It's powered by the latest Intel Core 2 Quad processor--with four processing cores and Centrino 2 technology--which boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. The 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q9000 includes a quick 1066 MHz front-side bus and 6 MB of L2 cache, providing an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved multimedia and multitasking performance.

It comes with a combo optical drive with Blu-ray Disc playback for watching your favorite films in crystal-clear resolution and SuperMulti DVD burner with LightScribe technology that lets you etch custom, silkscreen-quality labels and artwork directly onto LightScribe-enabled CDs and DVDs. Other features include a 500 GB hard drive, 4 GB of RAM (8 GB maximum), Draft-N Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n) and Gigabit Ethernet networking, Bluetooth connectivity, integrated numeric keypad, HDMI audio/video output, multi-format memory card reader, and remote control.

This HP notebook is Energy Star 4.0 certified, and has received a Silver EPEAT designation for meeting standards to help reduce its environmental impact. Additionally, HP exclusive uses of EPA SmartWay carriers for reduced transportation-related emissions. HP's innovative take-back options include trade-in, recycling and donation.

High Style
The HP HDX is defined by fluid, modern lines and metalized finishes with surprising innovations inside and out. A high-gloss HP Imprint finish in titanium and chrome now encases all surfaces visible during normal use for greater durability, and a sleeve is included for extra protection. The HDX series Fluid Imprint features a flowing linear pattern that enhances the reflective qualities of the metallic finish. The streamlined look is enhanced with a color-matched keyboard and touchpad. And touch media controls light up and become visible only when the system is powered on further enhancing the clean appearance.

Spec Check 18.4-inch LCD screen (true 16:9) 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 QUAD Q9000 processor 500 GB hard drive 4 GB RAM (8 GB maximum) Combo Blu-ray Disc Read-Only and DVD+/-R drive Draft-N Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) and Bluetooth Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT graphics (up to 2302 MB total) Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit) Weighs 8.82 pounds

The Basics

• Processor: With four execution cores, the 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q9000 blows through processor-intensive tasks in demanding multitasking environments and makes the most of highly threaded applications. Part of Intel's "Penryn" line of 45nm processors, it features new hafnium-infused circuitry to reduce electrical current leakage in transistors and help this laptop run cooler. It also features Intel Trusted Execution Technology, which provides hardware-based mechanisms that help protect against software-based attacks and protects the confidentiality and integrity of data stored or created on the client PC.

  Whether you're creating multimedia, annihilating your gaming enemies, or running compute-intensive applications at one time, new quad-core processing will change the way you do everything. The Q9000 has an ultra-fast 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB) and a 6 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

  You get four dedicated, physical threads help operating systems and applications deliver additional performance that enhance multi-tasking and multi-threaded performance across many types of applications and work loads. The Smart Memory Access feature improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide data to the processor when and where it is needed. The Advanced Digital Media Boost feature effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications. And with the Intel 64 Architecture, the processor can access larger amounts of memory. With appropriate 64-bit hardware and software, platforms based on an Intel processor supporting Intel 64 Architecture can allow the use of extended virtual and physical memory.

• Hard Drive: The extra-large 500 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing a vast multimedia collection or for editing digital video. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.

  You'll enjoy enhanced hard drive protection with HP's Protectsmart, which includes a 3D accelerometer that safeguards your data by parking your hard drive if your notebook detects any range of motion, such as being knocked off your desk, falling or taking abuse.

• Memory: The 4 GB of installed RAM helps boost the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this notebook's video card. This notebook has an amazing 8 GB maximum RAM capacity (4 x 2 GB). To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.

• DVD/CD Drive: This HP notebook offers the next generation of DVD entertainment with the Blu-ray ROM optical drive, which provides the superior image and sound quality of high-definition images and multichannel surround sound as wel l as backward compatibility with standard DVD movie discs as well as content burned onto DVD+/-RW. It also incorporates a DVD+/-RW writer that can also burn CDs, which is compatible with dual-layer (DL) discs that can hold up to 8.5 GB of data.

• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a 101-key keyboard (with integrated numeric keypad) and a touchpad with on/off button and dedicated vertical/horizontal Scroll Up/Down pad. It also includes two quick-launch buttons (HP QuickPlay Music and DVD).

