Archive for March, 2008
HP Pavilion DV6770SE 15.4″ Entertainment Laptop (AMD Turion 64 X 2 Dual Core TL-62 Processor, 3 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) For those who want advanced digital entertainment capability coupled with leading-edge mobile performance and communication features in a distinctive design, the HP Pavilion dv6700 series Special Edition Notebook PC delivers! It features a subtle HP-exclusive Radiance pattern that is a mixture of ripples on a sea of radial lines. And AMD mobile dual-core technology enables use of multiple demanding applications, such as photo editing, DVD burning and playing a game, at the same time. Chat face to face or take pictures and video clips using the HP Webcam and Microphone. Listen without disturbing others with the included stereo earbud headphones. And control content from up to 10 feet away with the HP Mobile Remote Control that can be stored in the ExpressCard slot for convenience. This 6.06lbs light notebook exists at the intersection of computing and entertainment with its 15.4″ High-Definition BrightView widescreen display, innovative entertainment features and fresh design. 15.4 diagonal WXGA (1280 x 800) BrightView Widescreen display NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS with up to 1535MB graphics memory with 256MB dedicated Built-in Webcam and microphone SuperMulti 8x DVD+-R/RW Drive with Double Layer 802.11B/G Wireless 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet 5-in-1 Bridge Media Adapter - MMC, SD, MS, MS Pro, xD 1 ExpressCard Slot (34/54 Slot) 3 USB 2.0, 2 Headphone out; 1 Microphone-in, 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 1 TV-Out (S-Video), 1 IEEE-1394, 1 RJ-11, 1 RJ-45 Approximate Unit Dimensions - 14.05 (W) x 10.12 (D) x 1.56 (H) Approximate Unit Weight - 6.06lbs Customer Review: Very disappointing I ordered this PC and was very disappointed to find that when I first attempted to turn it on it appeared as though the operating system was missing. I could not even power it up. I received an error message that referred me to HP. When I called HP, they indicated that they did not provide support for this item anymore and referred me to a service provider who could service the PC if I’d like. Definitely not acceptable for a brand new item. I returned it. I can say that Amazon, as always, handled the return w/o a problem. Customer Review: Nicest laptop with great features This is the best laptop I have ever owned (my previous selection includes a MacBook which I really liked at the time but this completely outshines it). Very good value for money and great machine. 100% satisfied! could not be happier.
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Sony VAIO VGN-CR390E/B 14.1″ Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 Processor, 2 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) Add a zesty style to your mobile computing with the stunning good looks of the deep black Sony VAIO VGN-CR390E/B notebook PC, which offers unique eye-catching features, impressive attention-to-detail, and an amazingly thin and light profile. Aside from its jaw-dropping good looks, it’s also an entertainment powerhouse. The instant AV Mode feature enables you to start watching a DVD or listening to music with the push of a single button–without having to boot up the system–and the convenient, built-in multimedia control buttons also let you control all playback functions.
Sony takes security serious, and this laptop employs a biometric fingerprint sensor to ensure your data is protected from unauthorized use. It also stores passwords to secure web sites you visit, so authentication and access are quick and easy–you only need your fingerprint.
This notebook is powered by the 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 processor, which offers a top-of-the-line 800 MHz front-side bus speed and 2 MB L2 cache. The Core 2 Duo processor provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance, as well as excellent battery management. It also includes Intel’s 4965 AGN wireless LAN, which will connect to draft 802.11n routers and offers compatibility with 802.11a/b/g networks as well. A built-in 1.3 megapixel digital web camera lets you quickly snap photos and participate in live video chats. Other features include a 14.1-inch XBRITE-ECO screen, extra-large 250 GB hard drive, 2 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum capacity), dual-layer DVD RW drive (which also burns CDs), Bluetooth connectivity, ExpressCard 34 slot, Intel GMA X3100 graphics (with up to 358 MB of total available video memory), and both Memory Stick and SD memory cart slots.
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to easily playing your DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, you’ll be able to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.
The Basics
- Processor: The Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 processor has a 2.0 GHz processor speed, super-fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a large 2 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system’s performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)
The Intel Core 2 Duo processor has two computational execution cores in a single processor, providing greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It’s optimized for multitasking and is ready to support the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. It can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications–such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications–while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. Some of the advanced Intel innovations of the Core 2 Duo processor include:
- Smart Memory Access: Improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide data to the processor when and where it is needed.
- Advanced Digital Media Boost: Effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications.
- Dynamic Power Coordination: Coordinates Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and idle power-management state (C-states) transitions independently per core to help save power.
- Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing: Saves power by flushing cache data to system memory during periods of inactivity to lower CPU voltage.
- Hard Drive: The extra-large 250 GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 RPM) provides more than enough capacity for storing a large audio and video library, as well as extra space required for video editing. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data–akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.
