Laptops Reviewer

Enjoy powerful computing with the Dell Inspiron 1764.

Driven by the Intel® Core® i5-430M processor, this laptop comes pre-installed with Microsoft's Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium operating system.

Boasting an impressive 4GB of Memory and a whopping 500GB Hard Drive, this high performer provides masses of space for storing all your files and documents, whilst operating smoothly and effortlessly, however demanding the task.

Equipped with a large 17.3-inch High Definition TrueLife TFT widescreen display, the sleek black Inspiron 1764 provides the perfect platform from which to enjoy your favourite films via the built-in DVD rewriter. The potent GMA 4500MHD graphics processor makes 3D gaming and playback of HD content a visually stunning experience too.

Featuring WiFi for easy, fast internet connection in hotspots, the Inspiron 1764 also includes a 7-in-1 memory card reader and 4 USB ports, so you can transfer files and link up to external devices with ease.

Enjoy the benefits of reliable, powerful computing at home or away, with the Dell Inspiron 1764.


General Information

Processor	Intel® Core® i5-430M Processor - 2.26 GHz - 3 MB L3 cache
Operating System	Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium
RAM	4GB
Graphics card	Intel GMA 4500MHD integrated graphics processor
Screen type	LCD TFT screen
Screen resolution	1600 x 900 pixels
Screen size	17.3"
Screen features	TrueLife
Hard drive	500 GB
Optical disk drive	Dual Layer DVD Rewriter
Memory card reader	7-1 Memory Card Reader
USB	4
FireWire	No
Wi-Fi	WiFi 802.11b/g
Bluetooth	No
Video interface	HDMi socket
Audio interface	1 x microphone port 1 x headphone port
TV output	HDMi socket
Extension card slot	No
Sound	Built-in loudspeakers
Battery	6-cell lithium-ion battery
Accessories included	Battery, power adaptor, documentation
Software included	Works 9, McAfee Security
Size	420 x 276 x 20.5-2.8mm (W x D x H)
Weight	3.2

It's relieving to say, therefore, that the 13-inch Asus UL30A-A1 is a thin-and-light that we'd gladly carry around in our bag for a good long time to come. With a sturdy frame, a decently performing new Core 2 Duo CULV processor as opposed to the disappointing single-core Core 2 Solo CULVs we've seen, and really good battery life, it's close to a complete package for a sub-$1000 laptop that doesn't resort to an Atom processor.

With a solid-feeling chassis, the Asus UL30A-A1 has a plastic feel, but unlike some low-cost laptops, you shouldn't be worried about it breaking if you don't hold it right. The bottom's generic black matte plastic is topped with a glossy silvery plastic on the interior, surrounding a very MacBook-esque chiclet-style raised keyboard. Glossy black plastic surrounds the upper lid's inset glossy screen, while the back is covered in what feels like a thin overlay of aluminum. Even though the UL30A-A1 does look (from a distance) somewhat MacBook-esque, the overall construction is far more budget-minded. To this thin-and-light's credit, the battery is well integrated into the space behind the keyboard and between the two display hinges.


Product summary

The good: Strong battery life; reasonable price; slim design.

The bad: Some keyboard flex; touchy touch pad; feels a bit cheap.

The bottom line: If you're in the market for an affordable thin-and-light, the Asus UL30A-A1 provides great value and a solid Core 2 Duo CULV processor in an attractive package.


Asus UL30A-A1 Technical Specifications

General

* Width 12.9 in
* Depth 9.3 in
* Height 0.9 in
* Weight 3.7 lbs
* Notebook type Ultraportable (Under 4 lbs.)

Processor

* Processor Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300 / 1300 MHz
* Data bus speed 800 MHz
* Chipset type Intel 45GS Express

Cache Memory

* Type L2 cache
* Cache size 2 MB

RAM

* Installed Size 4 GB / 4 GB (max)
* Technology DDR3 SDRAM

Storage Controller

* Storage controller type Serial ATA

Storage

* Floppy Drive None
* Hard Drive 500 GB - 5400 rpm
* Storage Removable None
* Hard drive type Standard

Display

* Display Type 13.3 in TFT
* Max Resolution 1366 x 768
* Features Glare display

Video

* Graphics Processor / Vendor Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500MHD

Audio

* Audio output type Sound card
* Audio Input Microphone

Input Device(s)

