Entries by Jimmy Dunn

Apple have launched the world's thinnest notebook, called the MacBook Air. It isn't a cheap laptop - but we thought you'd like to hear more.

The MacBook Air has a fresh, brand new ultra compact thin design. Accoding to Apple, the Air is the thinnest notebook computer available, and indeed it's remarkably sleek. At its widest point, it's a hair over three-quarters of an inch (that's 1.94cm) and it's very light, weighing in at exactly 1.36kg.

The new model Macs are equipped with the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors, offer larger hard drives and ship with 2GB of memory as standard in most models. All MacBooks and MacBook Pros can now house up to 4GB of memory, making them ideal for the multimedia apps such as Photoshop and Cubase that have long made Macs the creative man's (and wo-man's) tool of choice.

A far cry from the modest little EEE PC we just brought up. But, if you need a powerful and reliable tool for multimedia on the road here's the lowdown.

MacBook Air

• Light, small and super thin.
  
• Base processor is a 1.6 Core 2 Duo.
  
• 2 Gb memory
  
• 80 Gb hard drive
  
• 5 hours batt
  
• 13 inch screen

£1,199

Needless to say at less than 2cm thick, the MacBook Air doesn't have a built in optical drive. Instead, you can use a remote optical drive which makes living without a built-in drive much easier than the traditional docking station alternatives (if you've had a docking station, you'll know what I mean).

Here comes the cheap bit. Education offers. Students and teachers can save up to 8% on Macs and up to 80% on Apple Software products!

Play, relax, and entertain on the go with the ASUS Eee PC.

Today I'm talking about the Eee PCPC701 - a smart little Linux-based laptop.

Linux! Arghh!

You say... but give it a shot. It's cheap as chips and easy to use, opening up a brave new world with easy Web access on the go. This smart little box is great for web browsing, checking email and social networking. You can even make calls with skype or instant messenger. The Eee pc is also great for students and schoolkids, with pres-installed features a host of tools to facilitate student homework.

Eee PC the flexible friend
Speaking of students, it's shock-proof design. Best not to through it at the teacher, but it's a tough little box and it'll take aknock or two more than your average low cost laptop.

The little laptop is powered by an Intel Ulta Low Voltage Celeron M Processor, which gives it a respectable battery life. It's quoted as "900MHz capable", in other words they don't ship at top speed but you could clock it by visiting BIOS.

The Eee PC features built-in wireless networking, sound and a media reader for Secure Digital (SD) and MultiMedia Card (MMC). Shockingly , your new best friend also has a built-in webcam and 2 year warranty.

New best friend - have you lost it?
Well, take a look. The ASUS Eee PC is very compact, just 7" and weighs less than 1 kg allowing you to be truly mobile. Bumps and shocks are no longer issues. And like a dog, it's dependable - it uses a solid - state disk for unparalleled shock protection and reliability. Eee PC will not fetch your paper, but BBC News looks pretty good even at 7".

Fact: The new ASUS Eee PC actually weighs less than a Harry Potter novel!

Easy on the pocket - Priced at £186 and £219 inc VAT the Eee PC is one of the lowest priced notebooks on the market. The cheap little laptop is:

• Easy to use - The new ASUS Quick launcher & one click intuitive user-friendly interface
  
• Easy to carry - Weighs less than 1kg and it comes with a free carry case.
  
• Easy on the pocket
  
• Intel Mobile processor
  
• 512MB RAM / 4GB Hard disk space - this is DDR2 RAM so it's fast!
  
• SD(HC)card reader
  
• 802.11 b/g wireless connectivity
  
• Integrated Webcam
  
• 2 Year Collect and Return warranty

These laptops sold out in the US over Christmas, now the early adopters over here are picking them up.

I love it. I like Linux, but I'm no expert and it works for me. If you want a business laptop replacement it's not for you because it's a Linux box and you probably find it difficult to stay compatible with a Windows-based office using MS Office suite. If you're looking for a multimedia or gaming machine it's not for you because it's only got a 4Gb hard drive.

But if you have schoolkids, want to take note in lectures, work in IT or want a faithful companion for browsing the web you've just found it.

Got your Asus Eee PC for just £218 here and join the consumer revolution!

