Hostgator ... Cheap web Hosting Plans ..!

Here is a review of the best and cheapest web hosting options for your blog. Only the best options are shown here as there are alot of bad options available these days!

Why do I need a web host?

Generally speaking, you need a web host to use your own domain name for your blog. For example you want to change your blog from http://blogoola.wordpress.com to http://blogoola.com/blog/ so that it is no longer hosted on WordPress and they don’t put advertising on it allowing you full control over what your readers are seeing.
Another major advantage, is with a blog on WordPress.com you cannot use Plugins but when you haveyour own web hosting you can install plugins which can do all sorts of useful things like get your blog listed in Google or display your Facebook like button etc.
So bascially, if you want to port your blog to your own domain from wordpress you need a cheap web host.

Host Gator is a cheap web hosting company based in Houston, Texas, USA. They are well established with over 220,000 customers worldside and offer all the options that any web hosting company should provide.
CLICK HERE TO SIGNUP FOR GATORHOST.COM

How much does it cost?

Basic Plan:

• 1 year $4.95/month
• 2 years $5.95/month
• 3 years $6.95/month
• Monthly $8.95/month

What do I get?

• Single Domain
• UNLIMITED Disk Space
• UNLIMITED Bandwidth
• Shared SSL Certificate
• 4,500 Free Website Templates
• 45 Day Money Back Guarantee
• 24/7/365 Technical Support (which has a small charge per call)
• $100 Google AdWords Credit

Popularity

Google Trends suggests that Gator Host is gaining in popularity since it was established in 2007.

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Blue Host - Cheap web hosting option ,,

Blue Host is a cheap web hosting company from Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. They are very similar to Gator Host and were established since 2006. They are slightly more expensive that Gator Host but do not charge extra for phone support and I have had excellent phone support from them over the past year from hosting 2 of my blogs with them. From my 1 years experience with them they have great cpanel which is really useful for setting up databases and email accounts. Reliability and speed has also been very good.
CLICK HERE TO SIGNUP FOR BLUEHOST.COM

How much does it cost?

Basic Plan (flat rate):

• 1 year $6.95/month
• 2 years $6.95/month
• 3 years $6.95/month

What do I get?

• Unlimited Domain Hosting
• Unlimited GB Hosting Space
• Unlimited GB File Transfer
• Unlimited E-mail Accounts
• Free Domain Forever
• Free Site Builder w/ templates
• $50 Free Google Credit (can only be used by USA customer)

Popularity

Google Trends suggests that Blue Host is gaining in popularity since it was established in 2007.

Hope this article helps you

Why Laptop

Should I buy a laptop or desktop?

Choosing between a laptop and desktop can be a difficult decision. The bottom line comes down to portability. If you will need or use the portability of a laptop, then it can be a powerful tool for you and worth the extra money. However, if the laptop will simply act as a desktop with very occasional need for portability, a desktop is also an excellent choice and far less expensive.

 

Which should I buy? Laptop or Desktop?

Laptops have a great advantage in terms of their portability. If you carry a laptop with you, your applications and documents are always immediately available. With a wireless card, your laptop can also access the Internet while on the go, so you have more places to do research, check your email, and be more productive.

Desktops offer other advantages. Although laptop prices have come down and performance has increased, most desktops offer a better price-to-performance ratio. Desktops also still hold some ergonomic advantages over laptops. Bear in mind that, aside from small footprint desktops like the iMac or Studio One, they take up more space in an apartment or residence hall.


Your decision should be based primarily on how you plan to use your computer and the size of your computing budget. Here are some factors to consider:

Weight, size and portability

A typical laptop weighs between 4.5 and 8 pounds, while "ultralight" models like the MacBook Air weigh in at about 3 pounds. Alternatively, the economy and cost-oriented option - the netbook, belonging to the ultralight class - focuses primarily on mobility and are often Windows or Linux-based. Netbooks are most commonly equipped with an Intel Atom - a series of microprocessor that focuses less on performance and more on basic functionality in tandem with low power consumption. While the MacBook Air may better appromixate the screen size of a 13.3'' laptop, netbooks are often designed with screen sizes between 8'' and 10''. Because of these features, netbooks are therefore best suited for web browsing, e-mail and office tasks and are priced beneath the cost of a typical laptop. The MacBook Air is noted for its thinness and sparse weight, but is dimenionally similar to the MacBook 13''/MacBook Pro "13 in length and width. The MacBook Air currently uitilizes a Core 2 Duo processor which allows it to better approximate the level of performance of the typical laptop; it is a device geared toward performance and portability rather than budget. Further, these two types of "ultralight" laptops do not have internal CD/DVD drives and are dependent on the internet and removable media to retrieve information.
Your classic desktop computer, including monitor and keyboard, weighs about 25 pounds. If you regularly want access to the contents of your computer whether at home, office or on the road, the portability of a laptop is an important criterion. Alternatively, a USB flash drive with copies of your important documents is easily carried around on your keychain and works with any desktop, laptop, Mac, or PC.

