Select Blu-ray releases under $20
I meant downgrade to XP from Vista, sorry.
by Kaizer_911 - 3/27/08 12:04 PM
Featuring CNET Editor
Dan Ackerman
Sponsored by Intel
Laptops Session has ended.
Missed this live event? No worries! Each Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon PT, we'll give you the chance to chat live with a CNET editor. We'll cover a new topic each week, from cell phones to TVs. Get those burning tech questions ready! Click here for the Ask the Editor Live event calendar.
Latest questions and answers
A: Oh snap!
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 12:04 PMWell, time flies when you're, uh, typing fast... I could do this all day, but The Man wants his Internet back for selling ads or downloading warez or something.
If ya'll tune in next week, our host will be Jasmine France, talking about MP3 players and, uh, stuff.
Rock on...
Q: XP Upgrade
by Kaizer_911 - 3/27/08 12:02 PMIs it worth the trouble to "upgrade" to XP from Vista on a laptop? And what type of problems are likely to occur?
A: No!
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 12:03 PMDon't...ever...upgrade. Buy a fresh new laptop, get Vista, enjoy it, etc., but never, ever upgrade. You might as well just set your laptop on fire.
Q: Multi Room Audio
by alymg - 3/27/08 11:57 AMHi Dan,
After reading tons on your forums it seems like the most economical way of setting-up multi room audio in my home is by purchasing a receiver for my home theatre and using the pre-out to connect to a multi-channel amp to power the other speakers in the house. Do you agree? And if so can you recommend a budget amp under $1,000?
Thanks!
A: I live in a small..
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 12:00 PMManhattan apartment. What is this "multi-room" concept you speak of? It's been many years since I had a separate power amp -- anyone else have a suggestion? Falcone?
Q: Dedicated Graphics Memory
by Kaizer_911 - 3/27/08 11:54 AMI see that more laptops now come with a dedicated graphics card of 256 to 512MB of RAM, BUT when you go and look at the system specs on either the system or the card, Windows still uses some system ram to offset graphics. Why is this? And can it be turned off, because my XP based desktops and laptops dont have this issue using similar cards?
A: That's built into a lot of the chipsets...
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:56 AMand the laptop won't steal system RAM unless it has to. New chipset concepts coming soon to desktops from Nvidia offer more flexibility.
Q: Upgrading HD
by satish_997 - 3/27/08 11:53 AMI have ridiculously small hard drive, only 40GB. What kind of compatibility issues would I have to look at if I were to upgrade to a bigger HD? Interface maybe?
A: Should be fine...
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:55 AMif you can get to the hard drive -- just check the size -- 1.8-inch or 2.5-inch.
Q: Macbook Air + Windows = ?
by Linearly - 3/27/08 11:53 AMHow easy is it to instal and run Windows (either XP or Vista) on a Macbook Air, is it worth doing in the first place and what is performace like ?
(note, i dont have an Air, but an Air + Windows sounds mighty attractive)
A: I like
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:54 AMusing Boot Camp to dual-boot, and the Air is a good candidate. Don't use Parallels -- it runs both OS's simultaneously and will kill your performance.
Q: WiFi diagnostic software ?
by Johnfaughn - 3/27/08 11:50 AMI have a Mac , OS X , ves. 10.4.11
Running Fire Fox , Bon Echo
The problem is that at a couple of my most regular WiFi spots , it seem like the connection is broken , mostly after some time 1/2 hr or longer , but some times I go in and can not get on .
When I click on the internet connect icon on top , some times my location will appear & sometimes not , click on connect it will show a low to no bars on the signal level , many times this is when it will start working again , then sometimes not .
I will ask around to see if others are having same , most of the time , it seems like I am the only one , but some times it seems like others state having the same issues .
Thanks John
What is a good diagnostic soft ware , for checking for some of these mobile problems ?
A: You can get
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:53 AMa Wi-Fi monitoring widget, for Yahoo widgets or a similar platform -- but you might also want to re-install your wifi card drivers, etc.
Q: Does MacBook Pro cause lower sperm count?
by punkdgmr - 3/27/08 11:50 AMI use my MacBook Pro all the time and while at first, the heat that's caused by the machine was quite hot, I got used to it. Now my doc is telling me that I have low sperm count. Might it have something to do with the MacBook Pro?
A: It's Steve Jobs' plan...
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:52 AMto slowly decimate the human population and have the world taken over by the next generation of self-aware iPods.
