Logitech G11 Gaming Keyboard review

Stay on top of your game. The Logitech G11 gaming keyboard features blue-backlit characters, 18 programmable G keys, and convenient media control buttons so you can play all night long. Create custom macros for your games and access them with a single keystroke. Reduce clutter by routing cables through the convenient under-keyboard channels. Swap gaming controls easily by plugging into the two full-speed USB ports. And never worry about getting dropped out of the action if you press the Windows key; the built-in Gaming Mode switch disables it with one touch.

Features:

Backlit keyboard Three brightness levels, for playing in darkened rooms.		Programmable G keys Use the 18 programmable 'G keys' to execute common keystrokes or complex macros.

System Requirements:

• PC with Pentium processor or compatible
• 256 MB RAM
• 20 MB of available hard disk space
• CD-ROM drive
• USB port
• Windows® XP or Windows Vista

Package Contents:

• Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard
• Installation CD
• User Guide
• 1-year limited warranty

Product Description
Stay in the game.Stay on top of your game with the Logitech G11 keyboard. Featuring illuminated characters on every key, the G11 lets you keep playing long after the sun goes downperfect for marathon flag defense sessions or late-night raids. Use any of the 18 fully programmable G-keys to execute complex macros with a single keypress, and with 3 modes for each key, you can have 54 custom programmed keys per game. The powerful profiler software even lets you create new macros on the fly, so you can configure the keyboard to work exactly the way you want it to while youre still in the game.

From Amazon

Logitech G5 Laser Mouse (Blue/Black)

A Logitech exclusive, the G5's 36-gram adjustable weight cartridge gives you thousands of variations on balance and weight—including one that´s perfect for your unique gaming style. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) gaming feet provide the ultra-smooth glide you want in a gaming-grade mouse, while the 2000 dpi laser engine sends out an astounding 1000 USB reports per second for precision response at blinding speeds. Logitech´s SetPoint software allows you to customize your mouse with advanced features such as game detection and in-game adjustable sensitivity (including independent x- and y-axis settings).

Features

In-game sensitivity switching Get instant access to three sensitivity levels— 400 dpi, 800 dpi, and 2000 dpi. Shift from pixel-precise targeting to fast-twitch maneuvers without pausing the action.		Adjustable weight cartridge Adjust the G5s weight and balance (up to 36 grams) for the control you need to dominate the competition.		Dual thumb buttons New for 2007, the addition of a second thumb button adds even more programmability and control.
2000 dpi laser engine An ultra-high resolution engine churns images at an astounding 6.4 megapixels per second. A massive (30-pixel by 30-pixel) sensor array provides best-in-class performance and tracking.		Polytetrafluoroethylene gaming feet Forget sticky workarounds—the G5's durable polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) feet give the ultra-smooth glide you want in a gaming mouse.		Full-speed USB A 1000 reports/second, bi-directional connection delivers blazing speed and instant acceleration.

System Requirements

• PC with Windows® XP or Vista
• USB port

Hardware

• Tracking Resolution: 2000/800/400 dpi (user selectable)
• Image Processing: 6.4 megapixels/second
• Max. Acceleration: 20G
• Max. Speed: 45—65 inches/second (depending on surface)
• USB Data Format: 16 bits/axis
• USB Report Rate: 1000 reports/second
• Sleep Mode: Disabled

Package Contents

• Logitech® G5 Laser Mouse
• Adjustable weight cartridge
• Tuning weights and case
• CD with SetPoint™ software
• Installation Guide
• 3-year limited warranty

Product Description
1. Adjustable weight cartridge: Use up to 36 grams of weight to customize your mouse with a heft and balance thats just right for your game. 2.Adjustable sensitivity: Shift from pixel-precise targeting to lightning-fast maneuvers, without pausing the action. The G5 gives you instant access to three sensitivity levels400, 800, and 2000 dpibefore driver installation. 3.2000 dpi laser engine: Experience the blinding speed and unequaled response of a 6.4 megapixels/second image processor. 4. Full-speed USB: Get blazing speed and instant acceleration from up to 1000 reports/second bidirectional connection. 5.Right-handed comfort grip: Enjoy a natural grip that will not fatigue you. 6.Polytetrafluoroethylene feet: Forget sticky workarounds¿these low-friction feet glide effortlessly across almost any surface.

From Amazon

Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor review

Just when you thought Garmin had cornered the market on powerful, affordable, and effective wrist-mounted GPS devices, here comes the Forerunner 305. The release of this device is a major achievement from a design and technology perspective. This isn't just marketing-speak; the Forerunner 305 is the most accurate, most reliable wrist-mounted performance and GPS tracking tool we've ever tested. Yes, it's that good. While no device this compact can do everything (yet), the 305 pushes the boundaries of what is possible from something strapped around your wrist. The 305 model includes wireless heartrate monitoring and it can also be connected to Garmin's wireless bicycle speed and cadence sensor. If you don't need these features, consider the lower-priced Forerunner 205.

View Garmin's Forerunner demonstration video.

Choose from 12 data fields to display on the 305's screen. View larger.

The design cleverly integrates the GPS antenna and aims it towards the sky when you're running or walking. View larger.

The Virtual Partner function makes your workouts more competitive. View larger.

Choose from three workout modes that help you target your training goals. View larger.

The 305 features rudimentary mapping and location marking functions. View larger.

Design
The 305's design is a radical departure from Garmin's previous generation of wrist mounted GPS devices, which reached a pinnacle with the Garmin Forerunner 301. While the 301 delivered accurate heart rate monitoring, good performance tracking, and decent GPS reception, it didn't quite deliver in the design department. The form factor was bulky and wearing it wasn't much different than duct taping a full-sized GPS device to your wrist.

