Advanced applied science has added the world closer and it has become a global village. The cyberspace has guaranteed that mass could hold in contact easily even when divided by thousands of miles and all it acquires is a click of the mouse. The cyberspace has doubtless revolutionised our lives and the big desktop computing device have built up to small carry-on notebooks or laptops as they are more popularly known. In some other word, with a notebook computer, your computing device becomes wherever you go since they're movable computing device.

A notebook normally weighs less than six pounds depending upon the materials used for its manufacture and its size and can be easily fitted into a briefcase. Notebook computers are no longer expensive or fancy gadgets to flaunt but are being used rigorously by most as business, study or hobby tools to give solid competition to the standard desk-top computer.

The notebook or laptop has become so indispensable that most of us can`t dream of stepping out of the house without one. What would a harried executive or a salesperson or a student do without his beloved laptop?! Company executives, sales people store all their business data on the laptop for instant access to information even while traveling.

For students, a notebook is essential to do research and is much more convenient than hanging out in neighborhood internet joints. Study material can as easily be stored on the desk-top computer as much as on a laptop but the former cannot beat the latter for sheer convenience. Students now have to make a lot of presentations in schools, colleges and having a notebook certainly helps as everything can be stored on it and carried with them.

The same goes for company executives or salespeople when they have to make presentations or a sales pitch. The laptop permits you to carry your work load very conveniently and you don`t have to worry about the hardware or getting wires connected or finding the appropriate space to place your computer. If you`d rather work from home than stay back late at work, it lets you do that being easily portable.

A single main battery is normally required to run the notebook but the battery can also be charged using an external AC/DC adaptor which simultaneously provides power to the laptop itself. If you are using the notebook a lot, the charge may not last more than an hour but light use will see the notebook working for at least two to five hours.

The display screens are very lightweight and not bulky and are much superior to the desk-top computer. One can get a really wide screen on a notebook and with wireless cards entertainment can be accessed on the go. Really top-of-line notebooks use the latest technology to provide state-of-the art performance.

The notebook computers generally have a liquid crystal display and its memory module is different from that of desk-top computers. Most notebook computers have a VGA resolution on their display screens. A built-in keyboard and a touchpad are provided in a notebook computer though an external mouse or keyboard can also be used instead.

Notebook computers generally have similar CPU, memory capacity, hard disc space as that of the desk-top computer but these are smaller and manufactured for optimal efficiency and mobility.

All the same, a notebook compute with very powerful characteristics will be very pricey when compared to the desk-top computing device with standardised characteristics. Commonly, a notebook computer or laptop is less powerful than a desk-top computing device at the same cost. Besides, bear in mind that replacement parts of a notebook computer are pricey and because they're very limited, finding them on your own may get difficult. Execute hold on these points in mind ahead you pretend to purchase a notebook computer!

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Incoming the early on 1990s some people could image the impact that notebook computer would have in the computer manufacture. It is unique portability made the notebook computer a product in a category by itself. Presently, it suited a must-have product, to those who comprised perpetually moving from office, home or school. Present, it is one and only of the finest dealing computing device hardware items of whole times.

With a Notebook, you can carry your work around conveniently, without having to worry about the myriads of wires, hardware and space needed to keep a desktop. Also, you can choose whether to work from office or home. A Notebook is really handy in any situation.

Portability and mobility are the great advantages of having a Notebook, or laptop. In your Internet search prior to buying a Notebook, you will be presented with a great variety and quantity of information. This can be quite bewildering, so you have to know what features you need in a Notebook.

Upgradabeality is an important consideration: the Notebook you choose now may be the one best suited to your current needs; but in future, you may find it necessary to upgrade it. You will not want to invest valuable time and money in purchasing a Notebook which you will have to discard or sell off in the near future, because of what you might feel as the inadequacy of your current one. When you consider upgradabeality, you have to think of memory or RAM, and hard disk space.

The CPU, or Processor, is the engine which will drive your Notebook`s performance. So you should choose the fastest CPU that is available, depending on your budget and on what you will be using the Notebook for. Tasks like word processing, emailing and surfing the Net do not require a fast CPU. But using CPU intensive applications, such as processing spreadsheets or playing games will work better with a fast CPU.

