Apple MacBook MB062LL/B 13.3" Notebook PC Review

Stylishly and intelligently designed for your on-the-go digital lifestyle, Apple's MacBook is the perfect confluence of affordability, innovation, and powerful computing. This latest iteration of the MacBook line is pre-loaded with Apple's Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard operating system, which adds over 300 new features including easy backup of your most important data via Time Machine, a redesigned desktop that helps eliminate clutter, and the newest version of the fast-loading Safari web browser. It also comes with the iLife '08 suite of applications, including iPhoto, iMovie, Garageband, and iTunes.

Measuring a mere 1.08 inches thin and weighing in at only 5.0 pounds, the MacBook cuts a slim profile on any desk (or in any backpack or briefcase). A durable polycarbonate shell in white keeps it ready for the rough and tumble of everyday life, and a magnetic latch keeps the screen closed without a catch--that means no moving parts to snag, jam, or break. It also offers a unique keyboard design that sits flush against the bed for a sleeker, lower profile. Other standard Apple "extras" includes the Apple Remote and Front Row media playback interface, built-in iSight video camera, and Apple's magnetically connected MagSafe power adapter, which safely disconnects when under strain.

Boosted in speed with Intel's latest chipset (dubbed "Santa Rosa"), you'll enjoy quick and nimble multitasking thanks to the 2.2 GHz Core 2 Duo T7300 processor. The 13.3-inch glossy widescreen display provides the perfect combination of pixels and portability, and the integrated 802.11n Wi-Fi LAN enables computing freedom from wires and compatibility with older 802.11b/g routers as well as the faster throughput of Apple's Airport Extreme. Other hardware features include a 120 GB hard drive, 1 GB of RAM (4 GB maximum), 8x combo Superdrive (for burning dual-layer DVDs as well as CDs), built-in 10/100/1000 BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed networking, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), a FireWire 400 port, DVI video output, and Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor with 144 MB of shared memory.

Preloaded with Leopard and iLife '08
The biggest Mac OS X upgrade ever, the Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard operating system features over 300 new features, including:

  • Time Machine, an effortless way to automatically back up everything on a Mac
  • A redesigned Finder that lets users quickly browse and share files between multiple Macs
  • Quick Look, a new way to instantly see files without opening an application
  • Spaces, an intuitive new feature used to create groups of applications and instantly switch between them
  • A brand new desktop with Stacks, a new way to easily access files from the Dock
  • Major enhancements to Mail and iChat
Leopard's new desktop includes the redesigned 3-D Dock with Stacks, a new way to organize files for quick and easy access with just one click. Leopard automatically places web, email and other downloads in a Downloads stack to maintain a clutter-free desktop, and you can instantly fan the contents of this and other Stacks into an elegant arc right from the Dock. The updated Finder includes Cover Flow and a new sidebar with a dramatically simplified way to search for, browse and copy content from any PC or Mac on a local network.

Time Machine lets you easily back up all of the data on your Mac, find lost files and even restore all of the software on their Mac. With just a one-click setup, Time Machine automatically keeps an up-to-date copy of everything on the Mac. In the event a file is lost, you can search back through time to find deleted files, applications, photos and other digital media and then instantly restore the file.

The MacBook also comes with the iLife '08 suite of applications that make it easy to live the digital life. Use iPhoto to share entire high-res photo albums with anyone who's got an email address. Record your own songs and podcasts with GarageBand. Break into indie filmmaking with iMovie and iDVD. Then take all the stuff you made on your MacBook and share it on the web in one click with iWeb.

Intel Core 2 Duo Processor
The Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 processor has a 2.2 GHz processor speed, super-fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and an enormous 4 MB of Smart Cache, an L2 cache that can be shared between the cores as needed. (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 Intel Core 2 Duo's 128-bit SSE3 vector engine handles 128-bit computations in a single clock cycle, accelerating data manipulation by simultaneously applying a single instruction to multiple data. And its two execution cores are designed to share resources and conserve power, helping it to achieve higher levels of performance since it uses fewer watts. And with 4MB of shared L2 cache, the MacBook is a multi-tasking monster. With such substantial L2 cache, data and instructions can be kept close to the two processor cores, greatly increasing performance and allowing the entire system to work more efficiently. And, because the processor cores share the L2 cache, either can use the entire amount if the other happens to be idle.

