Productopia | Laptops

There are lots of important considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a new laptop, like the ones in our recently updated report. In fact, it's easy to get overwhelmed in a sea of specifications -- RAM, processors, graphic cards, expansion ports, optical drives, and more. It's a lot to consider. But one of the most important considerations might be reliability and support. After all, your laptop won't do you any good if it doesn't work or is constantly being sent in for repairs. One way to gauge reliability and support is through the results of large customer satisfaction surveys produced annually by publications and sites like PCMag.com, PC World and ConsumerReports.org. What do they tell us? Let's find out.

The other day, we blogged about laptop computers and how they can get hot enough to toast your skin or fry your PC's innards if too much heat builds up. One way to avoid toasty thighs and baked Macbooks is to use a laptop cooler pad, sometimes called USB cooling pads or chiller mats . These simple devices are just what they sound like: thick plastic or metal platforms with a built-in fan, typically powered by your computer's USB port, designed to sit on your lap (or desk) and keep the underside of your notebook cool. But how well do they work? We looked at laptop cooler pad reviews to find the best cooling pad.

While those with basic computing needs can get by with a cheap laptop or even a netbook, when the time comes for hard work or serious fun -- especially high-end gaming -- you need something just a bit more powerful in your arsenal. Our recently-updated report on laptops outlines some of the best performers for demanding gaming, multimedia entertainment, and heavy-duty office work.

Options include laptops that deliver the goods as long as price is no object, such as the Alienware M17x. You'll also find information on more budget-friendly laptops -- such as the Toshiba Qosmio X505 -- that deliver more than ample power for all but the most demanding tasks, and do so without completely draining your wallet.

Knowing the places your child visits online is just as important as knowing where they go in real life. In cyberspace, a child is just one click away from danger. According to the Crimes Against Children Research Center, one in five teenagers have received unwanted sexual advances online, and 25% of children have been unintentionally exposed to pornography.

Teaching your child how to identify and protect against online threats can go a long way. Microsoft provides a helpful list of online safety basics to address with your child. You can refer to the FBI's "A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety" for more safety tips, signs of risk, and information on what to do if think your child has fallen victim to an online predator or scammer.