Ergonomics

One downside of portability is ergonomics. The laptop's miniature size can make its use less comfortable and physically taxing. The keyboard and trackpad orientation of netbooks can vary significantly; the result of this being the built-in keyboards of the netbook tend to be anywhere between 92% and 95% of the typically laptop keyboard. As manufacturers approach their netbook keyboard and trackpad designs with more variance than with normal laptops and standard keyboards, it is particularly important to type on the netbooks for ergonomic reasons. The desktop computer's design has evolved to ease the comfort of users. Its display is at eye level, and the keyboard allows for proper positioning of your back, arms, and wrists. These are important concerns, especially when you use your computer for long periods of time. You can improve laptop ergonomics by building a more comfortable "home base" into which you can dock your laptop when you return to your desk. A "home base" can include such things as a standard keyboard, a mouse, an external display, etc.

Cost and reliability

PC desktops are approximately 1/2 the price of a comparable standard laptop. Although overall prices have declined, price gaps still exist largely because of the higher cost of laptop displays and the added cost of miniaturized technology. Since laptops are portable, they are more prone to accidents and abuse than desktops. And due to their size, laptops require smaller, more intricate components and more tedious labor resulting in more costly upgrades and repairs. We recommend that you consider purchasing extended warranties for both laptops and desktops to cover the effective life of the machine.

Connectivity

Both laptops and desktops have equal connectivity to the Internet through the standard technologies including dial-up modems, DSL or Cable modems, Ethernet and Wireless networking. Users can connect using an Ethernet cable in residence hall rooms or by purchasing and setting up a wireless router. Owning a laptop gives users the ability to take advantage of wireless networks like UWNet, which is available in nearly all campus buildings and the common areas (dens, dining halls, etc.) of residence halls. For more information on wireless on campus see: Wireless.

Theft

A laptop's small size and portability make it vulnerable to theft. Unless you can lock or secure your laptop, you should take it with you wherever you go. Security devices like cable locks and LoJack are available for laptops to deter thieves.

Desktops provide less expensive, more comfortable, powerful performance to meet your computing needs from a fixed location. Laptops provide performance to meet your computing needs from virtually anywhere. Laptops cost roughly one-third more, and for additional comfort you will pay more yet for extra "home base" components. But if you want to take advantage of the portability and increased productivity offered by laptops, then the extra expense may be worth it. If portability and the extended access it provides is not important, then a desktop may make more sense.

The choice is yours. Evaluate and review your computing needs and decide what's best for you.

What Should I Consider When Buying a Laptop?

Buying a laptop may be a new endeavor for you, or you may be replacing an older model. Either way, there are a few things to consider about your new purchase. Buying a laptop computer can represent a big investment. By assessing your needs, you can make a more calculated choice about what type of laptop to purchase. This can save you money and potential problems.
The second step is to look at what you require from your laptop computer. Students, for example, probably need Internet access and word processing capability. A laptop for business may need similar features, as well as the ability to handle databasing software. Assess your individual needs with care when buying a laptop. If you travel frequently, or carry a lot of heavy belongings already, you will want to look into buying a laptop which is very lightweight. If you travel less frequently, or have fewer concerns about heavy luggage, a larger laptop with more power and an easier to read large screen is a good choice.
Laptops tend to be more expensive than desktop equivalents. Do not buy a laptop which exceeds your needs. Make sure that the laptop features will meet expectations, without the need for expensive upgrades. Make an honest estimate of what you require, and seek out systems that will match your requirements. Often companies offer packaged deals, making it cheaper to buy a preconfigured laptop.
Determine what features you need when buying a laptop. A ready availability of ports, is very useful. Many devices are designed to connect to Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, so you may want several to connect multiple peripheral devices. If you have devices which use FireWire or other connections, make sure that your laptop will support them. A space for PC cards is also a good idea, as is an internal modem, wireless card, or ethernet port. Make sure that your laptop has headphone jacks so that you can quietly listen to music. In addition, you may want to consider a CD or DVD ROM drive. Software comes on CDs, data can be backed up onto CDs, and you can also listen to music or watch DVDs on your laptop computer.
When buying a laptop, it is important to think about what operating system you would prefer to use. Apples tend to be more expensive, overall, than PCs, but you may want to go that route if you interact frequently with an Apple network or use Apple programs. Especially if you are a student, look into what kind of software you need to succeed in school and which operating system it is designed for. Some schools also have promotional agreements with computer companies which can assist you in getting a good deal. Also look at what kind of software comes preloaded on the system, to see if it will meet your needs or if an additional outlay of cash is required to purchase software. 
Numerous laptop buying guides are available. When you are getting ready to purchase a laptop, pick up several so that you can compare features and prices. Buying a laptop should not be a guessing game-do not be afraid to call companies to talk to them about their equipment, and to seek out examples of laptops you are considering to test them. Narrow your choices down to a few models, and then seek out the best deals. When buying a laptop, an extended warranty plan is highly recommended. Accidents happen, and it is better to be safe than sorry.