Q: Upgrading Laptop Components
by satish_997 - 3/27/08 11:49 AMAlthough it would be nice to have the extra $1500 to simply buy a new laptop, I think it would simply be cheaper to get more RAM and a faster CPU. How can I find out what my laptop's motherboard can take without its specification sheet?
Also, I have ridiculously small hard drive, only 40GB. What kind of compatibility issues would I have to look at if I were to upgrade to a bigger HD? Interface maybe?
A: You actually can
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:51 AMupgrade the CPU on a lot of laptops -- but you'll have to check with the manufacturer, or try popping off any user-removable panels -- to find out. A great example if the Gateway P6831FX -- a super-cheap 17-inch with an Nvida 8800 GPU -- but a crappy CPU. For a few hundred bucks you can pop in a new CPU and have a killer gaming rig for around $1,500.
Q: (NT) Toughbook Video=Useful+Funny
by al409 - 3/27/08 11:46 AMQ: Wireless Streaming & Musical Question 4 U
by speedracerx - 3/27/08 11:45 AMDan--
Who makes the best WIRELESS device to send a video file playing on a laptop to a home A/V center?
And even More Importantly:
You were recently featured in a "Letters to CNET" piece where you were asked if you always talk in a "radio personality" voice... In this segment you listed a musical performer that you were listening to. Can recall who was it, and what disc?
THANKS!
A: I'm liking..
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:48 AMthe Logitech Squeezebox Duet, which is pretty easy to set up and use. I was listening to Sergio Mendes, from the excellent "Beat of Brazil" album -- with a lot of the same people (and songs) as the single greatest album of all time, "Getz/Gilberto." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Getz/Gilberto
A: Plug time...
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:46 AMCheck out me abusing a new ToughBook on video...
http://www.cnettv.com/9742-1_53-32548.html
Q: (NT) Will WiMax give laptop users freedom?
by al409 - 3/27/08 11:42 AMQ: OS X vs. Vista
by dabigbabooli - 3/27/08 11:42 AMI've used both but not extensively. Do the extras in OS X really justify the price difference b/w similar notebooks running Vista?
Thanks
A: MackBooks start at $1,099
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:43 AMSo they don't have to cost more -- but your OS choice really depends on personal preference. I love Mac hardware, but could never really get into the OS -- I like right-clicking too much, I guess.
Q: SSD, Future Proofing
by Shabs42 - 3/27/08 11:35 AMIn your opinion, does the upgrade to SSD really justify the cost? I need a new laptop, but not desparately yet; will the cost of SSD drives continue to drop as quickly as they have been?
If I'm looking for a laptop that will last a good four to five years what non-standard features should I be sure to get? It will likely be my main computer and I would prefer easy hook-up to my HDTV, along with being able to play some games successfully. OK, maybe not Crysis, but Spore or Call of Duty would be nice.
A: Now, no...
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:37 AMIt'll take a few years to get bigger, cheaper drives. Right now it's mostly an expensive add-on for bragging rights -- although I'm a fan in general.
Q: Speed up a laptop
by anarghya_mitra - 3/27/08 11:34 AMWhat freeware programs (not antivirus or antispyware)would you recommend for speeding up a sluggish laptop ?
A: I'd spend mroe time
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:36 AMCleaning out your startup folder and your msconfig startup section, so you don't have a bunch of junk running in the background. There's a video we did on that -- http://reviews.cnet.com/Rid_your_PC_of_crapware/4660-10165_7-6756812.html
Q: Laptop DVI out
by diggyz - 3/27/08 11:25 AMWhy don't laptop docking stations support DVI? As a gamer and CAD user, I would like to have my laptop hooked up as a workstation with a large LCD monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc. However as a traveler, I need the flexibility of popping my laptop in and out to be on the go. Any ideas or products on the market that make the grade?
Thanks
A: A lot of them...
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:34 AMconnect via USB, unless they're made for a specific docking port on the laptop, so you have to worry about bandwidth issues.
Q: Samsung Anycall SPH-P9200
by JinvoX - 3/27/08 11:19 AMWould you happen to know when the US is going to get this particular UMPC or at least know of a place that it can be imported? It seems to be the only UMPC that's unique with its tri-fold look, runs XP, makes phone calls, a full size keyboard and is WiMax ready.
A: Samsung has..
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:31 AMA different UMPC coming out soon, but I haven't seen that one yet. The era of the UMPC is kinda over, however, with the new gen of mini-notebooks, which are like $400, while UMPCs are $1,500-$2,500.
