Netbooks Archives - Page 2 of 3

Support for Windows XP Service Pack 2 Ends

Microsoft is ending support for Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) on July 13, 2010.

This date was originally set when XP Service pack 3 (SP3) was released on April 21, 2008. After the July 13, 2010 cutoff computers running Windows XP SP2 will no longer be able to receive downloaded security patches and device drivers via Windows Update.

If you are running Windows XP and are not running Service Pack 3 (SP3) you will no longer receive software updates from Windows Update to protect your PC from viruses, spyware and other malware, as well as updates that improve Windows reliability, including new drivers for hardware. Without Service Pack 3 the next vulnerability in Windows XP that gets identified and fixed won’t get patched on your computer; potentially leaving you open to various forms of malicious software.

Windows XP SP3 Is A Wise Move

Users with a computer running XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) should seriously consider upgrading to Service Pack 3 (SP3) at their earliest opportunity. Paid support and security updates for SP2 will also no longer be available, although Microsoft has stated that Windows XP SP2 users will still be allowed to access Microsoft online Knowledge Base articles, FAQs and troubleshooting tools.

Windows XP SP2 users can download the SP3 software package from Microsoft’s support site if they want to continue receiving security updates – Microsoft Windows XP SP3 Support Site.

Windows XP Service Pack 2 – 64-Bit

Microsoft also produces a 64-bit version of Windows XP although it is not very widely used. There is no Service Pack 3 for the 64-bit version of Windows XP. Users running the 64-bit version of XP with Service Pack 2, are on the latest service pack and will continue to be eligible for support and receive updates until April 8, 2014.

XP SP3 – Just Do It

For the average user, there are really very few reasons not to upgrade to Windows XP Service Pack 3 if you have not done so already. It is well worth the effort.

Laptop Computers – Netbook Computers – 8 Key Differences

By Mike McEvoy

The key differences between netbook computers and laptop computers can seem rather blurry if you are not up to speed on portable computer technology. In the shifting world of computer technology how do you tell the difference between laptops and netbooks and decide which factors are most important to you? Is it size, weight, operating system, CPU, cost, battery life, or all of the above?

This article will explore 8 key differences between netbooks and laptops to assist in your portable computer shopping. Also be sure to check out my earlier posts Netbook Computer Primer and 7 Reasons Netbook Computers are Great for Students.

Where Netbooks and Laptops Differ

1. Screen size

A general rule of thumb for a netbook is screen size between 7 and approximately 10 inches. Laptop screen size will generally vary between 12 inches 17 inches. There are some exceptions to these common sizes as a few manufacturers have made netbook computers with screens as large as 11 inches and some ultra portable laptop computer have been made with screens as small as 11 inches. There are also some laptops with screens as large as 20 inches. However at that size the concept of portability vanishes due to the overall size and weight of the laptop (or is it a portable desktop?).

2. Weight

A key factor in laptop and netbook computer design is the relationship between size and weight. Netbooks are smaller than laptops and weigh less. An average weight for a netbook is between 2.5 and 3.0 pounds. Mainstream laptop computers will be in the 5 to 7 pound range. Some premium ultra portable laptops can weigh in as low as 3 to 4 pounds. Screen size also directly effects computer weight as a larger screen is heavier. Plus the larger screen requires a larger, heavier battery to power the screen.

3. Battery life

The battery life between chargings for laptop and netbook computers varies dramatically. Most netbooks promise a battery life between 5 and 10 hours. Some older models are still in the 3+ hours range with some newer models achieving a battery life of up to 14 hours between charging. Most laptops will deliver a battery life between 3 and 5 hours. However with recent technology advances some moderately priced laptops are offering battery life between 7 and 12 hours per charge.

4. CPU & Processing Power

If there is one area where the difference between netbook computers and laptops computers is clear it is in processing power. From all perspectives laptop computers have more processing power than netbooks.

The vast majority of netbooks use the Intel Atom NP450 CPU with earlier netbook models using an earlier version of the Atom. Laptops use more powerful CPUs including the Intel Core Duo, Core 2 Duo or, more recently, one of the Intel i3, i5 or i7 CPUs. Ultra low voltage versions of some of these CPUs are also used in some ultra light laptops. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) also produces CPUs that are commonly used in laptops including their Turion and Athlon CPU product lines.

5. Optical Drives (CD/DVD)

CD/DVD drives are another clear area of difference. Netbooks do not have an internal CD or DVD drive. You must buy an external drive or download all software from the Internet. You can buy an external CD/DVD drive that connects via the USB port and costs approximately $50.

A large majority of laptop computers include a built-in CD/DVD drive. Some ultra portable laptops do not have an internal drive but come with an external CD/DVD drive as standard equipment.

6. Price

The majority of netbooks are priced in the $275 to $400 range. Laptops can range from $400 at the very low end to over $2,000 for some ultra light systems and high powered gaming laptops. By their basic design laptop computers have more flexibility in the final configuration.

