EC. It is a good alternative to replace your desktop and it performs well.

Specifications:

Processor – dual core, P6100 Intel Pentium

Graphics – 512 MB, ATI Mobility Radeon HD

Operating System – Home Premium (64-bit) Windows 7

HDD - 320 GB, with 5400 rpm

Display – 17 inch, resolution of 1600 x 900, LED backlighting

Memory – 4 GB, DDR3

Connections – 802.11 that supports b/g/n wireless

Weight – 7.3 lbs.

Dimensions – 16.1 for W x 10.7 for D x 1.2 for H

Advantages:

1. The graphics performance is solid.

2. The price is definitely reasonable.

3. Screen resolution is good.

Disadvantages:

1. Battery life is a bit poor.

2. The screen contrast is only average.

3. The build quality of the laptop is of average.

Some of its Features:

• Memory stick slots

• SDHC

• Audio jacks

•   Power jack

•   VGA

•   Ethernet

•   ExpressCard slot

•   eSATA or ports for USB 2.0

•   HDMI

•   Lock slot

•   Optical drive

•   Tray-loading

• 3 USB 2.0 ports

Review:

Sony VAIO EC is a laptop that has a 17-inch display which is good for multimedia and mainstream. Sony’s E-series line for notebooks are the cheaper ones you could ever find that have full features of a notebook under the product line – VAIO.

As for the body, it is made out of black plastic polished and matte. Like any other VAIO model, it has the word placed at the back of the screen. The looks of this notebook is not that attractive but it does perform well.

For a full grown 17-inch laptop, you will seldom see that notebooks that are under the price range of less than $800 will be good when it comes to system performance. But Sony does something to make this happen. It uses processor that has a low cost yet delivers good results when it comes to day-to-day use. As of the moment, EC is now available in the following processors, i7, i5, and i3. Still there are EC notebooks that are available on older processors.

For basic work, computing activities, MS Office applications, and presentations, Sony VAIO EC can do these for you. Do not expect more from this notebook though. However, if you do not mind having a simple not so powerful laptop then this would seemingly suit for your liking. You can even go for EC that has the newer processor in it to ensure that you will get faster speed compared to the oldest version.

MALIBAL Lotus P150HM

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Introduction:

MALIBAL Lotus P150HM is the sure thing for gamers out there who want superb performance and can play any game there is.

Specifications:

Processor – i7 Inter Core

Graphics – inclusive of memory with 2 GB, GDDR5, Nvidia GeForce model GTX 485M

Operating System – Home Premium (64-bit) Windows 7

Display – 15.6 inch, resolution of 1920 X 1080 in FHD, with LED backlit

Memory – 16GB, DDR3

Connections – 802.11 that supports b/g/n wireless LAN Card (Intel 6300 Ultimate)

Weight – 7 lbs.

Dimensions – 14.75 x 10.1 x 1.25-1.8

Advantages:

1. This laptop has a beautiful screen.

2. It has superb performance.

3. The exterior of this notebook is fingerprint-resistant.

Disadvantages:

1. The touchpad surface is not that great.

2. The battery life is only mid-range.

3. It has an expensive price tag.

Some of its Features:

• Fingerprint reader

• Card reader 9-in-1

• Web cam 2.0 megapixel

•   eSATA

•   DVI

•   HDMI

•   Power jack

•   LAN

•   2 ports for USB 3.0

•   FireWire

•   Optical drive

•   Audio jacks

• Lock slot

• 1 port for USB 2.0

Review:

If you are a gamer or a laptop enthusiast, you might have observed that MALIBAL Lotus P150HM does look similar to that of Clevo P150HM. It definitely is because it is another version and specifically customized which can be configured in various ways.

This machine here is heavy like that of its Clevo versions of gaming laptops; it weighs at around 7 pounds. It is made out of durable materials for its body that houses the best graphics card, processor and many others.

If you are not keen in carrying around 17” gaming laptop, this model will be much better for you, it is about 15” only.

The very reason why there is a need to buy customized laptop like this MALIBAL Lotus is that the user can get the best, greatest and latest components in the market today. While there are some companies that do give buyers option to customize their laptops like HP and Dell, but these two change graphics card or processor options are limited. Unlike custom resellers, once the parts or components are available in the market, then this can be added to your laptop.

MALIBAL Lotus P150HM can deliver results in a short span of time like less than 10 sec. which is akin to that of a desktop that has a faster processor.

ASUS U41JF-A1

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Introduction:

Asus U41JF-A1 has a good battery life and performance is great. However, when it comes to its build, it seems to fail to deliver what is expected. We’ll see, read on.

Specifications:

Processor – i3 Intel Core

Graphics – inclusive of memory with 1 GB, DDR 3, Nvidia GeForce model GT 425M

HDD – Western Digital, 500 GB, with 5400 rpm

Operating System – Home Premium (64-bit) Windows 7

Display – 14 inch, resolution of 1366 x 768 in glossy panel, and has a LED backlighting

Memory – 4 GB, DDR3

Connections – wireless LAN 802.11n, Atheros AR9285

Battery – 8-cell

Weight – 4.8 lbs.

Dimensions – 113.5 x 10 x 1.1

Advantages:

1. The graphics performance on this laptop is great.

2. The battery has a longer life span and would lasts for 7.5 hours.

Disadvantages:

1. The build quality is not at par.

2. The touchpad is inaccurate.

3. It has poor keyboard.

4. It does not have enough ports.

Some of its Features:

• Card reader 4-in-1

• speakers

• cooling vent

• HDMI

• VGA

• 2 ports for USB 2.0

• Ethernet

• DVD burner

• Lock slot

• Microphone and headphone jacks

Review:

If you want lightweight and thin 14” notebook, U41JF-A1 from Asus is definitely the one that you should be grabbing for. It has a powerful graphics plus superb battery life. You will no longer have to worry about losing battery power in the middle of a presentation or movie. The price tag is worth about $800+. Is there something that this notebook fails to deliver? Follow through.