Q: Ultraportable
by anarghya_mitra - 3/27/08 11:28 AMWhich ultraportable laptop would you recommend most?
A: My personal fave...
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:29 AMright now is the Toshiba R500 with the SSD drive. It's kinda expensive, and it has a lameish Intel ULV CPU, but with the SSD drive and no optical drive, it's only 1.7LBs.
Q: apple & Blu-ray
by dabigbabooli - 3/27/08 11:25 AMI'm deciding b/w a macbook pro and a Dell XPA laptop. I'm leaning toward the macbook except for the lack of a blu-ray drive. How soon (or at all) do you think it'll take to get a blu-ray drive on a macbook or should I just stick with Dell?
A: Why do you want...
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:28 AMBlu-ray in your laptop? I hear it's coming for Apple, but not anyime soon...
Q: (NT) Does eeePC=Ultraportable- and how much does a laptop have to do to still be a desktop replacement?
by al409 - 3/27/08 11:24 AMA: We call a desktop replacment
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:27 AMAny laptop with a 17-inch or larger screen -- 'cause you'll likely ditch your desktop and use the laptop at home full-time. The Eee is great, but probably not for your main or only PC.
Q: Macbook Vs. Macbook pro
by jakestarnes - 3/27/08 11:21 AMIs the new macbook pro enough of a step up compared to the regular macbook to justify the money?
A: Not unless
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:26 AMYou really need the bigger screen, Express card slot or dedicated graphics.
Q: Previews
by Shabs42 - 3/27/08 11:21 AMI would love to see CNet add a preview section for computers and televisions. In the meantime, is there a good website that lists release dates for all the major brands? Even better if it would lest expected price and features. Thanks a bunch!
A: Not really...
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:25 AM'Cause most new products are not announced before their release date. That's because the companies want to make a big splash, and also control as much of the info out there about their stuff as possible. This is where terms like "embargo" and "NDA" come in (ever wonder why every Web site has a review of some hot new product the day it comes out, but they haven't ever mentioned it before?). Blogs are largely making that irrelevant, which is a good thing.
Q: Size matters
by strider 667 - 3/27/08 11:18 AMDan,
Is there a desirable laptop-type PC, wireless IN-OUTproduct small enough for hotspot trails. Any thing 5x7, or thereabouts. With 90% screen,10% aux,etc. ; and sturdy. I'm looking for the Swiss Army Knife, multi-tool equivalent ?
Thanks
A: You and me both, buddy.
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:23 AMI'll design it, you secure the funding -- deal?
Q: (NT) Macbook vs macbook pro
by jakestarnes - 3/27/08 11:18 AMA: 13 or 15-inches?
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:22 AMI generally think you get almost as much from the cheaper 13-inch than the more expensive 15-inch MBP. The real reasons to trade up are the bigger screen and the Express Card slot. Ok, and the dedicated graphics. But if you don't need those, save some bucks and get a regular black MacBook.
Q: Tablet computing
by Manitook - 3/27/08 11:16 AMIs the full size slate tablet form factor dead, can an apple slate save it?
A: Take a peek
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:19 AMAt my review of the Axiotron ModBook (a 3rd-party Apple slate tablet), and you'll see this isn't really a big mainstream idea. People love reading about tablets -- but I don't know anyone who actually uses one.
Q: Too much heat?
by satish_997 - 3/27/08 11:16 AMMy laptop gets exceedingly hot whenever I use it, and it only has 1.66Ghz Centrino CPU. First off, how hot is too hot when it comes to laptop components such as CPU and HDs? Second, newer laptops seem more and more powerful, but are they still managing to keep cool enough from damaging the components?
I don't want to buy a laptop with the fastest processor and best graphics only for it to slow down due to heat damage.
A: That's a big problem...
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:18 AMI did a whole series on laptop cooling devices last year -- stands and fans, etc. I actually just got some new laptop bags in with some kind of "phase-changing" cooling material in them -- I'll be checking them out next week. Most important -- and I see a lot of people do this -- don't block the vents on your laptop!
Q: Pentium 4 laptops.
by R. Proffitt - 3/27/08 11:12 AMHere I ran into those for years and have declared all of them "a small disaster zone under 10 pounds."
Why didn't anyone do a Monty Python "Run away!"
A: That's why
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:14 AMPeople should read reviews before buying laptops (hopefully my reviews...)
