Saturday, March 31, 2007

Refurbished Dell Laptops Review

Dell has a full line of refurbished laptops on their website, Dell.com. Once you are on their website look for “Outlet Refurbished Laptops.” There you will find a full range of well-liked models that run just as reliably as a new machine – for hundreds of dollars less than you would pay for new versions. This is because Dell refurbished laptops are inspected for “good-as-new” quality. The only differences are the red label on the bottom of the unit and a lower price.

Dell’s most popular refurbished laptops are Latitude and Inspiron. The Latitude series of “notebook” computers is no longer manufactured, but is still a great buy for someone looking for an up-to-date machine. Latitude is an apt name for these models: they afford you great freedom in updating, expanding, or otherwise changing the internal workings of the computer. With its black chassis and clean lines, it is a rather “normal” looking computer. It is a middleweight unit, but sized to fit any standard laptop case, along with AC/DC adaptor, mouse, floppy and zip disks, and other accessories. The Dell Latitude C600, CPX, and L400 are the three most popular models in the line.

Up to $300 off any refurbished Latitude™, Inspiron™
or XPS™ notebook computer!


The Inspiron series of notebook computers is still manufactured today, with some modifications. Somewhat older versions are still a great way to meet all your computer needs. Inspirons are not quite as expandable as Latitudes, but, with their jazzy black-and-silver chassis, have a distinctive look. Inspiron laptops are also a bit more inexpensive than Latitudes. Inspiron ranks among the highest performing laptops available, with notably long battery life. The Dell Inspiron 1100 and 1150 are the two most common models in the line of refurbished laptops at Dell.

If you are looking to get the lowest price on a Dell laptop, look for one that uses a Celeron processor instead of an Intel. Celeron is less expensive, and also uses less battery juice, than Intel.
Refurbished Laptops Info provides detailed information on quality, cheap refurbished laptops by manufacturers like Dell, IBM, Toshiba, and HP, as well as refurbished laptop batteries and related products. Refurbished Laptops Info is the sister site of Rack Mount Computers Web.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Max_Bellamy

History of Mobile Computing

Mobile computing has been around a short time; since the 1990s. Since laptops have become mainstream, countless devices have been developed for mobile computing that have taken over the wireless business. This new type of communication is a very powerful tool for both businesses and personal use. Mobile computing is defined as the ability to use technology that is not physically connected to any static network. This actually used to mean radio transmitters that operated on a stable base, usually with the help of large antennas. 2 way radios used by police officers were also considered mobile technology but now, it means people can connect wirelessly to the internet or to a private network almost anywhere. As long as a person has one of the devices capable of wirelessly accessing the internet, they are participating in mobile computing. Chances are, you have done it with a laptop computer or a personal digital assistant or PDA.

Currently, most laptops and personal digital assistants all have wireless cards or Bluetooth interfaces built into them for convenient mobile internet access. Mobile solutions are right under everyone’s nose these days, and connectivity has never been easier. Other common tools for mobile computing include devices like global positioning systems and smart phones like the Cingular Blackberry. Tons of PDA software development has been going on in the past five years simply because companies have been trying hard to make PDA technology more available to the general public. These days, software companies almost make more software for PDAs and smart phones than for actual desktops.

Pocket PCs are another way to expediently access the internet on the fly. Everyone has probably heard of the Palm Pilot. While they were the pioneers of the pocket pc, many other companies such as Dell, HP, and Toshiba have all delved into the market. Pocket PC software has also become much easier to use. Most Palms use the familiar Windows interface, allowing the general public to access the internet via the usual Internet Explorer or other ISPs. Also, people can easily download useful software, including games, Media editing tools, organization tools, and even electronic books.

Mobile computing has evolved from two-way radios that use large antennas to communicate simple messages to three inch personal computers that can do almost everything a regular computer does. People can’t go to their local Starbucks and not see a laptop linked up to a hotspot these days, and mobile computing is still in its baby phase.

Natalie Aranda writes about computers. The fascinating world of mobile computing has only been around since the 1990s. Since then, devices that have been developed for mobile computing have taken over the wireless industry. Mobile solutions are right under everyone’s nose these days, and connectivity has never been easier. Other common tools for mobile computing include devices like global positioning systems and smart phones like the Cingular Blackberry.

Friday, March 23, 2007

Tips For Buying A Toshiba Laptop

You will find many Toshiba laptop reviews on the internet today, however, none of them tackle the all encompassing question of how exactly to choose the right Toshiba Laptop for you? The problem with any Toshiba laptop review is that it is looking at a particular Toshiba laptop such as the Toshiba satellite out of context of the rest of the models. As such, many Toshiba laptops reviews have looked at a laptop in it’s own merits without ever having the opportunity to try other models in the range which may be better.