- Memory: The 2 GB of installed RAM (2 x 1024 MB DDR2) will satisfy many users, but this notebook’s two DIMM slots have a maximum 4 GB RAM capacity–perfect for high-end video editing and 3-D gaming. It also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed. To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.
- DVD/CD Drive: The dual-layer DVD drive is compatible with a wide range of formats, including both DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs, CD-RW discs, and dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can hold up to 8.5 GB of data–great for backing up your MP3 collection or your most important documents. It features the following speeds: 4x for DVD+R DL, 4x for DVD-R DL, 8x for both single layer DVD+R/-R, 8x for single layer DVD+RW, 6x for single layer DVD-RW, 5x for DVD-RAM, and 24x for CD-R/RW. It reads DVD-ROM discs at 8x and CD-ROMs at 24x.
- Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 82-key keyboard (2mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electro-static two-button touchpad. Playback controls include play/pause, stop, forward, rewind, AV mode, mute, volume +/-, capture, and display off.
Screen, Video & Audio You’ll enjoy razor-sharp graphics and widescreen movies with the 14.1-inch WXGA high-definition screen, with its 1280 x 800-pixel resolution. The XBRITE-ECO technology delivers brilliant colors and stunning clarity with efficient power usage, and it features an anti-reflective coating to minimize reflection and ensure a beautifully clear image from any viewing angle.
Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100, which uses shared video memory (up to 358 MB allocated from the system memory) and provides Windows Vista Aero interface support and enhanced 3-D graphics performance–delivering over 2x scores on 3-DMark 06. Intel Clear Video Technology provides outstanding video playback with sharper image quality, increased clarity, and customizable color controls. It also enables enhanced visual quality of interlaced content on progressive displays.
Networking, Connectivity & Expansion Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Intel Wireless 4965AGN Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It’s also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and wi-fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range–great for closed office environments). With the Bluetooth connectivity, you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones.
This notebook also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 34 card slot (though no PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. Here’s the full list of connectivity options:
- 3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals–from digital cameras to MP3 players
- 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
- Video output: 1 VGA, 1 S-Video
- 1 ExpressCard/34 slot
- Memory Stick/Memory Stick DUO slot (with MagicGate functionality)
- Secure Digital memory card slot (compatible with MMC cards)
- 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
- 10/100 Fast Ethernet
- 56K modem (V.90)
Operating System Windows Vista Home Premium is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.
Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family’s use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.
Preloaded Software Includes Sony Click to Disc (for easy DVD creation), Microsoft Works SE 9.0, Microsoft Office 2007 (60-day trial), Symantec Norton 360 All-In-One Security (with 60 days of Live Update).
Dimensions & Weight This notebook measures 13.2 x 9.8 x 1.67 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 5.5 pounds.
Power It’s powered by the VGP-BPS9/S rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of between 2 and 4.0 hours (depending on usage).
What’s in the Box This package contains the VGN-CR390E/B notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty, and Sony offers 1-year of toll-free telephone technical assistance.
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Sony VAIO VGN-CR320E/L 14.1″ Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 Processor, 2 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) Blue Step out and be seen with the portable, powerful and incredibly beautiful VAIO(R) CR notebook. Featuring a stunning 14.1″ widescreen LCD with XBRITE-ECO LCD technology, this thin-and-light fashion statement is an astonishing sight to behold. Backed by the Windows Vista Home Premium operating system and Intel Core 2 Duo processor, this lightning-fast, super-powerful mobile notebook is slim, lightweight, and packed with entertainment and design extras. From a built-in web cam and AV controls to its unique paint colors and comfortable, easy-to-clean keyboard, the remarkable VAIO(R) CR notebook delivers entertainment, power and pizzazz. 14.1 WXGA (1280 x 800) XBRITE-ECO Display Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 with up to 358MB Video Memory Built-in Webcamera and microphone DVD+-R/RW Drive with Double Layer Intel PRO/Wireless 4965 802.11A/B/G/N 10/100 Ethernet Bluetooth Card Reader - Memory Stick(R) Duo with MG, Secure Digital (SD) 1 ExpressCard Slot (34 Slot) 3 USB 2.0, 1 Headphone out; 1 Microphone-in, 1 VGA, 1 TV-Out (S-Video), 1 IEEE 1394, 1 RJ-11, 1 RJ-45 Approximate Unit Dimensions - 13.2 (W) x 9.8 (D) x 1.67 (H) Approximate Unit Weight - 5.49lbs Customer Review: One Amazing Vaio I bought the Sony Vaio CR320E/W after weeks of research. It is light, fast, and stylish (and cheap?). I needed something portable for college so I went with the 14″ and I love it. The screen is really bright and glossy. The laptop itself weighs nothing compared to my dad’s 15″ Dell laptop. The build quality is very sturdy and the gloss white finish doesn’t show fingerprints as bad as one would think. It does not have a latch to keep it closed but rather it relies on the tension of the spring. The spring works fine and has never been an issue. The Core2Duo processor is great for all around use. It isn’t the fastest dual-core out there, but it is more than enough to get the job done for the average consumer. The bluetooth worked great and instantly connected to my phone. The camera is one of the neatest features. Besides taking regular photos and videos, it also has mac-like effects that can distort the image in weird ways and do random flips and rotations of the image. Another mac-like thing was the keyboard. The keyboard has a slight gap in between each key and they are all rounded a little. The keys have the just right amount of “roughness” to make good contact with your fingers. The speakers on this laptop are not extraordinarily load but they are not weak by any means. I said it was cheap because the older version of this laptop (vgn-cr220e/w) which doesn’t have bluetooth and a slower/smaller hard drive is actually more expensive on amazon.com than this one. I personally saved a little more money and picked this laptop up from Best Buy after instant rebate.
