 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
Choosing a LaptopOnly a few years ago, the performance gap between budget laptops and more expensive models was huge. Now, Intel's Sandy Bridge and AMD's Uano processors have brought power to the mainstream. It no longer costs a fortune to get a laptop that gives a desktop PC a run for its money. Whichever laptop you choose, you can expect a great balance of performance, battery life and features. You can even have a Full HD screen and a Blu-ray drive. However, do read our buying guide to ensure that you buy the model that best suits your needs. When choosing a new laptop, you need to think about more than just how much you want to spend. It's important to consider how you plan to use it Depending on your needs, you may find that you have to compromise, as ultra-portable models with long-lasting batteries rarely include optical drives or high resolution screens, for example. |
 |
SCREEN IDOL |
 |
| Once you've bought a laptop, you can't upgrade its screen, so it's essential that you find one with a good display. Larger screens usually have higher resolutions, which can make it easier to work on large documents such as spreadsheets, or open multiple windows at once. Most laptop screens that are 15in or smaller have anresolution of 1,366x768, which is enough for watching 720p video and browsing the web without too much scrolling. Larger screens often have a resolution of around 1,600x900, but there may be an option to upgrade to a 1,920x1 ,080 panel before you buy. Most laptop screens have a glossy finish, which increases image contrast and brightness levels but can also make them very reflective. This may be a problem if you work in a room with bright overhead lighting. Laptops aimed at business users often have glarereducing matt screens, but these are often dimmer. | |
WEIGHTING GAME |
 |
| If you plan to keep your laptop tethered to a desk, its size, weight and battery life won't matter, but if you want to carry it around, you should pay attention to how long it will last away from the mains. It's difficult to judge how long a laptop's battery will last based on the specification alone. Programs such as web browsers, email clients and word processors are relatively undemanding and will use far less power than video editing or gaming. We'd expect most 15in laptops to last for at least four hours away from the mains, but smaller models should last longer. Ultra-portable models should manage at least six hours on battery power, but many are capable of more. You can usually gauge a laptop's weight by its screen size. Ultra-portable models usually have 13in or smaller screens and weigh between 1 kg and 1.6kg. but they sacrifice performance, connectivity and features such as an internal optical drive. Larger 15in models normally weigh between 2kg and 3kg. while 17in or larger laptops often weigh in excess of 3kg. | |
KEY CONCERN |
 |
| However powerful or efficient a laptop is, it won't be much fun to use if the keyboard or touch pad is badly designed. A keyboard must be comfortable, with plenty of tactile feedback for accurate typing over long periods. Expect to find non-standard keyboard layouts and half-size keys in smaller laptops- these can be difficult for people with larger hands to use accurately. Numerical keyboards are rare on laptops of this size but far more common on lSin or larger models. Our reviews always describe how the keyboard feels and how well it works. | |
CORES AND EFFECT |
|
| Most of this month's laptops have dual-coreprocessors. Intel's Core i3 and iS chips are faster and more efficient than a Core 2 Duo at the same speed, as they support Hyper-Threading to create two additional virtual cores. Intel's budget Celeron processors usually operate at slower frequencies and lack power compared with Core processors. AMD's current processors are slower and less power-efficient than Intel's, but they often cost less than the Intel alternative. Most laptops now come with 4GB of RAM, which is more than enough for most tasks in Windows 7. Cheaper models often have 2GB or 3GB. You're unlikely to see a benefit by installing more than 4GB of RAM- it has little effect on our test results- but a few applications, those for editing images, video and audio, will use the extra memory. With less than 4GB, your laptop could struggle when lots of applications and browser tabs are open at the same time, so if you do a lot of multitasking. aim for 4GB. |  |
GAME FOR A LAUGH |
|
| Most of the laptops have integrated graphics that share the main system memory, which leaves less for your programs. They aren't powerful enough to run most 3D games, but can cope with older titles and HD video. They also use less power than a dedicated graphics card. Dedicated graphics cards have their own memory and tend to be much faster, although still not as powerful as a desktop graphics card. Dedicated chips that are only a little faster than integrated graphics are a waste of money if they can't handle the games you want to play, although AMD's Llano processors can work simultaneously with a dedicated graphics chip in a CrossFire setup. Battery life shouldn't take a massive hit from having dedicated graphics on-board, either, as many laptops can switch between dedicated and integrated graphics to provide better performance when plugged in and longer battery life when away from the mains. |  |
WINDOWS BOX |
|
| Almost all new laptops now use Windows 7. Most use the Home Premium version, but business models usually have the Professional version. This adds features such as file encryption and network backups. Almost all netbooks use Windows 7 Starter Edition, which lacks basic features such as the ability to extend the desktop to an external monitor or change your wallpaper. As most laptops now include 4GB or more of RAM, the 64-bit version of Windows 7 has overtaken 32-bit in terms of popularity. The 32-bit version can use only around 3.2GB of RAM, but there's no limitation in the 64-bit version. It also helps boost performance in 64-bit applications such as Cyberlink PowerDirector 9. Some new software, such as Adobe Photoshop CSS, won't run on a 32-bit operating system. All your hardware will require 64-bit drivers when using 64-bit Windows, so it's possible that older printers and scanners won't work. |  |
RETURN TO SENDER |
|
| Laptop warranties can vary greatly. Most last only a year and are return to base, so you'll need to pay for any shipping costs that arise when sending your laptop to the manufacturer for repair. Some warranties are longer or have collect-and-return services, where themanufacturer covers the shipping costs. It's rare to see onsite warranties for consumer laptops, where your machine is repaired at your premises or your faulty unit is swapped for a replacement, although it's more common with business models. |  |
Our wide range of feature packed Web Hosting packages suit businesses of all sizes. Our array of high-performance servers are a perfect way to establish your Internet presence, or to secure a reliable home for your Web Site at an affordable price.
Our range of services include Web Hosting, Domain Name Registration, ASP, PHP , MySQL, SSL, E-Commerce Solutions, and Website Design. We are here and ready to deliver your site to your customers.
Internet Servers Australia provides services including KVM over IP, Remote Reboot and various Bandwidth options are provided to maximise the control you have over your server.
We provide a low-cost solution by charging only for what you need with optional services available. So check out our range of colocation solutions today!
Suited to business owners who wish to offer wireless broadband internet access within Cafes, Hotels, Motels, Airports, Conference Centres, Apartment Buildings, Shopping Centres, Marinas and more. The Xtreme Wireless "Hotspot in a Box" service includes backend accounting, credit card billing and recharge card options. All you need to do is plug it into your broadband internet connection, pick your prices and leave the rest to us!
Xtreme internet technology company are experts in wireless networking and offer sales and installation of the latest high-performance wireless gear from around the world. We also offer business IT support and Voice-over-IP PABX systems. Save hundreds or even thousands of dollars every month by making your calls through the Internet. Xtreme VOIP is more reliable than PSTN and there is NO sound quality difference, just save money.