Not so with the 305. Garmin's engineers obviously burned the midnight oil and have come up with a waterproof design that, while certainly not as small as a sports watch, feels just as comfortable. The curved casing allows the unit's antenna to face the sky when you're running, while the widescreen display is perfectly positioned for viewing when you need it. And the display certainly deserves a few kudos. While it's smaller than the display found on previous Forerunners, its resolution is far higher, offering incredible clarity and crispness.

Garmin has smartly given the 305 a simple button layout and the buttons have a nice tactile feel with good pressure response. The right side houses the menu selection and enter buttons, while the left houses a power/backlight button and a mode button. This simple and elegant solution is a big improvement over the sometimes confusing button functionality of previous Forerunners. View button layout.

The underside of the 305 is pretty nondescript, except for a row of contacts that interface with the included charging and data cradle. The cradle is small and unobtrusive and its single mini-USB port connects to either an included AC adapter, or a USB cable that connects to your PC. In addition to data transfer with the USB cable, you can also charge the 305's embedded lithium-ion battery via a powered USB connection from your computer.

GPS Performance
The big news about the Forerunner 305 is that it features an integrated, high-sensitivity SiRFstar III GPS receiver. What does this mean? It means that the 305's ability to both track, and maintain a lock on, your position is better than anything before it. After an intial battery charge, the tester had the 305 on his wrist and was tracking speed and distance with GPS satellites within 3 minutes. The next time we used the 305, satellite acquisition was nearly instantaneous. A run through dense trees didn't faze the unit either; tracking remained true and steady. Performance on a bike was equally impressive. Whatever witchcraft has been cooked up by the designers of the SiRF technology, we like it!

The simple docking cradle makes charging and data connectivity a snap.

While the Forerunner 305 isn't billed as a GPS navigation device, it does have some rudimentary mapping, waypoint marking, and routing capabilities. In addition to marking locations along your journey, you can zoom in or out of a simple map that displays your current direction and path. There's also a "go to location" feature that routes you back to your starting location, or to any location you have defined. Once you have defined several locations, you can save this information as a route, allowing you to travel the same path in the future. As you'll see below, the 305's new "Courses" feature gives you new levels of control over how you define your favorite runs and rides.

Training Functions
The 305 is first and foremost a training tool, and its ability to organize a ton of data types into a user experience that is intuitive and simple is no small feat. Whiz-bang technology aside, if you can't use it and make it a natural part of your exercise routine, it's worthless. When it comes to these factors -- and here's the take home message on the 305 -- this device is successful where many other devices fail.

The heart and soul of the 305 can be found on the data screens, which give you real-time information about all aspects of your workout. In fact, the 305 can display a dizzying array of data, such as calories burned, distance, elevation, grade, and heading, as well as multiple lap and pace modes. The 305 adds the ability to track heartrate, lap heartrate, average heartrate, and heartrate zones via the included coded heartrate chest strap. With the purchase of a separate wireless cadence and speed meter, you can also track bike performance data.

Thankfully, the device makes it easy to define how much or how little data you want to view during a workout. You can arrange the data that's most important to you and then make that data appear front and center on the device. Indeed, within a few minutes of skimming the manual and fiddling with the device setup, you'll have your most important data displaying just the way you like it. The ability to display heartrate is a big plus, too, as it's a fairly good indicator of excercise output, fatigue, and fitness level. The 305 has all the heartrate functions you'd expect from a full-function monitor, including the ability to set target zones and alerts to maximize the effectiveness of your workouts.

Garmin's Virtual Partner function was cool feature of previous Forerunners and they've decided to keep a good thing going with the 305. If you're the type that performs best when you've got a competitor egging you on, you'll love this function, as it allows you to set up virtual running or biking companions that compete against you.

If you're looking for an complicated workout with a variety of intervals and intensity levels, or just a quick three-mile jog against your best time last week, the 305 has you covered. Navigating to the Workouts menu on the device yields three options: Quick Workouts, Interval, and Advanced Workout. A quick workout is just that; set the distance and time, distance and pace, or time and pace of your planned workout and off you go. Interval workouts are just the same, but they allow you to add repetitions and rest between them. When you really want to get fancy with your exercise, you can step up to advanced workouts, which include goals for each workout step, as well as varied distances, times, and rest periods. You can use the Garmin Training Center software to set up these workouts and then upload them to the device.

Computer Connectivity and Software
Garmin has been outfitting their devices with USB connectivity for some time now -- a welcome move for those who struggled with serial port connections in the days of yore. Thanks to USB, the 305 integrates seamlessly with the Training Center software and we quickly had workout history uploaded and stored on the computer. Not only does Training Center--which is compatible with both PC and Mac--make it easy to track your performance, you can graph data such as heartrate alongside your speed and distance. Over time, this is a great way to view your fitness levels increase, and it also helps you see what types of workouts are necessary to strengthen your weaknesses. For instance, if you see your heartrate begin to spike after a certain distance, you know you need to increase your endurance workouts to train that area of fitness.

In a first for the Forerunner series, the Training Center software also lets you define courses on your computer that you can upload to the device. When course information is combined with uploaded workout information, the Forerunner becomes a complete guide, telling you where to go, when to make a turn, and what kind of workout to do when you're on the road or path. Back on the computer, the software's ability to overlay workout data on maps of the course makes it easy to see where the course offers up the tough hills and the easy recovery spots. Plus, the ability to track historical performance on a given course is a great way to measure your improvement.

The 305 is also fully compatible with Garmin's MotionBased service, which takes your training to another level by connecting your data with the Internet. While we weren't able to use the service, the promise of sharing courses, maps, workouts, and performance data with other users is intriguing. And if you're a serious endurance athlete, you'll be glad to know that the 305 is also compatible with TrainingPeaks.com, an easy-to-use web based training system designed to help athletes train for any event.