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HP Pavilion TX1420US 12.1″ Laptop (AMD Turion 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor TL-66, 3 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium) Black Wave The HP Pavilion TX1420US Entertainment Notebook PC provides the ideal convergence of features and the latest in mobile computing technology. It’s light enough to take everywhere with a 12.1″ screen that twists 180 degrees for presentations and DVD playback while traveling or fold it flat like a slate for reading documents or watching videos. Use the touch screen and stylus to navigate applications or capture handwritten notes. Enjoy high-gloss, sophisticated style with HP Imprint finish in Wave, a flowing linear design inspired by a Zen rock garden. Listen without disturbing others with included stereo earbud headphones and control content from up to 10 feet away with the HP Mobile Remote Control that can be stored in the system ExpressCard slot for convenience. 12.1 diagonal WXGA (1280 x 800) BrightView Widescreen Touch-screen display, Panel rotates 180 degrees and folds flat Built-in Webcamera and Microphone NVidia Geforce Go 6150 (UMA) with up to 559MB shared Graphics Memory LightScribe Super Multi 8 x DVD+-R/RW Drive with Double Layer 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Integrated Bluetooth Fingerprint Reader 5-in-1 Memory Card Adaptor (MS, MS Pro, SD, XD, MMC) ExpressCard 34 Slot 3 USB 2.0, Headphone w/SPDIF Digital Audio & 1 stereo; Microphone-in, VGA, S-Video, RJ-11 (Modem), RJ-45 Approximate Unit Dimensions - 8.82 (L) x 12.05 (W) x 1.52(H) Approximate Unit Weight - 4.49lbs (w/weight-saver) Customer Review: So Far So Good! Amazon service as always: excellent and beyond. About the tx1410us, Pros: light, small and fast. A cool looking laptop with tablet pc features that you won’t find at this price. Cons: a lot of unnecessary HP software (that can be removed). It gets pretty hot after running for a while (especially on the top right corner). Conclusion: right choice if you are looking for a nice little notebook and don’t want to expend $1,500 and up. Customer Review: Love it except… There are many things that I like about this computer, however there is one feature that I was really looking forward to that is not available. I am very disappointed that with Windows Vista and the updated version of Outlook Express called Windows Email that I can not open Windows Email and use the “pen” AKA “stylis” to write a note and email my hand written notes and “doodles” exactly as I see them. This feature was available with XP and an older version of Outlook Express.
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Sony VAIO VGN-SZ770N/C 13.3″ Laptop (2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 Processor, 3 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, Vista Business) The ultra-portable VAIO(R) SZ Premium notebook delivers an uncompromising blend of intelligent mobile design, cutting-edge performance and contemporary style. Easy to handle, this PC features a 13.3″ widescreen display with XBRITE(TM) LCD technology and LED backlight, embedded Sprint Mobile Broadband and sleek yet durable carbon-fiber casing for optimized mobility. And a next-generation hafnium-based Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 processor with 6MB L2 Cache and 3GB DDR2 RAM provides unparalleled performance, superior efficiency and enhanced multimedia power to facilitate longer battery life and maximum performance for your computing and entertainment endeavors. Whether at work or play, get more done in more places with the SZ Premium notebook. 13.3 WXGA (1280 x 800) razor thin LCD XBRITE(TM) Display with White LED back lighting Built-in Webcamera and Microphone NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS with 64MB Dedicated Video Memory with up to 1343MB shared DVD+-R/RW Drive with Double Layer Intel PRO/Wireless 4965 802.11A/B/G/N Sprint Mobile Broadband Service WWAN Integrated Bluetooth Fingerprint Reader 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet Built-in Memory Stick(R) Duo with MagicGate(TM) Card Reader 5-in-1 Memory Card Adaptor (MS, MS Pro, SD, XD, MMC) ExpressCard 34 Slot PCMCIA Slot 2 USB 2.0, Headphone out; Microphone-in, VGA, IEEE 1394, RJ-11 (Modem), RJ-45 Approximate Unit Dimensions - 12.5 (W) x 9.3 (D) x 1.5(H) Approximate Unit Weight - 4.0lbs
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