Notebook - Clever Lady, Clever Buy!

Asus Eee PC 2G Surf Pink: Love this one

Sally — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 10:54:29 +0100

I have 2 laptop, 2 desktops, 2 kids and now 3 of these EEEs - one for each of us. I think it is great for email, surfing and just playing around. I have also been able to do some real work on it. It is so adorable, affordable, light and fun. I tried one of those nokia tablets and returned it - the real qwerty keyboard is so much easier then tapping out words with a stylus on a screen. If you don't feel like carrying a laptop around and want something simple, easy, and wireless, you will love this. I am in the technology field and showed some of my techie friends. They too got a kick out of it and I wouldn't be surprised if I see some of these on peoples desk at the office very soon.

Sony VAIO VGN-CR320E/R Red: Not very bad, I love it!

Saabby — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 08:10:48 +0100

The colour is beautifull, the video amazing. But it didn't get 5 stars for all the stuff loaded in it..it took me forever to get this computer perfect for me.

Asus Eee PC 2G Surf Pink: The vangard of the UMPC

Wee Pee — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:05:33 +0100

Let me just start by saying that as a software engineer, I have the occasional displeasure of working with 'technicians'. The ability to assemble the 20-piece puzzle that is the modern PC and install and configure Windows does not make you an expert on ANYTHING. I'm so sick of Frye's return merch staff and high school kids working at hole in the wall PC shops commenting on things like they know something.

First off, if you're considering the EEE, please understand that an Ultra Mobile PC is not the same thing as a laptop. Perfomance and size-wise, this little guy lives somewhere between a laptop and a PDA. The keyboard and screen are smaller than the smallest laptop you've seen, if you're looking for a laptop to run Vista on, Dell has a $400-$500 model that will likely suit your needs.

The pre-installed, Xandros-based Linux OS can be run to look more like a PDA interface, but it also has an 'advanced' mode that basically reverts to a classic-looking desktop environment. It will work with MSOffice docs right out of the box, has built in 802.11 wireless with web functionality and (while it lacks a CD/DVD drive) it has plenty of removable storage thanks to an integrated SD card reader and USB ports.

If you're really gung-ho about installing XP, you can do so (even on this lower-end model). There is already a large community springing up around this UMPC on the net, and tutorials ranging from installing windows on a separate SD card to running Halo on this little guy are already out there. I would emplore any user anywhere to try out Linux, though. Aside from 3D gaming, Linux will do everything Windows does, except faster and 100% free.

In that spirit, if you're looking for a computer that you can fit in the pocket of your baggy cargo pants this is pretty much the only machine that's going to do it for you. At any given moment I've got a home network/web server with 3 desktop PCs running, my media server laptop in the living room, my work desktop and laptop... but the EEE is the only computer I actually keep with me at all times.

Lenovo IdeaPad U110R Red: I love it, easy use and beautiful

Finlay.LJ — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:17:03 +0100

This ideapad is much beautiful than the thinkpad, and of course it's very easy to use too.
Besides, it's delievered very fast.

Sony VAIO VGN-UX490N/C 4.5-Inch Portable Computer: An amazing portable pc!

Salal.Elden — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:13:13 +0100

This is one of the most satisfying and exciting piece of electronics I have bought for a long time.

I was highly skeptical of the UX when I was planning to buy an ultra portable laptop; I had narrowed it down to either this or the TZ series. I went for this because they would allow me to take this to work and I haven't regretted that decision for a sec. Even though I hardly take it to office

The reason I like this so much is (not the price though; I paid premium for it) that it can do some many things. I use it as a full fledge GPS system (with Garmin Mobile PC software and the BT GPS receiver which came with it); I use it as a normal laptop at home (I have a desk setup with a 21' LCD monitor, with everything attached to the dock). I also have a Verizon 727 usb modem, which keeps me connected all the time everywhere. I have three chargers plus a car charger so is pretty powered on always. I prefer to carry a charger than the bulky extended battery.