The first question to ask yourself is if you truly need to be buying a laptop. Laptops tend to lag behind desktops in terms of upgradeability and features. If you handle heavy graphics, do a great deal of video editing, or you are a gamer, a laptop might not be the best choice for you. In addition to having to spend a lot of money to get the system you need, you will also be unable to upgrade that system when the time comes. However, if you are highly mobile, a laptop is a good choice.

How Do I Know When It's Time to Buy a New Computer?

With technology changing all the time it’s easy to be left behind by hanging on to that old desktop or laptop too long. But when is it time to buy a new computer, and when can you get away with upgrading your old one? Hopefully the following tips will help you decide what's best for your situation.
If your computer has slowed over time it might simply need maintenance. Hard disk defragging puts files back together in one place on the drive to optimize retrieval time. Using a registry cleaner can speed up booting into your desktop and quicken program access by removing orphaned entries that point to missing resources, files and folders. You can also utilize a startup manager to identify and disable extraneous programs and processes that needlessly run in the background. 

A computer might also slow down over time due to lack of hard disk space. As a disk (or array of disks) reaches its capacity the system has to work harder to shuffle data, creating a bottleneck. Adding an additional disk can solve this problem and extend the life of the system. Hard disks are normally good investments as they can always be utilized in future systems, even externally.
A somewhat related factor in computer slowing could be insufficient RAM (Random Access Memory). Even within the trimmest systems there are several programs that typically run in the background to keep a computer secure. These include an anti-virus program, firewall, and anti-spyware or anti-adware programs. The desktop, wallpaper, any open programs, and necessary system processes also use RAM. To top it off, gaming, video editing and other multimedia software requires far more memory than word processing or spreadsheet programs. You might think it’s time to buy a new computer when all that's needed is more RAM.
Unfortunately, motherboards do not support limitless amounts of RAM. After determining that your memory is indeed low, you’ll have to consult the manual of your motherboard to see how much RAM your system supports. If you’ve hit a memory ceiling, it’s time to buy a new computer or motherboard.
Another inconvenience that can make someone wonder if it’s time for a new computer is seeing pixilation or skipped frames during streaming media playback. Online video requires fast graphics cards that can process massive amounts of data quickly. Quality graphics cards have their own on-board RAM and graphic processing unit (GPU) to avoid taking up system RAM and processing resources. Generally, the more on-board RAM a video card has, the easier it makes life on the rest of the system. If your computer performs fine for everything but streaming media, you might just require a graphics card upgrade.
The port on the motherboard which supports the graphic card(s) can be one of several types. The older AGP type has given way to the newer PCIe slot, but within each of these categories are various versions and flavors. Before checking out the hottest graphics cards, look at the port on the motherboard to determine what kind of card the system supports. If the specification only supports legacy cards, it’s time to buy a new computer or upgrade your motherboard.
If your computer is missing that which has long ago become standard, such as USB ports, AGP or PCIe graphics ports, Serial ATA (SATA) hard disk support, or the ability to support at least 2 gigabytes of RAM, it’s time to buy a new computer. In doing so you can better future proof your purchase by choosing a system that will support at least twice as much RAM as you currently require, along with offering the latest standards for all major components.
If the only functionality missing is Firewire support, consider getting an internal Firewire card, assuming your motherboard has an available IDE slot. Laptops can support Firewire using the external PC Card slot. An alternative is getting a USB-to-Firewire adapter.
Finally, if the computer has plenty of hard disk space and RAM, if it has the best graphics card it will support, is defragged and maintained, but just doesn't cut the mustard in overall performance, the central processing unit (CPU) is likely older and too slow for your tastes. It still might not be time to buy a new computer, however. You might be able to upgrade the CPU by checking your motherboard manual. If not, the good news is there are plenty of great new systems to choose from at reasonable prices.