A laptop is a personal purchase. People have different needs, and what is good for someone may not be the best choice for another. I have seen in more than one Toshiba laptop review mentioning that one laptop is the ‘best’ of the range/series/brand. Such claims are false and cannot ever be substantiated. Why you ask? Because a few years ago I bought a three thousand dollar laptop with all the bells and whistles, but after two months I realized it wasn’t what I wanted. It was way to big for what I needed, and the battery life was way too short, and I just did not want to be bothered using it for its intended purpose, so I bought a new one for half the price. It was so much better, not because of its specs on paper, and not because of what some reviewer had wrote about it, but because it was what I needed. So instead of listening to what is said in a Toshiba Laptop review, listen to yourself for once!

As most people know, Toshiba has been making quality notebooks/laptops for many years and this will continue, but rest assured that if you are buying one now, it will last you quite a few years. Technology is not moving as fast as you think it is. By all means read some Toshiba Laptop reviews, you should be educated, but don’t rely entirely on what someone else says. When choosing one model in opposition to another just keep in mind what you plan to use it for. Toshiba Laptop Reviews can only tell you so much, more important is your needs, your intuition and your idea of quality (which Toshiba is renowned for).



Jane has written for many tech blogs for the last 5 years, writing about computers, technology and reviewing a range of IT and tech products. She has a love of computers and runs a blog on laptop reviews: Laptop Buyer
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_MacKenzie

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Laptop Shutting Down By Itself with Vista?

Lately, many people have been complaining that there computer has been shutting down on it’s own. Now I don’t know if it has to do with Vista but I thought it could be related since Vista takes up a large amount of memory. A laptop that overheats will shut itself off to prevent damage and injury of the user. Another culprit of this problem may also be with your hardware but that’s another story and requires a deeper analysis of your laptop.

The Symptoms of Your Computer

If you notice that your laptop is shutting off on its own, you might have to think about the vents and cooling components of your computer. Also, if you use your computer on your lap, it is more likely to overheat because it is harder for vents to work against your legs and pants. On a hard surface, there is more ventilation. When your laptop does shut down is it very warm? This is a sign that overheating is the problem in your situation.

Solving the Problem

It is not 100% certain that overheating is your laptops problem but if it is, your in luck. To fix this problem you can pay someone else or you can do it yourself with a can of compressed air. All you need to do is follow these simple instructions found on, http://www.whatlaptop.co.uk/Forums/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=192552. The following are instructions to clean a laptop vent in 3 simple steps:

1) Unscrew each of the screws on the underside of your laptop. Then remove the cover.

2) Now, remove dust and other debris from the vents, fan, and heatsinks. You can also use a toothpick for harder to reach places. make sure not to puncture anything or damage any of the circuitry during the process. Also, refrain from using your fingers because you will leave oils that attract dirt.

3) Take the can of compressed air and shoot it into the vents. One important tip is to place that toothpick you used earlier to keep the fan from spinning by lodging it in between two of the blades. This will prevent them from being damaged while gusts of air push through.
Now, when you turn on your laptop you should see the difference immediately. If your computer continues to shut down, overheating may not have been a problem. For this you must figure some other failure occurred.

George Christodoulou
If you still have problems with your laptop shutting off with Vista,please visit, http://download-microsoft-vista.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Christodoulou

Friday, March 09, 2007

Giving a Slow Computer New Vigor!

Nothing is more aggravating then when your computer slows down. To pick the pace back up, you may need to take several differant actions aand have a look at your software.

Ofcourse your computer needs software. It is important to understand that there is a trade off with software. The more it does, the more it demands attention from your CPU. The more of it you upload on to your computer, the more of the demand grows. Most off the shelf computers are pretty weak when it comes to handling the demand. They may have fast CPUs, but it really doesn’t matter if the RAM memory is week.

So lets get started with some basic steps you can take: First, clear out your history on your internet browser. Go to “tools” and then “internet options” on the drop down menu. Now delete the cookies and files. Make sure to check the box to delete offline files, as your browser stores every internet page you have ever looked at. Next, defrag your hard drive. This is done by going to your start menu, then “programs”, then “accessories”, then “system tools”, then “disk defragmenter” or some similar name. If you haven’t defragmented the disk in months, this will really help.

The next step to speed up your software is to work on your registry. The registry is a collection of files associated with the fundamental workings of your computer. When the registry gets out of whack, it is like a car going out of tune. To tune up your registry, there are plenty of “free” programs such as WINASO. You can get a free 30 day trial and do the trick. You will be surprised how much faster your PC will work.

The next step to speeding up your computer is to get rid of programs with big footprints. A footprint is the amount of CPU resources required to run the program. The worst program ever for this is Norton Anti-Virus. Frankly, the programmers for Norton should be ashamed. The program runs when your computer is on and takes up so much space that your computer will run 50 percent slower than it should. It is terrible. Delete this dog if you want any speed at all. Replace it with something like NOD32, a better anti-virus program with a much smaller footprint. You will be amazed how much faster your computer will work.

