Amazon.com Product Description

Stylish and utterly professional, the Sony Vaio PCG-V505EC is a lightweight, easily portable notebook PC--only 4.39 pounds--that's geared for business and mobility. Thanks to the Intel Centrino processor (1.4 MHz) and its robust 4400 MaH battery, you'll keep you productive even on long flights. It features Windows XP Professional, 54g wireless connectivity, a 60 GB hard drive, 512 MB of installed RAM, a DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drive, and 32 MB ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 video/graphics card.

The Basics

• Hard Drive: Though not world-beating in size, the 60 GB enhanced-IDE hard drive offers more than enough capacity for storing documents and productivity software for road warriors.
• Processor: The 1.4 Ghz Pentium M processor is considered at the middle of speed range compared with other Centrino notebooks (with current speed topping out at 1.7 GHz). Because of itsdesign, the Intel Pentium M gets more done per clock tick than a Mobile Intel Pentium 4, thus providing the discrepency in GHz measurement (i.e., 1.7 versus 3.2). The Pentium M processor is designed specifically for low-power mobile usage, and it features the latest in power-saving technologies--ensuring you push your battery and productivity to the max. It has a front-side bus (FSB) of 400 MHz and a 1 MB L2 cache.
• Memory: The 512 MB of built-in memory (2 x 256 MB DDR SDRAM) is a good start for power users. It has two memory slots in total, with a maximum memory expansion up to 2 GB (2 x 1024 MB).
• CD/DVD Drive: It comes equipped with a combo DVD/CD-RW drive, which enables you to play DVD-ROM discs and DVD movies as well as burn data and record music to CD discs. The CD-RW drive has 24x write, 10x rewrite, and 24x read speeds. The DVD-ROM has an 8x playback speed.
• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 85-key keyboard and electro-static two-button touchpad.

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
This PCG-V505EC model has an integrated 802.11g wireless LAN (which is compatible with the more widespread 802.11b and offers faster data transmission rates). You get a decent--but not overpowering--offering of connectivity options, including both high-speed USB 2.0 and FireWire:

• 2 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) ports for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 1 RGB monitor port
• 1 PCMCIA (or PC Card) slot (Type I/II)
• 1 headphone jack and 1 microphone jack
• 1 Memory Stick slot (Memory Stick Pro compatible)

Preloaded System and Software
This PCG-V505EC comes with the Windows XP Professional operating system (which adds Microsoft's IIS Web server, back-up and recovery utilities, Remote Desktop, and other enhanced business features), and it features Microsoft Works (for working with word processing and spreadsheet documents). It also is loaded with a bevy of Sony multimedia software: PictureGear Studio (digital photo) and DVgate Plus (digital video). Other preloaded software includes Microsoft Money and Encarta,InterVideo WinDVD, and Norton Internet Security Center (with 90-day subscription).

Dimensions and Weight
Measuring 1.4 x 10.9 x 9.5 inches (H x W x D) and weighing just 4.4 pounds, the PCG-V505DC is easily portable.

Power
The included rechargeable lithium-ion 4400 MaH battery offers battery life range of up to 6 hours (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the Sony Vaio PCG-V505EC notebook PC (model PCGV505ECP6), rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It's backed by a 1-year warranty for parts and labor, and 90 days of phone support. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Featuring a slim, lightweight profile and the many other advantages of Intel's revolutionary Centrino technology, the Acer TravelMate 290 (291LMi-G) Notebook PC should warrant serious consideration by anyone who spends a lot of time on the road or in remote locations.

Centrino is not merely a clever marketing ploy. Rather, it is a trio of interrelated components (a super-efficient Intel Pentium M processor, an Intel 855 chipset and an Intel PRO/Wireless network connection 802.11b) that work hand-in-hand to increase battery life, reduce weight and improve performance beyond that of other similarly rated notebooks. In the case of the TravelMate 290 (291LMi-G), that processor is a midlevel Intel Pentium M CPU running at 1.4 GHz.

Acer has added a generous 512 MB main memory, which, along with the processor's impressive 1 MB Level 2 cache, assures you of satisfactory speed even during heavy-duty multitasking sessions. General performance is not on par with that of a high-end Pentium 4-based machine, but certainly good enough for virtually any standard mobile task. The system's graphics controller, an Intel Extreme Graphics 2 chipset with 64 MB of shared (not dedicated) memory, will efficiently display older and less complex 3-D games and 3-D design programs, but doesn't have quite enough muscle for the current breed of high-end 3-D games.