The RAM, or memory is another important feature, and the more memory you have, the better. Your Notebook`s performance will be greatly affected if you do not have sufficient memory. The minimum recommended these days is 1 Gigabyte of memory. Some experts recommend a minimum of 2 Gigabytes. The more memory you have, the better the performance and multitasking you can expect from your Notebook.

The speed and capacity of the hard disk of your Notebook are important, for this is where you will install all your software and your data (documents, database, photos etc). Make sure that you have enough room to store all your information which can be readily accessed. 40 Gigabytes of hard disk space is considered the minimum these days. Consider getting a Notebook with 80 Gigabytes of disk space.

Do note that Apple Notebooks are now using Intel processors, which means that if you have a hard disk with sufficient disk space, you can partition your disk drive and install both Apple Mac software and Windows software, and switch between the two.

You as well have to believe the screen of your notebook computer, for these comprises what you're getting to comprise complete at, and you have to be pleased with its resolution and size. You will want a crisp, bright CRT screen with fine viewing, specially for pics. You can go and look at different screens at a local electronics store, and try to figure out which size and resolution you like best. Only make certain that the screen is an active agent ground substance one and not Passive Matrix. The other features you will be looking at to plug in to your notebook computer are external devices such that as a mouse, printing machine, portable disk drive, digital scanner etc. Good luck!

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Do you prefer to purchase a laptop computer with high end features at a cheap? Then you need to stick to Acer's Aspire in spite of researching all other laptops. By all odds this will be the first preference to all users as basically the laptop is very cheap, light and that caused an easy transportation for public. Decidedly Acer Aspire 2920 series is the one that you are searching and it will satisfy all the customer's requirements.

This solid body of stylish Acer's body work been excellent and BMW design works is always part of it for this success. The probability of getting scratches on this Acer's sleek is comparatively less. But still we need to keep an eye on it. This laptop weighs only 2.1 kilograms and is very mobile. It also got a great battery life of 192 minutes.

Keyboard and Touchpad of the Acer Aspire 2920

Are you wishing for an easy accessible keyboard and touchpad? Then just have a look on the right hand side as the buttons are smaller than the usual one's. But you will get bigger and smooth main keys on the keyboard. This touchpad is never worthless as it makes you to have an easy movement which makes you to operate easily.

Acer Aspire Monitor

Acer Aspire is offering you only a 12.1 inch screen which may be quite a disappointing but still it has a terrific image quality. This laptop is more generous as it brings you a Super-TFT coating on its sleek which really helps in bringing you the better color and contrast of the screen, finally that is useful in general photo editing. People would really love to watch movies and are more enthusiastic on doing their spreadsheet works as the widescreen really attracts them.

Ports on the Aspire 2920

The Aspire 2920 tells you clearly of how these ports actually work. However the 3 USB ports on this laptop are clearly marked without any confusion and certainly that helps the users to have an easy look at VGA and S-Video as well. But on the other hand they didn't provide the outside digital display.

Sound on the Aspire 2920

This Acer Aspire 2920 offer you outstanding Dolby Virtual Surround Sound Technology already installed on it and this sound technology is unbelievable as users may think that this laptop has additional speakers than the two that are playing. Don't get excited with the software that is installed since this is a common feature that is provided by all other laptop company's as well.

Aspire 2920 Hardware
First of all it has Chipset Intel Core 2 Duo Processor with 2048 megabyte of memory. This would definitely help you to run the installed programs in an efficient way. But make sure that you don't run multi programs at a time as it may slow down the computer. This laptop is providing you more than enough space of 260-gigabyte hard drive. It also offering you a five in one card reader with a dual format DVD rewriter and that would help you to move all the files in camera to your laptop, providing back up onto CD and/or DVD.

Aspire Extras for Users

The user has capacity to carry out system management jobs. This is due to the Aspire that is installed with Proprietary Acer applications and Microsoft Works at the initial stages it's self and runs when consumers utilize it.

