All posts in: Laptops

Should you upgrade your computer to Windows 8?

Computers & Internet
By Brad Chacos on October 24, 2012 in

Windows 8

The Windows you know now is not the Windows of the future. Microsoft's taking a bold step in a new direction this Friday with the launch of Windows 8, an update that brings tablet-style apps in a newfangled Windows Store and replaces the traditional desktop with a grid-like "Modern" interface composed of Live Tiles for each installed program. There's no two ways around it: Windows 8 is a complete reimagining of the tried-and-true operating system. But should you upgrade to Windows 8? It depends. Read more

Intel building new Bridges

Computers & Internet
By Carl Laron on April 26, 2012 in

Intel's third-generation i7 Core processor

If you are in the market for a new laptop or desktop computer and can afford to put off your purchase for a little while longer, it might not be the worst idea in the world. Intel has finally released its third-generation Core processors, dubbed Ivy Bridge. The first wave of these chips is targeting high-end systems, though processors for mainstream and budget desktop and laptop computers will soon follow. Eventually, all but the cheapest cheap computers will sport the new technology. And Apple users aren't being left out; if rumors are accurate, a new generation of Ivy Bridge powered Apple laptops and desktops could begin appearing as soon as this coming May or June. Let's see some of the major improvements these new chips bring to the table. Read more

Ultrabooks: MacBook Air killers, or also rans?

Computers & Internet
By Brad Chacos on November 21, 2011 in

Asus Zenbook

Thin, light and powerful; for many, that's the ideal description of a laptop, and for years, Apple's MacBook Air has been the only notebook to provide it with continued success. Now, chip maker Intel and a small team of PC manufacturers are taking the MacBook Air head-on with the introduction of the "Ultrabook" format, a series of Windows-based laptops with the same style and power as Apple's renowned laptops -- but at a lower price point. It sounds good on paper, but what exactly is an Ultrabook and how do the first ones we're seeing -- see our report on laptops for more information -- stack up to the MacBook Air? Read more

Laptop reliability and support: How do the major brands stack up?

Computers & Internet
By Tanya Menoni on August 17, 2011 in

Computer reliability and support

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. Read more

Do 3D laptops miss the gaming mark?

Computers & Internet
By Tanya Menoni on June 8, 2011 in

3D laptops

As we note in our updated report on laptops, reviewers are testing a slew of 3D-capable notebooks, which theoretically can provide a more immersive experience for gaming or watching movies. Many of these laptops use active-shutter technology, so they are more advanced than previous notebooks that relied on polarized screens and basic 3D glasses. But reviewers who've looked at these laptops have found that when it comes to gaming, their reality often doesn't quite live up to their promise. Read on for the full story. Read more

Keeping your lap (and laptop) cool

Computers & Internet
By Scott Nyerges on October 9, 2010 in

Choosing a laptop cooling pad

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.

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Hot laptops cause toasted thighs, say researchers

Electronics
By Carl Laron on October 7, 2010 in

Hot laptops cause toasted thighs

Hardcore laptop users have something new to worry about: a medical condition known as erythema ab igne or, more colloquially, "toasted-skin syndrome." As CNN reports, up to now, this type of skin condition was most often seen in those who worked long hours in front of open fires or coal stoves. Doctors have also seen it in individuals who used hot pads or electric blankets extensively or who sat too close to other heat sources, such as radiators. Now, doctors are also seeing it in people who, despite the apparent discomfort, perch a too-hot laptop on their thighs for extended periods of time. Read more

Powerful laptops for serious business and serious fun

Computers & Internet
By Carl Laron on December 18, 2009 in

Alienware M17x

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.

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Windows 7: To upgrade, or not to upgrade, that is the question

Computers & Internet
By Carl Laron on October 22, 2009 in

Windows 7

Today's the day Vista, Microsoft's much maligned operating system, officially sails off into the sunset to a chorus of goodbyes and good riddances. Microsoft is keeping its fingers crossed that Windows 7 will be everything that Vista was supposed to be, and not the slow, unstable and annoyingly obtrusive operating system that it foisted on an unsuspecting public at launch. To be fair, by the end Vista had been patched and trimmed to the point where it was actually a pretty decent OS, especially if installed fresh on a new machine. Of course, that doesn't help the millions of users struggling with a buggy Vista install.

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Back-to-school tips for online safety

Computers & Internet
By Sage McHugh on September 2, 2009 in

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.

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