Q: Should a Laptop Drive be dedicated to Programs or Media?
by al409 - 3/27/08 11:10 AMStreaming of media is a working solution- but without a net connection its useless- leaving the user in a very bored state.
But if you decide to store most of your content on a laptop drive- you have less space for non media content- its a truly painful situation to be in with my 160 GB HD
A: True...
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:13 AMYeah, I just up a NAS at home, with all my docs, photos, and media on it (after the cat knocked a glass of wine into my open SFF desktop). So far, so good -- but you have to change your thinking a little. I'll do a longer article on the NAS switchover soon.
Q: nVidia Graphic issues
by Vegaman_Dan - 3/27/08 11:02 AMI'm in a laptop repair group and I'm seeing a high number of system board failures due to GPU overheating in the Lenovo X/T series, Dell D620/820/830, HP nc8430, and Toshiba Tecra M4's. Dell is gathering information on the failures at this time. I wonder if this is tied to the recent news regarding nVidia's drivers being the #1 cause of failure (28%) for Vista?
A: Well, I don't know about that...
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:12 AMI find that stat doubtful -- plus remember that Nvidia doesn't release laptop drivers directly to the public -- they leave that up to specific system vendors -- who *should* be carefully vetting them.
Q: Satellite M55
by Userbarelyknewher - 3/27/08 11:08 AMHey Dan,
I have a 2 year old satellite M55. The screen lights up fine as long as it is open less than 90 degrees; anything beyond that and the backlight goes out. I'm thinking it has to do with the "fridge light" switch that shuts the screen down when you close the laptop. What do you think and how doest this switch work exactly.
Thanks a truckload
PS Toshiba has been infinitely useless and non supportive of this issue.
A: That's a bummer...
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:10 AMThat's one thing I prefer about desktops -- yo can usually tinker around and fix anything wrong with them. Screens are especially hard to fix. If your system is out of warranty, you might want to try a local shop (but not Geek Squad or anything like that).
A: I really do...
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:08 AMTalk like that -- it's 'cause I was an actual radio DJ for a few years before I got into print journalism.
Q: Where to find laptop components?
by satish_997 - 3/27/08 11:05 AMAlthough I'm pretty sure it's not cost effect, I would like to build at least one laptop for the experience. I next to no barebone laptops. Where I could I find/buy laptop components?
A: Asus makes some...
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:07 AMBut barebones laptops are generally hard to find here in the US.
Q: (NT) How much sturdier is flash based storage?
by al409 - 3/27/08 11:01 AMA: They say...
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:05 AMa lot -- but we really haven't had enough time to really see how they perform in long-term, real-word situations.
Q: Technical Support Specialist
by vickghuman - 3/27/08 11:01 AMHello Dan,
I am inquiring on Lenovo ThinkPad T61 6465 - Core 2 Duo T7250 2 GHz - 15.4" TFT.
I work for Morguard Investments Limited a canada based property management company with about 850 employees. The question I have is that which laptop do you recommend for our next roll out.
The Lenovo ThinkPad T61 6465 has some mixed feedback due to its process and that is not efficient?
Can you give me the break down on this laptop or what other lenovo laptop do you recommend?
Thanks,
Vick
A: I'm not really an IT consultant...
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:04 AMBut people looooove those T61s... They have the same parts as other laptop, but all those extra security programs and components can take away some performance overhead.
Q: (NT) How long is too short for a laptop battery?
by al409 - 3/27/08 11:01 AMA: Eh...
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:03 AMDepends on if it's a 17-inch or a 12-inch, etc. I think pretty much all laptops need better batteries -- but 3-4 hours for a mainstream laptop would satisfy me in general.
Q: Dual Core, VS Core 2 duo
by merrybrown - 3/27/08 10:57 AMWhat is the difference?
Does it make that much more difference when you are working on a laptop? Should I be concerned about having one or the other?
I usually use my laptop to e-mail, websurf, have multiple tabs and applications (iTunes) open at the same time. Like downloading video, watching live chat and answering e-mails all at once.
A: Squares and rectangles
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 11:00 AMAh, that's a nice softball to start out with. Core 2 Duo is an Intel designation for their main line of CPUs. Those CPUs have two cores, so they are…dual core! Pretty much every CPU you're going to find these days, outside of super budget stuff, is going to be dual core. We generally recommend a CPU from Intel's current Core 2 Duo line for most everyone's laptop needs.