How do I Choose the Best Laptop ?

Choosing the best laptop computer depends heavily on what the computer will be used for, and what the user’s preferences are. For instance, the best laptop for a freelance writer may be severely underpowered for a gaming computer, while a graphic designer needs a larger screen, and therefore a larger laptop, than many other users.
Possibly the most important consideration is the computer’s performance. This includes factors such as the size of the hard drive, or how much memory the laptop computer has, and the size of the processor, which determines how fast the computer will run. The best laptop computer is one that offers more than the minimum speed and memory the user requires, without compromising other factors that might be important to the user, such as size or brand.
A good video card is also important for many users. The average video card found in computers currently on the market should be enough to view animated websites and watch DVDs without any visible loss of picture quality. However, gamers, graphic designers, and others who depend on video quality will probably want a more advanced video card.
Many users will also want to consider size before purchasing a laptop computer. In general, laptops have gotten bigger as things such as screen size and performance have become more important to consumers. However, it is important to think about how the computer will be used. If the user is buying a laptop for its portability, and does not require large amounts of memory or higher than average processor speeds, he or she may find it worthwhile to select one of the smaller laptops on the market. 
Finally, many of these factors differ depending on whether the laptop is the user’s only computer, or a second computer. A second computer is most likely going to be valued primarily for its portability, while the primary computer can provide the opportunity for increased memory and speed. However, if a laptop computer is the be the user’s only computer, its features are a more important consideration.

For example,
a photographer requires a great deal of memory storage, so a large hard drive would probably be a determining factor. A gamer requires as fast a processor as possible, in order to keep up with the game and the other players. On the other hand, a slower processor and less memory would probably be sufficient for a student, a writer, or someone who wants a laptop computer primarily for checking email or browsing the Internet.

What is a Laptop Messenger Bag?

If you have a laptop and frequently carry it around, buying a laptop messenger bag may be beneficial. It gives you the availability to take your laptop wherever you go without having to sacrifice style or comfort. The strap on the bag can be slung over your shoulder or across your chest without being cumbersome.
When people are not working, many simply do not want to carry around something that resembles a briefcase. They want to carry something more casual but just as functional. A laptop messenger bag comes in a variety of styles, colors and sizes.
Inside and outside each laptop messenger bag you will most likely find little pockets. These are for smaller items, for example, pens or papers that you want to keep organized. Some bags also have a cell phone pocket on the outside of the bag so you can have easy access to your phone without having to carry it.
For those that want to harness the sun’s power, you may want to pick up a solar powered laptop messenger bag. Some of these bags provide enough power to charge your laptop while others provide only enough to charge smaller electronics such as cell phones or PDA’s. These bags can be quite expensive, some costing as much as a few hundred dollars.
If you want to be environmentally conscious without spending a lot of money, you can find various laptop messenger bags made out of eco-friendly materials. These types of bags are made from organic cotton and hemp. There are also bags made out of interesting recycled materials such as old billboards and rubber. 
A laptop messenger bag can be useful to anyone who owns a laptop and wants to have the ability to easily carry it around when need be. With the price of these bags ranging from the very inexpensive up to hundreds of dollars, there is a bag for everyone with every type of budget. Whatever style of messenger bag you are looking for, you will most likely be able to find it.

Before choosing a laptop messenger bag, it is important to know what size you will need. Measure the length, width and height of your laptop so you know what the minimum size of the bag should be. Your charger should also be a factor, as you will most likely be carrying that around as well. Decide if you will be carrying any other items around in the bag, for example, a bottle of water or a book. All of these items should be a factor when choosing your laptop bag to ensure that you have all the space available that you need.

 If you will be carrying the bag for work or for meeting clients, you may want to consider choosing a laptop messenger bag that is on the conservative side. Many laptop bags come in black and are without any funky patterns or elaborate embellishments. While they may seem dull and boring, they can actually be quite stylish.

How can I Prepare to Buy a Cell Phone ?

