Cheap Laptops

How to Find the Cheapest Laptop Deals

2010-06-18T18:59:00.000-04:00

Finding the cheapest laptop deals is no easy task. There are a few simple preliminary concepts that will make searching for a cheap laptop less cumbersome.

Before purchasing a new inexpensive laptop you have to decide how much money you are willing to spend. I usually consider cheap laptops to be any laptop under $500. But as technology improves this price threshold will eventually go down. It is important to set a maximum price because it is very easy when shopping for a laptop to lose sight of this price ceiling that you have set for yourself. That extra 2 gigs of RAM may sound like a great deal, but not if it costs you more than you are willing to spend overall. This $500 price cap is my own personal threshold and will vary from person to person.

After setting a price cap, you then have to decide what the most important features and hardware you want to include in your new laptop. When searching for cheap laptops, it is important to focus on three main hardware components. These three main options are hard drive storage, RAM, and processor speed. There are many other important laptop specifications, but these three are the most important things I look for.

Hard drive storage refers to how much space is available on your laptop. This is pretty easy to gauge as most laptops now are between 100 gigs to 1TB. The more space the better, obviously when selecting a cheap laptop deal I would prefer to have 1TB of memory.

RAM is your computer's random access memory. This is a form of computer data storage. Like hard drive storage, more RAM is better when buying a new laptop.

The final specification I am most concerned with when purchasing a cheap notebook is the processor speed. The faster the processor, the better. Having a slow processor is very frustrating because it will undoubtedly affect your computer's performance.

Jonathan Chambers writes about cheap laptop deals at www.cheapestlaptopdeals.net.

Apple dismisses netbook trend

2009-04-23T22:51:00.000-04:00

Netbooks have cramped keyboards, small screens, "junky" hardware and bad software, said Tim Cook, chief operating officer of Apple, during a fiscal second-quarter earnings conference call on Wednesday. They don't offer the "consumer experience" that Apple wants to offer through its Macintosh hardware.

"It's not a space ... we're interested in," Cook said. "It's a stretch to call them a personal computer."

People who want to use e-mail or surf the Web can instead buy products such as Apple's iPhone or an iPod Touch, Cook said.

Netbooks are small and low-cost laptops that are designed for people to run basic applications such as Web surfing. Netbooks are priced between $300 and $500, with screens anywhere between 7 inches and 12 inches.

Apple's cheapest laptop costs $999, and it would rather focus on offering quality through its Mac products, Cook said.

In the fiscal second quarter, Apple's desktop sales rebounded with new products, and its lower-end laptop sales picked up as prices dropped. But despite those gains, Apple saw its overall PC shipments fall. It sold 2.22 million Macintosh computers, a 3 percent decline from a year earlier, the company said on Wednesday.

"We feel great about our performance, and the pipeline looks fantastic," Cook said.

Apple reacted strongly to netbooks because the increased adoption of that type of product is annoying them, said Roger Kay, founder and president of Endpoint Technologies Associates.

"If they didn't bother about [netbooks], they wouldn't comment about it," Kay said. Netbooks may not be ideal today, but there is plenty of room for them to mature, he said.

"They get in as a poor cousin like any disruptive technology, but the quality will improve," Kay said.

Netbooks are already being considered the bright spot in an otherwise tumbling PC industry. In the first quarter of 2009, which roughly corresponds to the quarter Apple reported on Wednesday, worldwide PC shipments totaled 63.4 million, according to IDC. That was down 7.1 percent from a year earlier. Some vendors, including Hewlett-Packard and Acer, saw shipments grow, partly due to sustained demand for netbooks, according to IDC.

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Cheap Laptops and coupon codes

2008-12-29T21:18:00.002-05:00

Salivating at all the after Christmas specials? Looking to purchase a cheap laptop or desktop computer? Below you will find some of the end of the year specials on Dell, Hewlett Packard and other computers. Make sure you use the coupon code at checkout so you can save additional money and come away very happy!

Hewlett Packard is currently offering 30 percent off any new HP Pavilion notebook PC $899+ with coupon code NB4355.

Dell which rolls out new specials almost weekly is offering 20% off all Inspiron Laptops $999+ with coupon code 5Z0TC5B4TM83C6.

Visit Cheap stingy bargains for more details and additional coupons for many other deals going on including for cheap desktop computers.

When your done purchasing a desktop or laptop computer, why not come over to http://www.dslone.net for great deals on DSL, Cable Internet or Satellite Internet Service. Compare prices from over 20 providers and save a bundle of money! No telephone required and they also provide availability for Fios and other high-speed internet service providers.

Enjoy your holidays and your new cheap laptop computer!

Many great tech products aren't cheap: Here are some worth the money

2008-11-29T15:22:00.001-05:00

With the economy hitting the skids, consumers are hard-pressed to spend much during the holiday season and they want to get a great deal.

The good news is that consumer-electronics companies and retailers are also feeling the pinch. Many are offering terrific deals on an array of high-tech devices. What's more, great prices can be found every day on the Web, especially at respected online retailers such as Amazon and J&R Electronics.

Here are a few tech ideas for the holidays. Some items aren't exactly cheap, but if you're certain you'll still have a job in a few months, they are worth buying for yourself, your family or friends.

Here are some to consider:

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Wireless Notebook Mouse. Stick in the accompanying USB plug and these mini-mice will work on almost any surface -- bed linen, couches, wooden tables. They are much easier to use than the mice built into laptops. Microsoft's Optical Mouse 3000 and Logitech's V220 can often be found on sale for $20 (the regular price at Amazon).
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Mini-notebook computers. A new class of laptop, minis are relatively inexpensive and easy to tote around. They are half the weight of a traditional laptop and have smaller screens, 9 to 10 inches. Mini-laptops are great for writing and surfing the Web, but lack the power and memory to handle intensive audio or video tasks. Top minis include the Acer Inspire One ($400) and the Asus Eee 1000H with 10-inch screen ($479). One complaint: some minis have cramped keyboards. Give them a test drive first.
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LCD monitors. If you haven't replaced that big old CRT hogging up precious real estate on your desk, buy an LCD. Luxurious 19-inch screens from top brands such as Dell and HP can be purchased for under $200 at Best Buy. Some 17-inch screens sell for less than $150. You'd be surprised at how much better it feels to sit at a desk with a slim screen.

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Buying a cheap laptop?

2008-04-24T23:22:00.000-04:00

If your on a budget and a low-cost laptop is the best you can afford, I have a few tips for you.

Memory! You should at least purchase a notebook with a minimum of 1gb of laptop memory or preferably 2 gigs! If your not a gamer you can choose integrated graphics as there is no need for a more advanced video card from nvidia or ati.

If your not going to travel with your laptop then a basic battery should suffice, as this option will keep your cost down.

You may also elect not to purchase anti virus software beyond the free trial that most pc vendors give you. You can instead download free virus protection software such as AVG which is just as good as the more expensive options like Norton.

Last but not least, look for coupon codes on the internet to save you even more money. Laptop makers like DELL and HP have coupons available daily that will save you as much as 30% on your order and make your cheap notebook computer even cheaper!

Do you need Internet Service for your laptop?

2008-02-02T01:15:00.000-05:00

So you just purchased your brand new cheap laptop and are looking for Affordable Broadband or DSL for your notebook computer. What are your choices?

1- Wireless Internet is your first choice if you have a home network and an adapter.

2- If your laptop is your main computer, you can choose either DSL or Cable Internet from your local provider.

Are you looking for the latest deals on broadband? Go to www.dslone.net for the best offers for High-Speed Internet Access. If you live in the following counties you can go directly to that page:

Pierce Mecklenburg Jefferson Suffolk EL Paso Dekalb Jefferson Kern Multnomah Oklahoma Jackson Baltimore Norfolk Lake Wake Providence Monmouth Hudson Cobb Snohomish Bucks Gwinnett Kent DC Davidson Hidalgo San Joaquin Tulsa Montgomery Bernalillo

Enjoy your new laptop and choose your Internet Provider wisely!

Configuring a cheap affordable laptop

2008-01-21T23:14:00.000-05:00

We all want to save money, especially if were in need of a cheap laptop. What would be the minimum configuration though that would have saved you money on your new laptop but also makes you feel that you have purchased a quality second or back-up notebook?

Memory: Probably the most important, 1gb is the minimum. How many times have we blamed our slow computer on the Internet? Well when you add extra memory it gives your laptop that extra boost.

The rest all depends on your needs, wifi, graphics card, etc. etc.

Battery: Get the battery with the most juice. You'll be kicking yourself when all you get is less than 2 hours of work time on your labtop.

If you have DSL or High-speed Internet and you roam around the house with your computer go for the wireless-N wifi card. They are backwards compatible with b/g, so you can use your computer when n isn't available, but the distance you get with wireless n is amazing especially when you use your laptop with a compatible router.