A: Let's get it on!
by Dan_Ackerman - 3/27/08 10:51 AMOk, time for everyone's favorite Internet audience-engagement tool, the live Web chat! So if you've got any questions about laptops, technology, life, bars, video games or whatever, I'm all yours for the next 60 minutes.
Incoming questions
XP downgrade
alymg - in regards to your home audio question
Hi there,
This live chat topic is on laptop and mobile computing, my recommendation is to ask the forum folks in the audio and video forum for advice and recomendations.
Here is the link, but I'm sure you've already know where it is.Good luck
http://forums.cnet.com/5204-7596_102-0.html?forumID=60
Cheers!
-Lee
This live chat topic is on laptop and mobile computing, my recommendation is to ask the forum folks in the audio and video forum for advice and recomendations.
Here is the link, but I'm sure you've already know where it is.Good luck
http://forums.cnet.com/5204-7596_102-0.html?forumID=60
Cheers!
-Lee
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 3/27/08 12:03 PM
Size Matters
Dan:
Thank-you, Dan It was wise, it was fun, and it was. Thanks a bunch.
Thank-you, Dan It was wise, it was fun, and it was. Thanks a bunch.
by strider 667 - 3/27/08 12:03 PM
XP Upgrade
Is it worth the trouble to "upgrade" to XP from Vista on a laptop? And what type of problems are likely to occur?
by Kaizer_911 - 3/27/08 12:02 PM
Multi Room Audio
Hi Dan,
After reading tons on your forums it seems like the most economical way of setting-up multi room audio in my home is by purchasing a receiver for my home theatre and using the pre-out to connect to a multi-channel amp to power the other speakers in the house. Do you agree? And if so can you recommend a budget amp under $1,000?
Thanks!
After reading tons on your forums it seems like the most economical way of setting-up multi room audio in my home is by purchasing a receiver for my home theatre and using the pre-out to connect to a multi-channel amp to power the other speakers in the house. Do you agree? And if so can you recommend a budget amp under $1,000?
Thanks!
by alymg - 3/27/08 11:57 AM
Dedicated Graphics Memory
I see that more laptops now come with a dedicated graphics card of 256 to 512MB of RAM, BUT when you go and look at the system specs on either the system or the card, Windows still uses some system ram to offset graphics. Why is this? And can it be turned off, because my XP based desktops and laptops dont have this issue using similar cards?
by Kaizer_911 - 3/27/08 11:54 AM
Upgrading HD
I have ridiculously small hard drive, only 40GB. What kind of compatibility issues would I have to look at if I were to upgrade to a bigger HD? Interface maybe?
by satish_997 - 3/27/08 11:53 AM
Macbook Air + Windows = ?
How easy is it to instal and run Windows (either XP or Vista) on a Macbook Air, is it worth doing in the first place and what is performace like ?
(note, i dont have an Air, but an Air + Windows sounds mighty attractive)
(note, i dont have an Air, but an Air + Windows sounds mighty attractive)
by Linearly - 3/27/08 11:53 AM
WiFi diagnostic software ?
I have a Mac , OS X , ves. 10.4.11
Running Fire Fox , Bon Echo
The problem is that at a couple of my most regular WiFi spots , it seem like the connection is broken , mostly after some time 1/2 hr or longer , but some times I go in and can not get on .
When I click on the internet connect icon on top , some times my location will appear & sometimes not , click on connect it will show a low to no bars on the signal level , many times this is when it will start working again , then sometimes not .
I will ask around to see if others are having same , most of the time , it seems like I am the only one , but some times it seems like others state having the same issues .
Thanks John
What is a good diagnostic soft ware , for checking for some of these mobile problems ?
Running Fire Fox , Bon Echo
The problem is that at a couple of my most regular WiFi spots , it seem like the connection is broken , mostly after some time 1/2 hr or longer , but some times I go in and can not get on .
When I click on the internet connect icon on top , some times my location will appear & sometimes not , click on connect it will show a low to no bars on the signal level , many times this is when it will start working again , then sometimes not .
I will ask around to see if others are having same , most of the time , it seems like I am the only one , but some times it seems like others state having the same issues .
Thanks John
What is a good diagnostic soft ware , for checking for some of these mobile problems ?
by Johnfaughn - 3/27/08 11:50 AM
Does MacBook Pro cause lower sperm count?