Another item to consider in any cost comparison is the fact that netbook computers do not come with a CD/DVD drive. An external CD/DVD drive will add $50 to the cost. Larger, extended life batteries are also available for many netbooks. Some models come with the more powerful batteries as standard equipment otherwise the longer-life battery will add $50 – $75 to the cost. So when adding in the cost of an external CD/DVD drive and an extended life battery your netbook could end up closer to the $375 – $450 price range.

7. Operating System

Most laptops are now shipping with Windows 7 Home Premium. Most netbook computers now ship with Windows 7 Starter Edition installed. The Starter Edition is similar to Home Premium although it cannot utilize the features of the Windows 7 Aero advanced graphical interface. Due to the lower processing power and the reduced graphics processing capabilities of netbooks the less demanding version of Windows 7 Starter Edition is a much better fit.

Some laptops are still available with Windows XP although they are mainly focused on business world. Laptops with Windows XP are available direct from manufacturers (Dell, Lenovo, etc.) or through corporate resellers. All laptops sold in retail stores include Windows 7.

8. Graphics Capabilities

As mentioned in the Operating System section above, netbooks have significantly less power for processing complex graphics. Laptops have a more powerful CPU than netbooks plus many laptops have an additional powerful graphics processor which assists in providing higher screen resolutions, enhanced video processing capabilities and the power to play computer games. A netbook is not the optimal solution for playing computer games or watching DVDs or videos.

The Differences Will Continue With Laptops and Netbooks

There are a number of gray areas when comparing netbook computers and laptop computers including weight and battery life. However, there are also a number of areas where there are very clear differences such as processing power, built-in CD/DVD drives, and cost.

For the sake of comparison I’ve followed the 90/10 rule and compared the 90% of mainstream laptop computers and netbook computers. If you look hard enough you could most likely find a few exceptions in each of the eight categories described above. However, as general rule and for most retail shopping and mainstream computers these comparisons should hold up quite well.

Apple iPad Tablet – Perspectives

By Mike McEvoy

The Apple iPad tablet computer is here and as you might expect there are numerous points of view on the iPad’s arrival. This post includes 12 perspectives on the Apple iPad that cover a wide spectrum of opinion. Some perspectives are based on hands-on reviews while others look at the iPad’s features and tablet computing from a bigger picture perspective.

In addition to the reviews, observations, discussions and hype, the Apple iPad has also created a large number of questions. Now that the iPad is finally shipping, more answers, along with some new questions about tablet PCs are surfacing. Some of these initial questions include:

Where does the iPad fit in the computing spectrum?
Will the iPad spell the death of Netbook computers?
Does the iPad replace a Smartphone?
Does the iPad spell the demise of the Kindle and other eBook readers?
Is the iPad a solution looking for a problem to solve?
Is the iPad a laptop computer replacement?
Will businesses use iPads or are they strictly a consumer-focused device?
How will the iPad be better/different from tablet PCs running Windows 7?
What are the potential downsides of owning an iPad?
Will the iPad be a portable gaming machine?
Will the iPad end up like Apple’s earlier handheld device, the Newton?
Is the iPad priced competitively for the mass market?

iPad Perspectives

To gain some insight on these and numerous other questions here are 12 articles from various corners of technology world. From the hands-on to the blue sky, from the electronics consumer to the geek, and several points in between.

Tablet Computing?

Regardless of your preferred computing platform or your level of interest in electronic gadgets the Apple iPad has made a sizable splash. Will Apple become the first company to actually make tablet computers a viable product after numerous other manufacturers have tried and failed? There will be much more to play out in this story over time. Depending on how the iPad and tablet computing evolve it will be interesting to look back a year from now and see if the computing world has changed due to the arrival of the iPad.

New Intel Processor for Netbook Computers

By Mike McEvoy

Intel’s Atom processor is the processing brain inside most Netbook computers. While many conversations about Netbook computers focus on their small size, light weight and low price, a factor that commonly gets lost in the conversation is the netbook’s processor or CPU. With the release of their new N450 Atom processor Intel is changing that discussion a bit.

Most current netbooks use Intel’s N270, N280 or Z530 processors and are fine for basic Web surfing and e-mail or office tasks. In late December Intel officially announced the availability of the next generation of its popular Atom processors for Netbooks, the Atom N450. Major manufacturers are currently offering Netbook computers with this new version of the Atom.

Benefits for N450-based Netbook Computers

The new Atom N450 features integrated graphics built directly into the CPU, improved performance and a smaller, more energy- efficient design. Benefits for computers with the Atom N450 include:

Longer battery life – the ASUS Eee PC 1005PE-P netbook claims to deliver up to 14 hours of battery life.
Integrated graphics built directly onto the CPU.
Smaller chip and chipset footprint due to increasing integration and smaller chip size.
Less heat generated and a lower operating temperature allowing for Netbooks with no cooling fan.
Lower production costs making the processor less expensive.

The Atom N450 runs at 1.66GHz, the same clock speed as the previous N280 version. While most initial tests indicate that the N450 delivers only a small improvement in processing power they also indicate a substantial improvement in power consumption with many N450-based netbook computers registering a battery life of 8 – 10 hours and some as high as 14 hours.

The increased integration found in the N450 is leading to a smaller footprint for the CPU and associated chipset as well as cooler running netbooks that don’t require the use of a cooling fan. Here is an interesting short YouTube video from Intel highlighting features of the new generation of Atom processors.