So go ahead and get that cheap laptop, but an inexpensive notebook computer doesn't mean it won't deliver when you need it!

Most affordable computers with quality components? The winner?

DELL

Cheapest Laptops

2008-01-05T01:50:00.000-05:00

Dell has the Inspiron 1525 which at $499.00 is the cheapest and most affordable laptop I could find on their website. Cnet has not reviewed the computer as of yet.

HP offers the Compaq Presario C700T notebook computer for the starting price of $449.99, again no review yet by cnet as this laptop has just been released.

Both these laptops are customizable and offer good deals for the budget conscious consumer looking for a school or home office computer.

Looking for a cheap laptop? How's $200 sound?

2007-08-22T23:31:00.000-04:00

These days, laptops come in three flavors: ultra-thin, average all around, and ultra-powerful. Hitting either extreme, whether you're looking for maximum portability or performance, will typically hit your wallet pretty hard as well. Electronics purveyor Asus is looking to shake up that perception with its "Eee" line. The three E's evidently stand for easy to learn, easy to work, and easy to play. It looks like Asus might add easy on the wallet, too.

According to a forum post on EeeUser.com, Asus wants to have two of its inexpensive laptops out toward the end of this year. For somewhere between $250-$400, you'll be able to tote around a laptop with a dinky 7-inch display, 512 MB of RAM, a small internal flash drive and Wi-Fi. It looks like buyers will have the ability to upgrade certain components for a bit more money, like springing for a larger hard drive or a more powerful battery. The EeePC's specs might make it sound a bit weak, but they should be easy to lug around — Asus plans for the Eee notebooks to be around an inch thick or less, and weigh about two pounds.

Unfortunately for us in the U.S.A., it looks like the drool-worthy price of $200 will only be slapped on an Eee laptop variant sold overseas. A super-cheap, super-portable laptop would be a dream come true for those of us who don't want to lug around our lap-crushing work notebooks every time we take a trip.

Cheap laptops for poor children programme runs into problems

2007-04-28T20:04:00.000-04:00

he One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) programme that aims to provide an innovative portable computer to poor children around the world is running into difficulties that have forced major changes to the initiative.

The small computers, which were originally meant to run on an open-source operating system and sell for $100 each, will now also run a version of Microsoft's Windows operating system and cost $175 each, Fortune magazine reported Friday.

The Fortune report quoted project creator Nicholas Negroponte as saying he had still not succeeded in landing the three million orders for OLPC that were needed to get production started, prompting a new strategy to also market the laptops to state governments in the US.

"We need to trigger a supply chain for three million units to get started, and need a few large agreements to kick it off," Negroponte said.

He said the project was now "at the most critical stage of its life", but he remained optimistic about its prospects, adding that new countries, including Peru and Russia, have inquired about taking part. He said he was hopeful that the price would drop to $100 per unit once sufficient volume was reached.

In addition, the rising cost of materials - in particular nickel, was responsible for the increased price of the machine. The rollout had also been pushed back because of changes in the design, which were "not unusual in technology development projects".

The lime-green-and-white devices feature a string pulley to charge its batteries, with a minute of yanking yielding 10 minutes of electricity. The computer relies on flash memory rather than a disk drive, and features a digital video camera, wireless connectivity and Linux open-source operating software tailored for remote regions. The display can switch from colour to black-and-white for viewing in direct sunlight and the computer uses just two watts of power compared to the typical laptop's 30 to 40 watts.

Australian state considers cheap laptops for remote children

2007-03-06T23:00:00.000-05:00

The government in Australia's Northern Territory is considering handing out cheap laptop computers to students in remote areas.

The United Nations 'one laptop-one child' initiative is already underway in Argentina, Rwanda and Pakistan.

The computers cost $US140 and use four watts of power.

This means they can operate on alternative energy, like solar power.

The Northern Territory Department of Education's Gregory Moo says the initiative could help improve the literacy and numeracy skills of Aboriginal children.

"We were fortunate to receive two machines and we've looked at them fairly extensively from a technical point of view," he said.

"I suppose the next step for us is to look at a whole class or a whole school.

"Some of the networking and collaboration features that these machines offer really can't be explored until you have all the children with the device."

Should You Buy a Used Laptop or a Refurbished Laptop

2007-02-12T22:01:00.000-05:00

You may be thinking that you are not able to afford a laptop computer, but perhaps you have not considered a used laptop as an option. A used laptop will afford you the opportunity to own a notebook computer at a price that will not put a huge dent in your wallet. Often you can purchase a gently used name brand laptop at a fraction of the retail cost.

There are many avenues to consider if you are thinking about purchasing a used laptop. You may decide to check your local ads, purchase one off lease, or purchase a refurbished computer. There is no right or wrong answer when deciding which method is best for your purchase; it is really up to you.

However, you may be more comfortable purchasing your used laptop off lease or buying a refurbished one. While there is nothing wrong with finding your laptop through the local newspaper ads, buying one off lease or refurbished may offer you a little more protection.

Whereas you have to deal with an unknown individual if you purchase through a newspaper ad, buying a leased or refurbished used laptop offers a bit more security, as most times you are dealing directly with a company; and it is much easier, most times, to solve potential problems with your purchase when you are dealing with a company.

One company that has a great reputation of offering used laptops is Compaq. You can often purchase a virtually new, used laptop from Compaq for hundreds less than you would spend on a new laptop computer. These used laptops are sold as “refurbished”, which can mean something as minor as a scratch on the cover.

There is no need to be hesitant if you are considering purchasing a used laptop. In most cases, you will find that your laptop will perform just as well as a brand-new computer. And if your used laptop is refurbished, there is a strict set of guidelines that companies must follow when reselling these computers to the general public.

Almost all companies that sell used laptops work extra hard to ensure that their product will perform for the consumer for a long time to come. You should also be sure to check into warranty information for the used laptop that you are considering purchasing. If you take a little care, you should have no problem finding a used laptop that suits your needs.

Brenda has used many laptops, and has a nice list of used laptops and refurbished laptops and information on how to get free laptops.

Cheap Laptops-Buy This Marvellous Piece Of Technology For Less

2007-01-16T23:50:00.000-05:00

Desktops are passe. And in case you are still stuck with one, replace it immediately with a more convenient notebook or a slim laptop. Laptops were a luxury item at the time of their introduction, but as it happens with every technologically inspired product, they too became a necessity with the passage of time. Today, you wouldn’t be surprised to find every other kid in the block proudly boasting about or displaying his own. It is no longer just a luxury or a necessity, it is a device to be proudly owned and flaunted!

Laptops are such marvellous pieces of technology that they have taken the whole world by storm. Advancements are being made in it with each passing day and every new innovation becomes outdated even before it actually becomes known to the world. Prices of laptop too keep fluctuating with the latest ones being atrociously expensive and the precedent models immediately coming within your reach. Various factors that determine the price of any cheap laptop are its brand, model and configuration. Always keep your usage and purpose in mind before going in for the laptop of your choice.

Laptops, no doubt, are expensive commodities. But with the advent of e-shops and Cashback portals, they are now well within the grasp of common man. Web offers cheap new laptops under various schemes at prices that are much lower than the high street. Plus, you also receive additional gifts and incentives in the form of cashback that such portals offer to their members. All in all, it’s the customer who gains the maximum out of the whole bargain. This exciting and innovative piece of technology is up there for grabs…click your mouse and it can be yours forever!

Adam Jaylin is the incharge of Internet Marketing division at UK Online Market.

Discount Laptops

2007-01-16T23:49:00.002-05:00

Buying discount laptops is one of the means of saving hundreds of dollars needed to buy a new laptop. Generally, laptops are expensive, sometimes two times more than that of a desktop PC and are not affordable for most low budget people. For those who are looking for a cheap laptop PC with same functions of an advanced laptop, a discount laptop is the best solution. Discount laptops are cheap, smaller in size, and very suitable for business travelers and executives.

Promotional exposures, secondhand or outdated, and operational faults are the major reasons for selling laptops at a discounted price. A laptop manufacturing industry requires a comparatively large investment; so the discount on new laptops is a part of their promotional endorsement of leading manufacturers. Sometimes discount is offered as seasonal reductions. Discount from a secondary manufacturer or supplier is not ideal. Purchasing a discount laptop is also not a good idea if you are not familiar with the quality and the reputation of goods that a supplier is selling. Most of these sellers sell laptops which may be refurbished, reconditioned, or not work at all. So, the purchaser should careful while selecting a discount laptop.

To promote the sales rate and clear out the old stocks, computer manufactures and suppliers sell laptops with discounts. Launching of a new laptop technology will dramatically reduce the price of older versions; hence one can purchase these at discount rates. You can purchase a good discount laptop at less than $1000. Selecting laptops with only those features that you need will save you many dollars. Purchasing from secondhand sellers also help you to get good discount laptops.