Recommendations for the Acer Aspire 2920

Therefore overall do you think that Aspire 2920 series went beyond than additional laptops with the features present in it? By all odds not but still this laptop drags the user's attention because of its overall performance. Business community and travellers are equally likely as home users to buy this laptop because of its light weight which brings in very easy for shipping. The finest thing about Acer Aspire 2920 series laptop furthermore to its features is the budget which is very reasonable.
To find out more about the new Acer Aspire 2920 laptop, check up on our full Acer Aspire 2920 series Laptop Review for more details. You can rate and write your own review of Acer Aspire 2920 laptop in our laptop reviews site.

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A lot of notebook computer users neglect one of the most crucial aspects of using the gadget, that is, protecting them from overheating. Maintaining the temperature of the laptop computers is a different technique of enhancing its performance. The user had better recognize and understand the most dependable operating temperature for a notebook computer.

How to find out the temperature:


The temperature of the laptop computer can affect the performance of the device. But, the prime aspect of consideration is to find the notebook temperature. Here are some of the effective ways how you find the notebook computer temperature so that you will be able to avoid the causes responsible for overheat of the machine.

Commonly the notebook computer* come with software to keep track of the temperature. While purchasing notebook, look for the utility software meant to find the notebook temperature. Generally, the software is not a part of the Operating System of the computer, but a part of software provided by the manufacturer.

Apart from the preinstalled software you can download free software from the Internet. They are available with instructions of using them and help you find the temperature of your laptop. Few laptop users with technical mind use thermal sensor to keep track of the temperature of their machines.

How to keep your notebook from overheat:

Now that you are able to find the temperature of your notebook, you have to take necessary steps to maintain the temperature and protect the machine from overheating to keep the machine cool. In fact, it is an effective and cost-effective way of increasing the notebook performance.

If you feel that your notebook is getting too hot, it is high time it needs a break. Shut down the machine and allow it to cool. Also, try to place your notebook on a flat surface. You can find rubber feet that allow airflow to the lower side of the notebook. When you are using the machine placing it on a bed or any other such surfaces chances are there your laptop may not get enough air.

Alternatively, you can work with your laptop placing it on your lap if want to work away from the desk to allow proper airflow. You can also place a towel underneath to avoid the heat. Also, try to raise your notebook from the surface allowing increase of airflow to the lower surface. You can even use a laptop stand to rest your laptop on it.

Many people keep their laptop on even after placing them inside the laptop case as it is convenient to take the machine out of the bag, open the screen and work immediately. But, the environment inside the notebook case is generally warm and it can get warmer with the already switched-on computer. It can cause harm to the hardware of your laptop. It is better to shutdown the notebook before placing it in the notebook case.

It's common one of the laptop computer users to keep the computing device plugged in throughout the working hours. The constant stream of electrical energy will not only reduce the operation of the electric battery but likewise growth the heat of the electric battery. It will finally overheat the laptop computer. It is very essential to charge your computer as long as necessary, otherwise unplug the battery charger once the electric battery is full.

Different technique you could keep your laptop computer from overheat is by purchasing a laptop computer cooler. Of course it's a expensive prize, but it could supply cool air to the undersurface of the notebook computer. Now, enhancing the performance of your notebook computer is in your hand. While using your notebook computer,certainly that it doesn't get overheat.

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Ahead purchasing your newest entertainment notebook computer in your local stores or online stores, it is good to checks whether your alternative is the finest entertainment notebook computer usable that becomes your needs. There are a few details require to think before purchasing entertainment notebook computer.

The first thing to checks is the notebook computer graphical card capability. The best entertainment notebook computer will provide their customer with high quality graphical card for watch video or movies. Graphical card provided not need to be the latest release, but as long as it could play quality graphics.

The second thing is storage. Entertainment notebook computer will need big storage to support the movies, songs, video or games with high resolution quality pictures. The bigger capacity notebook is the best for entertainment notebook.

The third thing is processor capability. High quality graphics card will best less useful without any high speed processor, because processor is the brain of the computer. So, high speed processor that matches the graphics card is highly recommended.