Hard Drive and Memory
The 120 GB Serial-ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0. The 1 GB of PC5300 DDR2 RAM (two SO-DIMMs of 512 MB) have an industry-leading 667 MHz speed, and the RAM capacity can be increased to a whopping 4 GB.

Wireless Connectivity
The built-in 802.11n wireless networking provides up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g, but it's also backward-compatible with 802.11a/b/g routers, enabling you to communicate with the a wide variety of Wi-Fi resources. It works seamlessly with the new AirPort Extreme with 802.11n. Use the built-in Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to your PDA or cell phone, synchronize addresses, or download pictures from your cell phone. You can also use a wireless headset for iChat audio chats and VoIP calls as well as quickly share files with a colleague.

Display and Graphics
Whether you're working on a Keynote presentation or watching a movie before you catch a flight, every document, video, and photo on your MacBook will look sharp on the glossy 13.3-inch widescreen display. With pixel-perfect 1280-by-800 resolution, it's great for viewing and working with media. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100, which provides 144 MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory. It features Intel Clear Video Technology, which delivers outstanding video playback with sharper image quality, increased clarity, and enhanced visual quality of interlaced content on progressive displays.

Video Conferencing with Built-in iSight
Artfully placed in the display bezel is an iSight camera, which enables easy video conferencing as well as allows you to snap pictures of yourself and create video podcasts. Using the iChat AV application, video conferencing is integrated into your iChat buddy list, so initiating a video conference is a breeze. iChat also lets you hold audio chats with up to 10 people and provides high-quality audio compression and full-duplex sound so conversation can flow naturally. For video podcasting, you can record a short clip using the iSight camera, then use iWeb to create a video blog entry or post your GarageBand-recorded podcast.

Apple Innovations
One of Apple's most celebrated innovations is the MagSafe power adapter connector with offers a magnetic connection instead of a physical one. So, if you happen to trip over a power cord, you won't send MacBook flying off a table or desk--the cord simply disconnects, without damage to either the cord or the system. As an added nicety, this means less wear on the connectors.

The trackpad can tell if you've got one finger on the pedal, or two. With two, you can easily scroll around your documents or open contextual menus. When you need right-click functionality, simply open ÒKeyboard and MouseÓ in System Preferences and enable the secondary click preference.

And with the included Apple Remote and Front Row software, you can show off your latest photos and access your iTunes music and playlists from across the room. You can also use it to watch downloaded movies and TV episodes as well as control playback of DVD movies. The Apple Remote features a minimalist six buttons--just press the Menu button to activate Front Row and begin to navigate through your media. You can even use the remote to control Keynote presentations in iWork '06.

Other Features

  • 8x slot-loading SuperDrive with the following write speeds: 8x DVD-R, DVD+R; 4x DVD-R DL (double layer), DVD+R DL (double layer), DVD-RW, DVD+RW; 24x CD-R; 10x CD-RW
  • Mini-DVI port for video output (VGA adapter and mini-DVI to DVI adapter sold separately)
  • Built-in stereo speakers and omnidirectional microphone
  • Combined optical digital audio input/audio line in
  • Combined optical digital audio output/headphone out
  • Two USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 400 port
  • Built-in full-size keyboard with 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys, 4 arrow keys (inverted "T" arrangement), and embedded numeric keypad
  • Solid-state scrolling trackpad for precise cursor control; supports two-finger scrolling, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities
  • Kensington cable lock slot
  • Meets ENERGY STAR requirements
  • Measures 12.78 x 8.92 x 1.08 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 5 pounds

Included Software
Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard (includes Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools); iLife '08 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand); Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Test Drive; iWork '08 (30-day trial)

What's in the Box
MacBook, Apple Remote, 60W MagSafe Power Adapter, AC wall plug, and power cord, lithium-polymer battery, install/restore DVDs, printed and electronic documentation