The Altec Lansing speakers provide exceptional sound, and it also includes SRS Premium Sound. You'll be able to privately share enjoyment of multimedia with a friend via the dual headphone jacks.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and Wi-Fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). With the integrated Bluetooth connectivity, you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones.

It also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 34 card slot (replacing the PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. It comes with the following external connectors:

• 4 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players (with 1 eSATA + USB 2.0 combo port)
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 1 HDMI output (for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable)
• Analog video output: 1 VGA
• 1 ExpressCard/54 slot (also supports ExpressCard/34)
• 2 headphone jacks
• 1 microphone jack
• 1 Expansion Port 3 connector (for use with the HP xb3000 Expansion Base or the HP Notebook QuickDock)
• 1 IR receiver
• 5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card)
• 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet networking
• 56K modem (V.90)

Operating System
The 64-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium (with SP1) is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software

• HP MediaSmart Software Suite: Your one-stop multimedia and entertainment center to create photo slideshows, share personal videos, listen to your favorite music playlists and watch DVD movies.
• muvee autoProducer Basic: Automatically create professional looking home videos and burn to DVD.
• Cyberlink DVD Suite Premium: Automatically fix and edit videos and create CDs and DVDs. Edit, burn and archive data to discs.
• Microsoft Works 9: Includes a word processor, spreadsheet, database and calendar.
• Microsoft Office Home and Student Edition 2007 (60-day trial version).
• Adobe Reader 8: Read and print PDF files.
• Norton Internet Security 2009 protects your PC and your identity when you email, bank and shop online; 60 days of protection updates included.

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook PC measures 17.7 x 11.26 x 1.72 inches and weighs 8.82 pounds.

Power
It's powered by an 8-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of up to 2.0 hours (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the HP Pavilion HDX18-1180US notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, protective sleeve, HP Mobile ScrollSmart remote control, earbud headphones, and operating instructions. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase as well as technical telephone assistance for one year. Software is also covered for 30 days from date of purchase.

Reduce your impact on the environment with this Energy Star-certified system and HP's innovative take-back options, including trade-in, recycling and donation.

Click here to compare or get your own HP Pavilion HDX18-1180US 18.4-Inch Laptop.

The Acer Video Conference solution integrating real-time video and voice over internet delivers highly mobile and extremely flexible communication, and it includes the Acer Crystal Eye webcam and PrimaLite technology, which incorporates a premium sensor and lenses to provide superior video performance under low-light conditions. (An optional Acer Xpress VoIP phone provides hands-free VoIP via a Bluetooth connection for added freedom.) In addition to Bluetooth connectivity, the Aspire 8730 comes with Draft-N Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n) networking, featuring MIMO technology and supporting Acer SignalUp with Nplify wireless technology for a smooth connection to wireless networks.

It's powered by the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processor--with Centrino 2 technology--which boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. The 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 includes a quick 1066 MHz front-side bus and 3 MB of L2 cache, providing an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved multimedia and multitasking performance. Other features include a 320 GB hard drive, 4 GB of RAM (maximum capacity), Super-Multi drive for burning single- and dual-layer DVDs as well as CDs, Gigabit Ethernet networking, Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT graphics (512 MB dedicated memory with up to 1791 MB of shared video memory), and pre-installed Windows Vista Home Premium operating system.

Spec Check 18.4-inch LCD screen 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 processor 320 GB hard drive 4 GB RAM (maximum) Dual-layer DVD+/-R drive Quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n) Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT graphics (512 MB dedicated) Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit) Weighs 9 pounds

The Basics

• Processor: Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 45nm Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 processor featuring Intel Centrino 2 technology. This processor has a 2.4 GHz processor speed, super-sized 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a extra-large 3 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

  Formerly codenamed Montevina, Intel Centrino 2 processor technology improves upon every facet of a laptop's main features, including performance and battery life via new processors and chipsets, faster draft 802.11n wireless, and new business-class manageability capabilities. The new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--conserves even more energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet.

  The Intel Core 2 Duo processor has two computational execution cores in a single processor, providing greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized for multitasking and it can run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background.

• Hard Drive: The large 320 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing a vast multimedia collection or for editing digital video. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 4 GB of installed RAM (PC2-5300, 2 x 2 GB) maximizes the capacity for this notebook,. It also offers a fast 667 MHz speed.