Pros

• Radically new design is better in every way
• Amazing accuracy and fast satellite acquisition time
• So simple to set up and use, you will actually use it

Cons

• Okay, it's bigger than a sport's watch -- but so much more powerful

What's in the Box
Forerunner 305, Garmin Training Center CD-ROM, heart rate monitor, docking cradle, expander strap, A/C charger, USB cable, owner's manual, quick start guide.

Product Description
The Forerunner series provides outdoor athletes and runners with real-time information about speed, distance, and heart rate all on a single device with an easy to read display. With features like auto-lap/pause/learn/scroll, training assistant tools, various alerts, and Training Center, the Forerunner enabled people to use all of that data to train smarter and more effectively. The Forerunner 305 will serve as the next generation Forerunner family. The Forerunner x05 series will incorporate many of the same great features of the Forerunner x01 series such as ease-of-use, large easy to read display, and software training features while improving other areas of the design to better meet the demands of athletes.

From amazon

Zune 120 GB Video MP3 Player

Massive capacity in a deluxe device that delivers uncompromised audio and video quality, the Zune 120 GB can fit a huge collection and still have room for videos, podcasts, and more. This major player hooks up with innovative discovery features like Buy from FM and wireless sharing, so you never stop gobbling tunes. It holds up to 30,000 songs, 25,000 pictures, or 375 hours of video. Watch a demo on Zune.

Every Zune device lets you listen to your favorite FM radio stations and tag songs for later purchase.

Download millions of tracks, whole albums, or playlists with the Zune Pass subscriptions service.

Remotely sync your Zune device with your PC collection.

The Zune Marketplace offers millions of songs, albums, TV shows, audio/video podcasts, and more.

A full family of accessories is compatible with all Zune devices.

Buy from FM
Click to buy from the built-in FM radio. Every Zune device lets you listen to your favorite FM radio stations and click to tag the songs you like for later purchase when you sync your device with your PC.¹

Zune Pass
With the Zune Pass subscription service, you'll get millions of tracks for the price of one CD. Download tracks, whole albums, or playlists. Explore new music or rediscover old favorites--then sync them to your Zune. Extend your subscription online or by purchasing a Zune Pass card. Or, if you like, purchase songs or albums individually.²

Wireless Sync
Remotely sync with your PC. Connect to your home wireless network and remotely sync your Zune device with your PC collection from your dock, AC adapter, or speaker dock accessory.³

Device to Cloud
Your Zune player can access thousands of wireless hotspots around the country. Automatically update your collection, browse Zune Marketplace, refresh your Channels, exchange favorites with friends, or buy songs you've tagged from your FM radio. Take advantage of a Zune Pass and access the music you love where you want, at no extra cost.

Wireless Sharing
Music is in the air with Zune wireless sharing. Send your favorite songs, albums, playlists, pictures, and even audio podcasts freely between any Zune devices. Listen to the full track of any song you receive up to three times and pass them along to other friends. If you want to buy a song, click to tag it and have your Zune find it later when you sync with your PC.⁴

Channels
Like your very own radio stations, Zune Channels are custom programming stations that deliver personalized playlists to your Zune from a variety of sources you select, such as music experts, celebrities, or top radio stations. Channels you subscribe to automatically update whenever you're connected--to your PC, home network, or even selected wireless hotspots. When you subscribe to Zune Pass, you get an unlimited Zune Channels experience.

Games
Zune players now come with a selection of fun free games. Choose music from your collection to create your own personal game soundtrack. Connect and compete wirelessly with other nearby Zune users.

Video/TV Shows
Choose from a growing selection of TV shows now available on the Zune Marketplace video store, and take your favorite episodes or whole seasons with you wherever you go. Use your Zune device to watch popular shows like The Office, South Park, Heroes, and 30 Rock from NBC; shows from Comedy Central; Adult Swim from the Cartoon Network; and countless other shows from other major networks.⁶ Also, if you're recording TV shows or movies with Windows Media Center in Windows Vista, you can import and sync them to your device. Load up your favorite videos, and hit the road.⁵

Zune Social
Discover, share, and connect with the Zune Social, a free online community that lets you share your musical tastes with friends and millions others. Customize your Zune Card and Zune profile page with your favorite music and pictures. Then connect and share Zune Cards, music, and messages with friends and other members of the community.

Zune Marketplace
Fulfill your entertainment desires at Zune Marketplace. Millions of songs, albums, TV shows, audio/video podcasts, and more are available--plus, your online store is always open and only a mouse click away. Download or subscription? It's up to you. Buy individual songs and albums, or an unlimited Zune Pass music subscription².

Audiobooks
Let your Zune read to you while you can't. Listen to everything from your favorite novels to the latest bestseller. Now you can transfer your existing audiobook files from sites like Audible.com to your Zune device and enjoy them whenever you want.

Xbox 360 Compatibility
Ever wish you could play games to the sound of your favorite tunes? Now you can. Connect your Zune device to your Xbox 360 console and play your favorite songs while you game on Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE. You can share content from your Zune collection to an Xbox 360 console on a home network and play your media through the Xbox Dashboard.

Accessories
Traveling, working late, or working out? Whatever you're up to, your Zune will be right there with you. Make sure you have the best accessories to keep up with your lifestyle.