There are many ways to purchase discount laptops. You can purchase discount laptops directly from manufacturers or from retailers. Shopping through these suppliers is an ideal option to get a notebook PC within a budget. Another source for getting discount laptops is online shopping.

Some retailers offer after-sale service for discount laptops, while online merchants will not offer services after the sale.

Top 10 Laptops

2007-01-16T23:49:00.001-05:00

Laptop computers, also called notebook computers, are functionally similar to the desktop computers. Today, laptops are mainly used by almost all computer professionals and business people.

Leading manufacturers introduce new versions each year. So finding the top 10 laptops from this wide spectrum of the computer world is quite difficult. Some of the latest laptops available are Gateway NX850XL, Toshiba Qosmio G35, Toshiba Satellite M65, Sony VAIO VGN-TX670P, HP Compaq Presario V5000Z, Dell XPS M170, ThinkPad T60, HP Compaq nx6110, MacBook Pro, and ThinkPad X41 Tablet.

Gateway NX850XL is a best home desktop-replacement laptop. This series is noted for high performance, bright and sharp display, and top-speed components. Mostly come with 17-inch display, this type of laptops are generally called as "consumer line of laptops." The laptops come with high-end graphics card, external TV tuner, and latest Intel Core Duo processors. The body is comparatively large and which has wide space to accommodate 10-key numeric keypad and speakers.

Toshiba Qosmio G35 is the best tricked-out multimedia laptop. This state-of-the-art machine has set features of crisp display, A/V controls, built-in TV tuner, and latest audio controls. Double-layer DVD burner is an added facility.

Sony VAIO VGN-TX670P is a latest ultra portable laptop specifically designed for business purposes. Features include long life battery, best multimedia controls, and double-layer DVD burner. HP Compaq Presario V5000Z is a good performance laptop available at a low price. This attractive system has double-layer optical drive and multi-format media-card reader.

Dell XPS M170 is a high performance laptop with features such as top shelf processor and graphics engine, and good multimedia facilities. This model is the slimmest and fastest gaming machines in the laptop industry.

ThinkPad T60 is a thin, light weight laptop series with strong security features. It features state-of-the-art internal and external support with a full range of network connections and top-shelf performance.

HP Compaq nx6110 is light weight, inexpensive laptop for small business. Well labeled ports and slots, long life battery, premium Pentium M processor, and 40GB hard drive provide comprehensive support for your business work. MacBook Pro, well known for its design, is one of the powerful laptops from the Apple. Two models are available in this category.

Toshiba Satellite M65, popularly known as the most colorful laptop, is a midsize, reasonable price laptop with excellent multimedia support, double-layer DVD burner, best speakers, mobile performance, and long battery life.

Best Laptops

2007-01-16T23:47:00.000-05:00

Best laptops are quality keeping notebooks that have the state-of-the-art technical features to cater for your business, educational, and entertainment needs. The best laptop for a user means a laptop with a good design, reliability in function, affordable to the budget, and easy to use. It assists him with a wide range of technical support to cater for his specific needs.

To withstand the competition and rapid changes in the laptop industry, manufacturers have introduced new laptops or advanced versions in each intervals. Today, the demand for laptops is fast growing. As the demand increased, the number of available models also increased. So, the user should be careful while selecting a laptop. Reviews on laptops help you to select the best in the market. Individuals can approach the Internet, which provide you with laptop models with configuration, price range, and rating.

The best laptops are well known for their innovative performances and durability. These are calculated using a number of tips related to the functionality of PCs. Screen size, portability, speed, upgradeability, memory, batteries, hard drives, hardware, and price are the major factors to determine whether a laptop is best or not. Even though laptops with different screen sizes and resolutions are available, the best notebooks feature wide screens with great resolution for good picture quality. For best gaming laptops, the minimum screen size is 15.4 inches and resolution is either XGA (1024 by 768 dots) or SXGA (1280 x 1024 dots). A best laptop is comfortable for your business meetings and trips.

Speed is another major consideration while searching for a best laptop. A high- speed processor offers the best performance. Laptops generally use memory devices of 128 MB of RAM, 256 MB RAM, or 512 MB of RAM. Laptop with memory size greater than 256 can run applications efficiently regardless of the operation system. For web surfing and occasional typing, laptop with a minimum of 256 MB RAM is used.

Best laptops always come with top quality hardware. Batteries are mainly used for supplying power to the laptop. Lithium batteries are long-life batteries. Standard DVD/floppy drives are used for best performance. Laptops cost much more than desktop computers. But compared to the functionalities, this price rate is not big.

Laptops provides detailed information on Laptops, Cheap Laptops, Used Laptops, Refurbished Laptops and more. Laptops is affiliated with Laptop Hinge Repair.

Cheap laptops to revolutionize software

2007-01-05T02:16:00.000-05:00

Forget windows, folders and boxes that pop up with text. When students in Thailand, Libya and other developing countries get their $150 (U.S.) computers from the One Laptop Per Child project this year, their experience will be unlike anything on standard PCs.

For most of these children the XO machine, as it's called, likely will be the first computer they've ever used. Because the students have no expectations for what PCs should be like, the laptop's creators started from scratch in designing a user interface they figured would be intuitive for children.

The result is as unusual as — but possibly even riskier than — other much-debated aspects of the machine, such as its economics and distinctive hand-pulled mechanism for charging its battery. (XO has been known as the $100 laptop because of the ultra-low cost its creators eventually hope to achieve through mass production.)

For example, students who turn on the small green-and-white computers will be greeted by a basic home screen with a stick-figure icon at the centre, surrounded by a white ring. The entire desktop has a black frame with more icons.

This runic setup signifies the student at the middle. The ring contains programs the student is running, which can be launched by clicking the appropriate icon in the black frame.

When the student opts to view the entire "neighbourhood" — the XO's preferred term instead of "desktop" — other stick figures in different colours might appear on the screen. Those indicate schoolmates who are nearby, as detected by the computers' built-in wireless networking capability.

Moving the PC's cursor over the classmates' icons will pull up their names or photos. With further clicks the students can chat with each other or collaborate on things — an art project, say, or a music program on the computer, which has built-in speakers.

The design partly reflects a clever attempt to get the most from the machine's limited horsepower. To keep costs and power demands low, XO uses a slim version of the Linux operating system, a 366-megahertz processor from Advanced Micro Devices Inc. and no hard disk drive. Instead it has 512 megabytes of flash memory, plus USB 2.0 ports where more storage could be attached.

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How about cheap laptops for 14.98?

2006-12-10T21:59:00.000-05:00

Just found out that stephon marbury new sneakers starbury just sold it's 3 millionth sneaker. Wow! How about a laptop for that price?

According to Cnet, the top ranked budget laptop is the Toshiba Satellite P105-S6024.

It's priced at 914 dollars though?

Cnet's other top picks:

HP Pavilion dv2000t

HP Pavilion dv6000t (Core 2 Duo)

Toshiba Satellite A105-S4074

Averatec 3360

Cheap laptop for poor kids ships

2006-11-25T15:25:00.000-05:00

A non-profit organisation, One Laptop per Child, has shipped a laptop that will retail for less than a $100, aimed at making computers as a learning tool available to poor children.

The first laptops, made for poor children in developing countries, were showed to the US State Department recently, reports The Inquirer.

Although the laptop is currently selling at $125 a pop, Nicholas Negroponte of the MIT Media Lab — who founded One Laptop per Child — hopes that the price will drop to a $100 by 2008.

According to The Inquirer, 900 units will be manufactured early in 2007, which will be distributed amongst software developers to create applications for it, after which the computers will be mass-produced.

The project is not without its share of criticism though, reports the International Herald Tribune. These range from environmental concerns, to the tech community doubting whether a computer can be made for a $100.

The computers will also be undergoing stringent testing during the next couple of weeks: "We have to test, test, test this machine under conditions of extreme cold, extreme heat, mud, dust, jungle and daily abuse by kids," Negroponte told the International Herald Tribune.

The project also rattled the tech community, as a low-cost computer will probably need to run on free — or almost free — software, introducing millions of children to the world of open source software.

Source: cooltech.iafrica.com

Buy A Laptop Computer Online Securely And Get The Best Deals

2006-11-14T22:28:00.000-05:00

Cheap Laptops

There is a reason the internet is still working and growing at a rapid rate. It is simply the best place to get a great deal on just about everything. You can buy a laptop computer online and easily save 25% to 60% off retail price. How can this be? Online companies do not have the overhead a regular store has, thus passing the savings onto the consumer!

Thanks to ever advancing technology buying online is safer than ever. Websites install encrypting security technology to help assure a privacy safe transaction. The information given from the consumer to the merchant is scrambled, so no one can read it. On secure websites you will notice a little "lock" in the lower right side of the screen. Another clue if a website is secure, upon ordering the URL address will start with "https//". This is a reassurance to consumers that the site is secure.

