Acers Mini Laptops

The Acer Aspire One is a 8.9" notebook with a starting price that is aimed to undercut nearly all the current market competitors. The base Aspire One, which includes an 8GB SSD and Linux starts at $329, which is far under anything else that has the Intel Atom processor. The big question running through everyone's minds is if this model is built like a budget computer, or if it has what it takes to go up against some models that sell for nearly double the retail price. In this review we cover all aspects of the Acer Aspire One, and let you know if this is a notebook you should consider purchasing.

Toshiba U505-S2980 Gets in Touch With Multitouch

Satellite U505-S2980 Review, by Dustin Sklavos, PC World November 24, 2009

The Toshiba U505-S2980's main gimmick is a multitouch touchscreen. Outside of that, it is, for the most part, a decent laptop, even above average in many ways. But that one gimmick is the root of my issues with this 13-inch notebook--and helps raise its cost to a somewhat pricey $1050 (as of 11/24/09).

Because the panel is a touchscreen, the U505-S2980 suffers from grainy picture quality. This exacerbates a more basic problem of the screen just being dim. Viewing angles and backlighting are all right--the hinge actually sets the screen to the perfect angle when the unit is fully open--but the screen is really not bright enough. What you wind up with is a display that's made too many compromises for an idea that just doesn't work in practice. (In all fairness the touchscreen variant of the Lenovo ThinkPad T400s and the Dell Latitude TX2 were also a little dim--it's not something unique to Toshiba).

I suspect Toshiba wants you to use the touchscreen more than anything else, but I'm just not sold. The 13-inch screen runs at a resolution of 1280 by 800 pixels, far too fine for a proper touch interface without a stylus. Sure, you can up the font size, but it grossly reduces usable space on an already cramped resolution. Multitouch also seems silly, given how awkward it is to reach forward and manipulate the bundled multitouch application when the notebook is upright. That bundled app--software for posting notes and images like a blackboard--is in itself quite cute, but hardly practical. That said, with the touchscreen, it's a breeze to zoom in and out of images or Websites. And if you want to do some on-screen doodling in something like Photoshop, you can.

If the screen is problematic, the good news is that the mousing touchpad is pretty stellar (though a bit small), offering up multitouch capability, too. So if the using the display via touch turns you off, at least you have a reliable alternative.

Now if Toshiba could just get the keyboard part down. The glossy, flat-surfaced, backlit keyboard is a pain. The cheap plastic used for it squeaks and squeals when you slide your fingertips across it, and it's just not comfortable to use. But the touch-sensitive buttons above the keyboard are nice, and the visual styling with the white LED backlighting is really beautiful and a welcome change from the world of blue LEDs elsewhere in the market. Another user might find the keyboard style to their liking, but to me it remains a gaudy reminder of Toshiba's over-glossed yesteryear.

The performance of the U505 is pretty reasonable--though it's hardly a speed demon--but the now-standard 4GB of DDR2 comes coupled with a meaty 500GB hard drive, which is virtually top of the line for capacity in modern notebook drives. The 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 processor isn't going to win any awards, but backed with 4GB of DDR2 RAM and that big hard drive, it scores an 87 in WorldBench 6. That's more than adequate for general use. The Intel integrated graphics preclude any real gaming performance, but high-definition media playback worked very well, with no stutters or hiccups.

The trade-off for that performance is reduced battery life--you get 3.5 hours if you're lucky. The average for an all-purpose machine is about 4 hours, 14 minutes.

The speakers on the body below the screen fare at least a little better. Though still tinny as notebook speakers are wont to be, they at least make some effort made to produce at the low end, and you get plenty of volume. At 60 percent volume the speakers are plenty loud enough for either video or music.

I find myself quite liking the overall look of the unit, even though it is a little bulbous for a 13-inch laptop (it measures 12.5- by 9.1- by 1.5-inches and weighs 4.7 pounds). A pleasing texture to the lid and the inside (similar to what we saw on the NB205 line) give a modern, toughened style and a comfortable texture for the palm rest.

The U505-S2980 is very firm, with no creaks or flexing in the chassis. Port selection is excellent, with three USB ports (one of which is a combo e-SATA port), along with VGA- and HDMI-video outputs, speaker and mic jacks, gigabit ethernet, and even an olde-tyme modem port. You'll also find an ExpressCard slot, plus an SD/MMC card reader on the front. These connections are very nicely placed, too, with two of the USB ports near the front. And finally, hats off to employing a slot-loading DVD drive instead of the flimsy tray-loading ones more commonly found in laptops.