* Input device type Keyboard , Touchpad

Networking

* Data link protocol Ethernet , Fast Ethernet

Expansion / Connectivity

* Expansion Slots Total (Free) Memory , Memory card reader
* Interfaces 3 x USB 2.0 - USB 2.0 , 1 x Ethernet - RJ-45 , 1 x Display / video - VGA , 1 x Microphone , 1 x Headphones , 1 x HDMI

Miscellaneous

* Features 802.11b/g/n Wireless LAN , Camera

Power

* Power provided 40 Watt

Battery

* Installed Qty 1

Operating System / Software

* OS Provided Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
* Software Drivers & Utilities , ASUS SmartLogon , ASUS Net4Switch , ASUS Live Update , ASUS MultiFrame , ASUS NB Probe + , ASUS Wireless Console , ASUS Splendid , ASUS Express Gate , ASUS Screen Saver , ASUS Data Security Manager , Virtual Camera

The "v" in the Dell Mini 10v's name is seemingly there to indicate value for thrifty Netbook shoppers. The system is in many ways hard to distinguish from its more expensive cousin and is one of the better under-$299 Netbook packages we've seen.

Like most of the Netbooks we've reviewed, the Dell Mini 10v uses the 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 processor (although one interesting exception is the non-v version of the Mini 10, which uses the Atom's Z530 alternative). Its performance was exactly in line with typical Netbooks, and it works well for basic Netbook tasks, including Web surfing, basic media viewing, and working on office docs, which is what these low-cost, low-power systems are primarily intended for.

Dell Inspiron Mini 10v Technical Specifications

* Processor Intel Atom N270 / 1.6 GHz
* Memory 1GB
* Harddrive 160GB
* OS Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP3

Product Summary

The good: Same basic chassis as Dell's more expensive Netbooks; very low entry price.

The bad: Limited configuration options; inset screen is not as nice as the Mini 10's edge-to-edge glass.

The bottom line: Dell's Mini 10v keeps a lot of the features of the more expensive Mini 10, while dropping the price below $300. It's one of only a handful of $299 Netbooks that doesn't look and feel especially cheap.

This configuration of the Panasonic ToughBook F8 is a 3.7-pound, rugged notebook computer.Compared to other rugged notebooks on the market, it is midpriced at around $2,620.The 14.1 inch widescreen has a native resolution of 1280 x 800, which is fairly standard among laptops.Powered by the Intel Core 2 Duo chip.This notebook includes a 160GB hard disk and 3 GB of memory.

Product summary

Pros: Has only a 3.7-pound weight, which is somewhat lighter than some similarly priced notebooks.The built in Bluetooth connectivity will let you pair headphones or sync your mobile contacts.

Cons: Has only a 160GB hard drive.This is not out of line with the product's price, but is smaller than the average notebook on the market today.Integrated graphics controllers that rely on shared RAM are sometimes an acceptable trade-off for budget-minded users.

Suitability: A rugged notebook, suited for for industrial use.The sturdy frame and other features are part of this system's rugged design which make it more suitable for outdoor or industrial settings.If you have a wireless network at home, wirelessly browse the Web from any room in your house with this Wi-Fi enabled notebook.The excellent battery performance will keep your system running longer without plugging in.Archive your digital videos using this laptop's DVD writer.An anti-theft security tether can be fastened into the built-in lock slot.

Value: Overall, this notebook's features seem very weak for its price, compared to most other notebooks.

Panasonic Toughbook F8 Technical Specifications

General

* Platform Technology Intel Centrino 2 with vPro Technology
* Built-in Devices Stereo speakers , Bluetooth antenna , Wireless LAN antenna
* Embedded Security Trusted Platform Module (TPM 1.2) Security Chip
* Rugged Design Yes
* Width 12.8 in
* Depth 9.9 in
* Height 1.9 in
* Weight 3.7 lbs
* Notebook type Ultraportable (Under 4 lbs.), Rugged
* Wireless capabilities IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11 n (draft), Bluetooth

Processor

* Processor Intel Core 2 Duo SP9300 / 2.26 GHz
* Multi-Core processor technology Dual-Core
* 64-bit processor Yes
* Data bus speed 1066 MHz
* Chipset type Mobile Intel GS45 Express

Cache Memory

* Type L2 cache
* Cache size 6 MB

RAM

* Installed Size 3 GB
* Technology DDR2 SDRAM - 667 MHz
* Memory specification compliance PC2-5300
* RAM configuration features 1 x 1 GB + 1 x 2 GB