Sony's digital entertainment laptop with a Blu-ray disc drive, HDMI connectivity, high powered processor and an incredibly large hard drive. This small laptop is a multimedia special, ideal for watching high resolution Blu-Ray DVDs (not surprisingly being pushed by Sony) which are higher resolution that standard DVDs and in competition with High Definition (HD). The WXGA (Widescreen high resolution) screen and huge hard drive reflect its multimedia capabilities - although bear in mind it isn't stricly (err.. at all) legal to rip a DVD onto the large hard drive!



Other than the fancy features the memory is generous - 2 Gb of very fast DDR2 667 MHz RAM. That's even enough to run Vista - which you might aswell get used to because it's going to be standard soon enough - and to tinker with 5 mb photos from your 10 Megapixel Sony digital camera. Speaking of cameras, this cheaper than usual premium Sony laptop has the obligatory MemoryStick drive.

A dual core processor ticks another box, although pretty standard these days. It does, whoever have an 800MHz FSB - this means it is free from a common bottleneck when communicating with the rest of your computer.

One for the desk drawer or young professional's IKEA room plan. Not half bad for under £1,000 inc VAT.

Here's the spec: Sony VAIO Intel Core 2 Duo T7300

• 15.4 WXGA
  
• 2GB RAM
  
• Huge 200GB hard drive
  
• Blu-Ray optical drive (reads high resolution DVDs)
  
• Vista Home Premium

Sony @ Cheap Laptops

Yesterday, Sony announced the expansion of its high-definition recording options with the introduction of 16GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media. This large-capacity flash storage device is ideal for Sony’s new Handycam® camcorders based on AVCHD™ technology as well as the latest high-resolution Sony cameras (Cyber-shotTM & α). Users can store up to 110 minutes of high-definition video recorded in 1920 mode, almost 6 hours of HD video when shooting in 1440 LP mode, and more than 4000 still pictures in 10 Megapixel resolution.

The 16GB Memory Stick PRO Duo media, is the optimal recording media for HD content because of its ability to quickly and easily transfer large amounts of video content between devices. The 16GB Memory Stick PRO Duo media can be removed from the camcorder and inserted directly into the Memory Stick slot of a PC or laptop or in a compatible adaptor. In Europe, for the initial launch promotion, it will be bundled with a handy USB adaptor - making it even easier to transfer files from your devices onto your PC for editing and sharing content.

The 16GB Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media will be available in March 2008. It could prove a useful asset for laptops, adding portable storage, media transfer and low latency diskspace.

Tip: If you're thinking of getting a 16Gb Memorystick then look out for the following:

• Does your device support such large memory?
  
• Is your device compatible with "Memory Stick PRO Duo" - it's evolved a few times?
  
• Do you need Memory Stick or would waiting a few months for a cheaper alternative do better?
  

HP has unveiled its full range of notebook PCs for the Christmas season. From the ultra-mobile 12” notebook PC which fits in a handbag to the 20” full entertainment system dedicated to movie fans, HP notebook PCs are sure to top Christmas wish lists this year.

As quick and efficient as Santa’s sleigh, this new range incorporates all the latest communication technologies. These include built-in webcams and microphones, digital entertainment accessibility tools, such as HP QuickPlay to watch favourite movies and music or an integrated remote control with intuitive navigation buttons as well as the heightened performance of the latest Intel and AMD processors. Design aficionados and technology enthusiasts will find exactly what they want beneath the Christmas tree when they see the new elegant HP Imprint designs available on HP’s range of Special Edition notebook PCs.

“HP delivers that special something for Christmas with its stylish, sophisticated and powerful notebook PCs. Offering a complete product line-up and solutions for the teenager on-the-go to the digital entertainment buff, HP notebooks are sure to be the hit of the holiday season”

said Achim Kuttler, vice president and general manager, consumer products, HP Personal Systems Group (PSG), EMEA.

HP Notebook PCs include a range of security options and software to protect them from physical or virtual tampering. The in-built fingerprint sensor and utility give access to all locked programs with just the swipe of a finger.

For those who are making their Christmas wish lists, HP has an innovative new range of notebooks for the holidays:

• Pocket-sized ultra-mobility with the 12” HP Pavilion tx1300 Entertainment Notebook PC
  
  For the frequent traveller and style-conscious entertainment guru, the versatile HP Pavilion tx1300 Entertainment Notebook PC combines an eye-catching HP Imprint finish with a covetable, convertible touch-screen design. Weighing in at just 1.9 kg and featuring a 12.1” HP BrightView widescreen, this notebook is packed with digital entertainment features. The display folds flat into a slate for easier viewing of photo albums, while the touch-sensitive stylus make notes on the touchscreen display a breeze.
  
