Dell s1440-022B

The $749 Dell Studio S1440-022B is trim, forward-looking mainstream laptop. Rarely does a 14-inch laptop limbo under the 5-pound mark, but the Studio S1440 checks in at an impressive 4.7 pounds. It's able to hit this number in large part by jettisoning the optical drive, a bold move not seen on the majority of mainstream laptops, despite the growing popularity of accessing your media from the Web instead of from a DVD or a CD. Other forward-looking features include a DisplayPort connection, an HDMI port, and a 16:9 aspect ratio display. Inside, Dell outfits the Studio S1440-022B with a well-rounded set of components, including a midrange Core 2 Duo processor, low-end Nvidia GeForce graphics, and an eight-cell battery that manages to sit flush with the system. Thanks to Best Buy's Next Class program, it comes not with software trials, but full versions of useful applications. If you can get past the lack of a DVD burner, there's much to like about this thin, light, long-running laptop. Though for only $50 more, the slightly heavier and somewhat boxy Toshiba Satellite E105-S1602 offers a DVD burner plus more memory and larger hard drive.

Processor ProcessorIntel Core 2 Duo T6500 / 2.1 GHzMulti-Core processor technologyDual-Core64-bit processorYesData bus speed800 MHz Cache Memory TypeL2 cacheCache size2 MB RAM Installed Size3 GB / 5 GB (max)TechnologyDDR2 SDRAM Storage Controller Storage controller typeSerial ATA Storage Floppy DriveNone

Hard Drive320 GB - 5400 rpm

Storage RemovableNoneHard drive typePortable Optical Storage TypeNone Optical Storage (2nd) 2nd optical storage typeNone Display Display Type14 in TFT active matrixMax Resolution1280 x 720 ( WXGA )Widescreen DisplayYesFeaturesTrueLife, LED-backlit Video Graphics Processor / VendorNVIDIA GeForce 9400M Shared video memory (UMA)Max Allocated RAM Size256 MB Audio Audio output typeSound cardAudio output compliant standardsHigh Definition Audio Notebook Camera Camera TypeIntegrated Input Device(s) Input device typeKeyboard, Touchpad Telecom ModemNone Networking NetworkingNetwork adapterNetworking / Wireless LAN SupportedYesData link protocolEthernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11n (draft)Networking standardsIEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (draft) Expansion / Connectivity Expansion Slots Total (Free)1 ExpressCard/34Interfaces2 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A, 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire) - 6 pin FireWire, 1 x Audio / video - HDMI output - 19 pin HDMI Type A Miscellaneous Cables IncludedPower cable ( 1 pcs.)Features802.11b/g/n Wireless LAN, Camera Battery Technology8-cell Lithium ionInstalled Qty1Mfr estimated battery life5.3 hour(s)

HP Business nc4200

To get the workhorse ultraportable HP Compaq nc4200 to its fighting weight of 3.9 pounds, you'll have to sacrifice an optical drive; while laptops of comparable size offer integrated optical drives, the nc4200's drive is external (choices include CD and DVD burners). Otherwise, the nc4200 combines a decent selection of midrange components with a 12.1-inch XGA display and 802.11b/g and Bluetooth connections to let business travelers keep up with basic productivity work while on the road. And though the nc4200 doesn't offer as many configuration options as some of HP's other laptops, it does give you a choice of Intel Pentium M processors from 1.73GHz to 2GHz; 5,400rpm hard drives from 40GB to 80GB; a healthy 1GB of RAM (expandable to 2GB) at either 400MHz or 533MHz; and an Intel 915GM 128MB graphics adapter.