• DVD/CD Drive: The dual-layer DVD drive is compatible with a wide range of formats, including both DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs, CD-RW discs, and dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can hold up to 8.5 GB of data--great for backing up your MP3 collection or your most important documents. It features the following speeds: 4x for DVD+R DL, 4x for DVD-R DL, 8x for both single layer DVD+/-R, 8x for single layer DVD+RW, 6x for single layer DVD-RW, 5x for DVD-RAM, and 24x/16x for CD-R/RW. It reads DVD-ROM discs at 8x and CD-ROMs at 24x.

• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a 105-key keyboard (12 function, four cursor, two Microsoft Windows keys; independent US dollar and Euro sign keys ), inverted T cursor layout, standard numeric keypad, hotkey controls, 2.5mm minimum key travel, and international language support. The touchpad has multi-gesture technology, including circular-motion scrolling and pinch-action zoom.

Video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT graphics/video card, which provides 512 MB of dedicated video RAM and offers up to 1791 MB of total available graphics memory as allocated by Windows Vist a. Enabled by PureVideo HD, movies come to life with outstanding picture clarity, ultra-smooth video and vivid color. The lifelike images have up to six times the detail of standard DVD movies. Delivering state-of-the-art graphics performance, The GeForce 9600M GT graphics card is sure to give you the power and performance you crave to play the hottest DirectX 9 and DirectX 10 titles. Its 16x full-screen antialiasing technology delivers superior quality along with astounding performance and since it's optimized for Windows Vista. This notebook also includes an integrated audio card with Microsoft DirectSound compatibility and two Acer 3DSonic stereo speakers.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and wi-fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). With the integrated Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR connectivity, you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones.

It also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 54/34 card slot (replacing the PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. It comes with the following external connectors:

• 3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 ExpressCard/54 slot (compatible with ExpressCard/34 media)
• 1 HDMI output (for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable)
• Analog video output: 1 VGA
• 6-in-1 memory card reader, compatible with Secure Digital (SD), MMC, MMCplus, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, and XD Picture Card
• 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
• 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
• 56K modem (V.92)

Operating System
The 64-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium (with SP1) is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Acer Crystal Eye, Acer Empowering Technology (eRecovery, eSettings, ePower Management), Acer GridVista, Acer Launch Manager, Adobe Acrobat Reader, CyberLink PowerDirector (trial version), McAfee Internet Security Suite (trial version), NTI Media Maker (OEM, not full-featured, version)

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 17.3 x 11.8 x 1.7 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 9 pounds.

Power
It's powered by an 8-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of up to 2.5 hours (depending on usage; 2.0 hours recharge time with power off, 3.0 hours with power on, 80% charge in 1.0 hour.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Acer Aspire AS8730-6951 (LX.AYE0X.018) notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a limited warranty for parts and labor for one year from date of purchase.

Click here to compare or get your own Acer AS8730-6951 18.4-Inch Laptop.

The Sony VAIO FW in gray.

It's powered by the 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 processor, which boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. It offers a fast 800 MHz front-side bus speed and 2 MB L2 cache. Other features include a 320 GB hard drive, 4 GB of installed RAM (8 GB maximum), Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics with up to 1750 MB of available memory, dual-layer DVD+/-RW and CD burning capabilities, ExpressCard 34 slot, quad-mode Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth connectivity (including stereo music streaming), a 1.3-megapixel webcam built into the bezel, both Memory Stick and SD card readers, and pre-installed Windows Vista Home Premium (SP1).

This Sony notebook is Energy Star 4.0 certified, and has received a Silver EPEAT designation for meeting standards to help reduce its environmental impact. Additionally, it is RoHS-compliant, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances.

Spec Check Color: Gray 16.4-inch LCD screen 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 processor 320 GB hard drive 4 GB RAM (8 GB maximum) Combo Blu-ray Disc Read-Only and DVD+/-R drive Quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n) & Bluetooth 2.1 Intel 4500MHD graphics (1750 MB shared) Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit) Weighs 6.7 pounds

The Basics

• Processor: The Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 processor has a 2.0 GHz processor speed, fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and 2 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

  With two computational execution cores in a single processor, it provides greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized for multitasking and is ready to support the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. It can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. Some of the advanced Intel innovations of the Core 2 Duo processor include:

  • Smart Memory Access: Improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide data to the processor when and where it is needed.
  • Advanced Digital Media Boost: Effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications.
  • Dynamic Power Coordination: Coordinates Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and idle power-management state (C-states) transitions independently per core to help save power.
  • Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing: Saves power by flushing cache data to system memory during periods of inactivity to lower CPU voltage.