As noted in our previous posts about Netbook computers – Netbook Computer Primer and Netbook Computers for Students – these small, low-power, low-cost, lightweight, ultraportable computers are very popular with a wide range of consumers. All the major netbook manufacturers will be using the new N450 Atom processor in netbook computers including: Asus, Acer, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo, MSI, Samsung and Toshiba.

Intel has also announced new versions of the Atom for small-form-factor desktops. The Atom D410 is a single-core 1.66GHz chip and the Atom D510 is a dual-core 1.66GHz chip. Similar to the N450 both have very low power consumption and generate relatively small amounts of heat.

According to Intel, “One of the most significant features of the new platform is the integration of memory controller and graphics into the CPU, a first in the industry on x-86 chips. This translates into smaller and more compact system designs and longer battery life. The 1.66GHz chips are designed for small devices, low-power applications and built on the company’s 45nm high-k metal gate manufacturing process.”

Since Intel announced the first Atom processors for netbooks in June 2008, the market has expanded rapidly and according to Intel the company has shipped over 40 million Atom chips for netbooks. Intel also states that “In the same timeframe, netbooks ramped faster and sold more units than Apple’s iPhone or the Nintendo Wii.”

Here are a couple netbook computers using the Intel Atom N450 processor:
1. ASUS Eee PC Seashell 10.1-Inch Black Netbook – Up to 14 Hours of Battery Life
2. Acer 10.1-Inch Garnet Red Netbook – Up to 8 Hours of Battery Life

USB 3.0 – USB, The Next Generation

By Mike McEvoy

The evolution of the well known Universal Serial Bus, also known simply as USB, continues with the release of the first devices using the new USB 3.0 specification. USB ports are the little rectangular connectors on all computers that are used to connect everything from printers, scanners and plotters to mice, keyboards, external hard disk drives and flash memory drives to Blackberrys, iPhones, iPods and digital cameras. Plus a whole host of other devices. USB connectors are about to get an upgrade with the official release of USB 3.0 – USB’s next generation.

USB 3.0 – Important Facts:

USB 3.0 devices are just starting to come to market, so there is no need to get anxious over upgrading your computers and peripheral devices. However 2010 will bring a significant growth in computers and devices with USB 3.0 ports. In the meantime this tech tip will provide some helpful USB 3.0 introductory points for getting up to speed:

The USB 3.0 specification became official in November 2008.
Most desktop and laptop computer peripheral devices today use connection ports meeting the USB 2.0 spec.
USB 3.0 provides a maximum data transfer rate of up to 4.8 Gbps or 10 times the speed of USB 2.0.
USB 3.0 = USB 2.0 X 10
USB 3.0 will be completely backwardly compatible with the current USB 2.0, much like USB 2.0 is backwardly compatible with the earlier USB 1.0 & 1.1 specifications.
USB 3.0 will require a new type of cable to get the maximum transfer speed.
To utilize the full USB 3.0 transfer speed there will need to be USB 3.0 ports on both the computer and the peripheral device (hard disk drive, video camera, phone, etc.).
USB 3.0 ports on external devices will be backwardly compatible with USB 2.0 ports and cables – they will just work at the older USB 2.0 speed (480mbps instead of 4.8gbps).
Computers and devices with USB 3.0 will begin shipping in volume in 2010.
ASUS is currently shipping the first computer motherboard with USB 3.0 ports.
USB 3.0 is also being referred to as “SuperSpeed” USB. Ya gotta have a marketing angle.
Full-duplex data transfers are part of the USB 3.0 specification; a step up from the half-duplex mode of USB 2.0
The tenfold increase in data transfer speed is accomplished by increasing the number of wires used for transfer from 4 wires to 9 wires and utilizing a scheme for more efficient handling of data traffic.
USB 1.0 was released in 1996 and offered a data transfer rate of 14mbps
USB 2.0 was released in 2000 and provides a maximum data transfer rate of 480mbps.

Higher Power Levels for Attached Devices

USB 3.0 also has additional advantage in areas such as providing power to attached devices. USB ports can transfer not only information but also electricity to peripherals. USB 3.0 can provide a higher level of power than USB 2.0 plus it also has an advanced power management scheme that uses less power when attached devices are not active.

Some examples that have been given to illustrate the raw data transfer speed of USB 3.0 include being able to transfer a 20 GB high-definition movie between a peripheral device and a PC in less than 70 seconds or transfer a 4 MB song in less than a hundredth of a second. Pretty speedy. Time will tell how these examples measure out in real world use.

USB 3.0 – New Technology Adoption

It is never easy to predict how quickly a new technology will catch on. Take netbook computers for example. When netbooks were first introduced many people thought they were more of a fad and would fizzle out. Now netbooks are the fastest growing computer segment. My bet is that USB 3.0 will catch on in a relatively short amount of time as people and businesses are moving increasingly larger amounts of data between computers and external devices. The next generation may just take root rapidly.

For additional USB 3.0 info check out EverythingUSB.com which has more details on the USB 3.0 spec as well as new USB 3.0 devices.