Sony VAIO F Review

The Sony VAIO F is a high-end multimedia notebook. Our powerhouse test unit features an Intel Core i7 quad-core processor and Nvidia GT 425M graphics card. What's wrong with it? Read our review.

Our Sony VAIO F (VPCF136FM) review unit has the following specifications:

• 16-inch 900p (1600 x 900) glossy display with LED backlighting
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• Intel Core i7-740QM quad-core processor (1.73GHz~2.93GHz Turbo Boost, 6MB L3, 2.5GT/s QPI, 45W TDP)
• Intel PM55 chipset
• Nvidia GeForce GT 425 1GB graphics
• 6GB DDR3-1333 dual-channel RAM (1x 4GB, 1x 2GB)
• 640GB 5400RPM Toshiba hard drive (MK6465GSXN)
• Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6250 AGN wireless LAN
• Internal Bluetooth
• Blu-ray reader (PIONEER BD-ROM BDC-TD03)
• Internal backlit keyboard w/ separate numeric keypad
• Weight: 7.07 lbs.
• Dimensions: 15.69 x 1.34~1.79 x 10.69 inches
• MSRP: $1,299 (starting price: $869)

The specifications definitely place our VAIO F in the upper percentile in terms of performance vs. most 15.6/16/17.3-inch notebooks on the market. The GT 425M graphics card has more than enough power for the latest games. The only exception to the rule is the rather pokey 5400RPM hard drive; a 7200RPM model should be standard on a performance-oriented notebook.

Build and Design
The VAIO F has a run-of-the-mill look; the only notable physical features are the backlit keyboard and the green power button on the right side of the notebook. The F is constructed of all plastic and doesn't pretend otherwise. An all-plastic construction is not necessarily a bad thing, however; the VAIO F feels quite sturdy if a bit hollow. Gripping the chassis by the corners and twisting produces minimal movement in the chassis, which is what I like to see; this prevents the internal circuit boards from bending.

The display flexes easily when twisted by the corners. No ripples appear on the screen when pressure is applied from the back, which indicates there is a decent amount of protection. There are a number of buttons above the keyboard area; my favorite is the “Display Off” button, which turns off and on the display instantly. The VAIO F is missing volume control buttons, which is strange given the multimedia focus of this machine.

Those looking to upgrade the VAIO F will find it relatively easy to do; there are separate compartments on the bottom for the RAM and hard drive. Both RAM slots are occupied in our test notebook.

Ports and Features
The VAIO F sports a solid array of useful input/output ports including eSATA, HDMI, and ExpressCard/34. It has two USB 3.0 on the right side but lacks DisplayPort.

Apple MAC Laptops

For many years Apple MAC laptops as well as MAC desktop computers were generally considered short on applications and long on price.  There was also a well established rumor that Apple MAC laptops could not perform like a Windows PC.  Apple MAC laptops were also said to be over priced and slow. 
There is little truth to both assessments.  Especially now that apple MAC laptops and desktop computers that are being sold by the thousands come with the latest Intel Core Duo processor technology.  The newest iMacs and MacBooks come with enough Intel cpu power to rival any Windows laptop computer. 
Cool Tip :
When considering purchasing a laptop computer and trying to decide between a MAC and a Windows PC, it all boils down to preference.  And price too. :)

Apple MAC laptops had long been known for being the computer of choice for designers and publishers who had required outstanding detail graphics.  Today, both the MAC and Windows PC will give you great outstanding graphics.  MAC laptops will run any application and provide super performance.  The OS operation system is user friendly and many have claimed it to be far easier to learn than Windows XP or Vista OS.  

Apple’s latest newest top of the line laptop, the MacBook, is a excellent laptop for anyone to use.  However, it does come with a high price tag.  If you are not put off by the price, this computer is versatile, innovative, sleek and solid.  MAC's are a complete computer that you can start using right out of the box.  Everything is included to allow you to surf the Internet, email your friends, listen to your favorite music and type up your latest document or spread sheet with very little learn time.
Where as a Windows laptop PC does not normally include everything, which means you will have to buy the extra programs after your purchase.  However, bare in mind that the upfront cost of a MAC is more than a Windows laptop PC.   But the long term cost is about the same.
A nice feature that is now included with every Apple MAC laptop computer and is one of Apples biggest selling points, is dual OS operating systems.  This means that you can now choose which operating system you would like to run on boot up.  MAC OS or Windows PC.  Yes, that is right!  You can not run Windows PC OS on a Mac laptop computer.   By the way, take a look at the picture on this page.  See the little black circle on top of the MAC laptop lid.  That happens to be a built in Web Cam.  So if you buy a Apple MAC laptop computer you will not have to give up your favorite Windows PC game or your favorite Windows PC application.