• Hard Drive: The large 320 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing a vast multimedia collection or for editing digital video. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 4 GB of installed RAM (PC6400, 800 MHz, 2 x 2 GB) helps boost the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this notebook's video card. This notebook has an amazing 8 GB maximum RAM capacity (4 x 2 GB). To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.

• DVD/CD Drive: This Sony notebook is capable of playing back Blu-ray Disc movies in stunning clarity, as well as playing your current library of purchased and burned disc content. This notebook can also write standard DVD and CD media. The BD drive offers a 2x speed for reading BD-R/RE discs and a 2x BD-R/RE DL (dual layer) read speed. It also offers the following write speeds for standard DVD and CD discs: 6x DVD+/-R DL, 8x for single-layer DVD+/-R, 6x DVD+/-RW, 24x CD-R/RW, and 5x for DVD-RAM.

• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 86-key keyboard (2mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electro-static two-button touchpad. Playback controls include play/pause, stop, forward, rewind, AV mode, mute, volume +/-, WLAN/Bluetooth on/off.

This laptop also has an integrated audio card with Dolby Sound Room suite of technologies, which delivers virtual surround sound from stereo speakers or any pair of headphones and is designed for environments where multiple surround speakers are neither practical nor possible. It includes Dolby Digital (for 5.1 discrete channels of surround sound), Dolby Headphone (delivering the experience of a 5.1-channel soundtrack from any set of headphones), and Dolby Virtual Speaker (providing 5.1-channel surround sound from any pair of speakers).

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Intel Wireless 5100AGN Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and wi-fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). With the Bluetooth connectivity, you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones as well as enjoy wireless stereo music streaming (thanks to its embedded A2DP profile).

This notebook also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 34 card slot (though no PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. Here's the full list of connectivity options:

• 3 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) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 1 HDMI output (for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable)
• Analog video output: 1 VGA
• 1 ExpressCard/34 slot
• Memory Stick/Memory Stick DUO slot (with MagicGate functionality)
• Secure Digital memory card slot (compatible with MMC cards)
• 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
• 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
• 56K modem (V.90)

Operating System
The 64-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium (with SP1) is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Microsoft Windows Live OneCare anti-virus and recovery (trial version), Microsoft Works SE 9.0, Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student (60-day trial), Sony Click to Disk Editor (CD and DVD burning), VAIO Movie Story (video editing), VAIO MusicBox

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 15.1 x 10.3 x 1.46 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 6.7 pounds.

Power
It's powered by the VGP-BPS13/S rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of between 2.5 and 5.5 hours (depending on usage). This laptop is compliant with Energy Star 4.0 specifications, meaning that it uses less power and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by meeting very strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy.

What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-FW350J/H notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty, and Sony offers 1-year of toll-free telephone technical assistance.

Click here to compare or get your own Sony VAIO VGN-FW350J/H 16.4-Inch Laptop (2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 320 GB Hard Drive, Blu-ray Drive, Vista Premium) Gray.

The Sony VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC in garnet red.

It also incorporates real-time GPS functionality, making it easy to find restaurants, hotels or special sites of interest. Destinations can be found by simply typing in an address or keyword and then following the turn-by-turn directions. It even includes estimated drive times to let you know how far you are from a destination.

The high-resolution, backlit 8-inch ultra-wide XBRITE-ECO display provides razor-sharp viewing on the go. It's powered by a 1.33 GHz Intel processor and includes a 60 GB hard drive with G-Sensor shock protection, memory expansion via Memory Stick media and Secure Digital (SD) memory cards, and 2 GB of RAM (maximum capacity), and Windows Vista Home Basic operating system (32-bit).

Enjoy easy video chatting using the integrated webcam.

Other features include a Motion Eye webcam (with omnidirectional microphone) integrated into the to right corner of the display bezel for easy video chats, two USB ports, and a VGA port for connecting to an external monitor. The unit features up to four hours of battery life with the included standard capacity battery and eight hours with the large capacity battery (sold separately).