I use my MacBook Pro all the time and while at first, the heat that's caused by the machine was quite hot, I got used to it. Now my doc is telling me that I have low sperm count. Might it have something to do with the MacBook Pro?
by punkdgmr - 3/27/08 11:50 AM
Upgrading Laptop Components
Although it would be nice to have the extra $1500 to simply buy a new laptop, I think it would simply be cheaper to get more RAM and a faster CPU. How can I find out what my laptop's motherboard can take without its specification sheet?
Also, I have ridiculously small hard drive, only 40GB. What kind of compatibility issues would I have to look at if I were to upgrade to a bigger HD? Interface maybe?
Also, I have ridiculously small hard drive, only 40GB. What kind of compatibility issues would I have to look at if I were to upgrade to a bigger HD? Interface maybe?
by satish_997 - 3/27/08 11:49 AM
Wireless Streaming & Musical Question 4 U
Dan--
Who makes the best WIRELESS device to send a video file playing on a laptop to a home A/V center?
And even More Importantly:
You were recently featured in a "Letters to CNET" piece where you were asked if you always talk in a "radio personality" voice... In this segment you listed a musical performer that you were listening to. Can recall who was it, and what disc?
THANKS!
Who makes the best WIRELESS device to send a video file playing on a laptop to a home A/V center?
And even More Importantly:
You were recently featured in a "Letters to CNET" piece where you were asked if you always talk in a "radio personality" voice... In this segment you listed a musical performer that you were listening to. Can recall who was it, and what disc?
THANKS!
by speedracerx - 3/27/08 11:45 AM
OS X vs. Vista
I've used both but not extensively. Do the extras in OS X really justify the price difference b/w similar notebooks running Vista?
Thanks
Thanks
by dabigbabooli - 3/27/08 11:42 AM
SSD, Future Proofing
In your opinion, does the upgrade to SSD really justify the cost? I need a new laptop, but not desparately yet; will the cost of SSD drives continue to drop as quickly as they have been?
If I'm looking for a laptop that will last a good four to five years what non-standard features should I be sure to get? It will likely be my main computer and I would prefer easy hook-up to my HDTV, along with being able to play some games successfully. OK, maybe not Crysis, but Spore or Call of Duty would be nice.
If I'm looking for a laptop that will last a good four to five years what non-standard features should I be sure to get? It will likely be my main computer and I would prefer easy hook-up to my HDTV, along with being able to play some games successfully. OK, maybe not Crysis, but Spore or Call of Duty would be nice.
by Shabs42 - 3/27/08 11:35 AM
Speed up a laptop
What freeware programs (not antivirus or antispyware)would you recommend for speeding up a sluggish laptop ?
by anarghya_mitra - 3/27/08 11:34 AM
WiFi issues , shuting off & on
I have a Mac , OS X , ves. 10.4.11
Running Fire Fox , Bon Echo
The problem is that at a couple of my most regular WiFi spots , it seem like the connection is broken , mostly after some time 1/2 hr or longer , but some times I go in and can not get on .
When I click on the internet connect icon on top , some times my location will appear & sometimes not , click on connect it will show a low to no bars on the signal level , many times this is when it will start working again , then sometimes not .
I will ask around to see if others are having same , most of the time , it seems like I am the only one , but some times it seems like others state having the same issues .
Thanks John
Running Fire Fox , Bon Echo
The problem is that at a couple of my most regular WiFi spots , it seem like the connection is broken , mostly after some time 1/2 hr or longer , but some times I go in and can not get on .
When I click on the internet connect icon on top , some times my location will appear & sometimes not , click on connect it will show a low to no bars on the signal level , many times this is when it will start working again , then sometimes not .
I will ask around to see if others are having same , most of the time , it seems like I am the only one , but some times it seems like others state having the same issues .
Thanks John
by Johnfaughn - 3/27/08 11:30 AM
Ultraportable
Which ultraportable laptop would you recommend most?
by anarghya_mitra - 3/27/08 11:28 AM
apple & Blu-ray
I'm deciding b/w a macbook pro and a Dell XPA laptop. I'm leaning toward the macbook except for the lack of a blu-ray drive. How soon (or at all) do you think it'll take to get a blu-ray drive on a macbook or should I just stick with Dell?
by dabigbabooli - 3/27/08 11:25 AM
Laptop DVI out
Why don't laptop docking stations support DVI? As a gamer and CAD user, I would like to have my laptop hooked up as a workstation with a large LCD monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc. However as a traveler, I need the flexibility of popping my laptop in and out to be on the go. Any ideas or products on the market that make the grade?