  
• All grace and elegance with the 14” HP Pavilion dv2600 Entertainment Notebook PC
  
  Featuring HP’s elegant, black high gloss Radiance Imprint pattern, or the limited issue Special Edition Verve Imprint in chocolate, the HP Pavilion dv2600 Entertainment Notebook PC is the ultimate must-have accessory for fashion conscious, techno-savvy sophisticates. Featuring a 14.1” HP BrightView widescreen display, this ultra-stylish notebook PC boasts IntelÒ CoreÒ 2 Duo processors and a 250GB hard drive which provide all the power and versatility needed to run programmes, watch movies or present the latest holiday pictures with finesse.
  
  The Special Edition Verve Imprint notebook is accompanied by a matching wireless mouse and a slender russet slipcase to protect its stylish appearance. Possessing brains as well as beauty, the HP Pavilion dv2600 features high-quality stereo speakers, myriad of connectivity options and HP’s integrated low-light webcam.
  
  
• The sure-fire pleaser in Santa’s gift bag: the 15” HP Pavilion dv6600 Notebook PC
  
  The HP Pavilion dv6600 combines powerful entertainment features, solid work-related tools and designs that will please anyone looking for the perfect all-rounder notebook PC. It is available in HP’s striking Radiance Imprint pattern as well as a limited special edition Influx Imprint Design. Oozing urban design chic, the high quality ceramic white and silver Influx finish even extends to the matching mouse and accompanying white special edition headphones with integrated microphone.
  
  Boasting a 15.4” HP BrightView widescreen display, a choice of the latest AMD or Intel processors with mobile technology, the midrange versatile HP Pavilion dv6600 is well designed for both work and play.
  
  
• Ultimate performance with the 17” HP Pavilion Entertainment dv9600 Notebook PC
  
  Wrapped in an elegant, black high gloss design with HP’s ultra-stylish Radiance Imprint finish, the HP Pavilion dv9600 Notebook PC is designed for those who demand nothing less than a powerhouse of advanced entertainment and outstanding desktop replacement performance. Its contemporary design features a 17” HP BrightView widescreen display and NVIDIA graphics controller to make gaming come alive, while SPDIF audio ports connect to home entertainment systems with ease. Demanding applications are handled easily thanks to a choice of the latest AMD or Intel processors with mobile technology.
  
  
• Experience home cinema the HP way with the 20” HP Pavilion HDX 9100 Entertainment Notebook PC
  
  Fusing advanced digital entertainment and multimedia technology with the power and performance of a desktop PC, the Pavilion HDX9100 is the perfect solution for entertainment enthusiasts. Featuring a high-gloss piano black finish, and with its unique new HP Imprint Dragon design, HP’s largest widescreen notebook PC has the fresh and contemporary look of the latest luxury consumer accessories.
  
  Highlights include a multi-positional 20.1” HP Ultra BrightView widescreen display, Altec Lansing® speakers with HP Triple Bass Reflex Sub-Woofer and high performance Intel Core 2 Duo processors. The integrated HP Theatre Mode-enhanced HP Digital TV tuner, optional HD-DVD drive, and integrated multi-functional remote control provide a positively stunning multimedia experience. Smooth and enhanced communication is achieved thanks to an adjustable webcam with low-light image technology and two dual-array microphones.
  

HP Notebook accessories – the ultimate stocking stuffers

For digital enthusiasts who want to connect everything, the HP Notebook QuickDock allows instant access to all connected peripherals and the HP xb3000 Notebook Expansion Base elevates and angles HP notebooks to an optimum viewing position while maintaining all peripheral connections. Both the HP Noteboock QuickDock and the HP xb3000 Notebook expansion base provide component video, composite video and S-video ports to easily integrate HP notebooks into any home entertainment solution. The HP TV tuner transforms HP notebooks into a television and personal video recorder.

For those on the road over the holidays who want easy access to personal files like music, photos and movies, the HP Personal Media Drive storage solution offers up to 500GB of archiving space, and the Pocket Media Drive offers 160GB of additional storage in a slim-line portable form factor.

HP