Though I find a lot to like about the U505, it's ironic that the main selling point is also what's holding this laptop back--the touchscreen. A user's experience with a notebook is often going to depend chiefly on the keyboard and the screen--the two most direct ways of interacting with it. You can fit all the hardware you want under the hood, but if these two don't hold up their end of the bargain, people aren't going to want to use it. The touchscreen is a cute gimmick whose poor visual quality unfortunately brings the whole thing down a peg.

Samsung N110 Netbook – Price,Specs

The new the Samsung N110 is an updated version to the popular Samsung NC10. It’s about the same size and shape as its predecessor, but the case has rounded corners and the screen is glossy. Samsung also claims that the 6 cell battery is good for up to 9.5 hours, which is about two hours longer than the NC10.

The new Samsung N110 Netbook features :

* Processor:1.6-GHz Intel Atom N270
* RAM(Memory):1GB (up to 2GB)
* Hard Drive : 160GB,5400rpm SATA
* Display :10.2-inch,1024×600 Resolution
* Graphics Card :Intel GMA 945 with 128MB Video Memory
* Wi-Fi 802.11b/g
* Bluetooth : Bluetooth 2.0
* Operating System :Windows XP Home
* Ports: Ethernet,Headphone,Microphone,VGA,3 USB Ports
* Card Slots/Readers:3-1 card reader
* Warranty :One-year limited/24/7 toll-free phone
* Size :10.3 x 7.3 x 1.2 inches

Price:The new Samsung N110 Netbook will cost around US$469

What's the Best Super Portable Laptop Under $500?

A reader writes: I've decided to get a secondary computer and want to keep it cheap -- but there are so many netbooks and low-priced notebooks on the market that I don't know where to start. I want something reasonably powerful and comfortable to work with. Just tell me what to get!

Dearest Reader: You're hardly alone in your confusion. While the netbook is red-hot this year and being touted as the "next great thing," new processors from Intel -- dubbed CULV for Consumer Ultra Low Voltage -- have brought ultra-slim, fully featured notebooks, with all-day battery life, down to the same price as a good netbook. Plenty of decent options are available for under $500, but you'd be hard pressed to find a deal that tops Toshiba's T-115, packed with two gigabytes of memory and 250 gigabytes of storage.

What separates the T-115 from a similarly priced netbook is its power. Rather than running Intel's Atom processor, which is adequate for light use (but buckles under even moderately demanding tasks), the T-115 relies on the Celeron, meaning you're able to have multiple windows open without lag and watch YouTube videos stutter-free. Also, if you aren't an inordinate multi-tasker, the T-115 can run for seven hours or more -- significantly longer than most netbooks. (The Web site boasts a nine-hour plus battery life, but that's under ideal -- not real world -- conditions.)

Just as importantly, the T-115s aren't cramped. A netbook with a 9-inch or 10-inch screen sounds good when you don't want to lug around a heavy machine all day -- but the price of that portability often translates to a cramped keyboard, typo-infused work, and sore hands. The touchpad is spacious, allowing you to navigate the screen without having to pick up your hand as you move the cursor around (as you often have to do on smaller models).

The T-115 has an 11.6-inch screen that delivers crisp colors and dark blacks powered by an integrated Intel graphics chip, supporting 32-bit Windows 7. It doesn't come with a DVD drive (though, you can opt for one), so you'll need a USB add-on to watch a film or rip it to your hard drive.

It's not a perfect machine, but most of the complaints are minor. Fingerprints are noticeable and the lack of Bluetooth is somewhat annoying. The most aggravating factor, though, is the bar under the touchpad, which is less responsive than one would expect.

It's worth noting that if processor speed is your most important configuration, Acer's Aspire 1410 is in the same price range and clocks a bit faster. The new, low price of the stylishly rugged Samsung Go makes it an attractive, lightweight, low-power option as well. And there are certainly $250-to-$300 options available if you're just looking for a system to use occasionally. But if you're looking for a good overall package, the T-115 line is your best choice.

The new MacBook Pro family.

High performance now comes in three sizes: 13-inch, 15-inch, and 17-inch.
The new MacBook Pro brings precision engineering and advanced technology to everyone.




13-inch. Starts at $1199 15-inch Starts at $1699. 17-inch. Starts at $2499

Prevent Your Computer from Being Hacked

Today more and more people are using their computer for everything from education to online bank accounts. It would be great if there were no risk online, but there are! Hackers are a major problem when it comes to your personal computer files, follow these steps to make sure your safe!