Thanks
Thanks
by diggyz - 3/27/08 11:25 AM
(NT) Does eeePC=Ultraportable- and how much does a laptop have to do to still be a desktop replacement?
by al409 - 3/27/08 11:24 AM
Macbook Vs. Macbook pro
Is the new macbook pro enough of a step up compared to the regular macbook to justify the money?
by jakestarnes - 3/27/08 11:21 AM
Previews
I would love to see CNet add a preview section for computers and televisions. In the meantime, is there a good website that lists release dates for all the major brands? Even better if it would lest expected price and features. Thanks a bunch!
by Shabs42 - 3/27/08 11:21 AM
iPhone
Is that true that if I unlock iPhone with a software called ZiPhone, I will be able to use Verizon?
by maxwell Ribeiro - 3/27/08 11:20 AM
Gateway T-1625
I just bought a Gateway T-1625 and i am having problems with the webcam. i works the first time i open it but id i close it out and reopen in it displays "graph render fail." i have installed the recommended driver and it still does not work correcty. what am i doing wrong.
by cliobelle07 - 3/27/08 11:19 AM
Samsung Anycall SPH-P9200
Would you happen to know when the US is going to get this particular UMPC or at least know of a place that it can be imported? It seems to be the only UMPC that's unique with its tri-fold look, runs XP, makes phone calls, a full size keyboard and is WiMax ready.
by JinvoX - 3/27/08 11:19 AM
Size matters
Dan,
Is there a desirable laptop-type PC, wireless IN-OUTproduct small enough for hotspot trails. Any thing 5x7, or thereabouts. With 90% screen,10% aux,etc. ; and sturdy. I'm looking for the Swiss Army Knife, multi-tool equivalent ?
Thanks
Is there a desirable laptop-type PC, wireless IN-OUTproduct small enough for hotspot trails. Any thing 5x7, or thereabouts. With 90% screen,10% aux,etc. ; and sturdy. I'm looking for the Swiss Army Knife, multi-tool equivalent ?
Thanks
by strider 667 - 3/27/08 11:18 AM
Tablet computing
Is the full size slate tablet form factor dead, can an apple slate save it?
by Manitook - 3/27/08 11:16 AM
Too much heat?
My laptop gets exceedingly hot whenever I use it, and it only has 1.66Ghz Centrino CPU. First off, how hot is too hot when it comes to laptop components such as CPU and HDs? Second, newer laptops seem more and more powerful, but are they still managing to keep cool enough from damaging the components?
I don't want to buy a laptop with the fastest processor and best graphics only for it to slow down due to heat damage.
I don't want to buy a laptop with the fastest processor and best graphics only for it to slow down due to heat damage.
by satish_997 - 3/27/08 11:16 AM
Pentium 4 laptops.
Here I ran into those for years and have declared all of them "a small disaster zone under 10 pounds."
Why didn't anyone do a Monty Python "Run away!"
Why didn't anyone do a Monty Python "Run away!"
by R. Proffitt - 3/27/08 11:12 AM
registry cleaners
Greetings Friends:
Is "RegCure" the better (comparable, commercial, aka fed-immune, cleaner working, available?
Is "RegCure" the better (comparable, commercial, aka fed-immune, cleaner working, available?
by strider 667 - 3/27/08 11:12 AM
Should a Laptop Drive be dedicated to Programs or Media?
Streaming of media is a working solution- but without a net connection its useless- leaving the user in a very bored state.
But if you decide to store most of your content on a laptop drive- you have less space for non media content- its a truly painful situation to be in with my 160 GB HD
But if you decide to store most of your content on a laptop drive- you have less space for non media content- its a truly painful situation to be in with my 160 GB HD
by al409 - 3/27/08 11:10 AM
6-bit FRC
Can you explain how frame rate control works and how much of an impact 6-bit frc panels are going to be on notebooks now that Apple has gotten itself setup for a huge class action suit. It seems that people will now target other vendors who weren't quite clear on the dithering in the notebooks.
by oldmanangry - 3/27/08 11:09 AM
Satellite M55
Hey Dan,
I have a 2 year old satellite M55. The screen lights up fine as long as it is open less than 90 degrees; anything beyond that and the backlight goes out. I'm thinking it has to do with the "fridge light" switch that shuts the screen down when you close the laptop. What do you think and how doest this switch work exactly.