This Sony notebook is Energy Star 4.0 certified, and has received a Silver EPEAT designation for meeting standards to help reduce its environmental impact. Additionally, it is RoHS-compliant, effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances.

VAIO Lifestyle PC Innovations
Engineered to provide the feel of a larger notebook, the VAIO Lifestyle PC provides a convenient typing experience by extending the keyboard to the perimeters of the chassis maximizing the typing area. The spacing between keys has also been engineered to help reduce typing mistakes making it perfect for long fingernails.

When you have more than a few documents or web pages open at once, your screen can get a little chaotic. But thanks to a special window arrangement utility, you can organize them all with one simple touch. Press a button and watch as all your open windows are presented side-by-side on a single screen, cutting clutter and giving you a fresh perspective on your workspace.

The unit also has an instant-mode option that launches directly into Sony's Xross Media Bar interface, so you can rapidly boot up and access music, video, photos and the Web. A built-in webcam lets you video chat with family, friends and colleagues. A third-party service is required.

You don't need an Internet connection (in the U.S. or Canada) with the real-time GPS functionality. Just step outside and type in where you want to go. You'll get turn-by-turn directions displayed right on the map--it's that simple. Other navigation features include real-time tracking of your current location, the ability to search by address, keyword or points of interest, estimated drive times to your desired location and points of interest, such as restaurants and hotels within 50 miles of your location

Hard Drive and Memory
This VAIO Lifestyle PC includes a 60 GB hard drive with G-Sensor Shock Protection, which makes your data even less vulnerable to loss or damage. When the built-in 3D acceleration sensor detects a risky movement like being dropped, the HDD-head will lock up to secure its position and protect the disc from scratching. An intelligent algorithm, unique to VAIO PCs, judges whether or not a movement is risky, activating disk drive protection only when your hardware is at risk. The 2 GB of installed memory (non-expandable) has a 533 MHz speed.

The VAIO Lifestyle PC weighs just 1.4 pounds and easily slips into jacket pocket or handbag.

Screen, Video & Audio
You'll enjoy razor-sharp graphics and widescreen movies with the 8-inch display, which offers a 1600 x 768 widescreen resolution. The XBRITE-ECO technology (with LED backlighting) delivers brilliant colors and stunning clarity with efficient power usage, and it features an anti-reflective coating to minimize reflection and ensure a beautifully clear image from any viewing angle. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 500 integrated graphics chip, which uses shared video memory (up to 760 MB allocated from the system memory). It's compatible with external monitor resolutions up to 1600 x 1200. The Lifestyle PC also sports an integrated audio card with Intel High Definition Audio and a headphone jack.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Enjoy easy wireless networking with the integrated tri-mode Atheros Draft-N wireless LAN (compatible with 802.11b/g/n wireless networks). Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and wi-fi hotspots). With the Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity, you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones as well as enjoy wireless stereo music streaming (thanks to its embedded A2DP profile). Here's the full list of ports and expansion options:

This notebook also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 34 card slot (though no PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. Here's the full list of connectivity options:

• 2 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• Analog video output: 1 VGA
• Memory Stick/Memory Stick PRO slot (Standard/Duo) with Ma gicGate functionality
• Secure Digital memory card slot (compatible with MMC cards)
• 1 headphone jack

Dimensions & Weight
Weighing just 1.4 pounds (22.4 ounces), the Lifestyle PC measures 9.65 x 4.72 x 0.78 inches

See larger version.

What's in the Box
VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC, lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, power cable, display/LAN adapter. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty, and Sony offers 1-year of toll-free telephone technical assistance.