Step 1...Always make backups of your files and folders and store them in a separate place than your computer.
Step 2....Make sure you have a good firewall. This will prevent worms, Trojan viruses and spy ware from infecting your system. Some applications require that you disable your firewall, so use good judgement.
Step3...Review your browser and email setting for security. Make sure to constantly erase your "cookies" folder. Cookies pose almost no threat for damaging computers however; they do track your daily actions online. Set your "internet zone" for high and your "trusted sites" for medium low security.
Step 4....Watch out for Active-X and JavaScript files as hackers can plant viruses and other harmful elements in your programs.
Step 5...Install some kind of anti virus software and make sure to set it for automatic updates. New viruses are found everyday, so make sure you update regularly.
Step 6...Don't open unknown email attachments, many of these contain viruses and allow hackers to get into your system.
Step 7...Turn off your computer and disconnect from the internet. Hackers can't get into your system if your computer is off.
Step 8...Only run and download programs from places you trust. Never send these files to friends and co-workers due to the high virus risks.

How to prevent your PC from being infected with spyware

The following is a list of tips on how NOT to get a virus on your PC. These are just tips that I have learned over the past few years from helping family and friends with computer troubleshooting.


1)Do not go to adult sites: This is, in my opinion, one of the easiest and quickest ways to get a virus or spyware.

2) Do not use P2P sites (like Kazaaa or Limewire); For 2 reasons, its illegal and it's the easiest way for some idiot to post a file called music.wma which may actually be a virus after you download it. Don't take any chances, stay away from P2P sites.-
3) Install a browser toolbar with a pop-up blocker: Although some web browsers have built-in pop blockers, its an added benefit to install a 2nd one because somehow, some pop-ups still get through.

4) Install anti-virus software: This is obvious, but so many people ignore it. If money is an issue, then just use AVG which is free. I use it on one of my PCs and it works great. It is not memory intensive and it scans daily in the background. If you were going to purchase one, stick with Norton. I've used them for over 5 yrs (3 different PCs) and rarely did I have any issues.

5) Keep antivirus software up to date: Another obvious one. What good is anti-virus software if its outdated? If you purchased your Anti-virus software, make sure to renew it each time it expires.


6) Use a hardware firewall like a Linksys router: Never connect your PC or laptop directly to the DSL or cable modem! This is like leaving the front door to your house unlocked. Hackers attempt all day long to break into computers, don't make it easy for them. Purchase a router. It will hide your PC from the Internet and then at least the hackers will have to attempt to hack through the router first (yes, this does happen to but unless the hacker is a pro, it will not happen).

7) If your PC is Microsoft Windows based, use the built-in Windows XP/Vista firewall.Besides having a router as stated above, this is the next best option as it still blocks most things by default.


8) Use Windows Defender or Ad-Aware from Lavasoft to keep spyware/malware away: Ad-Aware is the best spyware remover that I have used. I use it at work and at home. There are multiple versions but the free version has always worked fine.

Following the above general tips should help you continue to stay virus and spyware free.

Phillips redefines Web-Camera’s with Wireless Spider Cam

When you think about a web camera the first thing strikes your mind is a black round dot glaring at you embedded inside a round or cube like box having a wire at its back which connects the thing with the PC. Braking the current trend, Phillips has redefined the way that webcams exist currently with their new monster-spider shaped camera.

They have launched a spider shaped camera which is having no wires. The camera connects to the PC via Bluetooth 2.0 This camera can be tilted to adjust the camera angles. It has a weird shape like the monsters we see in sci-fi movies who try to destroy the earth. Fortunately, this thing just looks like it but does not have a destructive mind. It is bundled with a USB Bluetooth 2.0 dongle, though you can use your inbuilt or other Bluetooth adapters also.




The camera is made up of ABS and Polypropylene and stands on its three balanced legs. This high-definition camera is light-weight and is surely for those who love to show around their house while on a video call. As seen in the picture above it is having a green light below the camera which indicates whether the camera is on or off. The upper portion of camera is flexible which makes it easy to adjust the position of camera, which is a major problem with the current cameras. The wireless freedom experienced with this camera, sounds good but it may be limited to just 10 meters from the PC as the Bluetooth quality drops with increasing distance.

Not much info about cost and the real specs are currently available about the camera but the concept is really good and unique, now lets see if it works out in market or not.

Learning and Teaching Information Technology
Computer Skills in Context



There is clear and widespread agreement among the public and educators that all students need to be proficient computer users or "computer literate." However, while districts are spending a great deal of money on technology, there seems to be only a vague notion of what computer literacy really means. Can the student who operates a computer well enough to play a game, send e-mail or surf the Web be considered computer literate? Will a student who uses computers in school only for running tutorials or an integrated learning system have the skills necessary to survive in our society? Will the ability to do basic word processing be sufficient for students entering the workplace or post-secondary education?