Product Description
Comes now with the new Mac OS 10.5 Leopard with over 300 new features, such as a stunning new look to the desktop, new ways to browse thorough your files with Cover Flow, Quick Look, Time Machine and many more. The most advanced and affordable Mac notebook ever gives you a blazingly fast mobile architecture in a beautiful design that costs less than slower, clunkier models. It's like getting a sports car for the price of a scooter. MacBook is powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor with a performance-enhancing 4MB of shared L2 cache. MacBook keeps you untethered courtesy of built-in Bluetooth and AirPort Extreme 802.11n Wi-Fi wireless. Thrill to a high-res 13.3" widescreen TFT LCD screen for text and graphics. See that little lens in the display bezel? That's the built-in iSight camera. Use it to video chat simply by opening iChat AV and clicking a buddy icon (or three). Or fire up Photo Booth and take a few snapshots with the iSight, play around with 16 fun effects, then admire your handiwork. That little camera lets you create web-ready videos, too. Just open up iMovie and start the action. From there, iWeb makes it one-click easy to get your talking head on the web. 13.3 Glossy WXGA (1280 x 800) Display Built-in iSight Camera and internal omnidirectional microphone Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor with 144MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory 8X Slot-loading SuperDrive (DVD+-R DL/DVD+-RW/CD-RW) Built-in AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi wireless networking (802.11a/b/g/n) Built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45 connector) 2 USB 2.0, 1 Headphone out; 1 Microphone-in, mini-DVI output port, 1 FireWire 400, 1 RJ-45 LAN Approximate Unit Dimensions - 12.78 (W) x 1.08 (H) x 8.92 (D) Approximate Unit Weight - 5 lbs

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Toshiba Satellite A135-S4527 15.4" Notebook PC Review

Toshiba Satellite A135-S4527Easily mobile at just 6 pounds, the Toshiba Satellite A135-S4527 makes it easy to get your work done with a large, bright 15.4-inch widescreen LCD. The XGA-resolution screen (1280 x 800) permits side-by-side viewing of documents for increased productivity. It's also great for using as a media center, with Toshiba's unique Express Media Player enabling you to bypass the system and access CDs and DVDs with a touch of button. This affordable notebook PC is powered by Intel's 1.73 GHz Core Duo T2080 processor, which provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance and efficient power consumption. It also offers a 120 GB hard drive, 1 GB of installed RAM (2 GB maximum), dual-layer/multi-format DVD drive that also burns CDs, integrated 54g wireless connectivity, and Intel GMA 950 video card with up to 256 MB of shared video RAM.

It comes preinstalled with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, which includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to easily playing your DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, you'll be able to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.

The Basics

  • Processor: The Intel Core Duo T2080 processor is built with the Mobile Intel 945PM Express chipset, and it has a 1.73 GHz processor speed, fast 533 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and 1 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 Intel Core 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 is ready to support the next version of Microsoft Windows, code-named Vista. 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. It's more efficient, thanks to Intel's Power Coordination and Deeper Sleep, which help to transfer power only to those areas of the processor that need it. It also features Intel's Digital Media Boost, which delivers enhanced performance on floating point-intensive applications such as CAD tools, 3-D and 2-D modeling, video editing, digital music, digital photography and gaming.

  • Hard Drive: The 120 GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 RPM) is just above average in size for business notebook PCs. It provides more than enough capacity for storing documents, digital media files, and productivity software. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.
  • Memory: The 1 GB of built-in memory (PC4200, DDR2 SDRAM) is a good start for power users, and it offers a decently fast 533 MHz speed. It has two memory slots, enabling you to add up to 2 GB of RAM for worry-free handling graphics-intensive presentations and multiple open business productivity applications. 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: 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 DVD+R DL, 4x DVD-R DL, 8x for both single-layer DVD+R/-R, 8x DVD+RW, 6x DVD-RW, 5x 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 standard 85-key keyboard and electro-static two-button touchpad. It also offers a launch button for the Express CD/DVD media player and control buttons (play, stop, next, previous) as well as a volume control dial.
Screen, Video & Audio
This notebook has a 15.4-inch TFT display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels (native 720p for high-definition viewing). It also provides TruBrite technology, which makes images brighter and more vivid thanks to its anti-glare feature. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, which uses Intel Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) and provides up to 256 MB of shared video memory. It also features an integrated audio card with headphone and microphone jacks.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
This Toshiba Satellite has an integrated Atheros 802.11b/g wireless-LAN that enables you to easily connect at wireless hotspots wherever you roam. You get a good offering of connectivity options:

  • 4 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 VGA monitor port
  • 1 S-Video out
  • 1 PCMCIA (or PC Card) slot (Type II, PCMCIA R2.01, PC Card16, CardBus)
  • 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
  • 5-in-1 memory card reader that's compatible with Secure Digital (including SDIO), MMC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, xD Picture Card memory cards
It also has an integrated 56K modem (V.92) and an RJ-45 LAN network port (for a 10/100 Fast Ethernet connection to networks and DSL/cable modems).

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 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
Toshiba software includes Disc Creator, Recovery Disc Creator, and Speech System. Third-party software titles include Microsoft Works 8.5, InterVideo WinDVD 8 SD, Google Desktop and Toolbar, McAfee Internet Security Suite (with 30-day trial), and Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student Edition (60-day trial).

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 14.2 x 10.5 x 1.45 (WxDxH) and weighs 6 pounds.

Power
It's powered by a 4000 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of up to 2.5 hours (depending on usage). It has a 4.5-hour full charging time.

What's in the Box
This package contains the A135-S4527 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty.

Product Description
TOSHIBA A135 S4527 Satellite Notebook. Value priced with technology you will value, the Satellite A135 SS4527 is sleek and lean, combining the Intel Pentium dual core processor performance with a 15.4 in diagonal WXGA display and TruBrite technology. And Toshibas DVD SuperMulti optical drive reads and writes up to 11 formats with a DVD RAM that acts like an HDD /select units. Integrated 802.11b/g wireless LAN technology lets you work and play on the move, connecting you easily via wireless LAN networks in your home, office or on the road. Designed specifi cally for mobile computing, the Intel Pentium dual core processor combines mobile processor technology with exceptional value, allowing a lighter Satellite design. The 15.4 in diagonal WXGA widescreen display with TruBrite technology takes the strain out of viewing spreadsheets and other data. Games and movies come to life without those bothersome black bars. With Toshibas ConfigFree feature, mobile and wireless computing are now simple to manage, allowing users to easily switch profiles and devices as needed. Integrated 802.11b/g wireless LAN technology lets you work and play on the move. No more searching for phone jacks, network cables, or plugging in special cards. You are easily connected via wireless LAN networks in your home, office, and in wireless LAN hotspots at airports, hotels and coffee shops.

Product Description
The Satellite A135-S4527 is sleek and lean, combining the Intel Pentium dual-core processor performance with a 15.4-inch diagonal WXGA display and TruBrite technology. Toshiba's DVD SuperMulti optical drive reads and writes up to 11 formats with a DVD-RAM. Integrated 802.11b/g wireless LAN technology lets you work and play on the move, connecting you easily via wireless LAN networks in your home, office or on the road. The 15.4-inch diagonal WXGA widescreen display with TruBrite technology takes the strain out of viewing spreadsheets and other data. Toshiba's ConfigFree feature, mobile and wireless computing are now simple to manage, allowing users to easily switch profiles and devices as needed. Integrated 802.11b/g wireless LAN technology lets you work and play on the move. You're easily connected via wireless LAN networks in your home, office, and in wireless LAN hotspots at airports, hotels and coffee shops. 15.4-inch diagonal widescreen TruBrite TFT LCD display at 1280x800 native resolution (WXGA) Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 with 8MB-256MB dynamically allocated shared graphics memory Atheros 802.11b/g wireless-LAN RGB (monitor) output port, S-Video output port, Microphone input port, Headphone output port, i.LINK IEEE-1394, USB v2.0 - 4 ports Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit version) Dimensions - 14.2 x 10.5 x 1.47 inch Weight - 6.0 pounds Toshiba 1 Year Standard Limited Warranty

Price: $879.00
You Save: $320.00 (27%)

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