LATEST SNOW LEOPARD UPDATE DOESN'T SUPPORT ATOM PROCESSORS

The latest Snow Leopard update (OS X 10.6.2) is out. While it does fix a number of bugs, it has introduced a major problem on its own. The new OS doesn’t seem to work with Intel Atom processors. It is not yet known whether this was intentional move by Apple or not.

Atom compatibility can’t be a huge priority for Apple simply because the company doesn’t have a product running on that processor. Another possible explanation for this incompatibility is that Apple wants to discourage the practice of installing their OS on netbooks using Atom processors.

There is still hope, though. Sooner or later a hacker is going to modify the OS so that it would support Atom powered netbooks. But for the time being, netbook users who have installed OS X on their device shouldn’t give into the temptation of downloading this new update.

JOLICLOUD'S LATEST VERSION TO SUPPORT INTEL US15W

The next version of Jolicloud, a Linux based operating system, will support the Intel GMA500 integrated graphics. Until now, it was not possible to run Jolicloud on netbooks powered by Intel’s Poulsbo (US15W) chipset because it lacked the driver support for the integrated GMA500 graphics.

As the latest version of Jolicloud has driver support for the GMA500 graphics, it can be used on the Dell Mini 10, Asus Eee PC 1101HA& T91 and Acer Aspire751 netbooks. Jolicloud has also announced the list of applications that can be run on its latest platform. One of those applications will be the one-click install of Spotify.

BIOMETRIC LOG-IN THE LATEST ENTRANT IN THE TOSHIBA SATELLITE

The all new Fun and expedient way to log in to your notebook PC, Yes we are talking about the new options available with Toshiba. Toshiba has at present highlighted that its recently launched Satellite notebooks now comes loaded with face identification software technology. This is certainly not the 1st time we're hearing of such a feature but it's excellent to know that the new fangled Toshiba Satellite takers have an added characteristic to keep them occupied.

The novel software exploits the Satellite's in built Webcam unit to permit or refuse admittance by swiftly referencing a record of saved digital images of a recorded user's fascia. This record is generated during a diminutive setup progression, where a user is incited to budge their head from side-to-side and up-and-down until their face has been sufficiently outlined with a progression of still images.

Ahead of conventional password and biometric login alternatives, fascia identification provides users a exclusive alternative for logging in to their notebook. Compound users can use the software to use their personal accounts. It offers suppleness by permitting intermittent image revises to guarantee that the newest user photos are accessible in order to report for alterations in a user's corporeal appearance.

THE M50SV-A1 THE LATEST ASUS NOTEBOOK ENTERTAINER - REVIEW

The M50Sv-A1 is a brand novel concept from the stable of Asus, combining many features that no other competitors can match. With the goodies like The Multimedia touch pad, audio courtesy Altec Lansing speakers, and a full sized keyboard with a dedicated number pad are justly eye-catching attributes.

Design
The M50Sv-A1 by design is rigidly built. Rigidity in the chassis show cases very little flex and surely feels tough and durable. Hinges on the hood are also firm, and shouldn't replicate any wobble during the cross-country flight. As with the true family sense the back cover and palm rest is typically made with Asus's combination Technology to defy scratches from everyday hassles. The ample availability of ports all around the notebook also makes the note to live more user affable than other similarly priced units.

Performance
The heart of the 2.5Ghz Penryn CPU can master almost anything you could possibly throw right at it and would be the idyllic option for people seeking for a potential and future-proof unit. The M50Sv-A1 is fitted with a 330cd/m² AUO LCD display. The M50Sv-A1 houses the new Altec Lansing speakers which supply a much healthier sound clarity than your average notebook, and with output clarity of minimal to no misrepresentations on max volume based on what genre of music you are blasting on.

The temperatures on the keyboard are tepid to the feel. It is surely one of the coolest blocks of Asus notebooks to have reviewed. Placing the notebook on your lap doesn't source any uneasiness either.

No shocking news here when it comes to the battery. Asus's battery sprint is not on equivalence with other equally configured notebooks. Some suggest that the least efficient ACPI (generally known as Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) coding could be the valid reason of the below-average to average battery sprinting capacity.

Overall
Overall, the distinctive features, influential hardware and spirited pricing on the M50Sv-A1, proves it a strong contender in the gaming and home consumer souk. The performance showed will certainly grab attention from the neophyte gamer and proficient photo/video editors seeking for a substitute option to the Mac-book Pro.