• Zune AC Adapter: Fast recharge wherever there's an outlet
• Zune Car Pack: Ride with Zune as it charges while playing in your car
• Zune Home AV Pack: Hook up your Zune to any home stereo and control it via remote
• Zune Premium Earphones: noise-isolating design that delivers superior sound quality and comfort
• Zune Cable Pack: Provides every cable you need to stay connected
• Zune Dock Pack: Nonstop your tunes while you charge your Zune

Legal Disclaimers:
1. Buy from FM feature available with stations broadcasting RDS and RT Plus data
2. Zune Pass is a monthly music subscription service; some songs are not available via Zune Pass. Available Zune Pass content may vary over time.
3. Wireless sync feature requires access to a home wireless network
4. Zune to Zune wireless sharing may not be available for all songs in your music collection and works only between Zune devices within wireless range of each other. Recipients may play full-length sample tracks up to three times.
5. Requires a PC running Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate and an integrated or external TV tuner.
6. Available content may vary over time.

What's in the Box?
Zune 120 GB Digital Media Player, earphones with three earpiece covers, Sync cable

From Amazon

HP Pavilion DV7-1270US 17.0-Inch Laptop

Spec Check

• 17-inch LCD screen
• 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 processor
• 320 GB hard drive
• 4 GB RAM (8 GB maximum)
• Combo Blu-ray Disc Read-Only and LightScribe DVD±R drive
• Quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n) plus Bluetooth
• Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT graphics (up to 2280 MB total)
• Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit, SP1)
• Weighs 7.64 pounds

Offering an eye-catching modern look, the entertainment-focused HP Pavilion dv7-1260us notebook PC makes it easy to enjoy your favorite music and videos while on the go, as well as keep you productive with a speedy dual-core processor and 64-bit Windows Home Vista Premium operating system. The 17-inch high-definition BrightView display looks good even in direct sunlight, and the Blu-ray Disc optical drive (read-only) is compatible with the latest high-definition disc standard, enabling you to enjoy movies in crystal-clear resolution. You'll enjoy movies or music in seconds with the external DVD or music buttons to launch HP QuickPlay (which bypasses the boot process). Control playback settings from up to 10 feet away with the included HP remote, then store it conveniently in the Express card slot. Turn your next instant message into a live video chat with the integrated webcam and omni-directional microphone. Optimized for low-light environments, it's great for capturing short videos to share on your favorite social networking site.

It's powered by the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processor--with Centrino 2 technology--which boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. The 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 includes a quick 1066 MHz front-side bus and 3 MB of L2 cache, providing an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved multimedia and multitasking performance. HP's ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection locks your 400 GB hard drive into place when it senses abrupt motion to help prevent data loss. The built-in eSATA/USB combo port enables fast backup to an external hard drive. Other features include 4 GB of installed RAM (8 GB maximum), Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT graphics with up to 1918 MB of available memory, dual-layer Lightscribe DVD±RW drive (which also burns CDs), ExpressCard 54 slot, quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), and 5-in-1 memory card reader.

High Style
Expanding on the sophisticated elegance of HP's notebook design from the past few years, the new DV series is defined by fluid, modern lines and metalized finishes. The HP Intersect Imprint finish in bronze and chrome encases all surfaces visible during normal use for greater durability. And the Intersect Imprint features an argyle-like pattern for subtle contrast to the liquid appearance of the metallic finish. The streamlined look is enhanced with a color-matched keyboard and touchpad. And touch media controls light up and become visible only when the system is powered on further enhancing the clean appearance.

The Basics

• Processor: Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 45nm Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 processor featuring Intel Centrino 2 technology. This processor has a 2.4 GHz processor speed, super-sized 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a extra-large 3 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

  Formerly codenamed Montevina, Intel Centrino 2 processor technology improves upon every facet of a laptop's main features, including performance and battery life via new processors and chipsets, faster draft 802.11n wireless, and new business-class manageability capabilities. The new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--conserves even more energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet.

  The Intel Core 2 Duo processor has two computational execution cores in a single processor, providing greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized for multitasking and it can run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background.

• Hard Drive: The large 320 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing a vast multimedia collection or for editing digital video. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.

  You'll enjoy enhanced hard drive protection with HP's Protectsmart, which includes a 3D accelerometer that safeguards your data by parking your hard drive if your notebook detects any range of motion, such as being knocked off your desk, falling or taking abuse.

• Memory: The 4 GB of installed RAM helps boost the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this notebook's video card. This notebook has an amazing 8 GB maximum RAM capacity (4 x 2 GB). To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.
• DVD/CD Drive: This HP notebook offers the next generation of DVD entertainment with the Blu-ray ROM optical drive, which provides the superior image and sound quality of high-definition images and multichannel surround sound as well as backward compatibility with standard DVD movie discs as well as content burned onto DVD±RW. It also incorporates a DVD±RW writer that can also burn CDs, which is compatible with dual-layer (DL) discs that can hold up to 8.5 GB of data.
• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a 101-key keyboard (with integrated numeric keypad) and a touchpad with on/off button and dedicated vertical/horizontal Scroll Up/Down pad. It also includes two quick-launch buttons (HP QuickPlay Music and DVD).

Screen, Video & Audio
You'll enjoy razor-sharp graphics and widescreen movies with the 17-inch WXGA high-definition screen, which has a widescreen resolution of 1440 x 900 pixels--perfect for watching DVD movies the way they were meant to be seen. Video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT graphics/video card, which provides 512 MB of dedicated video RAM and offers up to 2280 MB of total available graphics memory as allocated by Windows Vista. Enabled by PureVideo HD, movies come to life with outstanding picture clarity, ultra-smooth video and vivid color. The lifelike images have up to six times the detail of standard DVD movies. Delivering state-of-the-art graphics performance, The GeForce 9600M GT graphics card is sure to give you the power and performance you crave to play the hottest DirectX 9 and DirectX 10 titles. Its 16x full-screen antialiasing technology delivers superior quality along with astounding performance and since it's optimized for Windows Vista.

The Altec Lansing speakers provide exceptional sound, and it also includes SRS Premium Sound. You'll be able to privately share enjoyment of multimedia with a friend via the dual headphone jacks.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and Wi-Fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). With the integrated Bluetooth connectivity, you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones.