Measuring 13.1 by 10.9 by 1.3 by 1.6 inches and weighing just 6.2 pounds, the TravelMate 290 (291LMi-G) is more compact and therefore more easily transported than most notebooks. At 40 GB, the system's hard disk is satisfactory for storing a flock of applications and files but not spacious enough for those who also want to maintain a large multimedia library. The enclosed DVD Dual drive will allow you to burn audio files to CD, archive data, watch DVD movies and write DVDs in both of today's most popular formats, DVD- and DVD+. Like all but one model in the TravelMate 290 series, the unit sports a large 15-inch XGA TFT viewing screen capable of 1024 by 768 resolutions.

Connectivity options are quite reasonable. To help you communicate with the outside world, the TravelMate 290 (291LMi-G) features a standard 56K dial-up modem, a high-speed 10/100 LAN connection for fast network interaction, and, of course, an Intel PRO/Wireless network connection 802.11b for those times when you just can't plug in. Other key amenities include three fast USB 2.0 ports for plug and play peripherals, an 84-key keyboard with programmable touchpad, an IEEE 1394 "FireWire" port (commonly used for fast data downloads from digital camcorders, and FIR (fast infrared) technology for cordless communication with FIR-equipped gadgets such as PDAs.

Under ideal conditions, battery life expectancy is a stunning 5.5 hours. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Value and performance for the buck!
Acer has come a long way with its 290 series. This particular model seems to be a genuine winner with its unbelieveable price.
Out of the box the Acer looks sleek with no real curves. It has sleek styling with a titanium alloy lid with sturdy gray contrasting plastic base. It looks like a block, very stylish and comtemporary, somthing like Bang and Olufsen would put out.
Startup time is really unbelieveable at a staggering 29 seconds (XP Pro). Applications run smooth and trouble free. The 64 MB shared video RAM is utilized well with no real performance hindrance. When I used dual display at 1024 pixels the output was slightly choppy on DVD video, but on any single screen it is smooth and flowing.
The real advantage with this model is that it incorporates wireless / wired ethernet, firewire port, 3 USB ports and still allows room for expansion via the PCMCIA slot. Not only that but it also comes with a DVD and CD burner with rewritable capabilities. Battery life on normal use with speakers playing mp3's is a long long 4 hours minimum.
My only two real complaints with this laptop was the display options are limited (XGA Maximum - 1024 by 768). Would be perfect to get this with the SXGA screen but I guess thats a slight let down. The other small problem was that there is no physical buttons for adjusting the volume, but rather has to be done using the function key on the keyboard. Hence half a point for each had to be removed from the 5 total.
Overall, the Centrino provides for a great mobile computing experience with its exceptional battery life. Graphics are good, by no means the best, and everything works smoothly out of the box. Also this was a great buy since it comes with the Acer one year warranty that is applicable internationally. 4 stars, well done Acer, well done. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Basics:
Toshiba's Satellite A55-S326 Notebook PC is a midlevel, cost-conscious mobile computer well suited to private and professional people on the go who value easy portability, efficiency and wireless connectivity. The system does not expertly handle 3D graphics in its stock configuration, so gamers and anyone who works with 3D visuals may need to upgrade its video capabilities or select another Satellite model. But for most common remote and home tasks, the Satellite A55-S326 is a smart solution.

Processor:
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a miracle of miniaturization that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some of today's notebooks are equipped with high-end CPU's on par with those found in top-of-the-line desktop PCs, though these machines are usually noticeably larger and more power hungry than their less powerful counterparts. For the Satellite A55-S326, Toshiba has selected a 1.6 GHz Pentium M 725 processor. Introduced in 2003, the original Pentium M represented a breakthrough in mobile processing technology, offering ultra-efficient battery usage yet a very large (one MB) "Level 2 cache" for more power than the Pentium M's comparatively low clock speeds might indicate. The CPU in this computer is a brand new breed of Pentium M chip, unveiled in 2004 and offering double the Level 2 cache (a stunning two MB) of the already impressive original Pentium M. Though this particular CPU's 1.6 GHz clock speed is one of the lowest in the new Pentium Ms, it is nevertheless a technologically advanced chip powerful enough for all but the most demanding notebook applications.

Memory:
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM). More RAM means faster computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. The Satellite A55-S326 includes 512 MB of RAM, an allotment that's considered quite adequate even if you perform lots of multitasking. The system also allows you to expand to two full GB, more than enough for any situation.

