Laptops 4 Kids » Shopping And Product Reviews

Sony, Dell & Acer Netbook Review – The Three Kings of Netbook You Should Consider Buying

admin — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:32:43 +0000

The netbooks come in unique colors and look like winners. However, the features are of prime importance. Right now, every big electronic company is designing Netbooks. That leads to a virtual mayhem and gross competition in the market. Companies keep improving their products by adhering to the latest inventions. However, on closer look, the three netbooks that have carved a niche for themselves in the hearts of all gadget-lovers are Sony, Acer, and Dell. These are brief netbook reviews for the best three.

Sony

Sony offers its netbooks in great color combinations ranging from black to beige to gold. The hard disk drive storage is huge at 250 GB and the Intel Core Duo allows a great blend with the 1.33 GB Intel Atom CPU. RAM comes in various quotas, from 512 MB to 4 GB. It has SDD installation to ensure steady graphics and the enormous pixel configuration stands at 1600X768. They may be hard on the eyes from up close. The crystals on the hinges assure you of no such occurrence. LED backlights are helpful at night. The Vista versions offer great downloading freedom and efficient offline work. There are many things a Linux netbook may miss. You can make them out by having a look at Sony netbooks. The optical system is brilliant with Blue-ray optimization. It may not be exactly the best on size quotient and price value, but with Sony netbooks, life shines like nothing else.

Dell

Dell comes next with its 1.86 GHz Intel Atom CPU. It also adapts to the Intel Core Duo processor. The twin processors make internal work real fast. The netbook is 3G enabled and has up to 250 GB hard disk storage capacity. Smart battery life is assured with a 6-cell setup. It stays charged for 6-7 hours once charged. It works best with Vista, which is a better version than Linux any day. Incidentally, maximum netbooks are using Linux operations.

It offers itself in patent black and red colors. Size and price are where it is a major winner over Sony. It is easily in range for the commoners. The lightweight 3.2 pounds netbook is what you can never complain about. The SSD installations keep the instrument quiet, classy, and slim. Dell also has great graphic options and the optical arena is Blue-ray optimized, just like Sony.

Acer

The Acer netbook is loaded with high quality graphic mode. Somehow, Blue-ray eludes it owing to space hassles but still the graphics leave no zone for complains. It has smart resolutions (1024X600 pixels), 1.6 GHz Atom CPU, Pentium processor and slick size. It has SSD installation; about 200 GB HDD space and smart gold or black look. The netbook does not have as much web-based storage as Sony or Dell. It is also beaten by the duo in flexibility and speed though. There are lesser number of USB portals too, which makes it rank third in netbook reviews.

How to measure

HDD capacity, SD installation, processor speed, 3G enabled, look, size and portability are main features to review a netbook. Equally important are in-built features (tuner, webcam, Bluetooth etc), Wi-Fi features, adaptability with various gadgets, excellent graphics and quality to cost ratio. Vista and XP operations have an edge over Linux. Obviously cheaper varieties will not have all the features but there has to be a balance. Price quote should not seem too high for the product you get.

In the final run

Reputation and continuous innovations leading into new models have led Sony to lead the pack followed by Dell and Acer according to recent netbook reviews. But with competition warming up, things can change pretty soon.

Free Laptop Giveaways – Get Your Hands on Them While Hot

admin — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 14:52:04 +0000

Internet has presented us with an enormous opportunity to promote and market products, services, and various other online businesses. Till this date, use of internet was for educational, entertainment, and for small as well as e-commerce businesses. But in these recent days, internet is being widely used to build consumer relationship, gather market research data, and to boost brand awareness. Free laptop giveaway offers are just like many other giveaways promotions where companies are handing out free laptops in an attempt to gather those market research data from real users of those laptops.

You might have heard about those free laptop giveaways where you sign up to get a free laptop shipped to you. Just like the laptop offers, there are other free offers like free plasma T.V giveaways, free electronics, gas card, grocery store coupons and gift cards, etc. All of those free offers have one common goal which is to promote brand awareness and to gain feedback form real users of those products. So while you are getting those expensive items for free, companies are gaining critical market research data form you as a user of those products.