The fourth that need to consider is the sound card inside the notebook computer. Entertainment notebook computer without quality sounds is just like watching Charlie Chaplin black and white movies.

The final thing to select the finest entertainment notebook computer is later on sales agreement service of the notebook computer. Checkout your local after sales support for notebook computer you pick out, notebook computer will need to regularly checks and frequently facing troubles, both is software system and computer hardware.

Here's summary how to choose the best entertainment notebook computer:
1. Choose notebook computer with the best graphics card
2. Choose the one with bigger storage capacity
3. Match the processor speed with the graphics card
4. Checks the sounds card quality
5. Check the local after sales services

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Currently, a laptop or notebook to be popular. The growth of a number of public hotspots or at coffee shops as one reason. Laptops are mandatory, even if you want to communicate in the region. Many simply do not know how to treat their laptops to laptops and more permanent. Always available in a variety of purposes. This time we will share simple tips for laptop care for the experience.

1. Cleaning Laptops Laptops need to be cleaned regularly, or if not regularly, as much as possible during leisure time is used up to. Remember, a laptop that is used often carried out while socializing certainly will stick to the dirt on the monitor screen or the body of laptop. To cleaning a laptop screen it's enough to use tissue and fluid which is dedicated to electronic equipment. Do not use chemicals liquid that are corrosive, such as propanol, just buy a special cleaning fluid in the electronic shops.
Also do not forget the keyboard, this needs to be cleaned also. Use a small clean and soft brush to clean the dirt between the keyboard.

2. Check the condition of Fan Note the laptop and see the position of the fan in the laptop. Fan is useful for removing the heat arising when all the components in the laptop processor work chiefly. Prevent the ventilation holes on the front of the fan stopped with dirt. Clean with a soft brush and small. Clean regularly and always make sure fans are working correctly. Note also the sound that arises when using a laptop, so if there can be a voice from the other components of the laptop is usually already started approaching the life-time or damaged. This often happens on your hard disk.

3. Batterai laptop Laptops used to support mobility and not limited with cable. Therefore, make attention to the conditions the laptop batterai as a laptop power source. The more batterai cell is longer power is also saved. The use of laptops, which only stayed in 1 place, eg in place on the table and more than 2 hours its better to take batterai down. This will avoid batterai weakened, if it must be truly mobile batterai the need to reserve as backup batterai or find a cell that has so much power is able to save more.

4. Handling Laptops Use a bag that is designed for the laptop. If you like using a laptop backpack or bag back, buy a backpack that is designed specifically for the laptop. There are already provide a lot of backpack like this bag even local brands also have a lot to make. Do not forget to adjust the size of the backpack with a laptop, not up to size 14 inch laptop bag to use laptop-sized 17 inch, because if there is still space for a laptop then move likely to be damaged when the laptop was brought will bigger.

5. Placement Laptops Place laptop on a flat place. Do not place it in the mattress or in a soft sofa. As this will impede the flow of hot air issued by the laptop. If hot air does not come out well, then the heat air will turn back heating inside component in the laptop. If this happens then be prepared with funds to repair or buy a new one.

6. Keep the Laptop from the Food and Drink Socializing in the cafe or a public space while accompanied by hotspot laptop is fun, but more fun if we have the laptop be dissociated from food and beverages. Laptops are vulnerable to liquid, so when eating or drinking its better to turn off the laptop and enter it to the bag. Eating just before using a laptop again. if it must use a laptop while eating and drinking, make sure the laptop does not contaminated with dirt or liquids during eating and drinking. That if the hot sauce meatball or hot coffee spilled on the laptop, just provide immediately many funds to repair or buy a new one.

7, laptop and notebook computer use has been processed correctly. Does not mean that your computer is free from injury. If this happens the laptop serving as a certified true Laptop not the desktop computer to computer across the street. Try for a laptop computer to the service even if they do not own or warranty repairs, laptop service center Porti'l buy What happens if the service center is seeking reliable information on Location near the city where you can repair laptop computers.

8, these reserves are in the care of a laptop computer outside advice, but the Stored on a computer that often are large and regular data backup is important. Do not double the damage caused by computer and data loss. Regular backup to avoid loss of data.