Environmental Parameters

* Environmental & energy standards compliance EPEAT silver, EPEAT Silver

Storage

* Floppy Drive None
* Hard Drive 160 GB
* Storage Removable None
* Hard drive type Portable

Optical Storage

* Type DVD?RW (?R DL) / DVD-RAM

Optical Storage (2nd)

* 2nd optical storage type None

Card Reader

* Card reader type Card reader
* Supported flash memory cards SD Memory Card , SDHC Memory Card

Display

* Display Type 14.1 in TFT active matrix
* Max Resolution 1280 x 800 ( WXGA )
* Widescreen Display Yes
* Features Anti-glare
* Screen type Widescreen

Video

* Graphics Processor / Vendor Intel GMA 4500MHD Dynamic Video Memory Technology 5.0
* Video Memory VRAM
* Max Allocated RAM Size 285 MB

Audio

* Audio output type Sound card
* Audio codec AD1883
* Audio output compliant standards High Definition Audio

Input Device(s)

* Input device type Keyboard , Touchpad

Telecom

* Modem Fax / modem
* Max transfer rate 56 Kbps

Networking

* Networking Network adapter
* Networking / Wireless LAN Supported Yes
* Wireless NIC Intel WiFi Link 5100
* Data link protocol Ethernet , IEEE 802.11a , IEEE 802.11b , IEEE 802.11g , Fast Ethernet , Gigabit Ethernet , Bluetooth 2.0 EDR , IEEE 802.11n (draft)
* Networking standards IEEE 802.11a , IEEE 802.11b , IEEE 802.11g , Bluetooth 2.0 , IEEE 802.11n (draft)

Expansion / Connectivity

* Expansion Slots Total (Free) 1 ( 1 ) x PC Card - Type II
* Interfaces 1 x Docking / port replicator - 78 pin docking , 1 x Display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15) , 1 x Audio - Line-out/headphones - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , 1 x Audio - Line-in/microphone - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , 3 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A , 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45 , 1 x Modem - Phone line - RJ-11

Miscellaneous

* Features System password , Hard drive password , Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately)
* Compliant Standards ACPI

Power

* Power device form factor External
* Voltage Required AC 120/230 V

Battery

* Technology Lithium ion
* Installed Qty 1
* Battery capacity 5800 mAh
* Mfr estimated battery life 6 hour(s)

Operating System / Software

* OS Provided Microsoft Windows Vista Business / XP Professional downgrade
* Software DMI Viewer , Adobe Reader , Recovery DVD , Roxio Creator LJB , InterVideo WinDVD 8 , Hard Disk Data Erase Utility

Manufacturer Warranty

* Service & Support 3 years warranty
* Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 3 years

Clearly aimed at the premium buyer, the $1,699 Samsung X460 has a similarly thin profile as the MacBook Air (albeit slightly larger to accommodate the 14-inch screen), and a distinctive chassis that mixes glossy black plastic with red brushed metal. Components are decent, with discrete Nvidia GeForce 9200 graphics and an Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 processor, but it's still overpriced for what you get--about $600 more than 14-inch systems, such as the Asus X83VM-X1 (with better graphics) or the Toshiba Satellite E105 (with only integrated graphics, but a backlit keyboard) that delivery comparable performance.

Product summary

The good: Very slim and lightweight; distinctive look; excellent battery life; solid brushed-metal construction; comfortable keyboard.

The bad: Overpriced compared with comparable 14-inch laptops; you'll need to appreciate a black-and-red color scheme.

The bottom line: If you want a thin-and-light 14-inch laptop or just love the distinctive look, the Samsung X460 is an impressive piece of hardware, but you'll find better value elsewhere.

Samsung X460 Technical Specifications

General

* Platform Technology Intel Centrino 2
* Built-in Devices Bluetooth antenna , Wireless LAN antenna
* Width 13.3 in
* Depth 9.7 in
* Height 1.3 in
* Weight 4 lbs
* Localization United States
* Notebook type Ultraportable (Under 4 lbs.)
* Wireless capabilities IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11 n (draft), Bluetooth

Processor

* Processor Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 / 2.26 GHz
* Multi-Core processor technology Dual-Core
* 64-bit processor Yes
* Data bus speed 1066 MHz

Cache Memory

* Type L2 cache
* Cache size 3 MB

RAM

* Installed Size 3 GB / 4 GB (max)
* Technology DDR3 SDRAM - 1066 MHz
* RAM configuration features 1 x 1 GB + 1 x 2 GB

Storage Controller

* Storage controller type Serial ATA
* Storage Controller / Serial ATA Interface Serial ATA-150