Pros
+ Stunning screen
+ Dedicated Number pad on keyboard
+ Ample provision of ports (to mention HDMI and e-SATA)
+ Minimal fan noise
+ Audio courtesy of Altec Lansing speakers
+ Healthily priced

Cons
- Sub-average battery life
- Ports placed at the front of the notebook

Value For Money

Our Rating

SONY VGN-SZ791N REVIEW - THE LATEST ULTRAPORTABLE

When Sony launched off its SZ series of ultra portable variant notebook with the VAIO VGN-SZ170P, the company illustrated that it was the 1st to realize how important distinct graphics and an optical drive were to performance appealing world travelers. Are they really the first ones to promote the revolutionizing combo, read on to reveal that…

Design
The SZ791N has a slim, attractive look. The carbon fiber hood is beautifully crafted, Look at it intimately and you can spot the fiber strands and delicate sparkles embedded in the coffee-brown peripheral. The 13-inch LED display is amazingly slender, but the way the hood flexes hoists some disquiets about potential damage to the display screen. But Sony requires to work on the resistance of the keys if they intend to make them top-notch, like those in the flawlessly lessened keyboard of the likes of Lenovo ThinkPad X61.
Performance
The SZ791N is the 1st ultra-portable notebook to reveal on our bench with an Intel Penryn CPU, the 2.5-GHz Core 2 Duo T9300. The processor alone helped boost the SZ791N notch above the opposition, delivering exceptional benchmark test scores. Its performance is duly spirited by the 4GB of RAM. The SZ791N produced the quickest Adobe Photoshop CS3 scores compared to the competitor sores. In all when compared to the low powered notebooks of the fujitsu and the Mac-Book air it explains why the SZ791N was able to run away with high end performance in the video-encoding including 3D-rendering achieves as well.

The SZ791N stays on to be one of the few ultra-portables that run on isolated graphics. The graphics duly powered by the NVidia Geforce 8400M GS chipset that permits you to run many current 3D gaming titles. With the connectivity options vividly charted out, and the battery power doing extremely great work in keep you away from main power points is a definite benchmark from the market leader.

Overall
Since its commencement, the Sony SZ series has competed with the Lenovo ThinkPad X61 notebook and its forerunners for the top smudge as an all-around ultraportable laptop. With the VAIO VGN-SZ791N, Sony has lastly pulled its way past the X61 by being the 1st to set free a system with the new-fangled Penryn processor. Intel's most modern CPU helped the SZ791N distribute a blend of concert and battery life that heads the competitions.

Pros
+ An ultra portable that’s better than X61
+ Amazing combo of features
+ Decent graphics
+ Very good battery life
+ New updated technology of CPU

Cons
- Screen lid build too flexi
- As ever usual Sony pricing too high

Value For Money

Our Rating

PRINCETON'S LAUNCHES LATEST HI-TECH TOOLS

The first one is called PTB-W1, This is a wireless graphic tablet that features 16 programmable buttons, PC and MAC compatibility, the release date is all set for April in Japan and the worth should be just under 127€.

Some of the specs to mention are:
• 278x282x20mm and 595g in weight
• Wireless up to a distance of 30m away from the receiver
• 1024 levels of pressure
• USB rechargeable battery
• Self-sufficiency of 16 hours
• The pen utilizes an AAA battery said to last 1 year

The Second on the launch list is the PTB-DIP1, kind of a "notepad tablet" as you do write on a standard sheet of paper placed over the device, the whole thing that you write is then stored in the 32Mb memory which can restrain up to a hundred A4 type sheets.

A SD card port makes for supplementary space and can be used to record voice.
The data is then recorded and transferred thanks to the "Myscript Note Basic" software, converted into text files or images (JPEG, GIF).

The PTB-DIP1 also lets you choose what color you want for your inscriptions (red, blue, green or black) including the opportunity to make black invisible (not recorded).
Then, an undemanding USB plug allows the owner to grab his records and audio (MP3).

Aspects and weight: 250x350x12mm and 650g.

LATEST NOTEBOOKS

In a fast world of trans-continental travels, modern day professionals are inching more towards the notebook computer. Much lighter than the traditional laptop, the determining factor for a notebook computer is how thin and light it is. The notebook that you choose depends solely on your requirements. As with technologies, soon there will be upgrades of all the latest models in the market. What’s important is to understand your requirements and buy accordingly. It is safer to go for a product that gives you the option to upgrade.

