Desktops

The traditional desktop computer is declining in popularity as most users are gravitating toward the portability of laptop computers. The benefits of a desktop machine are still valid, however. Those who need the most powerful computer possible, or those who need to be able to easily add or remove hardware components, will generally prefer a desktop computer. Desktops are also preferred for users who wish to power multiple displays and those who are heavy gamers.

Laptops

The laptop computer has been growing in popularity in the past few years largely because it has nearly caught up in performance to desktop machines. Instead of having to choose between a powerful desktop machine or a slower laptop, users can now have both. Laptops will appeal most to users who desire portability but also solid performance.

Netbooks

As one of the most portable form factors available, small netbooks provide greater portability than laptops but at the cost of providing less performance. They are well-suited for users who value portability and don’t mind trading it for reduced speed, less multi-tasking ability, and less storage.

All-in-one machines

All-in-one computers are those that include the CPU and LCD display in one self-contained unit. They will appeal most to users who want a slim design that is easy to connect and to use. Many all-in-one machines are also very affordable, making them a good choice for smaller budgets.

One of these refinements came from the Consumer Electronics Show in January, being shown by Synaptics, the company that makes most of the touchpads in modern laptops. The main change they showed off was an “unhinged” touchpad that can be clicked anywhere on the surface without any dedicated buttons. While touchpad improvements may not seem to be a very news-worthy item, they could change the way we interact with laptops to a great degree.

To get an idea of what the unhinged touchpad is, it helps to step back a bit to earlier designs. The original touchpad included the touchpad surface and usually two buttons, which corresponded with traditional left and right mouse clicks. The user drags a finger across the touchpad to move the mouse cursor, and presses a button to click. Some users find having a separate mouse button is inconvenient, however. To answer this issue, some manufacturers did away with the buttons and made the touchpad surface itself clickable. This meant that users no longer had to reach for a separate button. The problem with this design is that these touchpads use a “hinged” design, with the hinge being located at the top. This makes clicking at the bottom of the surface easy while clicking at the top is more difficult.

Synaptics’ new design incorporates an unhinged surface. This allows users to click just as easily anywhere on the surface. Will this design be a revolution in how we use our laptops? It is really more of an evolution. Synaptics is taking a good design and refining it into an even better design that will likely become the standard for the majority of laptops going forward, at least until the next evolution.

Apple has repeatedly stated that they are not interested in making “netbooks”, which are often under-powered, extremely portable notebooks. In truth, there is very little difference between the new 11.6 inch Macbook Air and the majority of netbooks on the market, but the Air has a more powerful processor and larger storage than most. All of this does come at a price, however, as the Macbook Air is around twice the price of some netbooks.

The design of the 11.6 inch Macbook Air is quite impressive to behold. It measures just .68 inches at its thickest point, and only 0.11 inches at its thinnest. In fact, one might wonder where Apple has managed to put all the essential components in a case so slim. But all of the components are there, including a 1.4 GHz Core 2 Duo processor, and Nvidia graphics processor, and 2 GB of RAM. The unit comes with a 64 GB SSD for storage, but can be upgraded to as much as 128 GB. While this may not seem like much storage for files, SSD technology provides a much faster experience, and its slim and lightweight design is essential for the portability of the machine. Although the 11.6 inch screen is one of the smallest Apple has ever used, it boasts a very high resolution of 1366 x 768, for a very sharp image.

For those who want the ultimate in slim and portable designs but don’t want to sacrifice performance as much as with most netbooks, the Macbook Air should make a great choice. Its price is higher than many in its class, but the extra performance will be worth it for most buyers.

USB 1.0 is the original iteration, which was frequently referred to as simply “USB”. The USB 1.0 technology was developed by seven companies: Nortel, DEC, Compaq, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, and NEC. It was first introduced in 1996, and was devised as a way to standardize a protocol for connecting multiple devices, getting rid of the need for multiple types of connectors and also allowing more bandwidth for devices, as USB cables were able to transfer up to 12 Mbps, which was much faster than any previous protocols. This made it a feasible way to connect hard disk drives and other devices that required high data transfer speeds to operate correctly.

USB 2.0 was released in 2000 as an improvement to the USB specification. It boasted speeds of up to 480 Mbps, which was a huge improvement over the original speeds of USB 1.0. USB 2.0 became very popular and is still the most popular connection type for peripherals in use today as of this writing. Most computers and laptops include at least two USB 2.0 ports, and some include even more, owing to the increasing need for more ports to connect users’ devices.

USB 3.0 was announced in November of 2008, and is yet another improvement on the original protocol. USB 3.0 products are only recently coming to the market, but it looks to be a big improvement in speed, as it can theoretically reach speeds up to 4 Gbps, which is faster than the limitation of most hard drives.