This is simple and hopefully helpful tips and triks for you.

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The new release of Dell called Dell XPS laptop -1530 M 1,66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5450 from L2 cache, Santa Rosa, 2 GB DDR2 667 MHz with 677 FSB Mobile Intel 965GM Express chipset motherboard with 2 MHz is used by MB SDRAM ( maximum of 4 - Slot 2 GB), 160-GB SATA HDD 5400 RPM and an 8-speed DVD Super Multi Double Layer (8.5 GB) DVD burner.
Dell XPS m1530 1.79 kilograms M -1530 laptop Weighing Dell XPS laptop PC in the magnesium alloy has been involved with and (39.1 cm) Widescren WXGA TFT Active Matrix 15.4-inch has a large LCD-powered go GeForceTM by integrated NVIDIA 8400M dedicated graphics, 128 MB of dedicated GDDR3 memory in the construction of the Intel 965GM chipset mainboard 1280 x 800 pixel resolution for the appointment with 16.7 million colors.
The Dell XPS M-1530 laptop offers a wide range of component upgrades – including integrated WWAN or a Blu-ray DVD burner optical drive.
NVIDIA GeForce Go 8400M Graphics Chipset offers support for Direct x 9.0 acceleration, Dual independent display option, Dynamic Display Detect, and Open GL 1.4 graphical environment. The new Dell XPS M-1530 laptop offers enhanced durability with magnesium-alloy chassis, sealed keyboards and StrikeZone hard drives.
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium edition preinstalled Dell XPS M-1530 Laptop offers Intel PRO/Wireless 4965 Network 802.11a/g/n Dell Mini Card for wireless LAN networking and it also features integrated 10/100 Gigabit Ethernet LAN controller, built-in 56kbps V.92 Fax/Modem, 4x USB 2.0 ports, IEEE 1394, VGA video output & S-Video and integrated stereo speakers.
An optional Dell Wireless 350 Bluetooth module for Dell XPS M-1530 laptop allows attaching wireless mice, keyboards, PDAs and other Bluetooth-enabled devices without the hassle of cords and cables.
The Dell XPS M-1530 Laptop PC also features integrated 2.0 MP webcam, internal stereo microphone and an integrated 8-in-1 removable memory card reader supporting SD, MMC, MS, MS Pro, XD, Mini SD, MS Duo and MS Pro Duo media cards. The Laptop is available in Crimson Red or Tuxedo Black colors.
Dell XPS M-1530 laptop, standard Wi-Fi catcher for connecting to Wi-Fi hotspot, and it is not running on the notebook. Memory also offers Hyper-standard multi-band antenna, a strong and clear wireless reception.
Dell XPS M-1530 notebook Consumer Infrared standard may also music, videos, photos remotely with the travel remote Express card slot.
Construction and magnesium alloy casting, the new Dell XPS M1530 laptop, Dell Media Direct, fast, easy, one button access to movies, music, photos and Microsoft Office content without starting Windows.
Dell XPS M-1530 is a 56-WHR 6-cell lithium-ion battery, primary school to 3-hour battery life at full load.

