Laptops

Dell understands that there are people out there that don't want an ordinary laptop. They want a unique computer that tells the world who they are…a form of self-expression. To help those express themselves, Dell just announced that their collection of art for Studio 15 and Studio 17 laptops (available in the Dell Design Studio) now feature more that 200 designs. Think you'll run across a laptop that looks identical to yours at the local coffee shop? I seriously doubt it.

The updated Dell Design Studio is kind of like shopping in an art studio. Content and artwork is refreshed regularly and arranged into themes, each with a "curator" who selects artists from around the world. The inaugural theme is titled "Today," and is a collection of modern-day art hand-picked and curated by Ed Boyd, Dell vice president of consumer experience design.

To make matters even better, if you purchase a Dell Studio 15 or Studio 17 laptop with a (PRODUCT) RED designation, $20 is contributed to The Global Fund, which assists AIDS programs in Africa.

Find out more info at www.dell.com/designstudio.

This 2GHz Intel Core 2 dual-core processor notebook computer is amazingly slim, and packed with value. It comes with Microsoft Vista Home Premium and an 8X super-multi DVD/CD reader-burner drive. This model is known as the Averatec N2700 and has an MSRP of $699.

The Intel GMA X4500HD graphics will deliver quality images on the 12-inch screen. With an integrated 1.3 megapixel camera you can have video chats as well. There are also three USB 2.0 ports, one IEEE 1384 (firewire) port, headphone output, microphone input, D15 VGA external display output, and a 4-in-1 memory card reader (MS/MS PRO/MMC/SD).

If you are looking for a quality notebook, this might be the computer for your needs. TriGem USA is the manufacturer of the Averatec and they are based in Orange County California. Here is the company's web site, www.TriGemUSA.com. To buy this laptop computer you can buy it directly by visiting www.shopAveratec.com.

With the temperature warming up outside, companies are introducing products to help keep you (and your computer) cool. The latest is the CushDesk from Belkin. This stable "work space" keeps your legs cool when you're busy plugging away on a laptop.

The CushDesk features a molded top with a smooth and sturdy surface, and is designed with a slight angle so you can view your laptop at a comfortable angle.

The CushDesk sells for $29.99 and comes in the following colors: pitch black/soft gray, espresso/fuchsia, pitch black/pitch black, pitch black/dark sky. It is compatible with PC and Mac laptops featuring up to a 17-inch display.

Affordable computing means having a good looking, functional computer that delivers on your expectations. The NEW N110 has an MSRP of $469 and the N120 has an MSRP of $459. The battery life on these machines can go for six-hours on one charge for the N120 and nine-hours for N110. It is a good idea to not have all of your data on one machine (use an external hard drive, cloud computing storage, or a home desktop/laptop for all backup files). This new Notebook line is affordable to the point that you can pick this Samsung N110 or N120 up as a second computer.

Both of these notebooks weigh in at an astonishing 2.78 lbs., with a keyboard that is 93% of the size of a standard keyboard. The screen is a backlit SuperBright Glossy 10-inch display to ensure enjoyment of the videos I am sure you are watching.

There is not much difference in these two machines for a $10 MSRP price variance. As with all purchases, make sure you do your research first. The good news is that these little powerhouse notebooks come with a 160GB hard drive (5400 rpm SATA), 1GB of memory, Genuine Windows XP Home operating system (What? No Vista?) and an Intel Atom Processor N270 (1.6GHz, 533MHz, 512KB).

Check out the manufacturer's Web site… www.samsung.com.

Dell first teased us at CES, giving us a sneak peek of the ultra-thin, luxury Adamo laptop. But they didn't give us many details. Well, the wait is over. Announced today, the Adamo laptop is the world's thinnest laptop and comes packed with features such as Intel Core 2 Duo processors with Intel Centrino technology, DDR3 system memory, 13.4-inch 16:9 HD display, Draft-Wireless N, Bluetooth 2.1, 2 USB ports, and runs on Windows Vista Home Premium Edition.

With a starting price of $1999, the Adamo is available for pre-order today at www.adamobydell.com and is shipping worldwide starting March 26, 2009. Read more

Gateway today introduced their new 17-inch widescreen P-7808u FX Notebook PC. Perfect for gaming, entertainment, and practically anything else you can throw its way, this notebook is the first P-Series FX Edition notebook to include the Intel Core 2 Quad processor.

Other features include: NVIDIA GeForce 9800M GTS graphics with 1GB of GDDR3 Discrete Video Memory and Intel PM45 Chipset, 500GB hard drive, 4GB RAM, DVDRW with DVD-RAM featuring LabelFlash Technology, Bluetooth, and it runs on 64-bit Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium.

Ray Sawall, senior product marketing manager for Acer America says, "The Gateway P-7808u FX can handle just about everything consumers want to do with their PCs today – intense gaming, uploading and editing video, creating multimedia projects for school and managing home finances. It is the ultimate notebook for enthusiasts and any consumer who wants unparalleled performance at an incredible value." Read more

Dell just announced a new rugged laptop – the Latitude E6400 XFR. Designed for those in harsh environments such as the military, Homeland Security and the like, this laptop is tough! It features the Dell’s Ballistic Armor Protection System which can withstand twice the impact strength of magnesium alloy, extreme temperatures, and has a 25 percent higher drop specification than any computer in its class.

Pricing starts at $4,299 and more information is available at www.dell.com/xfr .

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