Here is a brief listing of the latest notebooks from the best manufacturers in the market to choose from.

Apple MacBook Air: Launched in January 2008, Steve Jobs brands his product by the famous words, “We are talking thin here.” 0.76 inches to 0.38 inches, this aluminium notebook is undoubtedly the thinnest in the market. Priced at $1800, go for this one, if you are looking for your second or third notebook with a design to kill for.

Sony Vaio SZ: Again in market from January, 2008, this Sony product is the closest competitor to the MacBook. Thicker than the MacBook at 1.2 inches, but ultra-thin compared to the ones available in the market, this notebook has a whopping 4GB RAM and Core Duo 2 processor. Price - $1749 approximately.

Dell Inspiron 1525: Dell’s latest Inspiron replaces the 1520, 1521 and 1501 models and weighs below 6.61 lbs. The entry level version priced at $500 comes with 1.86 GHz Celeron processor and Windows Vista OS. As with all Dell products, you can custom add your features and the price may go up to $900.

Lenovo IdeaPad Y710: Sit up if you are a gamer, for the Y710 with its ultra big directional keys and the ‘turbo’ switch to accelerate the CPU speed is in the market. There is even a mini LCD display for time, date and battery usage. It is priced at $1800 upwards.

Fujitsu Lifebook U810: A 5.6 inch micro-PC tablet, the U810 from Fujitsu weighs a mere 1.56 lbs and makes life truly portable. It comes with AT&T’s latest HSUPA network – High Speed Uplink Packet Access for faster data transfer.

Toshiba Tecra A9-S9015X Notebook: At a thickness of 1.7 inches, Toshiba’s latest notebook comes with a Core 2 Duo processor, 1 GB memory (expandable) and a battery life of approximately 5 hours. Priced at $1300, Toshiba is a good choice in terms of usability and value for money.

HP Compaq Business Notebook 6720: Starting at $800 and edging a little bit towards the heavier side at 5.5 lbs, Compaq’s Business notebook is out in the market. With Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 1GB RAM and Vista OS, it is marketed as a ‘price-for-performance’ product.
Acer Notebooks: Acer’s notebooks come in three prominent series: the Aspire series has Dolby digital surround sound and is multimedia friendly, the Travelmate series with a bouquet of security and communication features ideal for the traveller and the signature Ferrari series that Acer refers to as ‘packed with passion’. The prices start from $800 and go up to $1200.

THE LATEST UPCOMING LAPTOP THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU

The best thing about technology is that it improves and develops continuously. This probably is also the most challenging bit about technology that a buyer finds difficult to deal with. The laptop that is right for you will depend solely on your need. The most important question for you to answer is: why do I need a laptop?

The latest laptops are full of features enhancing connectivity, usability, communication and also your comfort. They are lighter, faster and sport trendy looks. Following are some of the outstanding features of the latest upcoming laptops. You will also understand which feature provides you what kind of service and whether you need that or not.

RAM: RAM or random access memory determines the amount of bits a programme can use while it runs on your laptop. The more programmes that you need to work on, the higher should be the RAM of your laptop. If you are a multimedia developer, a gamer or an architect, you would need a laptop with higher RAM so that you can run a number of programmes simultaneously without affecting the speed adversely.

The latest upcoming laptops have installed RAM from 1GB to 4GB (Sony VAIO SZ). You can also upgrade RAM. So it is best that you choose a laptop where extra memory can be added.

Hard Drive: Hard Disc Drive (HDD) or hard drive as it is most commonly known as stores digitally encoded data in your laptop. Simply speaking it is the HDD that stores the newly created data and the old data even after the power supply is turned off. So if you want to play games and store your progress, keep latest flicks and music in your laptop, share it with someone else, keep a backup of your work, you will need a laptop with bigger HDD.

These days laptops come with even 200GB hard disk. That’s a huge storage area. Remember though, a bigger hard drive also means heavier weight.

Processor: Processor is simply put the brain of your laptop. It processes all the instruction that you enter on your laptop, starting from typing a word document to playing a game.