While USB has been around for many years, its continued improvement and refinement means it will likely be around for many more. The promise of very fast transfer rates for USB 3.0 mean that it could replace virtually every connection on a computer or laptop.

Acer’s Aspire One 532h series was one of the first to offer built-in 3G support, and still one of the best. The 532h is the most compact model in the line, at only 2.5 pounds. Its 10.1″ screen is large enough to get work done, but its compact size makes it easy to take with you anywhere for a great mobile experience.

The Nokia Booklet 3G is a fairly new entry to the market, but its compact and lightweight design, as well as its excellent battery life of up to 12 hours, makes it a solid choice for on-the-go users. Built-in 3G service as well as Wifi and Bluetooth give multiple connection options no matter where you are.

Users who want a little larger and more powerful notebook may like the Dell Latitude D620. With its widescreen display, it may be a better fit for spreadsheets and other larger document editing. Portability is ensured with the choice of a 6 or 9-cell battery for longer life, and integrated 3G wireless support keeps users connected.

Not to be confused with the Latitude, the Aspire One D620 is a very slim and compact model that weighs just a little over two pounds. It also provides users a choice of a 3-cell battery for lighter weight or a 6-cell for up to 10 hours of battery life. 3G connectivity is built right in.

While the Latitude D620 provides a roomier screen in wide format, the D410 opts for a standard 4:3 aspect screen but gains a more compact design. It is one of Dell’s lightest and most portable notebooks, and includes Wifi, Bluetooth, and 3G connectivity built right in. With the introduction of 3G support for laptops and notebooks, users don’t have to squint at a small screen or do without a full keyboard on their Smartphone. All of the laptops and notebooks in this round-up provide a great experience and nearly always-on connectivity that will keep you productive no matter where you are.

The original wireless local area network (WLAN) standard was simply dubbed 802.11. It was standardized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in 1997, but was limited to 2 Mbps of bandwidth and averaged much slower. Its adoption was very limited, and few devices were created for the standard.

802.11b was the expanded standard that was specified in 1999. It could support bandwidth up to 11 Mbps, and became the first Wi-Fi standard to be adopted by a large number of consumers. In fact, most consumers’ first router was probably an 802.11b router. In addition to having more speed than the original standard, it also had better signal range, making it feasible to run a network throughout an entire house without significant signal loss.

802.11a is a lesser-known and less popular standard created around the same time as 802.11b. It was more susceptible to interference and signal loss, and was not implemented into most consumer products.

802.11g is currently the most popular Wi-Fi standard on the market today. Most WLAN devices support it, both in consumer products and business products, and it is the most widely supported by computers, phones, and other wireless devices. It supports bandwidth up to 54 Mbps, and its 2.4 Ghz frequency range promotes less signal loss and a longer range than previous standards.

Expanding on the success of 802.11b, the new 802.11n standard is the fastest yet, supporting bandwidth up to 100 Mbps and an even longer signal range, which is also more resistant to signal loss and interference. Having only recently been standardized, it does not yet have the popularity of 802.11g, and its higher price makes it a less-tempting upgrade for those already happy with their current setup. There is little doubt, however, that it is the future of Wi-Fi for at least the next few years.

1. Uninstall Unnecessary Software

Over time, you will likely install many different programs on your laptop, some of which you use on a regular basis, and some of which you no longer need. Go to your Control Panel and the Programs tool to uninstall any programs you no longer use, which not only frees up more hard drive space, but can cut down on the number of programs running in the background.

2. Disable Background Programs

Many applications, such as instant messaging clients, are set to run automatically when your system starts up. A few of these programs running in the background is not much of a problem, but more than that can cause a significant decrease in performance. Remove unnecessary programs from the Startup folder in your Start Menu as a first step. If there are still programs running in your taskbar, right-click and find Options or Settings to see if you can keep them from starting up automatically. Remember that you can always start these programs manually from your Start Menu.

3. Check for Viruses

Another culprit in lost speed and performance is the presence of a virus or malware. Use a good antivirus program to scan for and clean any viruses or malware on your system, which often run in the background and degrade your laptop’s performance.

4. Upgrade Your RAM

Although this step is a little more involved that the above steps, it is usually very easy to upgrade the RAM in your laptop, and it can have a significant effect on performance. Upgrade to the maximum amount of memory your system can support in order to get the most effect.

If you follow these simple steps, you will likely see a dramatic improvement in system performance. For best results, repeat the first three steps every month or so to keep your system running as fast as possible.

