Laptop Magazine

Samsung Series 5 3G Wi-fi Chromebook Review

2011-06-18T08:14:00.000-07:00

Samsung Series 5 3G Chromebook (Arctic White)

I'm not great at writing reviews so I'm going to make it brief. I basically needed something small and efficient for writing emails while on the go. I have an iPad, but that doesn't fit the bill. Tablets are great for consuming content, but not for generating it. I've found that I almost exclusively use my tablet while sitting on the couch or while lying in bed at home. For travel, I need a laptop. I think that's funny, since tablets are supposed to be super mobile and ending the reign of the PC.

Samsung Series 5 3G Wi-fi Chromebook Key Specifications:
* Processor: 1.66 GHz Intel Atom dual-core N570 processor
* Storage: 16 GB solid-state drive (SSD)
* System Memory: 2 GB
* Communications: Wireless-N Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n), integrated 3G (via optional Verizon Wireless subscription)
* Ports: Two USB 2.0, 4-in-1 memory card reader (SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC)
* Video out: VGA (via optional dongle)
* Audio: Built-in stereo speakers, combo headphone/microphone jack
* Battery: 6-cell battery for up to 8.5 hours of use
* Webcam: 1-megapixel

I'm pretty satisfied with this little device. It does exactly what I wanted it to, and I enjoy being part of the initial set of users on products, especially if it's something Googley. The software I expect will be enhanced over time, and whatever issues remain outside of that are outweighed for me by the fun and sense of convenience that I get from playing with this thing. I imagine though that it's not yet for everyone. If you spend a good amount of your time offline, or using things other than a web browser, or don't want to be annoyed by the roughness around the edges of a new OS, you should probably stick with a PC or Mac for now, and maybe take another look this way in 6 months to a year. If you're looking for something that's fun to play with, easy to use, and very portable, buy it!

Samsung Series 5 3G Wi-fi Chromebook is four stars!

Most Helpful Customer Reviews:

35 of 38 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars - Amazing product!, June 15, 2011 By Mitali Ganguly

I am very happy with my Samsung Chromebook. I had been looking for a computer that was fast, easy to use and did not keep breaking down so when Google announced the Chromebook Pilot program I signed up and got the CR-48. I really liked my CR-48 and therefore bought the Samsung Chromebook with 3G at the Gilt flash sale. I've had it now for a few days and am very happy with it.

The Samsung Chromebook is very light weight and portable; and I like its clean looks and solid finish. The keyboard is amazing and the trackpad is HUGE. It also feels a lot faster than the CR-48. The software on the CR-48 kept improving and getting better in the 6 months I had it and it feels like its gotten even better on the Samsung Series 5. There's now a file manager and a media player and it is super easy to upload photos to Picasa. And ofcourse it has Chrome which is fast. Read more...

Toshiba NB505-N508BL Netbook

2011-06-03T15:09:00.000-07:00

Good netbook with FULL keyboard. Great little netbook at an affordable price. Specs are pretty standard for a 2010/2011 netbook: 1G RAM, 250Gb HD, 3 USB ports, basic video camera, separate Mic & headphone jacks, sd card slot, vga output and a very useful 8h battery life.

There are a lot of netbooks like this on the market, but what really stands out for me on this one is the keyboard, FULL size main keys with ALL the cursor movement keys: DEDICATED up, down, right,left, PGUP, PGDN, HOME and END. I work a lot with excel spreadsheets and it is really uncomfortable to move pressing fn+end/up orf+end/down or ctrl+fn+home, ctrl+fn+end, etc. to move around. Also scrolling with pgup/pgdown while reading a long web page is a pain when you have to press also the fn key! With most netbooks you have to live with the fn key, not in this case, the NB505 keyboard is really practical and comfortable, almost like a full laptop or pc keyboard, even do the position of the keys is not standard, they let you do the work easier and faster.

Click here to buy Toshiba NB505-N508BL Netbook from trusted store.

I also really like the case feeling: like some very soft rubbery cover, it looks nice and grips nice!

Windows 7 Starter is really basic, but you can find programs, utilities and tips on the Internet to take care of the basic "missing features" like changing the background image, colors, sounds, re-size pictures, etc. I got rid of most of the Toshiba utilities and also Norton, and installed MS Security and my preferred freeware home edition utilities.