Choosing which laptop PC to buy online is a whole other subject. It is best to stay with the companies with proven technology such as IBM, Dell, HP, Toshiba and the other big name brands. These companies have the best reputations for producing great notebook computers.

The best part about shopping online is how easy it is to view all the products without having to go from store to store. Wasting gas and time and energy. Through the internet, it is also very easy to buy. Most e-commerce sites accept many forms of payment. Major credit cards and even Paypal. This too assures a secure purchase because they also have security techniques in place to prevent fraud.

One of the best reasons to buy a laptop computer online remains the deal. Typical computer users update equipment about once every two years because of the ever changing technical world. This could get expensive, but what they know more than the average consumer is buying online is cheaper. A lot cheaper.

Many options are open to the PC user when it comes to purchasing a new notebook. One could buy a new notebook PC, or to save even more money buying refurbished laptops is a great alternative. Computers can be reconditioned fairly easily with great success. Used laptops are brought back to original working condition by replacing, or repairing old parts. This is very popular because laptops really can last a long time with few problems.

No matter what PC is best for you, an excellent cost saving option for purchasing mobile computers is to buy online. Get the best deal and save time and energy while doing it.

Online Crazy Deals is a safe shopping site offering the best in computer and mobile technology.

Beware cheap laptops, say police after $100,000 raid

2006-11-10T13:37:00.000-05:00

Police in Christchurch are warning people not to be tempted by offers of cheap laptop computers after a $100,000 burglary in the city.

More than 50 Hewlett Packard and Compaq computers, together with printers monitors and other computer gear disappeared from a suburban warehouse early on Labour Day, police said today.

A small white flat deck Isuzu truck was taken from the Addington distribution warehouse and used to make several trips removing the gear, Detective Sergeant Todd Hamilton, of Christchurch police, said.

The truck was recovered several kilometres away in Harewood the following day, October 24.

Mr Hamilton said the value of the stolen equipment was "getting close to $100,000".

Police wanted to hear from anyone who noticed suspicious activity in the Addington area on Labour Day or had noticed the movements of the Isuzu truck.

Mr Hamilton said the large number of computers taken in the raid "have to go somewhere" and police wanted to hear from anyone who was being offered cut-rate laptops.

People buying items for "considerably less than the going rate" were liable to be charged with receiving, he said.

If police seized items as stolen goods, purchasers were unlikely to get them back and would lose their money.

Lame Duck Or Mobile Jack-of-all-trades: Cheap Laptops

2006-09-26T23:21:00.000-04:00

A simple search on Internet price comparison engines turns them up: new laptops available for as little as 600 dollars. But what is the consumer getting for that price - a high- tech PC for general use or a lame duck that will barely live out the season?

"Laptops in the entry-level class for 600 to 800 dollars are best used as advanced typewriters or for surfing the Internet - but not for daily mobile use," says Thomas Rau from the Munich-based magazine PC-Welt. His opinion is based not least upon the fact that their heavy weight of around three kilogrammes makes them uninviting for constant carrying.

These low-priced portable computers are most likely to please buyers who do not expect extreme performance out of them: "Normal users can - at least in terms of processing power - bring home a plain laptop without any concerns," says Michael Wolf from the German consumer testing organization Stiftung Warentest in Berlin. "The only ones who need the processing power found in expensive laptops are those who play very quick 3D games or who want to do special applications like professional video or picture editing or hard disc recording."

Affordable and expensive laptops perform differently because of the components used inside: the most important differences involve the processor, the main memory, and the size of the hard drive, explains Alexander Brand, product manager at Hewlett-Packard (HP). The software is another way to differentiate between the chaff and the wheat. The cheaper devices often offer Microsoft Windows XP Home as an operating system, whereas the higher price class tends to offer XP Professional.

No new laptop should have less than 512 megabytes (MB) of RAM, feels Michael Wolf from Stiftung Warentest. Double that amount is called for if videos are to be edited. The hard drive should hold at least 40 gigabytes (GB), says Thomas Rau.

The most important difference between the laptop price classes can be seen in the CPU and graphics processors. Expensive units work with Pentium M or dual core chips, while cheaper devices use slower chips like the Intel Celeron or the AMD Sempron. "They have a lower processing speed of 1.7 to 1.8 gigahertz, but not all of the energy saving functions," says Thomas Rau. That old nugget about energy- guzzling desktop processors being built into cheaper laptops has not been the case for a few years now, however, the expert reports.

A quick graphics card - essential for 3D action games - can only be found in significantly more expensive laptops. "The cheapest often have only simply graphics solutions, but for current office and multimedia applications that's quite acceptable," explains Michael Wolf.

Another cost factor is the size and quality of the monitor. The bigger, the more expensive, the rule of thumb goes. Fifteen inches is standard for entry-level devices. "A laptop of that type can be placed on a writing desk or held under your arm," Wolf says. Mobile computers in the 800-dollar class are less well suited for "computer aided field work," however: a display must be very bright and be of high quality to provide good images outside in summer.

Those who intend to use the laptop frequently on the road should consider buying a light subnotebook with a 12 inch screen, Wolf recommends. "Subnotebooks or notebooks with a particularly low weight are typically found in the upper price classes, however," says Alexander Brand from HP. Miniaturization costs money.

One stumbling block in the evaluation of laptop power is the battery. The customer is often working blind here, since the data provided by manufacturers is not always to be trusted: "There are scores of laptops that can't even make two hours under realistic conditions," recounts Michael Wolf of his experience with laptops. If the manufacturers list the battery life at 2 hours, then the risk is high that the actual figure isn't long enough to watch a video DVD.

The influence of the processor on the battery life amounts to maximally 15 to 20 per cent, says Thomas Rau. "If you turn down the brightness or turn off the WLAN, you can save more energy than with a thrifty processor."

By Arnd Petry,

$10 laptops for children?

2006-09-26T23:20:00.000-04:00

If MIT's Nicholas Negroponte can try and sell laptops to children at $100, Indians are aspiring to better him many times and sell similar laptops at an unbelievable price of $10, or Rs 450 each.

Having rejected Negroponte's offer of $100 (the real price was coming to $200) for children of less developed countries, HRD and telecom ministry officials and experts from IITs and Indian Institute of Science met last week to devise a roadmap for the indigenous laptop.

One official who attended the meeting said: " No one had any doubt about the feasibility of the project. Everyone is enthusiastic and wants a quick rollout. But we have given ourselves three years before the first $10 laptop comes out."

When the $100/laptop proposal had come in April, Ashok Jhunjhunwala of IIT, Chennai, had not only pointed out various problems relating to cost and technology but also offered to devise a much cheaper but equally advanced computer for schoolchildren.

As a first step, the meeting identified critical challenge areas and set up six anchor groups which would be in touch with experts in these critical areas and remove bottlenecks.

Institutions like IITs/IISc have been identified as anchor institutions for the project and entrusted with the task of research and development of cheap laptops.

The critical area that needs to be stressed is creating a low cost device which works towards digital literacy for all. Explaining digital literacy, one official said: "We are working on the premise that if illiterates can handle television and other electronic equipment, why not computers?"

The other critical area is training of mothers. "If the mother is trained, the entire family can become computer literate," the official said. The final critical area relates to standardisation of content and methods for vetting it. Officials working on the project say cheap laptops would mean nothing without a good bandwidth connection.

The Breakthrough for Laptops Came in 1983

2006-08-21T00:17:00.001-04:00

When the first personal computer arrived, people were in awe. Suddenly they had a computer as powerful as a huge mainframe that could sit on their desk, or in their home. It was an amazing feeling. Little did those people know, however, that something even more remarkable was soon to happen – they’d be able to pick that computer up and carry it with them.

The first laptops were not so much portable as they were ‘luggable’ – you could get them from one place to another, but only just, and you probably wouldn’t want one on your lap, which was why they weren’t know as laptops yet. These computers were quite common in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s.

The real breakthrough for laptops came in 1983. This was the year when the first PC-compatible laptop, the Compaq Portable, was released and also the year when the term ‘laptop’ was first coined by the makers of the Gavilan SC, the first such computer to run on batteries alone. The first real commercial breakthrough, the TRS-80 Model 100 (Tandy 100), came that same year, thanks to its low price.

Since then, laptops have had a considerable presence in the PC market. IBM started cranking out laptops from 1986, and Toshiba followed in 1987. By 1989, Apple was making the first portable Macs.

In 1991, Apple’s Powerbook introduced the laptop layout that is universal today – the keyboard at the top, mouse trackball at the bottom, with room to rest your wrists. The design was quickly copied by IBM for its ThinkPad range, and then by other laptop manufacturers after that.