Specifications

General Platform Technology Intel Centrino Built-in Devices Speaker , Wireless LAN antenna Width 11.2 in Depth 9.3 in Height 1.2 in Weight4 lbs Notebook typeUltraportable (Under 4 lbs.) Wireless capabilities IEEE 802.11b , IEEE 802.11g , Bluetooth Processor Processor Intel Pentium M 750 / 1.86 GHz Data bus speed 533 MHz Processor features Enhanced SpeedStep technology , Execute Disable Bit capability , Power-optimized processor system bus Chipset type Mobile Intel 915GM Express Cache Memory Type L2 cache Cache size 2 MB RAM Installed Size 512 MB / 2 GB (max) Technology DDR2 SDRAM - 400 MHz Memory specification compliance PC2-3200

Storage Floppy Drive None Hard Drive 60 GB - 5400 rpm Storage Removable None Hard drive type Portable

Display Display Type 12.1 in TFT active matrix Max Resolution 1024 x 768 ( XGA ) Widescreen Display No Video Graphics Processor / Vendor Intel GMA 900 Video Memory Dynamic Video Memory Technology 3.0 Audio Audio output type Sound card Audio output compliant standards AC '97 , Sound Blaster Pro Input Device(s) Input device type Keyboard , Touchpad , Pointing stick

HP TouchSmart tx2z Tablet PC

The HP TouchSmart tx2z stands alone as a rare example of a consumer-focused convertible tablet PC. We're not sure if this is because non-business-related laptop users don't see the value of a touch-screen tablet, but hopefully they'll catch on soon.

So what makes the HP TouchSmart tx2z more consumer than business? Why, the design of course. The glossy, titanium finish with HP's "Reaction" imprint pattern is just flashy enough to get some attention at the local coffee shop, but not in a bad way. The finish is inside, too, making for a cohesive appearance. The majority of the keyboard is a good size for regular typing. The only bit of funny key reshaping was the function keys that are comically small. If you don't feel like navigating directly on the screen with pen or finger, there is a small, but serviceable, touch pad.

Specifications

Processor 2.4GHz AMD Turion X2 Ultra Dual-Core ZM-86

Memory 4GB, 800MHz DDR2

Hard drive 400GB 5,400rpm

3200

Chipset AMD RS780M

Graphics ATI Mobility Radeon H

System Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 (64-bit)

eep

Height 1.5 inches high

Screen size (diagonal)

Dimensions (WD) 12 inches wide by 8.8 inches

d 12.1 inches

System weight / Weight with AC adapter 5.0/5.8 pounds

Category Ultraportable

HP Pavilion dv3-2155mx

The HP Pavilion dv3-2155mx packs a small 13.3-inch screen with a movie- and HD-friendly 16:9 aspect ratio and a big, 9-cell battery. Weighing in at an even 5 pounds, it's a highly portable laptop, but thanks to its extended-cell battery, it's not much lighter (and in one case, heavier) than larger 14-inch models. The long-running battery will get you through a double feature, and watching movies ought to be a priority if you're thinking about pulling the trigger on the Pavilion dv3-2155mx.

The dragon-and-floral imprint finish will also need to appeal to you; the Pavilion dv3-2155mx is a fixed configuration retail model with one and only one chassis option. There aren't any deal-breakers to be found on this $729 thin-and-light laptop--depending on your opinions of dragons--but the $749 Dell Studio S1440-022B offers a larger display and a lighter weight (but no DVD burner), while the $799 Toshiba Satellite E105-S1602 is only a hair heavier and features a 14-inch display, backlit keys, and a two-year warranty.

Specifications

General

* Recommended Use Home use
* Built-in Devices Stereo speakers , Wireless LAN antenna
* Width 12.9 in
* Depth 8.7 in
* Height 1.4 in
* Weight 4.9 lbs
* Localization English / United States
* Notebook type Budget, Thin-and-light (4-6 lbs.)
* Screen type Widescreen
* Wireless capabilities IEEE 802.11b , IEEE 802.11g

Processor

* Processor Intel Core 2 Duo T6500 / 2.1 GHz
* Multi-Core processor technology Dual-Core
* 64-bit processor Yes

Cache Memory

* Type L2 cache
* Cache size 2 MB

RAM

* Installed Size 4 GB / 8 GB (max)
* Technology DDR2 SDRAM
* RAM form factor SO DIMM 200-pin

