Since the early days of computing, RAM (random access memory) has been necessary for storing temporary information that the computer needs to access quickly. Since that time, however, memory has undergone many changes and configurations. Let us look at some of the major types of memory and their differences.

Intel recently unveiled their newest input/output technology in partnership with Apple. The technology, called Thunderbolt, integrates a dedicated port for connecting external hard drives, monitors, and other peripherals at higher speeds than have previously been available on consumer machines. Thunderbolt was previously code-named LightPeak by Intel, but recently appeared on Apple’s line of Macbook Pro [...]

When shopping for a new computer, you are faced with a number of options, but none is more important than the form factor, or the type of computer. The choice of a laptop, desktop, or other styles is largely based on your specific needs. Here we will look at the most common types of computer, [...]

The Sony Vaio P-Series of notebooks are ultra-compact machines with an 8 inch screen designed for extreme portability. They have the sharp design and aesthetic one would expect from a Sony Vaio machine, but with such a small screen, it may be difficult to do any serious computing.

As laptops have become more mature over the past few years, we begin to see fewer large sweeping changes and instead see many smaller, more-refined changes. These changes may not be as dramatic, but can really add to the usability and enjoyment of a machine.

When it comes to electronics and computers, higher numbers are almost always better. Larger amounts of memory, faster processor speeds, and higher bandwidth ratings are always an improvement. One aspect where this is not always the case, however, is in the LCD screen resolutions. While it may seem that a higher resolution is always better, [...]

Over the past few years, IBM has been working on a technology they are calling RaceTrack memory. This technology could potentially offer much larger capacity than current storage technologies, and also faster speeds, but most of the details of how the process works have been known only to IBM. Recently, IBM released more information about [...]

When the first Macbook Air was released in 2008, many criticized it for its two main faults: its expensive price and its lack of power. Fast-forward to 2010, where Apple has just released the revised version of the Macbook Air. Have these faults been corrected, and is the Macbook Air a good choice for most [...]

USB is a common type of connector and host controller for communicating between devices, mostly between computers or laptops and other devices, such as printers, mp3 players, thumb drives, keyboards, and mice. USB stands for Universal Serial Bus, and was designed as a replacement for earlier technologies such as serial and parallel ports. In recent [...]

One of the many advantages of modern Smartphone’s is their ability to connect to the internet from almost anywhere, thanks to the fast 3G service available from many wireless companies. But what do you do when a Smartphone isn’t enough? Here we look at the Top 5 Laptops and Netbooks that can connect to 3G [...]

Before the wireless revolution, computers used to be tied to a phone line or ethernet port for network or internet access. Since then, many technologies and standards have emerged to make computing possible from almost anywhere. Here we will look at the most popular Wi-Fi technologies of the past, present, and future.

Your laptop, like all computers, is likely to become a little slower the longer it is in operation. Many users think the best solution to this problem is to get a new laptop, but there are some things you can do to reclaim some lost performance and speed. Here are a few simple steps to [...]

The HP Mini series have been very popular in the netbook market, as they tend to strike a good balance between portability and power, offering a full-power laptop in a much smaller size without the limitations of some competing models. The Mini 1103 continues this excellent trend, as it is a very well-designed netbook with [...]

While cleaning a laptop may seem pretty straightforward, there is definitely a right and wrong way to go about it. It is a good idea to give your laptop a thorough cleaning every few months, to ensure that it stays in great shape. This can actually prolong the life of your laptop, as it can [...]

There are many factors to consider when choosing a laptop, but for many buyers, price is the most important. After all, the buying decision usually begins with a certain budget in mind. Here we will look at 5 budget friendly laptops for those looking for the good value for a low price.

In a laptop, the inverter refers to a small circuit board housed as close to the monitor lamps as possible. An LCD typically requires two monitor lamps to illuminate your display, and those lamps require a higher voltage than the rest of your machine. The inverter powers these bulbs to increase the brightness of your [...]

The touchpad on your device is one of the most sensitive components, but it also receives the most wear and tear. Because of this combination, it is not uncommon to begin experiencing issues with a touchpad that can severely impact the performance of your machine.

The transfer belt on your HP LJ4550 is an essential component which does just as its name suggests. It transfers the toner onto the page, to create the text, image, or design relayed to it from your computer. If your machine begins to relay the error message “Transfer life out” or “Replace Transfer kit”, it [...]

Ever since tablet PCs and iPads have come on the market, the world of netbooks and even notebooks has been shaken up. These slender computing machines are able to accomplish many of the same tasks as a netbook in a smaller, lighter, more portable and in some cases more intuitive, manner.

When it comes time to replace or format your hard drive, having a back up of your data is extremely important. You don’t have to start over from square one, but you can’t always take everything with you. So what do you keep, and what do you leave behind?

Chances are when you plug a peripheral into your computer, be it a digital camera, flash drive, external hard drive, camcorder, or most any other form of media, it is connected via USB or FireWire. While the two are very similar, there are some key differences which are useful to be aware of when working [...]

Many people seem to misunderstand the difference in processing capability between dual core and quad core processors. While you might think twice the cores would equal twice the speed, this isn’t necessarily true. In fact, while the jump from single to dual cores was somewhat of a revolution in computing, this next jump from dual [...]

There is an endless debate among technophiles when it comes to screens. Some prefer the sharp, crisp vibrancy of the glossy LCDs, where others prefer the practicality of the light diffusing matte or anti-glare LCDs. It really comes down to a matter of environment and personal preference.

Laptop computers, like their desktop counterparts, typically contain a CMOS, or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor, battery. This battery is mounted on the mother board, and retains the BIOS information of your machine when it is completely powered down, as well as maintains the date and time information, and backs up what is on your RAM in the [...]

The standard QWERTY keyboard has been a staple of desktop computing for decades, and very little has changed about the layout and design of the basic computer keyboard. Laptop keyboards, on the other hand, have tended to evolve quite a bit in recent years, as manufacturers find ways to add more functionality to the tight [...]