It also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 34 card slot (replacing the PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. It comes with the following external connectors:

• 4 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players (with 1 eSATA + USB 2.0 combo port)
• 1 HDMI output (for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable)
• Analog video output: 1 VGA
• 1 ExpressCard/54 slot (also supports ExpressCard/34)
• 2 headphone jacks
• 1 microphone jack
• 1 Expansion Port 3 connector (for use with the HP xb3000 Expansion Base or the HP Notebook QuickDock)
• 1 IR receiver
• 5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card)
• 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet networking
• 56K modem (V.90)

Operating System
The 64-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium (with SP1) is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software

• HP MediaSmart Software Suite: Your one-stop multimedia and entertainment center to create photo slideshows, share personal videos, listen to your favorite music playlists and watch DVD movies.
• muvee autoProducer Basic: Automatically create professional looking home videos and burn to DVD.
• Cyberlink DVD Suite Deluxe: Automatically fix and edit videos and create CDs and DVDs. Edit, burn and archive data to discs.
• Microsoft Works 9: Includes a word processor, spreadsheet, database and calendar.
• Microsoft Office Home and Student Edition 2007 (60-day trial version).
• Adobe Reader 8: Read and print PDF files.
• Norton Internet Security 2009 protects your PC and your identity when you email, bank and shop online; 60 days of protection updates included.

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook PC measures 15.6 x 11.22 x 1.31 inches and weighs 7.64 pounds.

Power
It's powered by an 8-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of up to 2 hours (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Pavilion dv7-1270us notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, IR remote control, and operating instructions. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase as well as technical telephone assistance for one year. Software is also covered for 30 days from date of purchase.

Reduce your impact on the environment with this Energy Star-certified system and HP's innovative take-back options, including trade-in, recycling and donation.

Product Description
Expanding on the sophisticated elegance of the current line, the new DV7-1270US is defined by fluid, modern lines and metalized finishes with surprising innovations inside and out. The DV7-1270US Intersect Imprint features an argyle-like pattern for subtle contrast to the liquid appearance of the metallic finish. And touch media controls light up and become visible only when the system is powered on further enhancing the clean appearance. photos, music, karaoke, games, Internet TV, and streamed or recorded TV, with an optional TV Tuner at the touch of a button. Built-in demos show you how to add music to your slide shows or videos with drag-and-drop functionality, and much more. An HDMI port enables you to watch films on an HD TV. For those who want rich digital entertainment capability coupled with desktop-caliber performance in a stunning mobile design, the HP Pavilion DV7-1270US Entertainment Notebook PC delivers. The DV7-1270US ships with Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit with Service Pack 1, Intel Core2 Duo Processor P8600, NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT with up to 2302MB Total Available Graphics Memory with 512MB dedicated, 4096MB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm), 320GB (5400RPM) Hard Drive (SATA), LightScribe Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD±R/RW Double Layer, Intel WiFi Link 5100AGN and Bluetooth. Dimensions: 15.59 (L) x 11.22 (D) x 1.31 (min H) approx., weight: 7.64 lbs. approx.

From Amazon

ASUS Eee PC 1000HE 10-Inch Netbook

Catapault to the forefront of technology with Eee PC 1000HE, the first netbook to have the Intel Atom N280 processor. With up to 9.5 hours of battery life, the 1000HE enables you to bring internet and multimedia wherever you go, without a power cord. Furthermore, its 10-inch display, 3.2 pound lightweight chassis, flush fitting battery pack, and large ergonomic chiclet keyboard will allow you to work or travel in absolute comfort for hours on end. Its generous 160 GB of built-in storage—along with an additional 10 GB of Eee Online Storage—will enable you to store, share and access your important data anytime, anywhere.

Here are what some experts had to say about the ASUS Eee PC 1000HE:



“A smart netbook that not only gets the design right -- and it's priced to move.” - PC World, February 2009

"The best Eee PC yet, ASUS has tweaked the 1000HE to near-perfection." - Computer Shopper, February 2009




“The Eee PC 1000HE […] clearly stands out as the best netbook value under $400.” & “The bottom line is that consumers who want the most bang for the buck will find the 1000HE an ideal choice.” - Laptop Magazine, February 2009






“The battery life…is the greatest out of any netbook we have reviewed.” - NotebookReview, February 2009

Key Features

• Up to 9.5 hours battery life
  
• First netbook with the Intel Atom N280 processor (667MHz FSB)
• 10-inch screen & large chiclet keyboard for comfort
• 160GB hard disk drive plus 10 GB Eee online storage
• Built-in 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy wireless connectivity
  
• Multi-touch touchpad for ease of use

Learn More

Large LED-Backlit Screen and Chiclet-style Keyboard for Comfortable Use

A brilliant 10-inch LED-backlit widescreen display makes reading documents and viewing multimedia files more comfortable. This latest generation of LED backlit technology allows for ultra-thin, ultra-bright and energy-efficient display allowing outstanding portability and versatility. 1024 x 600 resolution allows you to view a single page without often needing to scroll left or right. The chiclet-style keyboard is 92% the size of generic notebooks—making it more comfortable to type for less fatigue during prolonged use.

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Super Hybrid Engine for Extended Battery Life

Super Hybrid Engine and the super high density 8700mAh Li-Ion battery pack provides you with more power per charge; up to 9.5 hours of unplugged use. Super Hybrid Engine also manages your power consumption, providing you with optimal power depending on your current usage needs. Its 8700mAh super high density battery is also flush fitting with the chassis, providing a sleek look that is also practical. To enjoy maximum battery life, simply change the default setting to the auto power-saving mode via the Super Hybrid Engine Instant Key above the keyboard.