Since then, improvements have been mostly incremental, but two things stand out. The introduction of Windows 95 in 1995 made laptop power management much simpler, allowing them to standby and hibernate in a standardised manner. The addition of lithium batteries has also been a turning point, allowing laptops to hold a much longer charge than they used to be able to.

John Gibb is the owner of Laptop resources
For more information on Laptops check out http://www.laptop-computer-sources4u.info

Cheap Laptops

A Buyer's Guide to Laptops

2006-08-21T00:17:00.000-04:00

When you’re buying a laptop, it can be difficult to know what to look for. Most people have bought a desktop system before, but the number of first-time laptop owners is growing every year, and the configuration of laptops is different in many notable ways.

In laptops, one of the most vital things to look for is a long battery life. Don’t trust what the manufacturer says – look for objective, independent tests instead. A laptop is just about useless if its battery lasts a few hours, unless you only plan to use it in places where there’s a power outlet to plug it into.

Another very important factor is the laptop’s weight. If your laptop is too heavy, then it’ll end up just sitting on your desk, acting as an overpriced desktop system, or perhaps breaking your shoulders when you try to carry it around. It is far better to sacrifice a little speed for a lighter weight – trust me on this one.

An often-ignored factor that is well worth paying attention to is the build quality of your laptop. Laptops are expensive, so it’s tempting to just get the cheapest one you can find, but it’s enormously frustrating when the case starts to crack, the keys start to fall off the keyboard, the system starts to overheat, and so on. It’s just not worth it to buy a badly-built laptop, no matter how cheap it might be.

While wireless networking technology isn’t unique to laptops, it is much more important in laptops than it is in other computers. If you are buying a laptop now, you’re almost certainly going to want to use it with a wireless network some time over the next few years, and you should choose a system that makes this as painless as possible, or you’ll regret it at some point.

John Gibb is the owner of Laptop resources
For more information on Laptops check out http://www.laptop-computer-sources4u.info

Cheap Chips Cut Laptop Prices

2006-08-03T22:46:00.000-04:00

The price war between Intel and Advanced Micro Devices cut the average price of a laptop by 18 percent compared with last year and led to mixed results for the semiconductor industry, according to a report released Thursday.

The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) reported that worldwide sales of semiconductors totaled $19.6 billion in June, a more than 9 percent increase from June 2005.

The June sales figures brought the second-quarter 2006 sales total to $58.9 billion, but that represented a slight decrease of 0.3 percent from the first quarter of this year. However, it was still 9.4 percent better than the second quarter of 2005.

All the same, the SIA had been predicting a 2 percent rise in the second quarter over the first quarter, so the slight drop-off was unexpected.

“The results are a little bit mixed, but overall we think we are solidly on track to have a record high year,” said Anne Craib, director of international trade and government affairs at the SIA. “Q2 was not what we anticipated, but it was a very small decrease.”

Continued

Cheap Laptops

Cheap laptop desk

2006-08-03T22:44:00.000-04:00

Cheap Laptops For Cash-Strapped College Students

2006-07-26T00:51:00.000-04:00

Finding a cheap laptop for college is an easy task. Laptop prices have fallen steadily over the last couple of years as marketplace competition heats up and production costs come down. You can now get a laptop for under $400.

But you must proceed with caution -- as that old expression on ancient maps stated: Here There Be Monsters!

For you just don't want any old cheap laptop; you want a high quality machine that will offer good performance and won't go kapoots half way through the semester. You want a laptop that can accomplish all those student assignments and easily handle all those MP3 and movie downloads! In other words, the laptop you buy must be able to get the job done.

You want a quality laptop that's relatively small and lightweight; yet sturdy and shock proof. You will need a laptop with a good comfortable keyboard for typing up all those assignments. You may have to purchase a tablet notebook if you need a laptop for a lot of note-taking in class.

If you're buying a used or refurbished laptop you should have it checked out by a Laptop Technician or if this is not practical, bring along a friend who knows computers or laptops -- there's a computer geek in every crowd.

Finding a top quality laptop at a bargain price may take some work on your part so here are some suggestions to make your job easier:

Try Your Friends and Neighbors

First, check around with your friends, neighbors and colleagues -- many may have good quality laptops to sell or even give you! Why? Many people constantly upgrade to the latest laptop technology -- Intel and AMD have just introduced laptops with Duo or Dual Core processors and many laptop enthusiasts are dishing their old perfectly good laptops for the newer faster sexier models. (Why does that sound so familiar!)

So check around, you may be able to purchase a good second hand laptop for next to nothing. Or in exchange for work (lawn mowing, yard work...) or services (baby sitting, shopping...) offered over the summer.

Try eBay

Perhaps, the cheapest high quality laptops can be found on eBay. But again, you must check out carefully both the product and the seller. Make sure you do your homework and thoroughly check out the laptops before you buy. Make sure you don't end up with a useless monster!

Try A Refurbished Laptop

You can save a bundle by buying a refurbished laptop directly from the major Laptop Manufacturers. These laptops offer very good quality at much cheaper prices. So check around for a refurbished laptop.

Try Online Bargain Stores Such as Buy.com

You may want to check out the many bargain online stores or super sites such as BestBuy.com, TigerDirect.com, Buy.com and the countless others. These stores may also offer refurbished laptops, but keep your eyes open for those monsters.

Try Amazon

Don't forget Amazon, they now sell new and used laptops at some very competitive prices. If you have any rich uncles or aunts (relatives) tell them you have an Amazon Wishlist... place a wish for a good laptop at the top. Hey, don't laugh - it happens!

Try Dell Coupons And Rebates

Recently, Dell, HP and a few other laptop makers have come out with $400 laptops after rebates or coupons. These are usually level entry laptops but may be perfectly fine for students.

Don't Forget To Haggle

If you're buying a laptop from a favorite vendor or store -- always ask for a discount or bargain. Many times haggling will get you a better price or some nice upgrades with a few extras thrown in. No harm in trying.

And Keep Those Eyes Open

Purchasing a good quality cheap student laptop can be done if you try some of the places listed above. If you're on a very strict budget, most college students are, you can save a lot money by shopping around and using the advice given here. Just keep in mind, as you open your purse or wallet to buy that bargain student laptop, keep your eyes peeled for any monsters that may be lurking around.

For more information on Buying Notebooks and Laptops at
Bargain Prices Click Here: Cheap Laptops
Copyright © 2005 Titus Hoskins Internet Marketing Tools
This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.

Cheap Laptop

Cheap laptop desk - Cheap Laptops

2006-07-16T22:51:00.000-04:00

If you’re the observant type, you may have noticed that over the past couple years, fewer and fewer computer manufacturers are calling their portable models “laptops.” In fact, if you look at Apple’s MacBook and MacBook Pro Web pages, you won’t find the word laptop anywhere; instead, you’ll find frequent usage of the term notebook. Why is this? Most in the industry agree that it’s because today’s portable computers run so hot that actually using them on your lap can be not only uncomfortable, but downright dangerous, especially for men. If you’ve used a recent laptop—er, notebook—you surely understand the concern. (Apple goes so far as to warn users of their latest notebooks: Do not leave the bottom of the computer in contact with your lap or any surface of your body for extended periods. Prolonged contact with your body could cause discomfort and potentially a burn. Yikes!) To be fair, such temperatures are largely unavoidable given today’s technology and market: Consumers demand ever-more powerful processors, and such processors produce lots of heat; in a laptop enclosure, the heat doesn’t have anywhere to go. But acknowledging this fact doesn’t make your lap feel any cooler.

Yet over the past weekend—a blessedly long one here in the U.S., thanks to our 4th of July holiday—I spent a good deal of time with my MacBook Pro on my lap: In addition to arranging a few family photo albums in iPhoto and catching up on some email, I used the laptop around the house to update our home inventory for insurance purposes. And I did all this without a bit of discomfort from heat. How? Through the magic of a lapdesk. No, I’m not talking about the fancy contraptions with “ergonomic” shapes, neoprene cushions, and laptop-specific designs that sell for as much as $150. I’m talking about the same kind of lapdesk I used as a kid to fill in crossword puzzles in the car and do homework on the couch. The one with a thin wood or plastic top and a fabric “beanbag” bottom. The one I picked up at Target for $9.99.

Continued

Fujitsu C1410 is a business laptop on the cheap

2006-07-16T22:50:00.000-04:00

Large corporations are usually quick to pony up the dough to get their top executives the best portable computing solution possible. After all, to stay on top of the game, you need to stay connected with a beefy machine, right? Well, if your expense account is running a little thin, you can still hang with the big boys and their spec sheets, because Fujitsu is releasing the business-minded C1410 notebook with your budget in mind.

Prices start at under $1200 for the barebones unit, with options for all those cool features you're used to seeing on higher end laptops. Want to go Core Duo? No problem. Want plenty of RAM? How's up to 2 gigs of DDR2 sound?

