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.

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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.