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Powered by the Latest Intel Atom N280 Processor

The ASUS Eee PC 1000HE is powered by the Intel Atom N280 processor. Built with the world’s smallest transistors, the Atom N280 processor uses only 2.5 watts of power –- less than 1/10 of the power consumption of ordinary desktop processors –- offering a long battery life. This small size processor also packs a big punch. The N280 featured in the Eee PC 1000HE has 667MHz front-side-bus providing higher performance than the older N270. It also has the Intel Hyper-Threading Technology which includes high performance-per-watt efficiency and increased system responsiveness in multi-tasking environments.

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Large Data Capacity with Hybrid Storage

Eee PC 1000HE is equipped with a 160 GB internal hard disk drive to give you a large amount of data capacity for convenience. It also comes with an exclusive 10 GB of file-encrypted Eee Online Storage that allows you to store, share and access documents and multimedia easily on the move.**

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Flexible Connectivity with Eee PC 1000HE

Eee PC 1000HE comes with WiFi 802.11 b/g/n network connectivity for ultimate wireless accessibility and mobility. Also included is Bluetooth V2.0 for flexibility and convenience with your Bluetooth devices. Eee PC 1000HE features 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x VGA port, 2 x Audio input/output ports, 1 x RJ-45 port, Kensington Lock port. A 2-in-1 MMC and SD(SDHC) flash card slot is also provided to let you easily access your digital photos and videos and expand your system storage. Eee PC 1000HE also features a built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam and Digital Array microphones with to allow you have clear video conversations with family and friends.

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Ground-Breaking Multi-Touch Touchpad

Eee PC 1000HE comes with a user-friendly multi-touch touchpad to help you navigate and have an easy and fun experience. Its multi-touch interface allows you to scroll and zoom quickly with 2 fingers. It is intuitive to use and is child-friendly. The touchpad is in a wide format so you can access contents displayed on the 10-inch widescreen easily.

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Quick Recovery with Just One Key

The 1000HE Eee PC comes with a built-in quick recovery system that restores your system to its factory settings by just pressing F9 three times during start-up. With the quick F9 recovery process, you won't need any Windows CD or driver CD. It is recommended that you back up your data with Eee Online Storage prior to using the recovery system. The easy recovery system is only available with Windows systems.

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It's Better with Windows

Eee PC 1000HE comes pre-loaded with Microsoft Windows XP Home. Here are some reasons why Eee PCs are better with Windows: Trusted: Windows Delivers a dependable experience that Microsoft and a worldwide community of partners stand behind. Familiar: Windows is easy to use and be familiar with so you can be up and running right away. Compatible: You can be confident that your devices and applications will work with Windows – more than any other platform. Visit www.ItsBetterwithWindows.com to see why.

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Warranty

Flawless Display Guarantee and 1-Year Warranty from ASUS

All Eee PCs come with ASUS’ Zero Bright Dot Guarantee and 1 year of Eee PC warranty. If the purchaser discovers one defective bright dot within 30 days of purchase, ASUS will replace the panel without cost to the purchaser.

What's in the Box

The Eee PC packaging comes with an ASUS Eee PC 1000HE, AC adapter, travel sleeve, and printed operating instructions. It's backed by a 1-year warranty on parts and labor.

Specifications

Operating System: Genuine Microsoft Windows XP

Display: 10-inch LED-backlit widescreen LCD (1024x600)

Intel CPU: Intel Atom N280

Wireless Data Network: WLAN: 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth V2.0

Memory: 1GB DDR-2 SODIMM (memory size is upgradable to 2GB)

Hybrid Storage: 160GB HDD + 10GB Eee Online Storage **Eee Storage service is complimentary for the first 18 months. Please register account information for 6 months extension (depends on country)

Camera: 1.3 megapixels

Audio: Build-in stereo speakers, high-definition audio CODEC, Digital Array Microphones

Storage Cards: 2-in-1 MMC and SD(SDHC) flash card slot

Input/Output: 1 x VGA port (D-sub 15-pin for external monitor), 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x LAN RJ-45, 2 x audio jacks: headphone & mic-in

Battery: Up to 9.5 hours*, 8700mAh *Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations.

Dimensions: 10.47 (W) x 7.53 (D) x 1.12-1.50 (H) inches

Weight: 3.20 lbs

Color: Black

- All specifications are subject to change without notice. Please check with your supplier for exact offers on selected models. Products may not be available in all markets.
- Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations.

Product Description
Netbook Eee PC 1000HE offers unique user experiences. Featuring up to 9.5 hours of battery life, built in high speed connectivity and exclusive 10GB free E storage with easy accessibility makes it the ideal traveling companion for outdoor activities. The large 10" display provides comfortable viewing, and a 92% chiclet ergonomic keyboard makes for easier typing and relaxing usage. Built-in camera ensures users stay in touch with the important ones. User friendly XP pre-loaded. ZBD Guaranteed for best quality LCD. Content includes Eee PC, battery, AC Adapter, Sleeve Case, Manual and Recovery CD.

From Amazon

Samsung NC10-14GB 10.2-Inch Blue Netbook

Staying connected 24/7. It’s what matters to you. That’s why Samsung
introduced the new NC10 netbook. Weighing just 2.9 pounds, it’s designed to keep you online and on the go. Experience the freedom to surf the Web, shop and chat on IM with the latest wireless technology. Zip through your online applications with a speedy new Intel Atom processor. Store all your favorite videos, music, images and more with 160GB of storage, and enjoy them on a SuperBright 10.2-inch LCD. And with up to 8 hours of battery life, the NC10 brings you staying power.

Key features include:

Ultra-long battery life:
Delivering up to 8 hours of battery life, the NC10 will let you surf the Web to your heart’s delight.