Other key features include a hard drive of up to 100GB, built-in WiFi and Bluetooth 2.0, and a good-sized 15.4-inch XGA display. While it's just a touch on the porky side at 6.6 pounds, the Fujitsu C1410 is said to offer a long 11 hours of battery life. Pretty good for 1200 smackaroos.

Source: www.mobilemag.com

Samsung Gives In to Cheap Laptop Trend

2006-07-04T23:35:00.000-04:00

Samsung Electronics, in line with a general strategy, has for the longest time focused on the high-end laptop market, but under pressure from market developments it is starting to move into cheap notebooks after all. The market has grown fast since the beginning of this year, with experts saying Samsung decided to keep up to protect its market share. Major competitors Apple, Sony, and Dell are introducing their own low-end models and heating up competition in laptops priced under W1 million (US $1,000).
Staring from this week, Samsung is selling laptops at a factory price of W999,000, a staffer said Thursday -- the first time the company has deigned to go below W1 million. Competitors have eroded much of its laptop market share with low-priced but improved laptops. The domestic notebook market has posted more than 20 percent growth a year, but Samsung’s share has slid from 50 percent in its heyday to 30 percent this year.

Continued

Which Laptop Is for You? Cheap Laptops

2006-06-26T23:57:00.000-04:00

Review: eWEEK Labs' evaluations of some of the latest laptop computers find that there's a machine for just about everyone.

During the last six months, eWEEK Labs has evaluated several new laptops. With the introduction of dual-core processors, we've found that the new systems represent a higher level of capability and performance.

Our overall favorite among the current crop is the Lenovo ThinkPad X60s, which we honored with an eWEEK Labs' Analyst's Choice award for its performance, battery life and portability.

But among this latest group of laptops, there's something to like for just about everyone. Need a system that's relatively cheap but powerful? Then go with the Dell D620. Want to be the envy of all your colleagues? Then go with Sony's slick Vaio SZ 160. Looking for a portable widescreen format? Try the Lenovo 3000 v100. Want a cost-effective laptop with excellent battery life? Consider the Gateway M465. How about a laptop with an AMD processor and 64-bit capabilities? Check out HP's nx6325.

Source: http://www.thechannelinsider.com

Cheap Laptops under $1000

2006-06-19T23:12:00.000-04:00

According to Cnet and Cnet.com the following are the top rated laptops for under a thousand dollars.

Cheap Laptops :

HP Pavilion dv5000z Turion 64 (2.2GHz)
With the Pavilion dv5000z series, HP delivers a well-designed and versatile multimedia laptop that starts at a highly affordable price point.

Apple MacBook (13-inch, 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo)
With the MacBook, Apple has corrected a handful of the iBook's shortcomings, hit a reasonable price point, and delivered a laptop that makes a great compromise between size and portability.

Dell Inspiron E1505
The Dell Inspiron E1505 makes a good basic home or small-business laptop and has a solid set of multimedia capabilities, though comparable models can be found at slightly lower price points.

HP Pavilion dv8000
In addition to a pleasing design, a good basic set of multimedia features, and solid performance, the HP Pavilion dv8000 has a competitive price that undercuts much of the competition.

Lenovo 3000 N100
In addition to a set of features and connections suitable for the small-business user, the Lenovo 3000 N100 delivers strong components and performance at a competitive price.

Gateway NX500X
Gateway's affordable NX500X proves that you don't have to spend an exorbitant amount of money to get a respectably configured notebook.

All very good laptops for the money! Enjoy your budget Laptop!

Vietnam companies launch cheap laptops

2006-06-06T01:28:00.000-04:00

Thuy Linh (Hanoi), Hue Electronics (Thua Thien Hue), TH Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa), Dac Nhan (Dong Nai), Viet Quang (Ho Chi Minh city) and Can Tho University’s informatics centre together launched two models of the computer, SW1 and S26.

The SW1 comes with an Intel 1.66 GHz CPU, 80 GB HDD, 512 MB DDRAM, Combo Disk, and wireless and costs US$1,050.

The S26 is more stylish and has a 40 GB HDD, Combo disk, and wireless capability.

It costs $990 for a Centrino 1.7 GHz CPU, and $840 for a Celeron M1.5Ghz CPU.

The new product is 20-30% cheaper than others with the same configuration in Vietnam.

The V-Open will offer maintenance service in

Continued

Cheap Laptops

VoodooPC's new and cheap laptop?

2006-06-06T01:26:00.000-04:00

VoodooPC is known for making highly prestigious computers, which characterize in high quality, and great performance. Unfortunately these computers also come with a downfall, their price. Well this may change fairly soon, considering that VoodooPC is now offering their new Envy u:734 laptop at a new and “affordable” price. Now don’t get me wrong, this laptop is amazing. It features a bunch of nice things, like a sweet processor and a large display, but the word “affordable” obviously has a different meaning in their eyes. Now before I get to the price lets discuss the hardware in more detail.

To start out, the laptop is available in a multitude of colors ranging from white, to pink, to pearl white. Aside from that, VoodooPC laptops also come with a custom “tattoo” on the lid for added effect, which makes it look very nice.

Continued

Cheap Laptop

World cup win? Cheap Laptops for all!

2006-05-19T22:57:00.000-04:00

Toshiba is offering 66% off its notebooks – as long as Becks and co do the business in Germany.

If sheer national pride wasn’t enough, there’s now another reason to hope that Sven can guide England to victory in the World Cup – you might just pick up a bargain laptop.

Toshiba, being the footie tournament’s “official IT partner”, has said that anyone who buys one of its Intel Centrino Duo laptops will get a netbusting 66% rebate in the event of England walking away with the trophy.

“But where’s the inevitable catch?” we hear you cry. And you’d be right – there is one, kind of: you actually have to buy the laptop for full price before the World Cup and then hunker down and root for Becks and the boys. If they don’t win the tournament – which seems increasingly likely given the fact that Peter Crouch may actually be relied upon to score goals – you’ll get a reduction of jack. And we don’t mean Charlton.

So it’s a bit of a gamble really, but if you were planning on buying a Centrino Duo-powered Tosh laptop anyway – say, the lovely Qosmio G30 Media Centre – it’s well worth a punt

Continued

Intel unveils Cheap Laptops to span global 'digital divide'

2006-05-06T23:56:00.000-04:00

The head of the world's largest chipmaker has unveiled a mobile personal computer designed to provide affordable collaborative learning environments for teachers and students around the world.

Paul Otellini, Intel Corp.'s chief executive, said the $400 machines -- code-named "Eduwise" -- will feature built-in wireless and will be able to run Microsoft Corp.'s Windows or the Linux operating system.

Many high-tech companies, including Intel rival Advanced Micro Devices Inc. and Microsoft, have announced similar initiatives in an effort to close the "digital divide" between developed and developing nations.

"What we want to do is accelerate to uncompromised technology for everyone in the world," Otellini said during a demonstration at the World Congress on Information Technology in Austin.

"No one wants to cross the digital divide with yesterday's technology."

The flip-open Eduwise computer, which includes a handle and light blue accents, snaps shut like a purse. Special software lets students in a classroom view presentations, take tests and interact individually with their teachers using a built-in wireless connection.

The cheaper PCs are part of a $1-billion investment by Intel over the next five years to promote the use of computers in schools, cafes and other public spots in developing countries, Otellini said.

The Eduwise machine was designed by Santa Clara, Calif.-based Intel, but will be built by its computer-making customers.

Otellini said the devices should be available next year.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Nicholas Negroponte's nonprofit One Laptop Per Child association hopes to begin providing $100 laptops to millions of children in China, India, Egypt, Brazil, Thailand, Nigeria and Argentina by early 2007.

Tentative designs call for a machine that uses one-10th of the power of conventional laptops, a seven-inch screen and the Linux operating system. The project's partners include Google Inc. and AMD.

In an earlier speech at the conference, Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer said the benefits of the global spread of technology are only starting to be felt.

"What we see going forward over the next five, 10, 15 years is a world of technology that has the potential itself to be even more important than the positive change it has enabled within society in the past 10 years," he said.

"Computers will see, computers will listen, computers will understand. Computers will help the world grow smaller and help people to collaborate in new ways."

On Wednesday, Otellini said Intel had reached a deal with the Mexican government to provide new, low-cost PCs to 300,000 teachers by year's end.

"The federal government of Mexico has made great progress in bringing

Continued

Cheap Laptops

AMD, Intel Keep Planning For Super Cheap PC

2006-05-03T08:52:00.000-04:00

Two of Silicon Valley's biggest technology rivals will promote initiatives this week to grow their global business by providing low-cost computers to developing countries. Intel is announcing it will spend $1 billion to speed up the marketing of inexpensive computers to such emerging markets as such as India, China and Mexico. Its rival, Advanced Micro Devices, is already making bare-bones computers that cost $250 or less.