I would have liked to have stereo speakers, but the netbook only includes a mono speaker under the unit.

I have older Toshiba laptops with excellent experience, in fact they are still working (WIN98, 450Mb HD,64Mb RAM)! so I decided to take the risk and bought the netbook from Amazon. It arrived fast, and working OK! (no DOA).

Its been a month since I got the netbook and I am still happy, but I think I will upgrade the memory to 2Gb, to make it snappier, I find Win7 heavier than Win XP for 1 gb of RAM (but that is just my feeling...).

All in all, I WOULD recommend it to my friends! Click he re to buy Toshiba NB505-N508BL Netbook from trusted store.

HP Pavilion dv6-3250us

2011-04-01T21:47:00.000-07:00

HP Pavilion dv6-3250us is reviewed by LinXX MiDoups. An awesome laptop. Very good looking design (argento on brushed aluminum). Feels sturdy in hand. All the bells and whistles as per the specifications including a backlit keyboard (which was really the selling point for me). Only problem and I mean the ONLY problem for me is the click/touch pad... to click on an item and/or drag and drop is kind of cumbersome to execute...the click part of the pad feels a bit stiff or too far down from tyhe location I'm used to it being in on other laptops...but I figure I'll get used to it after a while. What I think would have been great to just make this the ideal compact and economical merge of hardware vs. price would be integrated bluetooth. But no sweat for me I already had an IOgear bluetooth dongle to connect....Again, awesome laptop!

Read another reviews...

Apple MacBook Air MC506LL/A

2011-03-28T07:15:00.000-07:00

The best portable laptop EVER. Can't complain, just praise this little magical piece of state-of-the-art technology. Great in all aspects especially for the constant traveler. Weight is a joke (almost same weight as my cell phone). 10000000000 better than a netbook and comparable to the Mac pros in quality.

I purchased this laptop for my wife as her old HP dv2500SE was starting to show its age. She has recently decided to take up photography and so I thought a Mac would be a great option for her - allowing her to easily organize and edit her pictures and travel (which she does for work).

This laptop is absolutely amazing in appearance. It is easy to type on and read the screen yet is amazingly slim. It is difficult to describe how small its footprint is until you hold it up against a PC laptop with similar screen size and specs. The finish, glowing apple on the back, and minimalist keyboard is sure to make others jealous (if you're into that sort of thing).

As the resident IT person for our house (and professionally) I was wary of purchasing an Apple. My wife has found it intuitive to use and is well on her way to being a Mac expert after only a few days of use. I have played with it a little bit and beyond getting used to the touch pad it isn't that hard to pick up.

Our concerns about the Air not having enough horsepower to let her edit her photos (giant resolution, from a Nikon D90) were put to rest when she imported her first photos from the memory card reader (the 11" requires a separate SDHC reader which makes sense when you look at the side and realize the computer isn't thick enough for one.

The front camera is not 1080p but works very well with facetime (our son can walk around with my iphone and take mommy with him on his adventures around the house. While I would never give up my PC desktop, this little computer is the perfect choice for people who travel a lot and need a moderately powerful computer and full keyboard.

Another reviews here...

ASUS G73SW-A1 Gaming Laptop

2011-03-07T14:39:00.000-08:00

I've always suffered from the laptop to effectively complete the work I've done at home with work in the shop. I've always been kind of messenger. But ... Now I am converted for life, I have my G73SW-A1 ASUS Republic of Gamers laptop!

As a contract manufacturer, I conceive, design and prototype machine employed large and small production batches and custom products after purchase. solid modeling and CAD / CAM required discrete graphics cards, memory and a fast processor ... same requirements as the best players are looking for. I was very set on getting an office with a nice ass screen "large" LED and a nice laptop for mobility to and from work and home. Much of my work is done from my home office.
After much research and with every wave of information, it became very clear to me that the laptops have come a long way.

I have Dell's year and it was really leaning towards an XPS. I soon discovered that what I was looking than the XPS had to offer. I finally reduced to a Toshiba laptop, ASUS and an office that has breathed new life. I do not remember the manufacturer, but it was a very respectable gaming desktop. It was very clear that a laptop would simplify everything! But ... I'm a boy from the office, I have to give up everything that I am comfortable with. I realize now that laptops can truly replace the desktop.