Video:
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the video card (or controller). This system's video controller is an integrated Intel 852GM chipset with 32 MB or shared (not dedicated) video memory. As such, the Satellite A55-S326 cannot be considered a true graphics powerhouse. Though it will adequately handle most typical mobile 2D programs and undemanding 3D applications such as older games, it won't smoothly render midlevel and high-end 3D graphics. Thusly, serious gamers and 3D artisans may want to steer clear.

Display:
At 15 inches, the unit's XGA TFT LCD display is larger than that of early generation notebooks but is now considered the norm. The screen's highest supported resolution of 1024 by 768 is also typical of current midlevel and even some high-end mobile computers.

Hard Disk:
The Satellite A55-S326 features a solid 60 GB of hard disk space. This is an average size for today's notebooks, offering enough room for general applications and files and a small library of music or multimedia files too.

Optical Drive:
An optical drive is essential in today's computing environment. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). Some drives allow you to do a combination of any or all of these tasks. This system features a DVD-SuperMulti drive, through which you can do everything above in all the current CD and DVD formats.

Audio:
The unit features an integrated audio processor, two miniature stereo speakers and a microphone jack.

Keyboard and Controls:
Toshiba has fitted the system with a standard notebook keyboard and a TouchPad pointing device.

Connectivity and Expansion:
The Satellite A55-S326 offers a wide variety of ways to keep in touch, including a 56K modem for low-speed dial-up Internet and email access, an RJ-45 Ethernet port for high-speed wired network and Internet, and integrated wireless LAN (Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG-802.11g) for cordless e-communication at home, at the office or on the road via a local public hotspot. The unit also features three high-speed USB 2.0 ports for fast interaction with plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras. An IEEE 1394 FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders) is not provided.

Operating System and Software:
Toshiba has fitted the system with today's most widely accepted operating system, Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition.

Dimensions and Weight:
Notebook computers are manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and weights. Many of today's most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve lbs or more and therefore too big and cumbersome for extensive, continuous traveling. These are often referred to as "desktop replacements". On the other extreme are "thin and lights" or "ultra-portables", super-miniaturized units that typically aren't as powerful as their larger brethren but weigh as little as two lbs and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. Tipping the scales at 6.1 lbs and measuring 13.3 by 10.7 by 1.4 inches, the Satellite A55-S326 is smaller than today's average yet not so tiny that you'll pay a premium price.

Power:
The Satellite A55-S326 is equipped with a 6-cell Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery that delivers a commendable 3.54 hours of operation under ideal conditions.

... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Compact and battery efficient yet as powerful and versatile as many larger, bulkier portable computers, the Gateway 450X is a smart choice for those who put equal emphasis on performance and portability. Those who regularly push the capabilities of their notebook with complex professional applications, deep multitasking or 3-D games should perhaps explore Gateway's M500X series, which incorporates a more capable video card and double the RAM memory, but this model should suffice for light- to medium workloads.

Not surprisingly, the unit features Intel's new Centrino technology. Built upon a triad of interconnected elements -- an Intel Pentium M CPU (with 1 full GB of Level 2 cache), an Intel 855 chipset, and a cord-free network connection -- Centrino-equipped notebooks deliver more power and more perks than their comparatively diminutive size and rated processor speed would otherwise indicate. In the case of the Gateway 450X, that processor is a 1.4 GHz Intel Pentium M. Along for the ride is a somewhat minimal alloent of 256 MB DDR SDRAM memory and an ATI Mobility Radeon 7500 graphics controller (32 MB dedicated video memory). In this configuration, the unit will certainly suffice for typical mobile tasks.

Measuring just 13.1 by 10.6 by 1.3 inches and tipping the scales at a mere 6.13 pounds with optical drive and battery installed, the Gateway 450X is a very compact unit. It does, however, feature several impressive mobile features, including an adequate 40 GB hard disk and a CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive through which you can play and burn audio CDs, archive data and enjoy DVD movies. DVD writing is not supported. At 15 inches, its display is larger than might be expected, and capable of an extremely accurate 1400 by 1050 resolution. Communication options include not only a standard 56K dial-up modem and a 10/100 Ethernet network adapter, but also an integrated 802.11b wireless connection for those times when you can't or don't want to plug in.

Other important amenities include a pair of high-speed USB 2.0 ports for fast interaction with external peripherals such as scanners or digital cameras, an IEEE 1394 FireWire port (typically used for digital camcorder downloads), a VGA port for external monitors and a parallel "printer" port, but no S-Video TV-out.

Bundled software includes Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Works Suite 7.0 and a 90-day free trial with Norton AntiVirus. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Well-balanced middle weight
I've used the Gateway 450X for several months now and find it to be a solid, reliable full-featured laptop that strikes a decent balance between weight and features.