AMD is also putting its chips into the $100 laptops being developed for the world's low-income children by a non-profit organization started by MIT Media Lab founder Nicholas Negroponte. Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates has criticized the $100 laptops for depriving the poor of some important computer functions. The laptops run the low-cost, open-source Linux operating system, which offers some competition for Microsoft's Windows. But Negroponte has said a $100 laptop could do much the same things as a $1,000 laptop

Continued

Cheap-laptop proponent pushes for launch in 2007

2006-05-01T00:16:00.000-04:00

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor who hopes to give $100 laptops to the world's children dismissed criticisms and said the project could begin Tuesday distributing the computers by early next year.

Nicholas Negroponte, kicking off the LinuxWorld conference in Boston, said he was undeterred by skepticism from two leading forces in computing, Intel Corp. and Microsoft Corp.

"When you have both Intel and Microsoft on your case, you know you're doing something right," Negroponte said, prompting applause from the audience of open-source software devotees.

Negroponte, founder of the One Laptop Per Child nonprofit group, also disclosed a few tweaks to the design of the computers.

One distinctive element of the original design was for a hand crank to provide power to the laptops where there is no electricity. To compensate, the devices are being engineered to use 2 watts of electricity, less than one-tenth of what conventional portable computers typically consume.

Having a hand crank stuck to the device probably would have subjected the machine to too many wrenching forces, so it will now be connected to an electrical adapter. Because the adapter can rest on the ground, the power generator might take the form of a foot pedal rather than a crank.

Negroponte previously had said the devices would have a 7-inch screen. It will save on costs by using the Linux operating system, peer-to-peer wireless connectivity and a 500-megahertz processor, which was top of the line in the late 1990s.

One Laptop Per Child has big-name partners, including search leader Google Inc., chip-maker Advanced Micro Devices Inc., Linux distributor Red Hat Inc., laptop maker Quanta Computer Inc. and News Corp., the media company led by Rupert Murdoch. All have helped finance the project, which Negroponte said has raised $29 million.

However, skeptics have questioned whether the device can meet Negroponte's goal of inspiring huge educational gains in the developing world.

Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates has criticized the computers' design, although many people in the tech world believe he was more irked by the laptops' use of Linux, the free, open-source system that competes with Gates' proprietary Windows systems.

Intel executives, meanwhile, have suggested that Negroponte's laptop is a mere gadget that will lack too many PC functions. Last week, Intel announced its own plans to sell an inexpensive desktop PC in developing countries.

Continued

Why Choose Refurbished Laptops Over New

2006-05-01T00:14:00.000-04:00

First and foremost refurbished laptops have the same quality and performace of a new laptop, but they have one major advantage- cheap price! It's possible to save over half the retail price by buying refurbished. The fact is most people only use a laptop computer for the portability and to operate a few applications. The need for every known piece of technology wrapped up into one high priced mobile computer isn't there anymore.

Refurbished laptops offer the best value for your dollar. Below you can see what refurbished laptops can do for you:

Portability- Take them anywhere. Most refurbished laptops weigh between 5-8lbs. Easily carry them in a backpack, case, or a simple laptop bag. It's like having your desktop computer with you at all times.

Discount Price- Why spend all that extra money on the "latest thing". Technology moves so fast that by the time a new laptop is paid for there is already a new and improved model. Trying to keep up is impossible and not really necessary. Our cheap refurbished laptops are less than 6 months old and have very high quality standards. They also come with advanced mobile technology so you can relax. They will function as new, and will come with today's useful features.

Connect to the World- You can connect to your family, friends, co-workers, business clients and more with ease from anywhere in the world. Getting online is now better than ever. You can connect via Wi Fi, DSL, Cable or dial up. The internet is getting faster and easier to connect to and you'll be able to do it from virtually anywhere!

No Wires- This is the best part about refurbished laptops. If you have a desktop computer at home, or at the office you know it's impossible to take it with you. Wires, the bulky weight, the need for a plug-in outlet just makes desktops too hard to move from place to place. Well, now you don't have to worry about that. Laptop computers are built and specifically designed for maximum portability. Lightweight and no wires make these the best choice for almost everyone.

Take up Less Space- When a desktop computer just isn't feasible, then your best choice possible. Cheap laptops function just like a full size computer, but without the size. The technology is ever advancing and you get the best of both worlds. You get a great computer and when you buy refurbished laptops you get a great price. Perfect for home, dorm, school, office, traveling, the list goes on and on.

Refurbished laptops maybe a little older than a new one, but the savings can be awesome. Compare buying a reconditioned laptop computer to buying a used car. Used cars have all parts replaced that need to be and run just like new, but because they have a few miles on them they cannot be sold as new anymore. Refurbished laptops are the same way.

If you are looking to save money and still get the quality you are looking for consider refurbished laptops.

Online Crazy Deals specializes in mobile computing including new and refurbished laptops. Making your dollar go farther without sacrificing quality is our main goal. To learn more visit http://www.onlinecrazydeals.com .

Discount Laptops - Looking For The Features That Count

2006-04-23T23:36:00.000-04:00

A little over a decade ago, hardly anyone owned a computer. Now, not only are desktop computers standard in any American household, but laptop computers are a relatively new, enduring trend because they are lightweight and portable. Many college students and businesspeople cannot imagine life without a computer notebook! So if you are ready for your laptop computer, here is small tutorial on how to find the discount laptops available.

The first step is to think about what you need from your laptop. This will by no means be the same for everyone. For example, one person may be more concerned with a laptop's wireless connectivity while another might be more concerned with battery life. So, essentially, a laptop user and a laptop must be compatible.

However, there are many factors that determine the performance of a computer and the more of them that you can learn about, the better equipped you will be to shop around. Thus, the second step is to learn what all the technobabble means.

The discount laptops will not only have lots of memory, but they will have many other things going for them as well. A processor determines the speed of the computer, and you should choose a laptop that has more than 1.4 GHz. A laptop's system memory, which establishes how well the computer runs and the number of different user tasks it can handle at once, should be at least 128 MB. But some laptop computer shoppers may want an even higher memory, since memory upgrades on laptop computers are not as easy as those for desktop computers.

Screen size is also important - you will be able to view more information, at a higher resolution, the larger the screen is. But as long as the computer screen is at least 12.1 inches diagonally, you should be okay. Batteries in newer discount laptops are almost always long lasting (3 to 7 hours), but if you can, buy a laptop computer with a lithium ion rechargeable battery.

The hard drive, which basically stores all the data

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Cheap Laptops-Bargain or Bust?

2006-04-19T22:10:00.000-04:00

As computer technology advances you may have noticed the number of cheap laptops available out there for you to consider for your wireless needs. Two ways to get cheap laptops at an inexpensive price is to purchase a used or a refurbished model. Cheap laptops can be a great bargain for certain individuals who need a laptop, but don’t want to pay the high prices that some of the more high-tech models sport. There are some things that you should consider when looking at cheap laptops that will keep you from buying something that will not serve you well.

Refurbished Laptop VS. Used Laptop

Refurbished means the computer has been used for 1 day to 3 months and then returned to the store for various reasons. The store or manufacturer cannot resell it as new, so they offer it as a refurbished model. If necessary it is repaired to factory specifications. This is a great way to find cheap laptops, because usually there is some type of warranty attached as well. A used computer, on the other hand, is offered “as is” and has not been repaired to any specifications unless the seller indicates that it has.

Memory

When looking at cheap laptops, first think and assess your laptop needs. Are a student who needs basic word processing? Then it may not be necessary for you look at cheap laptops that have a great deal of memory. You can find cheap laptops with a great deal of memory if that is what you are looking for, but you will have to pay more. Most laptops of any price will usually have at least 128 MB of memory to run the programs available today.

Upgradeable?

Older laptop computer models are oftentimes harder to upgrade than newer models. By researching, you will be able to find newer computers at a cheaper price. It is important for you to take the time to research through computer magazines, online, and ask professional opinions on the laptop you are interested to make sure there are compatible parts.

Price

Laptops are generally about twice the cost of desktop models with the same features, you are paying for the convenience of being able to take your computer with you wherever you go. To find out if the price you are being offered for cheap laptops is fair, you can check online and see how much they are selling for on other sites and dealers. Remember that a brand-new laptop that is farther down the line in features may be not as good as some of the refurbished cheap laptops that are at the top of the line and at the same price.

By Margarette Tustle. Read more helpful information about laptops plus more laptop resources at dnalaptop.com

Dell offers two dual-core laptops for under $1000

2006-04-19T22:09:00.000-04:00

Dual core is all the rave, and anyone who has gotten the chance to use a dual core system has probably fallen in love. Dual core laptops are an entirely different beast, and for the most part don't fall under the category of “cheap”. Dell is looking to attack the low-cost notebook market with dual core to change that, offering a $999 dual-core laptop. The Inspiron E1705 and the Latitude D620 are both now offered for under that, with the Latitude available for a mere $899 with the Core Duo T2300. The notebooks aren't “meager”, and while certainly won't be winning any performance contests, having portable dual-core available at this cost is quite nice. Likely, other vendors will follow suit, and since Intel originally committed to offering dual-core for a similar price as single-core, in just a few months we may see this quite often.