I came to the startling realization that I would become a man portable ... EC blew me away! So now it to Toshiba and ASUS. To be fair, both offered what I needed, but the decisive factor was the case, or whatever you call it. The construction of the ASUS Figgins is so strong and stealth design is so totally awesome Toshiba has just jumped out of the water ... Hands down! The shell of the Toshiba was nice and shiny, but it seemed so cheap! Not only Toshiba ... taking almost all others do, with few exceptions, he chose the path with a best case to reduce costs in order to better CPU, memory and video cards.

ASUS Republic of Gamers G73SW-A1 is so incredibly strong and the benefits are out of this world! i7 ROCK! You can buy ASUS G73SW-A1 Gaming Laptop here!

ASUS G73JW-A1 Republic of Gamers Review

2011-03-05T18:49:00.000-08:00

Fast, quiet, cool and aesthetically. I bought this machine primarily for gaming, and to use every day job. This is a champ on two jobs.

Some highlights:
- Fast: This machine has never bogged down, and has a great video card. I can play Champions Online Fallen Earth and the highest resolution with details inflated, and it's smooth as butter. It can also rip and code video quickly.
- Silent: The most amazing thing of this machine is the optical drive, and also work in a whisper. My MacBook Pro fan and optical drive are both stronger than sin. And that drive was almost two times more expensive than that!
- Cool: run this machine as hard as you want - it is always fresh, thanks to the rear exhaust. My MacBook Pro constantly running so hot it almost burned my hands! I had an external keyboard to use all the time.
- Aesthetics: Chiclet keyboard is easy to use and feels good. The rest of the rubber keypad is also very relaxing. The machine is dead sexy to watch. The keypad backlighting and other lighting are fantastic.

Other bonuses:
- Blu-ray: Yes!
- Free Backpack: This is a beautiful bag, and you put the laptop and (if narrow).
- Gaming Mouse Free: ditto for the mouse: dang not bad for a make-a-way!

More review ASUS G73JW-A1 Republic of Gamers here!

NOTE:
If you have any problems with the keyboard type (eg, missing keys and you know what hit them, especially when typing quickly), remove the Synaptics touchpad / mouse drivers. This solved the problem for me and for others. This was the only problem I had with this machine.

ASUS N53JQ-XV1 Review

2011-03-01T08:10:00.000-08:00

I love this notebook. This is kind of super fast (once I removed all the bloatware and installed Firefox, I hate IE) and super quiet. It's very cool, but a vent on the side. Battery life is better than my i5 Asus. It lasts about two hours after watching movies online. Fine by me, I usually leave it plugged.

The screen is beautiful, the arrival of the money is good.

The only thing I hate the laptop is keyboard. It's too mushy and flexy and cheap. If you are picky about keyboards, then look elsewhere. This bothers me. But, I think, is not really enough to return, because everything else is perfect with the laptop. Argh! Please Asus, stick with the keyboard and the quality of their light! This would be perfect.

I use my laptop for photo editing and video editing. A series of graphic design using Adobe Illustrator. I installed Photoshop and Sony Vegas, which run fast and perfectly. This laptop is a tool!

Update: I have this laptop for several weeks and I had to go back and say I like the keyboard now. I'm used to it and feels fine now. Maybe it was just me. LOL. I love this laptop!

Here is the link if you want to buy this ASUS N53JQ-XV1

Compaq Presario CQ62-410US

2011-02-28T02:48:00.000-08:00

Save your money with the Compaq Presario CQ62-410US Notebook. The classic style at affordable prices and make this notebook an excellent choice for everyone. Use it for everyday tasks like e-mail and surf the web, and share pictures and video. The CQ62 is an ENERGY STAR to save energy, too. Easy DVD on-screen 15.6-inch diagonal high-definition LED and surf the Internet from every room and on the road using wireless.

This Compaq laptop looks good Imprint finish with fingerprint-resistant texture matte black. The Compaq Presario CQ62-410US PC Notebook has the right balance between performance and portability. Use the One Touch keys for instant access to popular applications and other e-mail. Burn custom labels directly onto CDs and DVDs with LightScribe technology, thousands of photos stored on your hard drive more. You can also enjoy online gaming with integrated graphics Intel video specific. At 5.50 pounds, this laptop Compaq weighs little more than a ream of paper.

