Showing posts with label vista. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vista. Show all posts

8/14/2012

HP Pavilion G70-250US 17.0-Inch Laptop Review

HP Pavilion G70-250US 17.0-Inch Laptop
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I don't know about the other reviewer's experience, but I can say that I love everything about this computer. The screen is bright and the colors are vivid. I have listened to other laptop speakers, and these sound very good. The keyboard is wonderful to type on. I had to uninstall some bloatware, but that was expected. Will upgrade to a 12 cell battery as soon as I can afford to. I highly recommend this laptop to anyone who wants a well made machine. Read the specs listed above and you will find that this machine has everything you would want in a laptop or desktop replacement. Con: somewhat large and slightly heavy, but then again your going to carry it in a bag anyways!

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Eliminate the black bars that appear when you're watching DVD movies or HDTV content when you view them on the HP Pavilion g70-250us notebook PC, which has a 17-inch screen. Pared down to the essentials, HP's G60 series is defined by minimalist lines. High-gloss reflective top cover and palm rest area surfaces contrast cleanly with matte surface everywhere else, and the streamlined look is enhanced with a color-matched keyboard and touchpad.
Chat face to face, or take pictures and video clips with the webcam and integrated digital microphone. Play games and enhance multimedia with the Intel GMA 4500M with up to 1309 MB of total available graphics memory. And enjoy movies or music in seconds with the external DVD or music buttons to launch HP QuickPlay (which bypasses the boot process).
It offers dual-core productivity from its 2.0 GHz Intel Pentium T4200 processor for excellent multitasking. Other features include a 320 GB hard drive, 3 GB of installed RAM (4 GB maximum capacity), dual-layer DVD±RW drive (which also burns CDs), quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), 5-in-1 memory card reader, and pre-installed Windows Vista Home Premium (SP1).
The Basics
Processor: The 2.0 GHz Intel Pentium T4200 dual-core processor delivers additional computing resources and help expand the PC's capabilities by providing higher throughput and simultaneous computing. You'll be able to perform multiple tasks such as digital rendering and gaming all while running virus scan or other background tasks seamlessly. And its Intel 64 architecture is also ready for tomorrow's 64-bit applications, and offers enhanced performance through improved virtual memory. Each core shares 1 MB of L2 cache (for a 2 MB total), and they have an 800 MHz front-side bus. (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.)

Hard Drive: The generous 320 GB Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive (7200 RPM) offers a wealth of storage space, perfect for storing a vast multimedia collection or for editing digital video. This SATA hard drive has a 3Gb/s interface speed that enables up to 300MB/s data transfer rates (double the speed of the current SATA interface of 1.5Gb/s).

Memory: The 3 GB of installed RAM (PC6400, 1 x 2 GB, 2 x 1 GB) helps boost the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this notebook's video card. It also offers a fast 800 MHz speed. This notebook has a 4 GB maximum RAM capacity (2 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 multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with writing both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It features 4x DVD-R DL Write Once, 2.4x DVD+R DL Write Once, 8x DVD+R, 4x DVD+RW, 8x DVD-R, 4x DVD-RW, 16x DVD-ROM, 40x CD-R, 24x CD-RW, and 40x CD-ROM speeds.
This LightScribe DVD±RW drive lets you laser-etch silkscreen quality text and images on to CDs and DVDs . Your software, PC and discs work together for a no-hassle way to burn just the labels you want. After you burn content, just flip the disc over, reinsert and burn your label--anything from a simple title to a full-disc work of art.

Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a 101-key keyboard 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).
Screen, Video & Audio You'll enjoy razor-sharp graphics and widescreen movies with the 17-inch WXGA high-definition screen, which has a widescreen resolution of 1440 x 900 pixels--perfect for watching DVD movies the way they were meant to be seen. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500M, which uses shared video memory (up to 1309 MB allocated from the system 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. The Altec Lansing speakers provide exceptional sound.
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). 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 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 headphone jack
1 microphone jack
5-in-1 memory card reader (Secure Digital, MultiMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card)
10/100 Fast Ethernet networking
56K modem (V.90)

Operating System Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium with SP1 (32-bit) 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 Deluxe: 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 15.59 x 11.22 x 1.63 inches and weighs 7.55 pounds.
Power It's powered by a 6-cell rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of up to 1.5 hours (depending on usage).
What's in the Box This package contains the HP Pavilion g70-250us 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 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.