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Used cheap laptops - Buyer Beware

2006-04-19T22:06:00.000-04:00

If you were going to buy a used car, you would take a look at the engine, check to see how many miles it had been driven, look for any dents and probably you would ask the owner why they were selling it, what problems it has had in the past, and how it has been renovated over the years. Just like you would do a background check on a used car, if you are thinking of buying a used laptop, you need to know what it has been through.

You can save a lot of money by purchasing a used laptop, but a computer's history is a lot more elusive than a car's. A refurbished laptop computer is one that was sold to a customer but sent back to the manufacturer because of problems, and finally fixed in a factory to be sent back to a store to be resold. Used cheap laptops are different than this and they are rarely accompanied with a warranty.

Used cheap laptops are a risky investment - maybe someone simply ditched their laptop because they no longer had any need for it or wanted to upgrade to another brand out of curiosity or personal preference. In this case, their secondhand laptop will be a really cheap, worthy buy (assuming the particular laptop is what the consumer wants). Unfortunately, many used cheap laptops may simply be defective and no matter how inexpensive they are, there is no reason to buy them only to encounter problems later and be forced to replace it.

Communication with a store employee or the previous owner of the laptop is the only way to ensure that you buy a reliable, used computer. Ask questions about why it's being resold; if you feel you are not getting an honest answer or that you receive a hostile reaction, move onto your next option!

John Ducharne takes you by the hand when it comes to purchasing a discount laptop online. Get the ins and out of discount laptops and make an intelligent buying decision today.

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A Low Priced Laptop That Runs on Core Duo Technology!

2006-03-21T07:04:00.000-05:00

Choosing the perfect laptop is a difficult, nearly impossible task. A lot of people tend to settle for a laptop that is in their price range, regardless of specs, or included features. This is on the whole, a huge mistake. A lot of budget laptops cut corners, while other similar priced notebooks offer plenty to any consumer. It’s all a matter of knowing which computer to buy, and unfortunately unknowledgeable “newbs” are constantly getting screwed over. The new MPC TransPort T1300 Core Duo laptop is somewhere in the middle of all this, offering a low price tag, and some pretty decent specs.

Initially, things seem very nice with this laptop package. It’s powered by the very popular Core Duo technology, and comes preinstalled with XP Home Edition. The screen is a 14” widescreen display that is very impressive for a low priced laptop. The good side of things spread over to the 40 GB HD, which is another surprisingly powerful addition to the laptop. MPC also throws in a CD-RW burner, and Bluetooth support, which are both above-average features. Unfortunately, this is where the good news ends. The T1300 doesn’t feature WiFi support, which is an immediate turn off for a lot of people. Perhaps the biggest sin here lies in the amount of RAM included. The T1300 comes built in with a disappointing 256 MB of RAM, which will obviously heavily limit what is playable on the computer. Fortunately, the RAM can be upgraded, so you won’t be stuck in the 256 MB age forever. At $1,249, the computer actually seems to make up for its shortcomings, and will appeal to a broad audience.

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How to Buy a Cheap Laptop Computer

2006-01-29T20:40:00.000-05:00

When planning to buy a cheap laptop computer, you need to consider factors that go well beyond performance and memory. You need to consider many factors like size, weight, screen dimensions, battery life, keyboard quality, built-in memory, and also certain other options like wireless connectivity.

Let us now consider some key features you need to consider when buying your laptop.

•Processor: Choosing the right processor is a very important task because the processor determines how quickly a laptop can run applications and perform on-screen tasks. Don’t settle for anything less than 1.4 GHz. This is enough for everyday work-word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail etc. Pentium M processors are good for this purpose. These processors are fast and allow for long battery life.

•System memory: The more memory your laptop has, the more applications you can run at once and the better your laptop will perform. Do not settle for anything less than 128 MB. However note that upgrading memory in laptops is not as easy as in the case of desktop computers.

•Screen size: The size of a laptop’s LCD screen is quoted as a diagonal measurement. The larger the screen, the higher the maximum resolution and the more information you can view at once. For cheap laptops, choosing a 12.1 inches screen is a good option.

•Battery: Thanks to the Pentium M processors. Laptops now have very good battery life when compared to the old ones. Battery life in the units equipped with these chips range roughly from 3 to 7 hours. Choosing a lithium ion rechargeable battery is a good option.

•Hard drive: The larger the hard drive, the more data you can keep on your laptop. For a cheap laptop, it is better to choose hard drives with 20GB or 40GB capacity depending on the usage.

•Keyboard: Laptop keyboards are quite different from the keyboards we use with the desktop computers. The keys are quite small and closely packed. Get hands-on with the laptop keyboard before you actually buy it.

•Pointing device: Opt for a touchpad or pointing stick built into the laptop. This is much more useful than connecting a mouse via a USB port.

•Optical drives: Many manufacturers offer laptops with re-writable DVD drives. However for a budget laptop, a single CD-RW drive is more than sufficient.

•USB ports: Two USB ports are enough for a budget laptop. If you need much more ports, you can always use an external USB hub. A hub usually consists of four or more USB ports and connects to one of your laptop’s USB ports.

•Weight: Your laptop should weigh anywhere between 4 and 10 pounds. If you still want to reduce weight, use can use external floppy and CD drives.

•Communications: Do not opt for serial ports, PS/2 ports and infrared ports as they are becoming rare. Opt for a built-in Ethernet instead.

You’ll probably spend a lot of time with your new laptop. Therefore research a lot before buying any particular brand. Check for user’s stories, consumer opinions, reviews and more. This will help you to get your dream laptop at a low cost.

Robert Scheer
researches and writes about laptop
and notebook computers for http://www.best-cheap-laptops.com

Europe overtakes US as top PC market

2006-01-19T20:41:00.000-05:00

Global shipments of personal computers rose 15.3 percent in 2005 with Dell (Nasdaq:DELL - news) extending its lead over Hewlett-Packard (NYSE:HPQ - news) and Europe overtaking the United States as the largest market, a survey showed on Thursday.

Worldwide sales of personal computers (PCs) rose to 218.5 million units in 2005 from 189.5 million in 2004, according to preliminary data from market research group Gartner.

Shipments in Europe, Middle East and Africa grew 17.1 percent to 72.7 million units, overtaking the United States which grew 7.5 percent to 67 million. In 2004, the United States still slightly exceeded Europe, both regions taking about 62 million units.

The fastest growth in 2005 was in Asia Pacific and Latin America where units sales increased 26 percent to 42.8 million and 14.7 million respectively.

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Dell boss: 'No $100 laptops and no AMD deal'

2006-01-18T20:43:00.000-05:00

The UK head of Dell has said the company has no plans to be drawn into the game of producing cut-price 'no frills' computers.

He also told a select group of journalists that there is no 'done deal' with AMD over the use of its chips in Dell kit, despite rumours to that effect late last week.

Josh Claman, UK head of Dell, said: "I wish I'd invested in AMD stock before the rumour came out."

He added: "As far as I'm aware Dell has not put out any statement about AMD," repeating that it is still little more than a rumour.

Explaining what constitutes an official statement, Claman said analysts and the media have been reading far too much into Michael Dell's assertion when speaking at the Consumer Electronics Show that an AMD deal is "a distinct possibility".

Claman said: "He'd probably have said that last year, or even two years ago," adding that Dell has been in constant discussion with AMD over the past few years and would 'never say never' to a deal with AMD.

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Low-End Laptops Any Good?

2006-01-15T20:44:00.000-05:00

It’s a fair question, and something a lot of people are probably asking. Ken Colburn of Data Doctors helps Dean, who writes:

Are the notebooks (computers) that some companies are selling in the $400-$500 range worth pushing and shoving over or ordering online, sight unseen?

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Apple prepares to launch low-cost laptop and cheap iPod

2006-01-10T20:46:00.000-05:00

APPLE, the US computing and consumer electronics giant, is to launch a low-cost laptop. Company founder and chief executive Steve Jobs hopes to be able to unveil the device this week in San Francisco along with a new low-cost iPod and some other surprises.

As revealed by The Business last year, Apple has been working to develop a low-cost laptop to encourage consumers using Apple iPod music players to buy its computers.

Despite recent legal attempts by Apple to silence US-based website ThinkSecret, which has been predicting the imminent launch of a cheap laptop, US analysts believe Apple plans to unveil a new laptop this week. Apple has taken ThinkSecret to court with allegations that recent postings on its site outlining planned Apple products revealed trade secrets.

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