I use Vista, though many say UX is not made for such resource extensive OS; I find no issues at all. I also use Ubuntu; not all the hardware is compatible so I'm just testing it out. In essence you can run any OS you feel like (Vista, XP, OSX even Linux) only catch is you need to be real patient and search a lot (You would not get any assistance from Sony in this regard). But the good thing is you have dedicated forums.

The only improvement I can think of is swapping the WWAN card for a CF slot (in the US model) because for one it only comes with EDGE (and not 3G) next with CF slot I can connect a GSM card and use it as a phone. (US UX comes with a SIM card slot but the hardware supports only data and not voice)

I almost forgot, it's got one of the best displays I have ever seen in its class.

Go get it tiger.

Note: -
Before I bought this, I seriously thought about the HTC shift, OQO model 2 and Flybook V5

I wrote this review as a UX vs other UMPCs available. If you are thinking more in the lines of 390 Vs 490; the difference is 490 has the core 2 Solo(390 has Core solo), bigger HD (48 to 32) and the NC(this one)comes with extended battery and BT GPS receiver, but about 1K more. So choice is yours.

Or thinking of the 380 Vs 390, no question go for the 390 for its SSD hard disk.

Apple MacBook MB403LL/A 13.3" Laptop: Fast & Cool with Outstanding Battery Life

John Eldridge — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:09:27 +0100

I have been a PC user for many years and have had no complaints, particularly since Windows XP was rolled out. My current HP is five years old and it was time to consider a replacement. The availability of a $1000 (with rebate) Penryn based entry level MacBook from Amazon proved irresistible to me and am glad I gave Apple a try. I understand it is not a good choice for gaming due to its lack of a dedicated graphics card.

I have been using it for two weeks now and have the following observations:

* Very snappy performance including boot up and shut down time
* Smaller screen than I am accustomed to but not a problem due to the excellent fonts
* Small size and light weight is a plus.
* Excellent wireless performance.
* Amazing battery life (never less than 4 hours at 90% screen brightness).
* Very little heat generation.
* Fan and hard drive noise is very low.
* Setting up a dual boot to Windows XP is well documented and easy to do.
* Running Windows creates much more heat and consequent lower battery life.
* 4 MEG of RAM can be purchased for under $100 but it runs very nicely with 1 MEG
* I miss the two button trackpad.
* It has a relatively sharp edge where one's palm usually rests when using trackpad
* Free software is available to allow reading Windows .wmv sound files.
* Built in automatic backup capability (Time Machine) is a plus.
* Nothing is perfect but this is pretty close given the price and current technology.

For those considering a switch and willing to learn a new operating system, I highly recommend it!

Sony VAIO VGN-CR320E/R Red: One Amazing Vaio Laptop

Lily — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 23:04:14 +0100

Very smart, cool looking. Works fine out of box. Has 2GB Ram which is needed to run Vista properly. Box said mouse included but did not find one.

Lenovo IdeaPad U110R Red: Incredible value for the money

Erloelo — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:05:01 +0100

This is my first Notebook and I had it only for 2 weeks, so my opinion is based on very limited expertise and experience. Still, I am very impressed with what I got for my money (including a large rebate). I have the impression that this product is not just full of features but also of high quality.
Now for the negatives. Consider whether weight will be important in your use. The image on the screen is fine but the reflections are disturbing even in not very bright surroundings. This seems worse than on other notebooks. I will try an anti-glare film. The Veriface face recognition software had difficulty recognizing me. I uninstalled it and am using a password instead. The audio system is elaborate but don't expect a lot from a notebook.

Lenovo IdeaPad U110R Red: Great Laptop, Great Color!

Rose Laker — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:02:49 +0100

This lenovo pc its great.The color is so beautiful. Im so in love with this computer it works just fine. the design is awesome and unique the cover texture wont leave any figer prints it feels and looks awesome. for your everyday work its a wonderfull computer it might not be the latest pc for gaming but it does come with a lot under the hood. great value great price and it just looks awesome highly recommend it.