By now, it must make sense as to how the free laptops offers are possible. All you need to know is where and how to get them. There are lot of sites promoting those free giveaways where you can visit and sign up for the product(s) of your interest.

Some site will require you just to submit your email address and some will ask you to participate in a brief survey. It is only fair to participate in the survey as you are supposed to give something back in exchange of a laptop. In this case you participate in a survey and offer your valuable opinion in exchange of a free laptop.

If you are not interested in filling out any surveys, then there is no worry as some offer sites only require you to submit your email address to get a laptop for free. Just read the offer details to see which offer requires you to do what and act accordingly. If you are submitting your email address, you could submit a free email provided by Gmail, Yahoo, or MSN as long as you can verify that you received the email sent to you.

So what you are waiting for? Go find some free laptop offers and sign up for one or few. After all you got nothing to lose as you are not paying anything, not even the shipping and handling. You are not also providing any credit card information or your social security number so these offers are totally risk free to sign up with. You can also refer your friends and family members so that they can get some free laptops of their own too.

The New Cut-Down Ubuntu 8.04 Linux (Netbook Remix)

admin — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 10:15:29 +0000

There are now two main versions of Linux being used on sub-notebooks, which are SuSE Linux and Linux Xandros. For anyone wanting to install them, there are already recipes on the Internet which will aid you with the installation of alternative versions of Linux on sub-notebooks. The real challenge for many users is how to cope with the change from Windows XP or Vista to Linux. You’ll find there is a learning curve, and Ubuntu may have come up with the first answer to that learning curve.

Ubuntu is already one of the best Linux operating systems for windows users to start to convert to Linux. To be clear this netbook remix is designed to be supplied to computer manufacturers to install on their new Linux sub-notebooks. It is not a new operating system. It is called a netbook remix, to make the best use of the smaller netbook screen and also to introduce new users to the differences between Windows and Linux. The Ubuntu operating system has the reputation that when you use it, “Programs just work.”

What will the average computer user see that is different?

They will notice different programs. Firefox is the main web browser. Firefox 3 has already been seen as being far faster and more secure than Internet Explorer. OpenOffice is the standard office package but it does not include a mail server. The mail server on Ubuntu is Evolution. More familiar may be the Skype program that allows text messages as well as telephone calls over the Internet to PC’s as well as home telephones. There is a new Internet Messenger called Pigeon. Image editing is carried out using Gimp and Photos are managed using F-spot. Instead of having to hunt for all of these in Ubuntu netbook remix, they are presented on the initial screen when you log on.

When you go to shut the computer down or log off there is a button on the screen towards the bottom right of the screen. You will find this is different to the standard Ubuntu log-off that is in the top right next to the date and time. This may put off some people who already Ubuntu on their ordinary machine.

Various pieces of information can be seen across the top of the page including the date and time, the status of any network connection and if Skype is connected. It is different and it will take a little while to work around the options on the screen before you know what everything means.

All in all this should be welcome to introduce new users to the world of Ubuntu Linux.

Finally! Inexpensive Tech Toys That Encourage Education And Exercise!

admin — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 04:50:27 +0000

There’s no doubt that tech is projected to be big for the 2007 Christmas gift season. Anything that can be plugged in or turned on is cool in the eyes of children. And children are becoming tech-savy at a much younger age. If you haven’t taken a look at kids’ toys lately, you may well be suprised. Even baby toys mimic adult technology. Toddler toy laptops, cell phones and digital cameras all popular toys today.

But not all parents embrace that trend, thinking that expensive technical toys for small children encourages computer-addicted couch potatoes. Many parents long for the classic toys of their own youth – the simple bicycle, Mr. Potato Head, or a simple wooden train. The problem is, most kids are exposed to the high tech toys somewhere – in school, visiting the homes of others, or in the media – so the old stand-bys don’t seem as exciting today, and in the eyes of our children, are quite dated.