Storage Controller

* Storage controller type Serial ATA
* Storage Controller / Serial ATA Interface Serial ATA-150

Storage

* Floppy Drive None
* Hard Drive 500 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm
* Storage Removable None
* Hard drive type Portable

Optical Storage

* Type DVD?RW (?R DL) / DVD-RAM
* CD / DVD read speed 8x
* Disc Labeling Technology LightScribe Technology

Optical Storage (2nd)

* 2nd optical storage type None

Card Reader

* Card reader type 5 in 1 card reader
* Supported flash memory cards Memory Stick , MultiMediaCard , SD Memory Card , xD-Picture Card , Memory Stick Pro

Display

* Display Type 13.3 in TFT active matrix
* Max Resolution 1366 x 768 ( WXGA )
* Widescreen Display Yes
* Features BrightView , LED-backlit

Video

* Graphics Processor / Vendor Intel GMA 4500MHD Dynamic Video Memory Technology 5.0
* Max Allocated RAM Size 1759 MB

Audio

* Audio output type Sound card
* Audio output compliant standards SRS Premium Sound
* Audio Output Features Altec Lansing speakers
* Audio Input Microphone

Notebook Camera

* Camera Type Integrated

Input Device(s)

* Input device type Keyboard , Touchpad

Telecom

* Modem None

Networking

* Networking Network adapter
* Networking / Wireless LAN Supported Yes
* Data link protocol Ethernet , IEEE 802.11b , IEEE 802.11g , Fast Ethernet
* Networking standards IEEE 802.11b , IEEE 802.11g

Expansion / Connectivity

* Expansion Slots Total (Free) 2 Memory - SO DIMM 200-pin , 1 ( 1 ) x ExpressCard/34
* Interfaces 2 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A , 1 x Display / video - HDMI , 1 x Storage / Hi-Speed USB - Hi-Speed USB / eSATA , 1 x Display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15) , 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX - RJ-45 , 1 x Headphones - Output - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , 1 x Microphone - Input - Mini-phone 3.5 mm , 1 x Remote control - Infrared


Power

* Power device form factor External
* Power provided 65 Watt

Battery

* Technology 9-cell Lithium ion
* Installed Qty 1

Operating System / Software

* OS Provided Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition

HP TouchSmart tx2-1275dx

The HP TouchSmart tx2-1275dx represents a minor update to the company's consumer tablet. Compared with the TouchSmart tx2z we reviewed earlier this year, which carried a baseline price $999 that quickly rose as you upped the specs, the retail-only TouchSmart tx2-1275 is a fixed configuration model priced at a reasonable $849.

At the heart of the TouchSmart tx2-1275dx is its rotating touch-screen display with multitouch support. Using multitouch gestures is unquestionably fun and potentially useful, but this functionality requires a few sacrifices. For starters, the TouchSmart tx2-1275dx can't match the performance of similarly priced laptops with Intel Core 2 Duo processors. Secondly, the battery life is poor. And finally, while the TouchSmart tx2-1275dx boasts an eye-catching design with one of HP's Imprint finishes, it's a bit portly for a 12-inch ultraportable.

Specifications

General

* Recommended Use Home use
* Built-in Devices Stereo speakers , Wireless LAN antenna
* Embedded Security Fingerprint reader
* Width 12 in
* Depth 8.8 in
* Height 1.5 in
* Weight 4.6 lbs
* Localization English / United States
* Notebook type Thin-and-light (4-6 lbs.)
* Screen type Widescreen
* Wireless capabilities IEEE 802.11b , IEEE 802.11 n (draft) , IEEE 802.11g

Processor

* Processor AMD Turion X2 mobile processor RM-74 / 2.2 GHz
* Multi-Core processor technology Dual-Core
* 64-bit processor Yes

Cache Memory

* Type L2 cache
* Cache size 1 MB

RAM

* Installed Size 4 GB / 8 GB (max)
* Technology DDR2 SDRAM
* RAM form factor SO DIMM 200-pin
* RAM configuration features 2 x 2 GB