Intel Atom processor technology:
Newly designed from the ground up, the Intel Atom processors pack an astounding 47 million
transistors on a single chip, delivering the power you need for full Internet capabilities.

Large LCD display:
With its SuperBright industry-leading 10.2-inch wide LCD, you can view the Internet, or any application, in full screen without compromise and in a clear and comfortable display.

Product Description
The NC10 Netbook by Samsung is ideal for users looking for a low-cost, highly mobile solution that is aimed at "consuming" data via the Internet versus "creating" data. Key System Benefits - Easy to take with you whether it’s around the house, the campus or wherever one might travel; provides significant performance capabilities to wander the Internet and take care of basic productivity applications; enables one to view the Internet in full screen without compromise in a clear and comfortable display; maximum storage capacity for everything you download from the web; provides maximum system performance for basic web browsing and limited system functionality; enhances system performance without adding unnecessary system overhead; provides a great balance of price and performance; full size, easy to use keyboard is coated with Silver "Nano" ions to help protect the user from harmful bacteria. Key System Features - Weighing in at just 2.8 pounds; the NC10 adopts the new Intel Atom CPU; 10.2" wide LCD display providing 1024 x 600 resolution with 250 nits of brightness and an anti-reflection gloss coating display; high capacity 6-cell Lithium Ion battery providing up to 5 to 6 hours of continuous run time; 160GB capacity hard disk drive (HDD); 1GB system memory (RAM); Windows XP Home Operating System; Silver-Nano Keyboard; available in Blue or White color.

From Amazon

Apple MacBook Pro 17- inch laptop review

Apple's latest netbook gets tried and tested by the T3 team

When it comes to laptops, netbooks are the current big thing. Low cost, low spec machines designed for low-end computing. But there will always be users with needs way above that which netbooks can offer. Video editors demand processing power, graphic designers need a large-format high-end display and naturally, Mac fans want Mac OS. Even in these credit-crunched times there will always be a market for quality, and that’s what Apple’s latest MacBook Pro delivers in spades…

The 17-inch MacBook Pro’s biggest innovation is its revolutionary battery technology. It offers a battery life of up to eight hours, giving you a whole day’s work on a single charge. It can be recharged around 1,000 times before wearing out too, which is approximately five years of normal use and three times the predicted lifespan of a standard notebook battery.

Apple’s engineers achieved this feat by making the battery non-removable. It’s fitted inside the MacBook Pro’s glorious unibody casing, which is machined from a single block of aluminium for strength and lightness. By removing the housings and mechanisms demanded by removable batteries, Apple is able to use a much bigger and more powerful unit without taking a toll on the thickness and weight of the laptop. Sure, having to get it replaced professionally when eventually it wears out is a pain, but the cost will almost certainly be offset by its lasting three times as long as its user-removable cousin.

At under an inch thick and weighing just 6.6 pounds, the new MacBook Pro is described as ‘the world’s thinnest and lightest 17-inch notebook,’ but not at the cost of processing power. In our benchmarking tests, the new notebook performed incredibly well. Although performance increases over last year’s 15-inch MacBook Pro are incremental rather than revolutionary, the new high-end laptop does enough to justify Apple’s claim that it’s ‘the most powerful Mac notebook yet’.

The machine’s NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT discrete graphics processor is impressively fast. Using the frame-rate test contained in the popular first-person shooter Doom 3, running at a 1024 x 778 screen resolution and with all graphical FX options set to their highest levels, it ran at an extremely impressive 56.1 frames per second. If you’re not carrying out GPU-intensive tasks such as playing Doom 3 or rendering graphics, you can switch to its NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics processor for a better battery life.

Apple displays have enjoyed a step up in quality over the last couple of years, and the 17-inch MacBook Pro has reaped the benefits. Its ultra-thin, widescreen glossy 1920 x 1200 display offers 78% more pixels and a 60 percent greater colour gamut than the 15-inch version. Its LED-backlit display gives it an instant-on performance, while using up to 30% less energy than standard fluorescent tube-powered backlights.

Its colours are rich and even, though there’s a little shadowing in the bottom corners. Nothing you’d notice in real-world use, but a smidgen shy of absolute perfection. It does a great job of reproducing shades of grey, with our black-to-white gradient test showing virtually no banding. It acquitted itself very well when offering near-black and near-white shades too, something many displays find difficult.

Apple’s 17-inch MacBook Pro gives us few causes for complaint. An optional Blu-ray drive would be a boon for those who need one, and is certainly something Apple should consider now the format war is over. At almost £2,000 it isn’t exactly cheap either, but nor is it overpriced given its quality.

The netbooks may hog the headlines, but it’s great to see a new performance laptop that’s been put together with real care and attention to detail. Many will baulk at price tag of £1,949, but if you’re after a real top-of-the-range notebook – and you can afford it – the 17-inch MacBook Pro could be right up your street.

From T3

Samsung Omnia i900

Whatever it says it is that's what it's not...

We've all seen "that" advert and the Samsung Omnia seems to be advertised everywhere apart from the back of cereal boxes, Samsung have gone all out with their all singing, all dancing, "does everything apart from wipe your rear" mobile phone, but should we believe the hype?

At first glance the Omnia, looks like the Svetlana and the Tocco as PingPing, measuring in at 112mm long compared to the Tocco at 98mm. It fairly light, so won't cause any unsightly bulges while being carted around in your trouser pocket, but the build quality is not that fantastic, the plastic back makes it feel a bit cheap.

Now, the touchscreen. Samsung has in the last year wheeled out the Armani, the F490 and the Tocco, all touschreen, none have improved. It's much the same story with the Omnia. It's sticky and unresponsive, you touch one thing it does another. Whilst scrawling through our contacts we managed to almost call our mum to thank her for the great night, and inadvertently called the doctors to order a heart-attack inducing meat feast pizza. Trying to cancel said mistake is even harder; the cancel button is the size of a pin, miss it and you go on loudspeaker for all and sundry to hear your blunder.