And, with childhood obesity on the rise, parents have a hard time embracing toys that encourage children to veg in the front of a computer or TV screen. We welcome inexpensive toys that combine technology (because it’s not going away) with classic learning and exercise. Some toymakers have answered our call. Here are five inexpensive, fun and popular toys that combine tech with exercise and learning.

1. Fisher-Price Smart Cycle: The Fisher-Price Smart Cycle combines exercise, education, and video game-type fun all into one toy. This toy is a bike that attaches to your TV. Your child has to petal the bike in order to play the game and “steers” handlebars that actually move. In essence, children are getting exercise and learning coordination while in video game nirvana. The games included are educational and allow your child to pursue alphabet letters, take a trip to “math mountain, and explore “shape lake.” Fischer Price also offers software with favorite TV characters (like Sponge Bob, Barbie and Dora) so your child doesn’t get bored. Priced at about $90, it’s the most expensive toy on this list, but still pretty cheap by tech standards.

2. LeapFrog 100 Hoops Basketball Counting Game: This is the only child’s basketball game that teaches number recognition and counting (all the way to 100 in both English and Spanish). It features built-in rally and cheering sounds to encourage your child to exercise while he learns regular and skip counting (by 5s and 10s) to 100. The game is completely portable and can he attached to a chair, wall, or door knob or can be taken outside and hung on a tree. Priced under $25.

3. Leap Frog Leap Learn & Groove® Alphabet Drum: It’s no wonder this toy was winner of the 2006 iParenting Media Greatest Products Award. Priced at under $15, this toy not only encourages physical activity, rhythm and fine motor development, it also teaches language and music. It has two programs. Children can either simply make music with it, or it can be programmed to display or speak letters of the alphabet to encourage early letter recognition.

4. Discovery Exclusive Ready Set Learn! Jump & Dance Music Mat: This item is among the Discovery Store’s best sellers. This toy allows your child to exercise by dancing and hoping, while it also encourages problem solving, creative play skills, and fine motor skills. Kids can chose to either dance to their own routines while the music follows their moves or they can repeat pre-programmed routines which light up with every move. This item is under $30.

5. Leap Frog Learn & Groove® Counting Maracas: Similar to the above mentioned Alphabet Drum, the counting maracas operate on the same principal of children making music and exercising while learning. The maracas teach counting from 1-10 in English and Spanish and introduce colors as well. This gem of a toy is under $15.

Asus 1005HAB Eee PC Review

admin — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 12:59:55 +0000

This article was written based on the purchase of an Asus Eee PC 1005HAB Netbook. This is my very first netbook and I totally love it. It is extremely powerful in my opinion and offers really great features. Netbooks have been around for a while now and have been heavily discussed all over the Internet. Some netbooks come with Linux as their operating, but about 90% either come with Windows XP or Windows Vista as their main operating system. The one bought for this review came with Windows XP and I am actually considering Windows 7 for it as soon as it becomes available.

Things I really like about the Asus Netbook are the weight and the screen/display. My last laptop computer I bought is about 3.5 years old and I am amazed how the display technology has evolved during that time. The Asus netbook display is featuring a solid resolution and content shown on the screen can be seen from across the room. While traveling I used the built-in SD card reader of the Asus to upload my pictures from the camera. I then used Google Picasa to work on my pictures and I was partially blown away how great the pictures looked like on the small screen. The Asus netbook had plenty of horse power to modify the pictures to correct colors, rotation, and more without freezing up or slowing down.

However, the one thing I am not so impressed with is the battery life of this netbook. I do not know if it is Windows XP or the Wi-Fi connection, but it seems like the factory battery is only good for maybe 2-3 hours. The battery power level shown by Windows XP is making big jumps down and that happens really quickly. The netbook has different power settings so that you adjust settings for when working on battery, but even with the most battery-efficient setting the power went out after around 3 hours or so. As a matter of fact, even though the screen brightness dims down when running on battery power, the Asus Netbook still uses a lot of energy that drains the battery. So, my conclusion is that to bypass this problem you will need to consider buying a replacement battery. The 1005HAB is the “Best Buy” version of this popular netbook with some minor downgrades compared to the real 1005HA. You can either take the battery from another Asus 1005HA or replace the existing one with an official replacement battery for longer battery power.