Clearly not. In too many schools, teachers and students still use computers only as the equivalent of expensive flash cards, electronic worksheets, or as little more than a typewriter. The productivity side of computer use in the general content area curriculum is neglected or grossly underdeveloped (Moursund, 1995).

Recent publications by educational associations are advocating for a more meaningful use of technology in schools (ISTE, 2000). Educational technologists are clearly describing what students should know and be able to do with technology. They are advocating integrating computer skills into the content areas, proclaiming that computer skills should not be taught in isolation and that separate "computer classes" do not really help students learn to apply computer skills in meaningful ways. There is increasing recognition that the end result of computer literacy is not knowing how to operate computers, but to use technology as a tool for organization, communication, research, and problem solving. This is an important shift in approach and emphasis.

Moving from teaching isolated technology skills to an integrated approach is an important step that takes a great deal of planning and effort. Fortunately, we have a model for doing so. Over the past 25 years, library media professionals have worked hard to move from teaching isolated "library skills" to teaching integrated "information skills." They found that information skills can be integrated effectively when the skills (1) directly relate to the content area curriculum and to classroom assignments, and (2) are tied together in a logical and systematic information process model.

Schools seeking to move from isolated information technology skills instruction will also need to focus on both of these requirements. Successful integrated information skills programs are designed around collaborative projects jointly planned and taught by teachers and library media professionals. Information technology skills instruction can and should be imbedded in such a curriculum. Library media specialists, computer teachers, and classroom teachers need to work together to develop units and lessons that will include both technology skills, information skills, and content-area curriculum outcomes.

A meaningful, unified information technology literacy curriculum must be more than a "laundry list" of isolated skills, such as knowing the parts of the computer, writing drafts and final products with a word processor, and searching for information using the World Wide Web.

While these specific skills are important for students to learn, the "laundry list" approach does not provide an adequate model for students to transfer and apply skills from situation to situation. These curricula address the "how" of computer use, but rarely the "when" or "why." Students may learn isolated skills and tools, but they would still lack an understanding of how those various skills fit together to solve problems and complete tasks. Students need to be able to use computers and other technologies flexibly, creatively and purposefully. All learners should be able to recognize what they need to accomplish, determine whether a computer will help them to do so, and then be able to use the computer as part of the process of accomplishing their task. Individual computer skills take on a new meaning when they are integrated within this type of information problem-solving process, and students develop true "information technology literacy" because they have genuinely applied various information technology skills as part of the learning process.

The curriculum outlined on pages 2-3 of this ERIC Digest, "Technology Skills for Information Problem Solving," demonstrates how technology literacy skills can fit within an information literacy skills context (American Association of School Librarians, 1998). The baseline information literacy context is the Big6 process (see sidebar and Eisenberg & Berkowitz, 1988, 1992, 1999, 2000). The various technology skills are adapted from the International Society for Technology in Education's National Educational Technology Standards for Students (2000) and the Mankato Schools Information Literacy Curriculum Guideline. Students might reasonably be expected to authentically demonstrate these basic computer skills before graduation.

Some technology literacy competencies that may be relevant in some situations include: (1) knowing the basic operation, terminology, and maintenance of equipment, (2) knowing how to use computer-assisted instructional programs, (3) having knowledge of the impact of technology on careers, society, and culture (as a direct instructional objective), and (4) computer programming.

Defining and describing technology skills is only a first step in assuring all our children become proficient information and technology users. A teacher-supported scope and sequence of skills, well designed projects, and effective assessments are also critical. Equally essential is collaboration among classroom teachers, teacher librarians, and technology teachers in order to present students with a unified and integrated approach to ensure that all children master the skills they will need to thrive in an information rich future (Eisenberg & Lowe, 1999).
(Regards: http:ibraryinstruction.com/info-tech.html)

Apple MacBook Air

The most desirable, most portable, best-designed laptop on the market. It's exceptionally thin, 19mm at its thickest point. It's pleasingly light (1.3kg) and has a large, bright screen. It's not cheap and the processor could be faster, but it's tremendous, thanks to a comfortable keyboard and large trackpad to guide the cursor. Plus, like all Apple Macs now, it includes Boot Camp software so you can Instal Windows on this machine, too, if you must. The Mac operating system, though, is more intuitive and accessible. Comes with a regular 120GB hard drive, though a pricier option with a 128GB flash drive is also available.

Where Apple (0800 783 4846; www.apple.com/uk)