http://bestratedlaptopsguide.com/2096/dell-inspiron-15-i15-156b-notebook-pc-pacific-blue-intel-pentium-dual-core-mobile-t3400-2-16ghz-3gb-ddr2-sdram-160gb-hd-15-6-wxga-multiformat-dvdrwcd-rw-drive-windows-vista-home-premium/ http://bestratedlaptopsguide.com/2096/dell-inspiron-15-i15-156b-notebook-pc-pacific-blue-intel-pentium-dual-core-mobile-t3400-2-16ghz-3gb-ddr2-sdram-160gb-hd-15-6-wxga-multiformat-dvdrwcd-rw-drive-windows-vista-home-premium/feed/ 6 http://bestratedlaptopsguide.com/2095/msi-x340-021us-slim-13-4-inch-laptop-black/ http://bestratedlaptopsguide.com/2095/msi-x340-021us-slim-13-4-inch-laptop-black/#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:24:01 +0000 William http://bestratedlaptopsguide.com/2095/msi-x340-021us-slim-13-4-inch-laptop-black/ The most unique feature of the X340 is its size--0.24 inches at its thinnest point, 0.79 inches at its thickest, combined with its 2.8-pound weight (with the battery)--making the X340 the world's lightest and slimmest 13-inch notebook. It also features customizable power settings with five different modes--office, gaming, movies, presentation, and turbo battery--for flexibility and increased productivity based on your needs.

This laptop does not include an optical drive, but optional CD/DVD read/write drives can be connected to the laptop via one of its USB ports, enabling you to create your music mixes, burn movies to DVD, and more.

The ultra-slim MSI X340-021US laptop with high-definition 13.4-inch LCD (see larger version).

Key Features

• 13-inch widescreen high-definition display with LED backlight technology, 16:9 aspect ratio, and 1366 x 768 resolution (Learn more)
• Energy efficient 1.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500 processor with ultra-low voltage for extended battery life (Learn more)
• 320 GB SATA hard drive
• 2 GB of RAM (maximizing capacity) with 667 MHz speed
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD video processing
• 1.3-megapixel webcam provides great image quality and rich colors so your viewers can see you clearly--whether taking a photo or broadcasting live
• 802.11b/g/Draft-N Wi-Fi networking with expanded wireless features to get more done in more places
• Ultra-fast Gigabit Ethernet wireed networking (10/100/1000)
• Bluetooth 2.0+EDR connectivity lets you use wireless headsets for easy VoIP telephony and video chats as well as synchronize Bluetooth-enabled phones
• HDMI high-definition audio/video output allows a single cable to transmit uncompressed high-definition video to your digital TV or LCD
• Built-in stereo speakers with high-definition audio support
• Windows Home Vista Premium operating system (Learn more)
• Battery: 4-cell lithium-ion with MSI's advanced power saving technology
• Dimensions: 13 x 8.82 x 0.78 inches (WxDxH)
• Weight: 2.86 pounds
• Warranty: 3-year hardware warranty

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and Wi-Fi hotspots). This laptop comes with the following expansion ports:

• 2 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 HDMI output for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable
• Analog video output: 1 VGA
• 2-in-1 memory card reader compatible with Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC) media
• 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
• 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet

What's in the box
This package contains the X340-021US notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions

Learn More

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The First 13-Inch Notebook with 16:9 Widescreen Display

The MSI X340 uses a 13-inch HD-Ready LCD display to provide added comfort when watching the latest movies, playing games, or just reading documents. The 16:9 theater ratio provides an additional 14 percent of visual area. When watching movies, the black bars on the top and bottom common to 16:10 aspect ratios can be avoided completely. The X340 is also embedded with the LED power-saving backlight technology to provide better color fullness and brightness, elevating the total quality of imagery. Furthermore, the lowered power usage can offer a longer operating time when using battery power. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD, which uses shared video memory. This graphics card is built with Intel Clear Video technology, which delivers clearer, more detailed images by eliminating many of the jagged edges and video artifacts seen when viewing interlaced content and features powerful color control to ensure videos are not too dark, overly bright, or washed out.

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Energy Efficient Intel Core 2 Solo Processor

Offering the latest in ultra-low voltage processing power, the single-core Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500 processor has a has a power consumption rating of just 5.5 watts and a 1.4 GHz speed that's paired with a fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB) and extra-large 3 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.) The Core 2 Solo processor delivers enhanced performance for today's demanding applications such as CAD tools, 3D and 2D modeling, video editing, digital music, digital photography and gaming. And Intel's Smart Cache technology enables smarter, more efficient cache and bus design for enhanced performance, responsiveness and power savings.

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Windows Vista Home Premium Operating System

Windows Vista Home Premium is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access k ey data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Click here to compare or get your own MSI X340-021US Slim 13.4-Inch Laptop - Black.

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Click here to compare or get your own Compaq EVO N610C.