The case is sleek, thin and modern, but plastic not metal (don't let the silver color mislead you).

The screen is bright with fine detail.

The keyboard is responsive with good feel. The wrist rest is a little deep compared to the ideal and there is only a touchpad, no pointing stick. However, the touchpad is better than many. I have an HP that drives me crazy with an overly sensitive touchpad.

The 450X has very good battery life and good wireless performance. I use a Linksys wireless network and the 450X has better range with its built-in wireless than older laptops with add-in cards.

There are some trade-offs. The optical drive is a good DVD-CD/RW combo drive, but no DVD writer is available. Similarly, the speakers are not really adequate for a multi-media presentation platform.

Gateway's dock or port replicator plugs into a slot on the bottom of the laptop case and promotes ventilation and a good typing angle. The availability of a port replicator was a requirement in my selection process (so you can leave printers and other peripherals plugged into the dock). I highly recommend this accessory. It makes working with a laptop much easier.

This is not a video creation platform, but for everyday work in Microsoft Office and web browsing, it's a great laptop with balanced features and excellent pricing.

I also recommend Gateway's service and support. Support information is individualized to your actual machine. Gateway's website resolves most issues for me without resort to techs, but when techs are necessary they are located in the United States and have consistently been helpful. This is my sixth Gateway computer and the service and support system is a key reason for coming back. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Stylish and utterly professional, the Sony Vaio PCG-V505EC is a lightweight, easily portable notebook PC--only 4.39 pounds--that's geared for business and mobility. Thanks to the Intel Centrino processor (1.4 MHz) and its robust 4400 MaH battery, you'll keep you productive even on long flights. It features Windows XP Professional, 54g wireless connectivity, a 60 GB hard drive, a whopping 1 GB of installed RAM, a DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drive, and 32 MB ATI Mobility Radeon 9200 video/graphics card.

The Basics

• Hard Drive: Though not world-beating in size, the 60 GB enhanced-IDE hard drive offers more than enough capacity for storing documents and productivity software for road warriors.
• Processor: The 1.4 Ghz Pentium M processor is considered at the middle of speed range compared with other Centrino notebooks (with current speed topping out at 1.7 GHz). Because of itsdesign, the Intel Pentium M gets more done per clock tick than a Mobile Intel Pentium 4, thus providing the discrepency in GHz measurement (i.e., 1.7 versus 3.2). The Pentium M processor is designed specifically for low-power mobile usage, and it features the latest in power-saving technologies--ensuring you push your battery and productivity to the max. It has a front-side bus (FSB) of 400 MHz and a 1 MB L2 cache.
• Memory: The 1 GB of built-in RAM (2 x 512 DDR SDRAM) hits the top of the charts for preinstalled memory, enabling you to handle complex multimedia processing right out of the box. It has two memory slots in total, with a maximum memory expansion up to 2 GB (2 x 1024 MB).
• CD/DVD Drive: It comes equipped with a combo DVD/CD-RW drive, which enables you to play DVD-ROM discs and DVD movies as well as burn data and record music to CD discs. The CD-RW drive has 24x write, 10x rewrite, and 24x read speeds. The DVD-ROM has an 8x playback speed.
• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 85-key keyboard and electro-static two-button touchpad.

Connectivity and Expansion Slots
This PCG-V505EC model has an integrated 802.11g wireless LAN (which is compatible with the more widespread 802.11b and offers faster data transmission rates). You get a decent--but not overpowering--offering of connectivity options, including both high-speed USB 2.0 and FireWire:

• 2 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) ports for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 1 RGB monitor port
• 1 PCMCIA (or PC Card) slot (Type I/II)
• 1 headphone jack and 1 microphone jack
• 1 Memory Stick slot (Memory Stick Pro compatible)

Preloaded System and Software
This PCG-V505EC comes with the Windows XP Professional operating system (which adds Microsoft's IIS Web server, back-up and recovery utilities, Remote Desktop, and other enhanced business features), and it features Microsoft Works (for working with word processing and spreadsheet documents). It also is loaded with a bevy of Sony multimedia software: PictureGear Studio (digital photo) and DVgate Plus (digital video). Other preloaded software includes Microsoft Money and Encarta,InterVideo WinDVD, and Norton Internet Security Center (with 90-day subscription).

Dimensions and Weight
Measuring 1.4 x 10.9 x 9.5 inches (H x W x D) and weighing just 4.4 pounds, the PCG-V505DC is easily portable.