Read more...

Samsung Q430 14-Inch HD LED Review

2011-02-24T03:37:00.000-08:00

At first, I was looking for a laptop, and then I came across the Samsung q430 in a best buy, when I looked through this section of the shop. Usually I'm careful with PCs in local stores as they usually get watered down version of the laptop where you can find a better, more sophisticated models online.

When no longer for sale, it is still relatively cheap compared to many other phones that have not been faster. icore5 processor at 2.4 GHz, 4 GB of memory, 500GB hard drive, 512 MB NVIDIA graphics card, built in SD memory card reader, DVD burner ... not!

In addition, it is easy to forget something as simple as the keyboard layout ... It was one of the biggest for me to find a new laptop. I used a PowerBook G4 Titanium, which is a nice layout of the keyboard have had and still have the Mac professional book, in my opinion the best keyboard design available in any laptop. Q430 keyboard is very similar to one raised, hard, scoring keys black spread nice and offer nice feedback. So once I decided to go with a non-Mac laptop, I hoped that I could something like this is in the keyboard. Samsung q430 and I think the closest you can get with a keyboard on a laptop MacBook Pro. I love this keyboard, except perhaps a hint of change than normal, I love it.

If there was something that would change the laptop, perhaps it would not have a glossy screen, as is sometimes the reflection can be bothersome. However, the screen is bright and clear that I needed and I realize that fewer and fewer.

Wireless works well, 3 USB ports, decent built-in webcam, and HDMI output rather light! I also once fell, the transportation is very smooth and everything seems to go without any problem. For the price, and even price aside, I think you can not go wrong. I think it's a rugged laptop, especially when the world of solid, quality laptops before Apple.

I hope my review is helpful, Samsung Q430 is available from $744.99. Get it here!

Review Apple MacBook Air MC503LL/A

2011-02-23T07:14:00.000-08:00

Apple MacBook Air MC503LL/A offers all-in flash memory storage, a Multi-Touch trackpad, a long battery life, high resolution display, an Intel Core 2 Duo and NVIDIA graphics card. All in one piece design that is lightweight, thin and strong enough to carry all your daily activities and more, if you're on the couch, in a classroom or conference. Is the mobility of the knee.

DESIGN
I thought my 2010 13" MacBook Pro (which they call "MBP") was elegant and stylish, but it's just awesome. The MBP seems to be easier in some ways, since the keyboard is back -lit and the screen has a nice black trim, but the overall design, the only MBA can not be beat. You do not really portability of the MacBook Air and an elegant design and appreciate until you physically play in person. The MacBook Air is very thin but since the use of a unique design, slim is not uniform across the thin device.

The 13" model has two USB ports and an SD card reader (the 11" model has no SD card reader). The USB ports are intelligent on both sides of the laptop, so you can Devices too large connected simultaneously. The SD card reader is very useful (see below). What's more important that you read here is not what the connections, but it's not. The main points of the missing Airs macbook, in my view, the optical disk and an Ethernet port. Although not necessarily pleasant - and lose - one of those too, there are times where access is difficult or if you have a disk for something to use. However, the MacBook Air laptop has a great design that provide more than enough for most people each day.

PERFORMANCE
Even with my heavy use, it's my very reliable for everyday multitasking. While some of that speed could come from my extended RAM (see above), most of which comes from the use of air from a Solid State Drive (SSD). If the SSD technology is relatively expensive compared to traditional hard drives on a gigabyte's worth the money! You can compare a large number of videos on YouTube to see how fast solid state drives compared to conventional hard drives. SSD really shines when you cut the time to start a program or when you turn the system on or off.

DISPLAY
The high resolution screen of the MacBook Air is great. The 13" Air has a resolution of 1440x900 (like the MacBook Pro 15"), which is better than 1280 x 800 resolution on my 13" Macbook Pro 2010. It is very loud and clear!

Apple MacBook Air MC503LL/A is available from $1,050.00. Get it here!