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The laptop Dell Inspiron 1420 with 2.2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 and features 2x 2 MB L2 cache, 800 MHz FSB, Intel 965GM Express chipset motherboard, 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM (upgrdable a 4 GB maximum 2 slot), 120-GB 5400rpm SATA hard drive and 8-speed DVD Super Multi Dual Layer (8.5GB) DVD burner.
Dell Inspiron-1520-laptopThe Dell Inspiron 1420 laptop with a 14.1-inch (35.8 cm) active matrix TFT widescreen WXGA powered by integrated NVIDIA graphics chipset GeForceTM Go 8400M with 128 MB of dedicated DDR3 memory up to 1440 x 900 pixels of screen resolution in widescreen 16:10 aspact report.
Preloaded with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, the Dell Inspiron 1420 Laptop is equipped with Intel Pro/Wireless 3945 WiFi 802.11a/b/g WiFi LAN connection, integrated Dell Wireless Bluetooth v2.0 connection (optional), integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN connection, and a 56kbps V.92 fax/modem card.
The Dell Wireless 350 Bluetooth module in Dell Inspiron 1420 laptop allows attaching wireless mice, keyboards, PDAs and other Bluetooth-enabled devices without the hassle of cords and cables.
The Dell Inspiron 1420 series of Laptop offers a wide range of component upgrades – including integrated WWAN or a Blu-ray DVD burner optical drive – and offers color choices for typical home users to suit budget and applications. For example. besides standard black and white colors, the Inspiron 1420 series also comes in red, blue, green, yellow, brown, and pink colors.
Dell Inspiron 1420 laptop PC also offers Dell MediaDirect, which allows fast, easy one-button access to movies, music, photos, & Microsoft Office content without starting Microsoft Windows. In addition, the notebook comes with integrated 2.0 Megapixel webcam.
3.45 kg of Dell Inspiron 1420 laptop has 4 USB 2.0 ports for high-speed, IEEE 1394a Firewire, an internal 8-in-1 Media Card Reader, supports - Secure Digital (SD), SDIO, MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick , Memory Stick PRO, xD-Picture Card, Hi Speed-SD and Hi Density-SD, an optional Infrared, an optional Bluetooth v2.0, S-Video TV-out, the standard VGA port, an empty 54 mm ExpressCard slot , and 2.0 megapixel integrated webcam.
Powered by a Li-ion 85 WHR 9-cell 4400mA Standard Battery, Dell Inspiron 1420 laptop can provides 2.45 hours backup.

Interfaces
* 4 x USB 2.0 4-pin connectors (2 on each side)
* Express Card 54 mm
* IEEE 1394 (FireWire) integrated port
* VGA port for external monitor
* RJ-45 Ethernet
* RJ-11 fax / modem
* Microphone-in
* Headphone-out
* S-Video TV-Out
* PCMCIA Card Slot
* 8-in-1 Memory Card Reader

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Toshiba Satellite released U500 and U505 series laptops. This laptop features 13-inch displays, Latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors, and a range of customizable options that will certainly impress most college students who looking for a general use of notebook. All of us absolutely loved last year's U405 model from Toshiba, but is Toshiba's latest 13-inch laptop equally impressive?
see this post to find out.
Toshiba Satellite U505 (Satellite U500-ST6321) Specifications:
* Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo P7350 (2.0GHz, 1066MHz FSB, 3MB cache)
* Memory: 4GB DDR2 SDRAM (800MHz)
* OS: Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 (64-bit)
* Storage: 400GB HDD (5400rpm, SATA)
* Display: 13.3-inch diagonal WXGA (glossy, 1280x800)
* Graphics: Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
* Optical drive: Slot-Loading DVD SuperMulti (+/- Double Layer) drive
* Wireless: Intel 5100AGN
* Dimensions: (W x D x H): 12.5" x 9.08" x 1.16"/1.50"
* Weight: 4.75lb (not including weight of AC adapter).
* Power: High Capacity Lithium-Ion Battery (12-cell, 92Wh, 8500mAh)
* Warranty: One-year standard warranty
* Extras: Texture Finish in Luxe Brown Premium
* Price as configured: $1,023.20

Build and Design

The all-new Toshiba Satellite U500/U505 series notebook offers a conveniently compact footprint similar to most laptops with a 13.3" display, but you really can't call this notebook an "ultraportable." With a thickness of 1.5 inches (2.25 inches with 12-cell battery) the U505 is probably one of the larger 13-inch laptops currently on the market. Not only is the U505 is thicker than the Apple's MacBook Air or Lenovo's ThinkPad X301, but the U505 is also thicker and heavier than the Dell Studio XPS 13 or the 13-inch MacBook Pro.
The exterior of the U505 is constructed of plastic with some flex around the left palmrest and the LCD lid when heavy pressure is applied. The chassis itself doesn't suffer from the "squeaks" that are common with cheaper plastic notebooks. Toshiba wisely decided to abandon the high-gloss "Fusion" finish used on last year's Satellite notebooks in favor of a matte textured finish. Our review unit features the upgraded texture finish in "Luxe Brown Premium" that also includes chrome highlights around the edges of the notebook.
Build quality is nice when compared to low-cost netbooks, but doesn't measure up similarly priced notebooks like the Apple MacBook Pro and Dell Studio XPS 13. Although most laptop manufacturers have started to transition their notebooks over to displays with a 16:9 aspect ratio (because LCD fabricators are switching to 16:9) Toshiba managed to keep a traditional 16:10 ratio widescreen display on the U500/U505 series. This gives the U505 a more square-shaped profile compared to the more rectangular competition.