Power
The included rechargeable lithium-ion 4400 MaH battery offers battery life range of up to 6 hours (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the Sony Vaio PCG-V505EC notebook PC (model PCGV505ECP17), rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It's backed by a 1-year warranty for parts and labor, and 90 days of phone support. ... Read more

Amazon Product Description

The Basics
A value-priced portable computer for those who can't financially justify the cost of an upscale model, the Acer TravelMate TM2303WLCI-XPH Notebook PC is a comfortably lightweight unit that delivers such desirable amenities as an oversized 15.4-inch display, DVD capabilities and wireless connectivity. The system's CPU is not particularly strong and its 3D graphic capabilities are somewhat limited, hence it is not an ideal choice for users such as graphic designers, gamers, and demanding business professionals. However, if you don't foresee going beyond basic notebook tasks such as contact management, word processing, photo organization and e-communication, and you don't want to drain your pocketbook, you may have found what you're looking for.

Processor
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some of today's notebooks are equipped with high-end CPU's on par with those found in top-of-the-line desktop PCs, while others are quick enough only for basic duties such as word processing, email and the like. The TravelMate TM2303WLCI-XPH features a Mobile Intel Celeron processor running at 1.4 GHz. Although this is a new and much improved version of the venerable Celeron chip, it remains a midlevel processor that is best suited to midlevel duties. If you intend to run ultra-high-end processor-intensive applications, you will encounter degraded performance.

Memory
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. The TravelMate TM2303WLCI-XPH incorporates 512 MB of RAM, a surprisingly generous allotment for an entry-level machine and certainly enough to support multitasking situations. Moreover, the unit supports memory upgrades to a whopping one GB.

Video
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need help translating visual output, particularly that of 3D graphics, to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). A graphics controller with "dedicated" built-in video memory is preferable to one with "shared" video memory wherein the graphics controller borrows a portion of the all-important main system memory. The cost-effective Intel Extreme Graphics 2 chipset installed inside the TravelMate TM2303WLCI-XPH is integrated to the mainboard and features 64 MB of shared (not dedicated) video memory. Thusly, the unit is not ideal for anyone who deals with visually demanding applications such as the latest 3D games or 3D graphics design.

Display
Featuring a DVD-friendly widescreen format and supporting crystal clear 1280 by 800 resolution, the system's spacious 15.4-inch display is great for everything from DVD movies to spreadsheets.

Hard Disk
In a time when some notebooks offer hard drives of 100 GB and more, the 40 GB hard drive inside the TravelMate TM2303WLCI-XPH may seem a tad small. Nevertheless, a drive of this size does save you money. Furthermore, 40 GB is more than enough space for most notebook users. Though you may not have enough room for a large library of massive multimedia files, you will have sufficient space for a typical number of mobile apps and user-created files.

Optical Drive
An optical drive is essential in today's computing environment. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). Most drives support several of these tasks. This system features a CD-RW/DVD drive, through which you can do all of the above except burn DVDs.

Audio
The TravelMate TM2303WLCI-XPH is equipped with stereo speakers, a built-in microphone, and a mono line in and out.

Keyboard and Controls
You'll control your notebook via an 88-key Acer FineTouch keyboard with embedded numeric keypad and hotkeys, a touchpad with two mouse buttons and a four-way integrated scroll button.

Connectivity and Expansion
The TravelMate TM2303WLCI-XPH is better connected than many of its entry-level peers. The unit features a 56K modem for low-speed dial-up Internet and email access, a 10/100 Ethernet port for high-speed wired network and Internet, and 802.11b/g wireless technology for cord-free communication. Other key amenities include three high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras, and a PC Card slot for one Type II card. An IEEE 1394 FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders) is not enclosed. Operating System and Software
Acer will pre-install a copy of Microsoft's Windows Home Edition operating system and a small assortment of multimedia utilities.

Dimensions and Weight
Many of today's most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve lbs or more and too cumbersome for extensive, continuous traveling. These are often referred to as "desktop replacements". On the other extreme are "thin and lights" or "ultra-portables", super-miniaturized units that typically aren't as powerful as their larger brethren but weigh as little as two or three lbs. and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. The TravelMate TM2303WLCI-XPH is slightly smaller than today's average at just 6.4 lbs and 14.3 by 11 by 1.5 inches.

Power
One of the most important aspects of a notebook computer is battery efficiency. The TravelMate TM2303WLCI-XPH is not particularly strong in this regard, delivering up to two hours of use between charges. ... Read more