Apple MacBook Air MC505LL/A 11.6-Inch Laptop Review

2011-02-22T01:02:00.000-08:00

The introduction of the new MacBook Air, the most mobile of the Mac in any way, shape, or form. It offers all-in flash memory storage, a Multi-Touch trackpad, a long battery life, high resolution display, an Intel Core 2 Duo and NVIDIA graphics card. All in one piece design that is lightweight, thin and strong enough to carry all your daily activities and more, if you're on the couch, in a classroom or conference. It's the mobility of the knee. External USB MacBook Air SuperDrive (sold separately) Display 11.6-inch (diagonal) high-resolution LED-backlit glossy widescreen (1366 x 678) and FaceTime omnidirectional camera internal microphone NVIDIA GeForce 320M with 256 MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared memory Main (dual display and video playback) AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR Apple USB Ethernet Adapter (sold separately), a full keyboard, trackpad Multi-Touch for High Stereo speakers precise cursor control ports - USB 2.0, mini-jack headphone connector, Mini DisplayPort, MagSafe Power Port Unit Dimensions - 11.8 (W) x 0.11 to 0.68 (H) x 7.56 (D) mm Weight Unit - 2, 3 lbs.

Storage included in this model is 64 GB. This will be sufficient for word processing and a store average and a video library. But, do not store a lot of video here. However, storage is fast and strong, making an early start and leave the car feel more agile, despite the slower processor.

Apple battery specifications in this model to five hours, while the 13-inch has quoted a 7 hours. Apple uses a battery of new tests, which is said to provide a more accurate self from the real world. Yet the life of the battery is going to edge 13-inch model.

The display is slow, despite the 11.6 inch format. In fact, the resolution is similar to display 13-inch MacBook Pro, so there is no doubt that the screen is beautiful.

iLife 11 is included and already installed on this machine, so as to be able to enjoy the latest version of iLife right of the box. Two USB ports and Mini DisplayPort delivers the scalability and compatibility with external devices. Connect an external hard drive for expanded storage or sync your iPhone. No problem. In fact, believe it or not, this little 11.6-inch MacBook Air can run the 27-inch Apple Cinema Display, which sells. This demonstrates the impressive performance of the graphics device offers little. Apple MacBook Air MC505LL/A is available from $929.99. Get it here now!

Apple MacBook Pro MC374LL/A Review

2011-02-21T21:39:00.000-08:00

The new MacBook Pro benchmarks for all new Mac notebooks The 13-inch MacBook Pro features an Intel Core 2 Duo and NVIDIA next-generation high-performance graphics processors that you can perform everything from 3D games, take pictures and video. And the built-in battery lasts up to 10 hours.

Carved from a single block of aluminum, the MacBook Pro because of the real engineering. The patented unibody design is the product of precision machining. The new energy-efficient architecture in the MacBook Pro offers a much longer battery life. With a single charge, the battery of the new 13-inch MacBook Pro is up to 10 hours, and you'll get to 1000 fully charged and discharged, that's almost three times the length of a standard notebook battery.

MacBook Pro offers more opportunities for high-performance graphics, starting with the new NVIDIA GeForce 320M integrated graphics processor in 13-inch model. And, 80 percent faster than the previous generation, and even more efficient in their daily activities such as writing e-mail and Web browsing. Every MacBook Pro features an LED-backlit displays with wide viewing angle of pristine and the spectrum of colors, usually only on a desktop display to see. So if, you're seeing a movie or make one, you've got the perfect canvas.

The ultra-thin, transparent glass door screen makes it stronger and more durable. And why, it's energy efficient and free of mercury and arsenic, this screen is more environmentally friendly than ever before. The 13-inch MacBook Pro includes advanced Intel Core 2 Duo. It also comes with a large hard drive standard provides up to 250 or 320 for the storage, so that's plenty of room for your photo libraries, video projects and files. And of course all the MacBook Pro comes standard with Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard operating system and iLife.

This Apple MacBook Pro MC374LL/A is available from $900.00. Click here to see full features!