Powering the Mini 1103 is a choice of either an Intel Atom N455 or N475 processor. Buyers can choose either 1 or 2 GB of RAM as well. Somewhat surprising is the inclusion of 7200 RPM hard drives, as many budget models opt for 5400 RPM drives instead. Buyers can choose 160, 250, or 320 GB of storage space.

The Mini 1103 has an 11.1 inch LED backlit display with a resolution of 1024 x 600. There is even an integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3150 graphics card for better performance. In fact, while the size of the display may be a factor for some buyers, the inclusion of LED backlighting and a graphics card are an improvement from most netbook designs.

Utilizing nearly all of the available space on the surface of the laptop, the keyboard manages to be around 93% of full-size, which is also impressive for a netbook. Other bonuses include Bluetooth support and three USB 2.0 ports for extra connectivity.

Battery life should be quite good with the included 3-cell battery, and a 6-cell battery is available as an optional upgrade as well, for those who want longer battery life. The netbook comes with Windows 7 Starter Edition pre-installed, which might be a disappointment for some, but the optimizations in the Starter Edition should help performance, as full versions of Windows 7 will likely suffer from poor performance.

All in all, the HP Mini 1103 is a very well-designed netbook that should be affordable enough for almost any buyer while still providing the performance and portability that users need.

Asus U50F-RBBAG05

Despite its long name, the Asus U50F is a great choice for buyers who want a full-size 15.6 inch screen and solid power and performance for a very low price. It has an Intel Core i3 processor, 4 GB of memory, and a 500 GB hard drive, giving it enough speed and storage to handle almost any need, and its only downside is relatively short battery life.

Asus Eee PC 1001P

The Eee PC’s ultra-low price might make buyers suspicious that its performance will be disappointing, but in fact, it is a very capable netbook that sacrifices very little to achieve its small form factor and affordable price. Not all buyers will like the small 10.1 inch display, but those who value portability will appreciate the compact and lightweight design, as it weighs only 2.8 pounds. The 160 GB hard drive might be a limitation for some buyers.

Toshiba Satellite T235D-S1345

Combining some of the portability of a netbook with a larger 13 inch screen, the Satellite T235D strikes a good balance by providing a little more power and performance. Its low price will be very appealing to budget-conscious buyers, but lack of an optical drive could be a major concern for some users.

Dell Inspiron 14R

The Inspiron 14R might be the most well-rounded in this lineup, as it not only features a Dual Core P6000 processor, 2 GB of RAM, and a 250 GB hard drive, but it also includes a dedicated ATI graphics card for gaming. The result is a machine that can handle a broad spectrum of tasks all at a very low price.

Gateway NV7915u

As the most expensive in this lineup, the NV7915u might be too pricey for many budget buyers, but it is mentioned for those who want a lot of bang for their buck. With an Intel i3 processor, 5 GB of RAM, and a 500 GB hard drive, it gives solid performance no matter what the task. It also includes some nice extras such as an HDMI port and multitouch track pad for convenience.

The many models and configurations of laptops available on the market mean that any user can find one to suit their needs. Budget-conscious buyers no longer have to sacrifice performance or features to get the price they want, and these laptops prove it.

When the inverter in a laptop goes bad, this can cause multiple problems with your machine. It can cause your screen to flicker on and off, become too faint to read, or even cause a faint buzzing noise. To test whether your inverter in your laptop has in fact gone bad, you will need to do one of two things: either replace the inverter board with one you know to be functional, or connect a backlight lamp you know to be functional. If the inverter board works or if the god backlight does not work, you know your original inverter board has gone bad. In most cases testing a good backlight will be easier, as most backlights are universal and will work as long as the connectors match those on your inverter board. To access either of these components, remove your screen bezel in accordance with your manufacturer’s instructions. Once removed, you will see the inverter board beneath your screen. The left side connects to the LCD cable, while the right connects to your backlight. Be sure when installing or removing any components of your machine that you have removed the AC adapter and battery from your machine to prevent shortage or electric shock.

Additionally, if you have a multi-meter you can attach it to the inverter cable connection on the motherboard itself to check that your inverter is receiving power. If you don’t, switching the inverter board or backlight will yield similar results. In some cases, your laptop will have a lid closed switch. If your model does have one, check to make sure that it is not sticking by tapping it repeatedly. If this changes the display of your monitor, your inverter may be fine; however that switch may be cutting off power to your display.

Laptop inverters are specific to each machine and not interchangeable. To replace your inverter, you will need to find the specific part number, which can usually be found in your user manual, or by contacting the manufacturer. For some companies, you can look up the information for your machine and its individual parts online as well. Inverters are generally easy to find at any laptop parts retailer.