There is one aspect that Asus fails to deliver on this notebook and that is it this machine is made out of below average or not par quality to its total build. Sure, there is a need to compromise since this notebook is lightweight and thin. This is just the exterior part of the notebook.

When it comes to performance, it’s powerful enough to let you do your different online and offline tasks each day. It has this whisper quiet feature plus lots of space when it comes to your media needs.

The best part of this notebook is that it uses Optimus technology by Nvidia. This allows the user to freely choose and switch from using one graphics card Nvidia or the power-saving graphics by Intel HD. That’s a definite the bomb there.

If you are looking for superb graphics performance and not mind low quality build, then this notebook best fits for you.

Lenovo IdeaPad U260

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Introduction:

A counterpart of Macbook Air – Lenovo IdeaPad U260 is classified as an attractive laptop but when it comes to performance and features, it might not be as attractive as it look. Read on to know more.

Specifications:

Processor – i5 Intel Core

Graphics – Intel HD (integrated)

Operating System – Home Premium (64-bit) Windows 7

HDD - 320 GB, with 5400 rpm

Display – 12.5 inch, resolution of 1366 x 768 with HD AntiGlare plus an integration of camera

Memory – 4 GB DDR3

Connections – Intel wireless and Bluetooth

Battery – Li-Polymer

Weight – 3.05 lbs.

Dimensions – 12.5 x 8.1 x 0.7

Advantages:

1. It has a matte screen.

2. The design of the laptop is attractive.

3. It has a palm rest and keyboard is great.

Disadvantages:

1. Quite expensive for its limited features and performance.

2. Limited performance and features.

3. It has limited ports.

Some of its Features:

• USB 2.0 ports

• HDMI

• Ethernet

• Power and audio jack

• Lock slot

• VGA

Review:

Lenovo has been creating great line of laptops such that of ThinkPad which are intended for people who are into business. But with the release of IdeaPad U260, it would seem that Lenovo will not fail its loyal customers this time. Let’s see.

As for it’s exterior, it looks attractive somewhat akin to Macbook but with different color that is. It is lightweight and slim. Due to its physical attributes, it lacks some of the most important features of what bulky laptops do have. Sending emails, typing documents, and making presentations will be a breeze because of its palm rests and wonderful keyboard to tap on.

One downside of IdeaPad U260 is that it does not have a card reader and contains only 2 USB ports which is somewhat minimal.

As for its performance, it does fail the expectations of many out of a $1,000 notebook. It is a bit slower when you try to launch certain applications, slow to get into the files you want in contrast with other notebooks under the same category and similar price tag.

The integrated graphics from Intel does not deliver as well. Macbook Air uses Nvidia and even the HP’s netbook – dm1z doubled the graphics performance of what IdeaPad U260 has to offer.

In totality, it is not worth $1,000. The limited features and specifications make IdeaPad U260 not to be considered for. It needs an overhaul from its maker.

Lenovo ThinkPad X120e

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Introduction:

A netbook designed for business people, this is what ThinkPad X120e is all about. Lenovo has come up with a good alternative especially for those who would want to use a portable and lightweight netbook that performs well for business purposes. It has an 11-inch display and incorporated with AMD Fusion, lots of RAM, and faster hard drive to ensure your business will be running as smoothly as possible.

Specifications:

Processor – AMD E-350

Graphics – AMD Radeon HD 6310

Operating System – Professional Edition (64-bit), Windows 7

HDD - SATA, 320 GB, with 7200 rpm

Display – 11.6 inch WXGA HD, resolution of 1366 x 768, with anti-glare LED backlighting

Memory – 4 GB, DDR3

Connections – 802.11 that supports b/g/n wireless and a Gigabit

LAN

Battery – 6-cell Li-ion

Weight – 3.3 lbs.

Dimensions – 11.1 x 8.2 x 0.6 – 1.2

Others – webcam 0.3 megapixel, card reader 4-in-1

Advantages:

1. It is definitely a good netbook for business people.

2. The battery lasts longer.

3. The video performance is at par.

Disadvantages:

1. The keyboard has not backlit.

2. A bit expensive for it’s entire package.

Some of its Features:

• 3 USB 2.0 port

• Heat vent

• HDMI-out

• Security lock slot

• combo audio jack

• VGA out

Review:

ThinkPad is the name that has been associated with business people. It is specifically designed to satisfy the ever changing needs of young entrepreneurs. Such notebooks are built for longevity and durability that would lasts over a period of time.

It was last year that Lenovo came up with a netbook version of Thinkpad that served as the company’s response to the growing demand of ThinkPad netbook.

If you put side by side Lenovo X100e and X120e, it seems they are identical twins. When it comes to the exterior, what changed are the following – the placement of ports right on the side of the notebook and HDMI connection.

When it comes to performance, Lenovo is not far behind. It uses AMD Fusion. Thus, it goes that this netbook does perform a lot faster in contrast with its predecessors. Also, X120e is relatively energy efficient. With its quality graphic performance, viewing videos in HD will be a breeze. No more crappy PowerPoint presentation that is.

Overall Lenovo IdeaPad X120e is a great machine only if they could lower down the price a bit it would be much better and worth every penny spent.

Holiday Shopping Tips For Laptop Fans

Acer Aspire 1830T Timeline X

Dell Latitude E6410

Samsung R540

Dell Inspiron 15R

Sony Vaio EC

MALIBAL Lotus P150HM

ASUS U41JF-A1

Lenovo IdeaPad U260

Lenovo ThinkPad X120e

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