Conclusion: Great netbook with plenty of horse power so to speak. I love the low weight and what I can do with this Asus 1005HAB netbook. I am a little bit disappointed about the battery life though. Would I buy it again if I have the choice? Yes, I would go for this netbook computer again.

Acer Aspire One AOD 250 Mini Notebook Computer – Do the Features Set This Netbook Apart?

admin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 21:43:49 +0000

This Acer Aspire One AOD 250 review will help you determine if this is the best mini notebook computer option for you. Many people find that this particular model comes out of ahead of others for a few different reasons. One is that it is a very powerful option in the world of netbooks, another is that you can save quite a bundle over other companies since Acer is priced so fairly.

One of the most popular features of the 250 model is the nearly full-sized keyboard. However, since you’ll probably be traveling and using your Acer notebook on the go, you want to make sure it is ultra-portable. The drawback to portability with computers is that they are often too small to use adequately. Since this particular keyboard is nearly full sized, this will not be a problem for you! Even with the great keyboard and 10 inch screen size, you’ll be pleased to know it only weighs 2.4 pounds. With many netbooks weighing in at about 3 pounds or more, this is one of the lightest of the bunch!

The Acer Aspire One AOD 250 comes stocked with a 160 GB hard drive. It has 1 GB of installed RAM (that you can easily upgrade to 2 GB), and uses an Intel Atom 270 processor. You’ll probably find that this Acer laptop works very well for the things you need it for most. Some people are even using these as their main computer — though that’s probably not the best option if you consistently need more power. Still, using this mini laptop as a companion or travel computer is a very smart decision no matter what your usage patterns.

The downside to this model is that it comes with a three cell battery. Other models in the Acer line can last for up to nine hours, so you may want to consider getting one of those instead if you’ll need something that lasts longer. Still, many people find that three hours is just enough time to get some work done or browse the Web on the go.

You’ll also love that Acer makes their mini notebooks very affordable. If you compare other netbook computers with the same specs and quality, you will generally pay a lot more if you go with a different brand. That’s why this Acer Aspire One AOD 250 review is so positive! It’s a highly dependable brand, and this particular model comes jam-packed with some features that are perfect for you.
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Samsung N110 – Is This the Best Netbook on the Market?

admin — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 18:10:34 +0000

The Samsung NC10 is a fantastic netbook that is difficult to beat for allround design, quality and performance and one would think that there is not much extra that Samsung can do to improve on it.Think again, the stunning latest N110 definitely surpasses it’s predecessor.

The Samsung N110 is not a complete revamp of the NC10, however it is probably more of an evolutionary step. Gone is the chrome stripping around the edging, replaced by an elegant maroon embellishment, giving it an overall look of being slimmer than the NC10.

Surprisingly enough, it isn’t.The more rounded corners and tapered edges gives the impression that it is smaller , however it’s dimensions are very alike to the NC10.

Apart from the brand new visual enhancements, Samsung have managed to comparatively decrease the weight of the NC10 by 50grams (1.76oz), making the N110 a more handy 1.26kg (2.77lb).

However the transformation doesn’t cease right there.The NC10′S matte display has been changed to a more reflective glossy one. The screen on the N110 is superb, with superior brightness and fantastic color reproduction, by and away far greater to that of the NC10.

The quality of the audio is also pleasant to the ear by comparison to the “tinny” sounds of the NC10. The audio on the Samsung N110 will ensure that music playback will be much more enjoyable.

The design of the keyboard is brilliant, having a wonderful feel to it.The trackpad is a little taller and wider and the more accessible keyboard buttons helps the situation as well.

The battery life is also quite notable as well, with an amazing 11hrs 8min endurance. This outstanding little notebook will endure the long flights.

Pricewise, the Samsung N110 with have ample of admirers and it is worth every cent.

In conclusion, by comparison to the Samsung NC10, the N110 is an improvement in every area. A fantastic keyboard, exceptional display and superb overall design, the Samsung N110 is outstanding value for money and an absolute winner. If you travel a lot this netbook is genuinely worth consideration.