Thanks a truckload
PS Toshiba has been infinitely useless and non supportive of this issue.
I have a 2 year old satellite M55. The screen lights up fine as long as it is open less than 90 degrees; anything beyond that and the backlight goes out. I'm thinking it has to do with the "fridge light" switch that shuts the screen down when you close the laptop. What do you think and how doest this switch work exactly.
Thanks a truckload
PS Toshiba has been infinitely useless and non supportive of this issue.
by Userbarelyknewher - 3/27/08 11:08 AM
Dedicated Graphics Card in Vista
I see that some laptops now come with a dedicated graphics card of 256 to 512MB of RAM, BUT when you go and look at the system specs on either the system or the card, Windows still uses some system ram to offset graphics. Why is this? And can it be turned off, because my XP based desktops and laptops dont have this issue using similar cards?
by Kaizer_911 - 3/27/08 11:06 AM
Where to find laptop components?
Although I'm pretty sure it's not cost effect, I would like to build at least one laptop for the experience. I next to no barebone laptops. Where I could I find/buy laptop components?
by satish_997 - 3/27/08 11:05 AM
(NT) Recommendations on Dedicated Graphic Solutions for laptops that lack them.
by al409 - 3/27/08 11:03 AM
nVidia Graphic issues
I'm in a laptop repair group and I'm seeing a high number of system board failures due to GPU overheating in the Lenovo X/T series, Dell D620/820/830, HP nc8430, and Toshiba Tecra M4's. Dell is gathering information on the failures at this time. I wonder if this is tied to the recent news regarding nVidia's drivers being the #1 cause of failure (28%) for Vista?
by Vegaman_Dan - 3/27/08 11:02 AM
Technical Support Specialist
Hello Dan,
I am inquiring on Lenovo ThinkPad T61 6465 - Core 2 Duo T7250 2 GHz - 15.4" TFT.
I work for Morguard Investments Limited a canada based property management company with about 850 employees. The question I have is that which laptop do you recommend for our next roll out.
The Lenovo ThinkPad T61 6465 has some mixed feedback due to its process and that is not efficient?
Can you give me the break down on this laptop or what other lenovo laptop do you recommend?
Thanks,
Vick
I am inquiring on Lenovo ThinkPad T61 6465 - Core 2 Duo T7250 2 GHz - 15.4" TFT.
I work for Morguard Investments Limited a canada based property management company with about 850 employees. The question I have is that which laptop do you recommend for our next roll out.
The Lenovo ThinkPad T61 6465 has some mixed feedback due to its process and that is not efficient?
Can you give me the break down on this laptop or what other lenovo laptop do you recommend?
Thanks,
Vick
by vickghuman - 3/27/08 11:01 AM
Dual Core, VS Core 2 duo
What is the difference?
Does it make that much more difference when you are working on a laptop? Should I be concerned about having one or the other?
I usually use my laptop to e-mail, websurf, have multiple tabs and applications (iTunes) open at the same time. Like downloading video, watching live chat and answering e-mails all at once.
Does it make that much more difference when you are working on a laptop? Should I be concerned about having one or the other?
I usually use my laptop to e-mail, websurf, have multiple tabs and applications (iTunes) open at the same time. Like downloading video, watching live chat and answering e-mails all at once.
by merrybrown - 3/27/08 10:57 AM
Dan Ackerman, CNET senior editor LIVE!
Ask the Editors Live! Chat event. Topic: Laptops & mobile computing
For one whole hour on Thursday, March 27, from 11 a.m. to noon Pacific Time (2 pm Eastern), CNET mobile computing guru, Dan Ackerman will be here to answer all things laptops, from how to pick the proper screen size or processor, speed up a sluggish system, to scoring the best deal! So, if you have any questions about laptops or anything to do with mobile computing, join us for this event and ask Dan! Don't miss out on this special event!
Click here for upcoming Ask the Editors Live events and past transcripts of events.
For one whole hour on Thursday, March 27, from 11 a.m. to noon Pacific Time (2 pm Eastern), CNET mobile computing guru, Dan Ackerman will be here to answer all things laptops, from how to pick the proper screen size or processor, speed up a sluggish system, to scoring the best deal! So, if you have any questions about laptops or anything to do with mobile computing, join us for this event and ask Dan! Don't miss out on this special event!
Click here for upcoming Ask the Editors Live events and past transcripts of events.
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 3/18/08 3:52 PM