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5/09/2012

2Wire HomePortal 1000HW DSL Modem and Network Router Review

2Wire HomePortal 1000HW DSL Modem and Network Router
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
My 1000H Homeportal has been a solid performer and was extremely easy to install. I have been using it for three years and have had no problems. However, I don't recommend this device unless you are looking for the cheapest, most reliable solution to sharing an Internet connection, files and printer between computers. The 2Wire 2700HG-B DSL Modem Router Wireless Access Point currently sells for about the same price and is a much better product.
The 1000HW acts as the network Access Point for up to four PCs, which can then simultaneously share a single internet connection, printers, and files between any of the computers. The Homeportal has only one ethernet and one USB 1.1 connection, meaning that the connection of more than one PC to the unit will require Wireless networking or a seperate device that allows multiple ethernet cable connections. The Homeportal is limited to Wireless 802.11B connections. This means slower connection than 802.11G when networking wirelessly, and definitely not a good thing for those looking to stream music or video files or any video rich Internet content. Given that, I highly recommend getting the 2Wire 2700HG-B DSL Modem Router Wireless Access Point. The 2700HG-B is 802.11G and allows four ethernet connections.
The 1000HW has a built-in firewall that will provide all the security most users need when coupled with Anti-virus software, and requires no configuring by the user. For those who want to create more access to their network, the 2Wire software allows more advanced users that flexibility also. It is capable of WEP and WPA encryption modes.
Pros:
- cheap
- easy to install
- very reliable
Cons:
- only one Ethernet connection
- USB 1.1 not the faster 2.0
- 802.11b is too slow for those whose primary interest is streaming digital entertainment (music, videos, photos), need 802.11G, and probably 802.11N if wanting to stream Hi-Definition content
- Can probably get a 802.11g product from 2Wire or other manufacturer for about the same price and will need the extra speed to meet the future demands of Media rich content used at home or in the office.


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The 2Wire HomePortal 1000HW is a wireless base station for the home or small office network with a built-in DSL modem to make the connection to the Internet and a wireless 802.11b router and access point to share the connection. ? The built-in professional-grade firewall helps to protect your network from outsiders. ? Supports HomePNA 2.0 and 1.0 ? The 2Wire HomePortal 1000HW comes with both USB and Ethernet networking ports, providing flexibility and compatibility.

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12/31/2011

IOGEAR USB 2.0 Print Server, 1-Port GPSU21 (Silver) Review

IOGEAR USB 2.0 Print Server, 1-Port GPSU21 (Silver)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The print server hardware worked fine, but the setup software
caused a few problems as a result of oversimplication.

I was able to get the server going with a Brother HL-5150D USB
printer on a home network with 4 computers (3 wireless, 1
ethernet), an all-in-one networked device and the USB
printer itself. This is using a mixture of computers with
different flavours of Windows XP. The print server is wired to
a router using DHCP. I did not chose to put the print server on
a static address (as the manual prefers) since that does not
reflect my network setup (home networks are usually DHCP).
I encountered problems because:
(a) My software firewall first caused the installer to crash.
I wanted to avoid turning it off entirely, but
to no avail. I was able to leave my router's hardware
firewall on but had to turn off my software firewall
for the installation. The manual asks that firewall
be turned off at installation, but I find that drastic.
I guess I should have cut off my internet connection when
I did this.
(b) I installed my printer drivers and print server back-to-back
without rebooting the computer in between. The manual
allows for this but I was not able to avoid the "the
segment of the print server is different from your
computer" error no matter what I tried. So I rebooted
and started the print server install a second time over.
Worked fine. The manual's guidance for this error was
incorrect in my case.
So, if what I've learned applies:
(i) install the printer driver as a normal USB
printer on your computers first.
(ii) reboot the computers
(iii) install the print server software.