Cheap Apple MAC laptops are hard to find if you are looking for a new one.  Apple just does not make a cheap Apple MAC yet!  However, you can pick up a few really nice reliable refurbished Apple MAC Laptops for under a $1000.00.   They will not have the latest IMac or MacBook technology like Intel Core Duo processor, but they will be well built and will last you for a few years of problem free performance.

Laptop Computer, Man's Best Friend

Laptops: We all know what they are and have seen them around in offices, home communities and in our travels.   Most people have own one as their personal computer for many years.  But how much do we really know about them?  Are they kind to us?   Can they keep us from feeling lonely?  Are they there when we need them?  Can they cuddle up in our laps and keep us warm, on cold winter nights?   A lot of people would say yes, as they pondered upon these questions.
Laptops remain among the most popular personal computers in the world. Laptops provide us with a powerful mobile tool for business and pleasure.  They also provide us with an unnatural yet strange and loveable personal companionship. Some people would speculate that the laptop computer has practically replaced our pet dogs as 'man's best friend' .


Pick The Right Breed Of Laptop For You
Among the many breeds of laptops, finding the particular type that suits an individuals need is an arduous task.  One must consider all the different laptop breeds that have been bred for the sole purpose of providing warmth and loveable companionship.  I wouldn't want a laptop computer that does not respond to my gentle fingers on its soft, warm keyboard tummy.  Nor would I want one that doesn't obey my commands after teaching it to sit on my lap for hours while I play games with it.

Always know your habits and correlate these with the laptop breed you are interested in as your new companion.  If you are someone who is interested in hours and hours of playful enjoyment; then pick a laptop breed that loves to play, not one that just goes for a walk to the park or goes to work with you.  Pick a smart breed that will not tire out (fast CPU, maximum memory, fast video and large hard drive) and will provide a lot of gaming playfulness.  If you just want some basic companionship, you might consider a less active breed (a basic CPU, minimum memory, basic video and basic hard drive).  Whatever breed you decide on, remember that you will be together for many years, so be sure you have love for it from the start and choose well.

Take a week to review your potential companionship commitment.  Be sure you are able to feed (recharge the battery) and shelter (laptop bag) your new best friend with love.  Make sure that you want and can care properly for a laptop, and, if after a week you feel you can, then start your new companionship by purchasing your laptop!


Remember, a laptop computer is only as smart as you are.  So teach it to sit, run, lie on your lap, and above all, to work and play with you.  Be sure to take your new companion for long walks and car rides, on the way to and from work.  This way you will have many joyful hours of loveable companionship with your newfound friend! A laptop computer just might be the worlds newest 'man's best friend'!

Samsung Series 9 Notebook Now Official

Samsung's Series 9 ultraportable notebooks are now official. Starting at $1,200, the S series measures just 0.65" thin and weighs 2.31 lbs.

The 9 series has the following specifications:

• 11.6-inch LED-backlit display 
• Intel Core i3-380UM dual-core processor
• 2GB RAM (2GB max.)
• 64GB Solid State Drive (SSD)
• 802.11n wireless LAN, Bluetooth
• 6-cell li-ion battery
• Backlit keyboard
• Dimensions: 11.7 x 7.8 x 0.62~0.65 in.
• Weight: 2.31 lbs. w/ standard battery
• 3-year limited warranty

The Samsung Series 9 is available now for $1,199.99

MacBook Air lock is now available

How many of you spend plenty of time at cafes and public places, sippin’ on a latte while surfing the Internet for the latest news thanks to a Wi-Fi hotspot? Of course, if you’re out with a group of friends, it is easy to just head off to the loo without worrying that someone will nick away your laptop – but if you happen to fly solo, the possibility is very real, especially when you’re a tourist in an unfamiliar area.

There is a very good reason for the existence of laptop locks, and for the world’s thinnest laptop, the MacBook Air from Apple, at long last someone has decided to do something about it by rolling out a lock for that particular make. We shall take a look at how it works in closer detail in the extended post.

Apple’s MacBook Air lacks a security slot in case you didn’t notice, so you might think that there is virtually no way to prevent theft from happening. Good thing the people over at MacLocks are ingenious enough to come up with what they dub the MacBook Air Lock, making it the one and only MacBook Air Lock and Security Bundle in the market. Trust them, they know what they’re doing – after all, didn’t they churn out the best selling iPad Lock?

If you had to get just one MacBook Air accessory, better make sure this is at the top of your list instead of some fancy Hello Kitty cover. After all, would you rather settle for a lost MacBook Air, or one that has a little scratch on the side that nobody notices? As for the $74095 MacBook Air Lock, it is also one of the best security solution around for retailers, since it does not leave any residue like stickers, making sure it remains fixed to the table all the time.

It works by incorporating a neat cover that also protects your MacBook Air courtesy of an integrated built-in security slot which is able to accommodate any of the standard cable locks that are currently sold on the market. Pretty ingenious, don’t you think so?

Resources : http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20110323/macbook-air-lock/#more-54890