Storage Controller

* Storage controller type Serial ATA
* Storage Controller / Serial ATA Interface Serial ATA-150

Storage

* Floppy Drive None
* Hard Drive 320 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 7200 rpm
* Storage Removable None
* Hard drive type Portable

Optical Storage

* Type DVD?RW (?R DL) / DVD-RAM
* Disc Labeling Technology LightScribe Technology

Optical Storage (2nd)

* 2nd optical storage type None

Card Reader

* Card reader type 5 in 1 card reader
* Supported flash memory cards Memory Stick , MultiMediaCard , SD Memory Card , xD-Picture Card , Memory Stick Pro

Display

* Display Type 12.1 in TFT active matrix
* Max Resolution 1280 x 800 ( WXGA )
* Widescreen Display Yes
* Features LED-backlit

Video

* Graphics Processor / Vendor ATI Radeon HD 3200
* Total Available Graphics Memory 1982 MB

Audio

* Audio output type Sound card
* Audio output compliant standards SRS Premium Sound
* Audio Output Features Altec Lansing speakers
* Audio Input Microphone

Notebook Camera

* Camera Type Integrated

Input Device(s)

* Input device type Keyboard , Touchpad , Digitizer , Touch-screen

Telecom

* Modem Fax / modem
* Max transfer rate 56 Kbps

Networking

* Networking Network adapter
* Networking / Wireless LAN Supported Yes
* Data link protocol Ethernet , IEEE 802.11a , IEEE 802.11b , IEEE 802.11g , Fast Ethernet , Gigabit Ethernet , IEEE 802.11n (draft)
* Networking standards IEEE 802.11a , IEEE 802.11b , IEEE 802.11g , IEEE 802.11n (draft)

Expansion / Connectivity

* Expansion Slots Total (Free) 2 ( 0 ) x Memory - SO DIMM 200-pin , 1 ( 1 ) x ExpressCard/34
* Interfaces 3 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A , 1 x Display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15) , 1 x Modem - Phone line - RJ-11 , 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45 , 1 x Headphones - Output - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , 1 x Audio - SPDIF output/headphones - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm , 1 x Microphone - Input - Mini-phone 3.5 mm , 1 x Remote control - Infrared , 1 x Docking / port replicator

Power

* Power device form factor External

Battery

* Technology 6-cell Lithium ion
* Installed Qty 1

Operating System / Software

* OS Provided Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition

Laptop Computers

A laptop is a personal computer designed for mobile use and small enough to sit on one's lap. A laptop integrates most of the typical components of a desktop computer, including a display, a keyboard, a pointing device (a touchpad, also known as a trackpad, and/or a pointing stick), speakers, and often including a battery, into a single small and light unit. The rechargeable battery (if present) is charged from an AC adapter and typically stores enough energy to run the laptop for two to three hours in its initial state, depending on the configuration and power management of the computer. Laptops are usually shaped like a large notebook with thicknesses between 0.7–1.5 inches (18–38 mm) and dimensions ranging from 10x8 inches (27x22cm, 13" display) to 15x11 inches (39x28cm, 17" display) and up. Modern laptops weigh 3 to 12 pounds (1.4 to 5.4 kg); older laptops were usually heavier. Most laptops are designed in the flip form factor to protect the screen and the keyboard when closed. Modern tablet laptops have a complex joint between the keyboard housing and the display, permitting the display panel to twist and then lay flat on the keyboard housing. They usually have a touchscreen display and some include handwriting recognition or graphics drawing capability. Laptops were originally considered to be "a small niche market" and were thought suitable mostly for "specialized field applications" such as "the military, the Internal Revenue Service, accountants and sales representatives". But today, there are already more laptops than desktops in businesses, and laptops are becoming obligatory for student use and more popular for general use. In 2008 more laptops than desktops were sold in the US and it has been predicted that the same milestone will be reached in the worldwide market as soon as late 2009.