Finally, take a look at how many programs have you loaded on to your computer? How many of them do you actually use? Go through them in your add/remove programs which can be found in your control panel. Then delete those that are rarely used. This will free up disk space and eliminate any silent running systems that take up your computer resources.

All of these changes can help your PC to start running faster.

Driz Memok is with ComputerRepairServiceBusinesses.com - providing information on computer repairs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Driz_Memok

Monday, March 05, 2007

Buying a Computer with Vista Installed

As we all know, Computer technology changes rapidly. No matter what financial status you may have, you still want that new computer. Sadly, if you’re on a tight budget, you have to consider the decision of buying a new computer because it will have a greater effect on you economically. Since Microsoft(tm) Vista was released, many people are deciding to purchase a new computer because the operating system is out and they needed to upgrade anyway. It’s time to look at vital information for anyone who is in this situation and wonders if a Vista is a reason to make the upgrade today.

It’s all around the news that Vista has had its problems. For example, if you use certain wireless adapters you might be stuck with a computer that can’t be connected to the internet because a patch or update has not been released yet. Many “experts” warn against purchasing a computer with Vista because it has many bugs and compatibility problems. They say everyone should hold off on the switch from XP until an updated version comes out. In addition, many say that Vista takes up entirely too much memory and computer processing capacity. Luckily, anyone who decides to buy a new computer with Vista installed will have enough RAM and other components made perfectly for running Vista. This makes this dilemma void to you.

Glitter and graphics are boasted by all who have seen and experienced Microsoft Vista. This is the main attraction of the software. These features are only in the Home Premium edition of Vista. The basic version has only a few features and the most optically exciting are not present. Buying the software form a store and upgrading a current machine would mean a smaller price tag for purchasing the basic addition. Luckily for anyone buying a whole new machine, they get to experience everything Microsoft has to offer since they usually come with Home Premium installed. The other features also shine through when Vista is spoken about. New entertainment features and improvements on games and other aspects of computer use. With any operating system improvements are inevitable and Vista is no exception.

Now that the information is laid out in a simple format, a decision can be made. Depending on your situation, you can choose to buy a new computer now, and have Vista installed or you can wait and have an updated version included. Actually, some people are saying that Vista will be like the forgotten Windows ME which left as fast as it came in. These days, nobody can wait for the outcome of new technology. If you run an old machine begging to be upgraded, by all means do so; but, if you can wait for the update exercise a little patience. If you are too impulsive, remember computers don’t come cheap to all and you may regret it later. On the other hand, if you can afford the expense; by all means go for the upgrade, have fun, and enjoy.

George Christodoulou
If you still have questions about buying a computer with microsoft Vista installed,please visit, http://download-microsoft-vista.com/ for more information!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Christodoulou

Saturday, March 03, 2007

How A Computer Works

A Basic Guide

Over about the last 20 years, computers have become a very important part of our society. As common as they have become, many people still don’t know how they work.

In this article, we are going to be talking your run of the mill personal computer.

A computer is not what most people think at first. At its root base, it is a machine that organizes numbers. The organization is done pursuant to instructions given to it. This back and forth is done through programs such as Windows. For the programs to work, however, there has to be a basic hardware platform. For your average computer, there are four parts – memory, a control unit, input/output devices and an ALU. Let’s take a closer look.

Memory is perhaps the easiest subject for most people to grasp. After all, even novice users know about memory since it is usually included in the marketing material for computers. But what is memory? It is essentially a collection of tiny mailboxes. A program uses memory by placing numbers representing something in various mailboxes. The combination of numbers produces the desired results when the program runs. The program interprets the information for the CPU which cranks out the result.

The control unit is pivotal. It plays the role of reading the instructions issued by programs. As it reads the instructions, it directs different areas of the computer to take corresponding actions. It is hard to visualize, but basically this is the hub of everything going on.

The ALU is a unique area. ALU stands for arithmetic and logic unit. As the name suggests, it performs arithmetic and logic functions. In this case, we are basically talking about crunching numbers or following code commands to do something. ALU is a complex and confusing area, but this is the basic idea.

Input/Output devices are our fourth area. You can probably guess what these devices are. They are external devices that provide and receive information from the computer. They include things such as your mouse, keyboard, hard drive, printer and so on. As computers have become more complex, these devices often are now found to contain their own computers to process and perform functions. In this way, the average home pc is actually a collection of computers.

All of these sections work together to make a computer do what it does. They are connected through buses, the plastic wrapped flat wires you see in the interior of your computer or simple cords on the outside. As computers evolve, many output/input devices are now connected wirelessly.

Driz Memok is with ComputerRepairServiceBusinesses.com - providing information on computer repairs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Driz_Memok