Screen and Speakers

While we're on the topic of the screen, the 13.3" glossy display features a WXGA resolution (1280 x 800). There were absolutely no problems with the screen on our review unit: the CCFL backlighting was nice and even and there are no stuck pixels. As is common with glossy screens, colors and contrast are quite good and both images and video "pop" off the screen. Just like with last year's U405, Toshiba seems to have struck the perfect balance between gloss and matte. The screen is glossy enough to produce that added richness to color and superior contrast inherent to glossy screens, yet the surface isn't so glossy that reflections become problematic unless you're working under direct sunlight with the screen brightness turned down.
The screen is simply beautiful when viewing from straight ahead. Horizontal viewing angles are good, but you will start to notice some color shift at extreme wide angles. There is also some color inversion when you view the screen from sharp vertical angles (bright colors when viewed from above the notebook or dark, inverted colors when looking up at the screen from the floor) but most people rarely view a screen from these extreme vertical angles.
Speaker performance is good despite the dime-sized stereo speakers located above the keyboard. Granted, a dedicated subwoofer would have provided better bass response rather than the "tinny" sounding bass but the highs and midrange are good for a 13-inch notebook. Peak volume levels were loud enough to fill a room with sound before heavy distortion becomes obvious. Still, like any laptop, headphones are probably a good accessory for this notebook.

Keyboard and Touchpad

Once again, Toshiba made the decision to stop using the "Fusion" finish on the keyboard keys and used a less glossy paint that gives each key a durable finish and good texture. Unlike the more traditionally shaped keys used on last year's keyboards, the U505 uses flat keys that feel a little smaller than usual because Toshiba decided to make them shaped like an upside down "T" for some unknown reason. This doesn't create much of a problem for touch-typists, but it might take a few minutes to get used to the size and feel of the keys. Key presses are smooth, perfectly deep, well cushioned and quiet. The entire keyboard has some flex under heavy typing pressure, but almost no flex when normal pressure is applied. The keyboard backlighting is nice and even and helps you see what you're typing in a dark classroom.

I was a huge fan of the touchpad on the U405 last year, which was quite simply one of the nicest I used on a 13-inch notebook last year. The surface was flush with the palmrests but there was a light application of what felt almost like soft sandpaper over the surface. Toshiba opted for a more traditional ALPS touchpad this time around and I'm not nearly as impressed. The recessed surface is small compared to the touchpads on most modern 13-inch notebooks and the sensitivity was only average. Toshiba was good enough to include a white LED backlight above the touchpad that not only looks cool but helps you locate the touchpad quickly in a darkly lit room.
The touchpad buttons on our review unit have a chrome look with shallow feedback and a sharp click when pressed. The buttons are nice and large with a clear separation that makes them very easy to use ... though I wish the feedback was a bit deeper when you press the touchpad buttons.

Ports and Features

The port selection of the U505 is pretty good for a 13-inch notebook. Here's a quick rundown of what you get:
* ExpressCard slot (ExpressCard/34 and Express Card/54)
* 10/100 Ethernet
* Modem jack
* 5-in-1 media card reader
* VGA out
* HDMI out
* Microphone input port
* Headphone output port
* Three USB 2.0 ports with "Sleep and Charge" (one of which is a USB/eSATA combo port)We would have liked to see Toshiba include IEEE-1394 (FireWire) on this notebook, but considering that you're getting an eSATA/USB combo port for high-speed data transfers and HDMI for sending HD video to your HDTV we can't complain too much

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