Did this for all computers on the network, and
now I can print from anywhere (note that I did not
reconfigure the print server hardware each time, only
on the 1st computer, but I don't see the harm if one
does it for each computer as long as one is consistent
in placing the same settings each time).
(c) The installation of the print server software caused
my printer settings to go from "Use Printer Online"
to "Use Printer Offline". My printer swallowed all
my jobs because of that and no pages were coming out.
To remediate this go to the "Control Panel", "Printers",
"Viewed my installed printers",
right click the printer and select "Use Printer Online".
Did this for all computers.
Everything worked after that, with all firewalls reenabled.
Some day in the future, the network will go down
(power outage or other), and DHCP router might
assign a different dynamic IP address for the print server.
If that is the case, I'll have to point my computers to the
new IP address. To findout what your computer thinks the
printer address is: "Control Panel", "Printers",
"View installed printers", right click the printer and
select "Properties". Select the "Ports" tab,
then "Configure Port". Then compare the IP against the
new address your router gave to the print server
(go to your router's web page to find out). If they don't
match then you'll need to reconfigure. That said, I tested
a new IP address on the print server by power cycling it.
I then rebooted the computers and found that the new print
server address had been matched automatically on my
PCs. So things can fix themselves even if the network goes
down (the name of the port was still had the old address,
but the actual address it used was the new one...)
I've not tried this with IPP printing (remote location
printing, not did I test it under Linux or Mac).
The print server's web access is rather primitive.
But it has all I need. I intend to use this with Linux too.
The device worked as advertised and I am satisfied with it.


Click Here to see more reviews about: IOGEAR USB 2.0 Print Server, 1-Port GPSU21 (Silver)

IOgear GPSU21 Print Server GPSU21 Print Servers - Wired

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8/19/2011

Cisco-Linksys WUSBF54G Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder Review

Cisco-Linksys WUSBF54G Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is a direct comparision between the Linksys WUSBF54G and TrendNet 509UB.
Both perform as expected when used as a standalone hot spot detector.
Both perform as expected on Windows XP. Installation was quirky for both. After driver installation, inserting into USB slot it wasn't recognized at all. Fiddled around for awhile and it finally detected the device. Had to disable the notebook's builtin wireless before XP recognized the device.
Client software does not detect a device under Windows Vista Ultimate RC2. I assume this will be true for Windows Vista RTM too. Inserting the device into a Windows Vista RC2 system often completely froze Windows Vista (had to hold down power button for complete reboot). Had to disable the notebook's builtin wireless before Vista recognized the device.
Appears that the TrendNet and Linksys devices are so similar that they must be made by the same OEM or reference design. As expected, evaluation results are similar.
1. Both devices seem to have same sensitivity, similar to notebook's internal wireless card.
2. TrendNet device doesn't have Windows XP signed drivers so an extra click during install is requried. Also installing on new USB ports requires extra clicks.
3. TrendNet device supports 801.11a whereas Linksys does not.
4. TrendNet device sometimes crashes Vista Ultimate RC2.
5. Neither device's software client works under Vista Ultimate RC2. This isn't a deal breaker for me as they both work under Vista Ultimate RC2 networking as a USB wireless key. You just lose the client software feature.
6. The Linksys has a somewhat useful backlit LCD, TrendNet does not.
7. Both devices work as standalone hotspot locators equal well.
8. In hotspot mode, both devices show SSID, channel number, encryption mode, etc.
Conclusion: For XP, I recommend the TrendNet so save the extra dollars. For Vista, I recommend the Linksys device as it never crashed Vista Ultimate RC2 whereas TrendNet device was gave occasional freezes.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cisco-Linksys WUSBF54G Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder

" Linksys Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder - Add Wireless-G to your notebook or desktop computers and detect wireless signals without powering on your PCThe Wireless-G USB Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder is a handy, pocket-sized device that combines an easy-to-use wireless network scanner with a USB-connected Wireless-G network adapter.Now you can scan for available wireless connectivity before turning on your computer.If the scanner does find a network, just plug it into your PC and get connected.The Wi-Fi Finder detects Wireless-G and Wireless-B networks with a simple push of a button.It displays all pertinent information such as the wireless network's name (SSID), signal strength, the channel used, and whether wireless security is enabled or not.The information is displayed on an easy-to-read LCD display and can be set up to look for only open networks, all networks, or a specific named network.Discovered networks are listed in order of signal strength.The advanced wireless search technology filters out 2.4GHz interference given off by microwave ovens, cordless phones, and Bluetooth devices to provide readouts only on working Wireless-G or -B networks.With the Wi-Fi Finder built into the unit, you no longer need to power on your PC to determine if there's a wireless network connection available.Public wireless hotspots are springing up all over in coffee shops, airport lounges, hotels and convention centers.The Wireless-G USB Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder from Linksys makes it easy to find, and connect to, those hotspots.Also works with :-WRT54G - Share your high-speed Internet connection with Wireless-B, Wireless-G, and wired Ethernet devices.WAP54G - Connects Wireless-G or Wireless-B devices to your existing wired networkWPC54G - Connects your notebook computer to Wireless-G networks.

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