ASUS A52F-XA2 Review

2011-02-21T15:26:00.000-08:00

Based on the Intel Core i3-370M, increasing 15.6-inch notebook A52F XA2 mobility at an unbelievable value. This versatile notebook has a scratch-resistant design infusion designed to look any further new every day. Together with a compact design, the re-XA2 A52F Continue with ASUS Power4Gear the direct selection from a variety of preset power profiles for high performance or save energy. The ASUS Palm Proof improved multi-touch trackpad, which do not move the cursor accidentally when accidentally touched the palm on the trackpad while typing. Its brilliant 15.6 inch HD display, and HDMI connectivity, pamper yourself with clear images and high-definition movies.

The A52F-XA2 runs a range of activities at a time with less waiting. And with Intel Hyper-Threading technology improves the ability to multitask, so you do everything at once. ASUS Power4Gear is a series of profiles between the power Power4Gear above the key combination you choose to optimize for your application, improved battery life performance.

The A52F-XA2 has smudge-proof and a palm rest, 3GB DDR3 RAM, 0.3 megapixel webcam, 320 GB hard drive, high-speed connectivity Wireless-N Home Premium and Windows 7.

ASUS A52F-XA2 is available at $594.99. You can see the detail information here!

HP G62-340us 15.6-Inch Review

2011-02-21T10:55:00.000-08:00

A notebook at an affordable price can be stylish. The HP G62-340US Notebook PC productivity, reliability and fun at a great value. Watch DVDs and view images easily on the 15.6-inch diagonal high-definition LED screen. Surf the Internet from every room and on the road with integrated Wi-Fi, and talk face to face over the Internet with the integrated HP Webcam. 3 GB of memory, supports work with several applications. The HP laptop sees the fingerprint-resistant, textured finish with HP Imprint design in anthracite Prisma size.

The HP G62-340US Notebook PC is an all-round performer, who loves everything you do. Managing daily activities using the full-size keyboard and quick access to common applications and other e-mail. Burn custom labels on CDs and DVDs with LightScribe technology, and thousands of photos stored on your hard disk. Simply transfer photos directly from a memory card on a HP laptop. Enjoy online games in crisp detail with Intel integrated graphics, HD video.

HP G62-340us is available for $436.99. Full detail here!

Samsung RF510-S02 15.6-Inch Review

2011-02-21T10:06:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for power and performance? The laptop is here. The presentation of the Samsung RF510. It features a 15.6 "HD (1366 x 768) with LED backlight, the images look sharper and bolder colors imaginable makes. come with NVIDIA GeForce graphics card with 330M Specification 1 GB of RAM and HD gaming and multimedia combined full Life. Since the audio is the key that appears Samsung True2Sound system that you are in the most natural and realistic 3D SRS Premium Sound.

Exceptional performance on the latest Intel Core i7 will turbo-boost technology delivered in combination with the power of multi-Tasking Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium. The large 640 GB hard drive that does not mean never without your favorite music, movies and pictures and innovative Quick-Start, Samsung makes you in three seconds to go, rather than waiting to begin.

Bluetooth 3.0 + can exchange EDR faster wireless data and two USB 3.0 ten times faster than USB 2.0 external hard drive. A door is rechargeable so your phone or MP3 player, even if the notebook is off loaded. and graphite with a burst radiator with two-tone interior and blue power button alone, style guides cover everywhere. Samsung RF510 is power, perfection, performance.

Samsung RF510-S02 15.6-Inch HD LED Laptop (Graphite Radiant Burst)
by Samsung

(20 customer reviews)

List Price:		$1,079.00
Price:		$789.99
You Save:		$289.01 (27%)

In Stock

Review Toshiba Satellite L655-S5158

2011-02-21T08:59:00.000-08:00

Toshiba also offers a portable high-end, namely the Satellite L655-S5158. The new laptop with features such as next-generation Intel Core i3-380 dual-core CPU equipped, runs at 2.53GHz, LED LCD screen, and also offers connectivity options including HDMI, VGA, 10/100 LAN, three USB 2.0 Ports and 1 eSATA / USB combo.

The Toshiba Satellite L655-S5158 notebook also features 15.6-inch widescreen TruBrite HD display with a native resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, the preferred their HD 720p content Intel Graphics, you can enjoy up to 4 GB of DDR3 memory, 640 GB Hard Drive 8x DVD burner, Super Multi-Layer, supports Stereo speakers, Wireless-N Wi-Fi and 7 Genuine Windows Home Premium.

The L655-S5158 is can be found for available price at $ 599.99.