Storage

* Floppy Drive None
* Hard Drive 320 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm
* Storage Removable None
* Hard drive type Portable

Optical Storage

* Type DVD?RW (?R DL) / DVD-RAM

Optical Storage (2nd)

* 2nd optical storage type None

Card Reader

* Card reader type 7 in 2 card reader
* Supported flash memory cards MMCplus , Memory Stick , MultiMediaCard , SD Memory Card , XD-Picture Card , Memory Stick Pro , SDHC Memory Card

Display

* Display Type 14.1 in TFT active matrix
* Max Resolution 1280 x 800 ( WXGA )
* Widescreen Display Yes
* Features SuperBright technology
* Screen type Widescreen

Video

* Graphics Processor / Vendor NVIDIA GeForce 9200M GS
* Video Memory GDDR3 SDRAM - 256 MB

Audio

* Audio output type Sound card
* Audio Input Microphone

Notebook Camera

* Camera Type Integrated
* Notebook Camera / Sensor Resolution 1.3 Megapixel

Input Device(s)

* Input device type Keyboard , Touchpad
* Features Anti-bacteria coating

Telecom

* Modem Fax / modem
* Max transfer rate 56 Kbps
* Protocols & Specifications ITU V.92

Networking

* Networking Network adapter
* Networking / Wireless LAN Supported Yes
* Data link protocol Ethernet , IEEE 802.11a , IEEE 802.11b , IEEE 802.11g , Fast Ethernet , Gigabit Ethernet , Bluetooth 2.0 EDR , IEEE 802.11n (draft)
* Networking standards IEEE 802.11a , IEEE 802.11b , IEEE 802.11g , Bluetooth 2.0 , IEEE 802.11n (draft)

Expansion / Connectivity

* Expansion Slots Total (Free) 2 ( 0 ) x Memory , 1 ( 1 ) x ExpressCard/34
* Interfaces 1 x Display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15) , 1 x Audio / video - HDMI - 19 pin HDMI Type A , 1 x Headphones - Output - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , 1 x Microphone - Input - Mini-phone 3.5 mm , 3 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A , 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45 , 1 x Modem - Phone line - RJ-11 , 1 x Docking / port replicator

Miscellaneous

* Features 802.11a/b/g/n Wireless LAN , Camera , Bluetooth 2.0 , Intergrated fingerprint sensor

Battery

* Technology 6-cell Lithium ion
* Installed Qty 1
* Mfr estimated battery life 5 hour(s)

Operating System / Software

* OS Provided Microsoft Windows Vista Business
* Software Magic Doctor , McAfee VirusScan , Samsung Update Plus , Adobe Acrobat Reader , Samsung Play AV Station , Samsung Easy Battery Manager , Samsung Easy Display Manager , Samsung Easy Speed Up Manager , Samsung Recovery Solution III , Microsoft Office Professional 2007 (60 days trial)

Manufacturer Warranty

* Service & Support 1 year warranty
* Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 1 year

MacBook Pro is a brilliantly designed Premium notebook with excellent workmanship, which is to our opinion worth the high price. As in former models the ratio of performance and weight is excellent. Furthermore, Apple could also keep the emissions very low (under usual load).

Disadvantages are once again the mediocre interface equipment and the reflections of the 'glossy' screen.

For user who want to run this notebook mainly under Windows (per Bootcamp parallel installation) it is important that the results are not that perfect as under Mac Os X (because the battery runtime is shorter, the drivers for the input devices are worse, and the system noise is louder). The performance is thanks to Core 2 Duo with high clock-rate and a fast middle-class graphics card as expected very good. Compared to the predecessor model there aren't many changes in games except of the slightly faster graphics card.

Competitors of the MacBook Pro are the powerful business and workstation models from Dell (e.g., Precision M4400), HP, or also Lenovo (Thinkpad T500). Even the clearly cheaper multimedia consumer notebooks, e.g., the Acer Aspire5930G have a comparable performance. The strongest competitor in the consumer sector is the smaller MacBook also made by Apple. It mainly differs by a smaller size, the smaller and slightly worse screen, and the lower graphic performance.

Product summary

The good: New aluminum unibody construction comes to the 17-inch model; useful multitouch trackpad gestures; attractive edge-to-edge glass on display; dual graphics provide more power or more battery life.

The bad: All-clicking trackpad is a bit awkward; matte screen option costs extra; switching GPUs is not as seamless as it should be.