Snap happy

Bypassing the touchscreen, the features on the phone are pretty good. Once we managed to cancel changing the date for the umpteenth time, we got to the snapper. 5MP, with zoom and a Xenon flash, pictures are detailed, even at full zoom. It's packed with more settings than you can shake a stick at. For those with a nervous disposition there's the anti-shake function, and the sport mode worked well as we tried to capture Gazza after hearing the news his local had opened early.

Movie mogul

Other multimedia functions included on the phone are a movie and music player. With the massive 3.2-inch screen and the inbuilt accelerometer, switch to wide screen and watch movies. Sounds quality on both the film and music is impressive and pictures on the screen are detailed and clear, but battery life did take a beating during our movie marathon. On average it will last about four hours.

Internet explorer

Boasting Windows 6.1, the Omnia has push email, and the complete Windows package. Set up is fairly simple, slot in the disk to your PC for a simple set up and we were hooked onto our emails within minutes. Internet on the other hand is a slow burner. We couldn't get any signal on our 3G in most areas and when we did it was sluggish and web pages took an age to load. Get your self on Wi-Fi a and you'll be sorted, with the large screen web pages are easy to read an load up quick fast. Downlading and internet exploring again drains the battery, so a wee fix of "watchcheesemature.com" will see your battery run flat.

We were impressed by the Omnia, in terms of multimedia it's a power house, the battery life could do with a bit of juicing, but our main bug bear was the touch screen. For all the good things this phone can do, we just couldn't get to them. Imagine owning a Bugatti Veyron, but having the keys for a Fiat Panda. It's just cack.

From T3

Showdown: Nokia N97, N96 vs Xperia X1, G1, Storm

T3 puts the new Nokia flagship to the spec test

Love or hate the iPhone, but since its arrival on the mobile scene, absurdly tasty smartphone handsets have been arriving almost hourly, each one bringing breathtaking new specs with it. Nokia took the wrappings off its brand new N Series handset this morning, but how does it compare to the previous top dog, the N96? And what about BlackBerry’s touchy feely Storm, Android’s open source G1 and Sony Ericsson’s latest Xperia X1?

There’s only way to find out, short of waiting until half way through next year, so saddle up for a spec showdown:

Size and weight

Nokia N97: 117.2 x 55.3 x 15.9 mm, weighs 150g

Nokia N96: 103 x 55 x 18 mm, weighs 125g

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1: 110.5 x 52.6 x 17.0 mm, weighs 158g

T-Mobile Android G1: 117.7 x 55.7 x 17.1 mm, weighs 158g

BlackBerry Storm: 112.5mm x 62.2 mm x 13.95 mm, weighs 155g

T3 says: The N96 just pips it's weightier rivals to the post in this heat...

Interface

N97: Touchscreen (not multitouch) and full QWERTY keypad

N96: Numerical keys and media buttons

Xperia X1: Touchscreen (not multitouch) and full QWERTY keypad

G1: Touchscreen (not multitouch, but it’s possible) and full QWERTY keypad

Storm: Multitouch touchscreen with haptic feedback

T3 says: The multi-touch wizardry of the Storm is the clear winner here...

Camera

N97: 5 megapixel Carl Zeiss with dual LED flash, plus DVD quality video recording

N96: 5 megapixel Carl Zeiss with dual LED flash

Xperia X1: 3.2 megepixel with photo light

G1: 3.2 megapixel, no flash or light

Storm: 3.2 megapixel with LED flash

T3 says: The Nokia's sheer pixelage power destroys the competition...

Connectivity

N97: 3G HSDPA, GPS (with digital compass), WiFi, A2DP Bluetooth

N96: 3G HSDPA, GPS, WiFi, A2DP Bluetooth with AVRCP, DVB-H (for all the good it is)

Xperia X1: 3G HSDPA, GPS, WiFi, A2DP Bluetooth

G1: 3G HSDPA, GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth,

Storm: 3G HSDPA, GPS, A2DP Bluetooth with AVRCP

T3 says: Little to separate the contestants here...

Cut and paste

N97: Yes!

N96: No

Xperia X1: Yes!

G1: Yes!

Storm: Yes!

T3 says: A damaging refusal for the N96 in this round...

Storage

N97: 32GB, expandable MicroSD up to 16GB

N96: 16GB, expandable MicroSD up to 16GB

Xperia X1: 400MB, expandable via MicroSD

G1: 256MB, expandable via MicroSD

Storm: 128MB, expandable MicroSD up to 16GB

T3 says: An easy win for the N97's massive 32gb...

Battery

N97: 320 mins talktime, 400 hours standby

N96: 220 mins talktime, 220 hours standby

Xperia X1: 360 mins talktime, 640 hours standby

G1: 300 min talktime, 130 hours standby

Storm: 330 mins talktime, 180 hours standby

T3 says: The Xperia X1 pulling no punches here with a solid 360minute talktime...

Display

N97: 3.5” TFT with up to 16 million colours, 640 x 360 pixels (16:9 widescreen format)

N96: 2.8” TFT with up to 16 million colours, 240 x 320 pixels

Xperia X1: 3.0” 65k colour TFT, 800 x 480 pixels

G1: 3.2” 65k colour, 480 x 320 pixels

Storm: 3.25” 65k colour, 360 x 480

T3 says: The N97's 3.5" screen sees off the competition...

Price

N97: Around £470 unlocked

N96: Around £460 unlocked

Xperia X1: Around £650 unlocked

G1: From free with contract (T-Mobile only)

Storm: From free with contract (Vodafone only)

T3 says: The Storm and G1 take the final round with ease...

From T3