Most manufacturers use either Intel processors or AMD processors. Intel Processors has a slower internal clock rate than AMD Processors. If you want high end graphics quality then AMD processor is your pick. But remember to check if your laptop has the latest version of the processor. The latest set of processors is Intel Core 2 Duo from Intel and AMD Opteron and Athlon Dual Core from AMD.
Connectivity: Connectivity is the need of the hour. You want to keep your laptop as mobile as possible. Look for a Bluetooth and wireless enabled laptop if you want to stay connected wherever you go. Again the latest upcoming laptops come with a bouquet of wireless connectivity options. Also to consider is the number of USB ports in your laptop so that you can use the telephone, broadband or Ethernet connections as well as connect your laptop with other compatible devices like printer, camera, mobile phone etc.

Once you decide on the main features, you can also accessorise your laptop according to your need.

COMPARING LATEST UPCOMING LAPTOPS

Every month a new model of a laptop is launched on the markets. As of January, 2008, we have hundreds of laptop models flooding the market. It gets confusing after sometime as to which laptop to buy or which one is the best. While it is impossible to provide information on each model, here we will provide a comparison of the latest ones in the market that are most popular. You will find a comparison of the various features of the laptops from the ultra light one to the power laptops that are on the heavier side, from the thinnest and ‘a look to kill for’ to the ones with ordinary looks but great performance.

LATEST UPGRADED SONY VAIO SERIES

Sony being the laptop giant keeps upgrading its line of notebook to remain top in the industry. The well-known Sony Vaio has recently launched its latest line of 15-inch and 17-inch notebooks that are truly based on Intel’s newest Core 2 Duo processors generation. Vaio AR60 series that claims to be the prime notebook to give a boom to incorporated Blu-ray Disc drive is now up with Intel Core 2 Duo T8300 processor in its great model VGN-AR61ZU. There are more impressive features such as full 4GB of RAM space, graphics chip from latest NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 512 RAM. It has 17-inch x-black screen with a 1,920 x 1,200 resolution along with two lamps. Sony is never behind when it comes to fun part, in this notebook it offers you DVB-T digital tuner and HDMI output for entertaining TV’s connection.

In addition FZ30 Series are now combining 4GB SDRAM space and Intel Core 2 Duo T8300 processor. The impressive part is that you will find it lightweight but actually very strong magnesium alloy used for construction, it appears to be a standard footprint A4 size laptop, but exposes 15.4-inch wide screen display. On the final word, Sony Vaio is yet capable to lead the laptop market.

LATEST ULTRAPORTABLE D430 NOTEBOOK FROM DELL

Dell Latitude has recently exposed its D430 ultraportable laptop offering features of Ultra Low Voltage Core Solo, ULV Core 2 Duo, and couple of other technology integrated to make the smallest machine of 12.1 inch. Price range form $1,199 that is in fact a good price for ultraportable notebooks. If you check out at Dell Shop, D430 may also be accessible at $1000 with upgraded hardware. Some of the features of D430 are 12.1 WXGA Wide screen display of 1280 x 800 resolution along with RAM space of 1GM DDR2 533MHz. You further get External D-Port CD-RW/DVD-ROM Optical Drive and 802.11a/b/g WiFi, Ethernet, and Modem attached. Dell is no doubt turning better day by day!

HI-GRADE’S LATEST NOTEBOOK NOTINO C7000

Hi-Grade has come with the latest notebook, which is powered by an Intel Pentium M processor working at 1.5GHz, adding up with 512Mb of memory. This may make it slower than other desktop PCs on sale; however it's more than sufficient for a notebook. The notebook processor comes from the family of Centrino, which ultimately means that the laptop could work on wireless network connection that is the most demanded. This really goes well, with Windows XP's configuration value managing all the hard and tricky network options. It further has excellent 40Gb hard disk, which sufficient enough for common office use, with additional room for a decent collection of MP3s or games. The notebook works fine for office tasks, working on Internet or browsing on any image-editing program.

When it comes to look, it is slim, and frivolous. The laptop is well sturdy with a sharp 15inc wide screen display and a huge amazing hand-rest area below the keyboard. You will find the keys are shaped with translucent blue plastic that appears to be high quality in look. Battery life is more impressive feature of this notebook, it last up to three hours. Further comprises of Ability Office and security Panda Anti-virus software; Windows XP Home and the buyer get two-year carriage-and-return warranty. A laptop case is also offered in, something most manufacturers ignore.