The bottom line: A little late to the party, Apple's redesigned 17-inch MacBook Pro joins the 15-inch model with a redesigned aluminum body, new trackpad with expanded functionality, and a dual-graphics setup for either longer battery life or better performance.

Apple MacBook Pro 2009 Technical Specifications

General

* Built-in Devices Stereo speakers , Bluetooth antenna , Wireless LAN antenna
* Width 15.5 in
* Depth 10.5 in
* Height 1 in
* Weight 6.6 lbs
* Notebook type Mid-size laptops (6-7.5 lbs.)
* Wireless capabilities IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11 n (draft), Bluetooth

Processor

* Processor Intel Core 2 Duo 2.66 GHz
* Multi-Core processor technology Dual-Core
* 64-bit processor Yes
* Data bus speed 1066 MHz

Cache Memory

* Type L2 cache
* Cache size 6 MB

RAM

* Installed Size 4 GB / 8 GB (max)
* Technology DDR3 SDRAM - 1066 MHz
* Memory specification compliance PC3-8500
* RAM form factor SO DIMM 204-pin
* RAM configuration features 2 x 2 GB

Environmental Parameters

* Environmental & energy standards compliance EPA Energy Star, EPEAT Gold
* Min Operating Temperature 50 ?F
* Max Operating Temperature 95 ?F
* Humidity Range Operating 0 - 90%

Storage Controller

* Storage controller type Serial ATA
* Storage Controller / Serial ATA Interface Serial ATA-300

Storage

* Floppy Drive None
* Hard Drive 320 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm
* Storage Removable None
* Hard drive type Portable

Optical Storage

* Type DVD?RW (?R DL) - Integrated
* CD / DVD read speed 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD)
* CD / DVD write speed 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD?R) / 4x (DVD?R DL)
* CD / DVD rewrite speed 10x (CD) / 4x (DVD?RW)

Optical Storage (2nd)

* 2nd optical storage type None

Display

* Display Type 17 in TFT active matrix
* Max Resolution 1920 x 1200 ( WUXGA )
* Widescreen Display Yes
* Features Glossy , LED-backlit
* Screen type Widescreen

Video

* Graphics Processor / Vendor NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT / GeForce 9400M
* Video Memory GDDR3 SDRAM - 512 MB

Audio

* Audio output type Sound card
* Audio Input Microphone

Notebook Camera

* Camera Type Integrated

Input Device(s)

* Input device type Trackpad , Backlit keyboard
* Features Multi-touch technology

Telecom

* Modem None

Networking

* Networking Network adapter
* Networking / Wireless LAN Supported Yes
* Data link protocol Ethernet , IEEE 802.11a , IEEE 802.11b , IEEE 802.11g , Fast Ethernet , Gigabit Ethernet , Bluetooth 2.1 EDR , IEEE 802.11n (draft)
* Networking standards IEEE 802.11a , IEEE 802.11b , IEEE 802.11g , Bluetooth 2.1 , IEEE 802.11n (draft)

Expansion / Connectivity

* Expansion Slots Total (Free) 1 ( 1 ) x ExpressCard/34 , 2 ( 0 ) x Memory - SO DIMM 204-pin
* Interfaces 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45 , 1 x IEEE 1394b (FireWire 800) - 9 pin FireWire 800 , 3 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A , 1 x Display / video - Apple mini-DisplayPort , 1 x Audio - SPDIF input/line-in - Mini-phone 3.5 mm / TOSLINK , 1 x Audio - SPDIF output/headphones - Mini-phone 3.5 mm / TOSLINK

Miscellaneous

* Included Accessories Cleaning cloth
* Features Aluminum enclosure , Ambient light sensor , Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately)

Power

* Power device form factor External
* Voltage Required AC 120/230 V

Battery

* Technology Lithium polymer
* Installed Qty 1
* Battery capacity 95 Wh
* Mfr estimated battery life 8 hour(s)

Operating System / Software

* OS Provided Apple MacOS X 10.5
* Software Front Row , Apple iCal , Apple iChat , Photo Booth , Apple Safari , Apple Spaces , Apple Dashboard , Apple QuickTime , Apple Spotlight , Apple iLife '08 , Apple DVD Player , Apple Quick Look , Apple Address Book , Apple Time Machine , Apple Mac OS X Mail , Drivers & Utilities , Apple XCode Developer Tools

Manufacturer Warranty

* Service & Support 1 year warranty
* Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year , Technical support - Phone consulting - 90 days