A cell phone can be an important part of your life, or it can be merely a convenience. How much you use it and for what purpose is up to you. With today’s technological advances, a cell phone can do just about anything you may want to do out on the open road. When you prepare to buy a cell phone, you should keep several things in mind.
First of all, a cell phone allows you to take and make phone calls. In today’s global village, you can call anyone in the world as long as you know his or her number. Most cell phones look just like small phones, with keypads that have numbers and letters. The letters aren’t just for show, however. Most cell phones also allow you to send text messages using the letters on the keypad

Cell phones also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from very tiny flip phones to full-on multimedia devices. When you prepare to buy a cell phone, ask yourself how big a phone you are willing to carry around with you.
Many cell phones today have other features as well. Among these are cameras, music players, email access, and even full Web browsing. Each of these features is available in varying degrees of functionality and technology. For example, some cell phones offer more Web access capabilities than others. To prepare to buy a cell phone, ask yourself how much Web browsing you plan to do.
Most cell phones sold in the U.S. are part of a phone company’s service plan. A few of the largest cell phone companies are Verizon, T-Mobile, and Cingular. When you buy a cell phone from Verizon, for instance, you are enrolled in the Verizon plan, which gives you a certain amount of free minutes each month and allows you other features as well, such as being able to talk to other Verizon plan members for free. To prepare to buy a cell phone, ask yourself how much you are going to use it on a regular basis.
Basically, when you prepare to buy a cell phone, you need to determine just how much you want your cell phone to do. If you are happy with basic phone call functionality, then you don’t need to pay the extra money for a Web-enabled phone or an expensive high-access plan. On the other hand, if you anticipate that your cell phone will simulate a mini laptop computer, then you might want to look into the so-called smartphones, which can do just about everything a stripped-down computer can, though with a much smaller viewscreen. Think through these things in detail when you prepare to buy a cell phone.
Another thing to keep in mind is that costs associated with cell phones routinely go up corresponding to the amount of features offered. If you have the opportunity to download MP3 files to your phone, then you will probably do so. Such downloads cost money, which can add up if you become music-obsessed. When you prepare to buy a cell phone, ask yourself how much music you plan to download.
Other cost factors to keep in mind are the various service plans that cell phone companies offer. For example, if you plan to use your cell phone a lot, you might want to invest in a plan that offers more free minutes than other plans. When you exceed your maximum number of free minutes in a month, the extra time that you talk is generally expensive. 
One last thing: you will be charged whether the conversations you have on your cell phone are initiated by you or by other people. In other words, just because you don’t make the call, doesn’t mean that you won’t pay for it. Free minutes are free minutes, whether you are taking or making calls. Keep all these things in mind as you prepare to buy a cell phone.

How To Secure Your Laptop

How Do I Secure My Laptop

Laptops these days contain vital data and are greatly used for remote data access. Its security should be top priority to all users. There are three aspects to consider in securing your laptop.

• Physical Security.
• Security Software.
• Security Consciousness.

Physical Security
Physical security involves physical barriers put in place to inhibit access to where your laptop is kept.
Such barriers, hinder the following circumstances;

• Theft of your laptop.
• Damage to your laptop.
• Theft of information on your laptop.
• Using your laptop to commit fraudulent activities.

The physical barriers should have the following features;

• The ability to properly lock the entrance to where your laptop is kept.
• An alarm system should be in place to notify you in case of a break in.
• An inbuilt security camera (cctv) should be placed where your laptop is kept. This is to monitor your laptop.
• All windows or doors must be screened to prevent prying eyes from seeing expensive information assets such as your laptop.
• The ability to fasten the laptop to a non-moveable object. This is stopping a thief from carrying the laptop away.
• The ability to trigger snap shots in case of a break in. These snap shots are directly targeted at the laptop.

Security Software
Access to your laptop can also be prevented using security software.
This security software prevents access to your desktop. It ensures that only the owner of the laptop has access to using the applications on the laptop.
Features of a Security Software

• It must prompt the user, to enter a user name and a password.
• The ability to generate audit report such as successful logins, failed logins should be an essential feature.
• The user should be able to lock the screen when not in use.
• Optional but also essential, the software should have the ability to beep when the screen is tampered with.

Security Consciousness
After all said and done, without security consciousness on the part of the user or laptop owner, every control put in place to deter access to the laptop would be futile.
Security Consciousness Tips

• Always lock the door to your office.
• Always carry your laptop with you.
• If not in use put it in a safe and lock it.
• Make sure when nature calls you activate the screen lock and all access doors to your office are locked.
• Always keep your laptop locked in a box and in the boot of your car when driving.
• Do not use your laptop in overcrowded places.
• All the necessary details about your laptop must be written and stored in a safe place i.e. serial number, brand name, model e.t.c.
• Insure your laptop against loss, such as damage, fire e.t.c.

Advice
Laptop security is an ongoing process. The need for regular information on laptop security is vital. The more informed you are on laptop security, the less vulnerable is your laptop to theft or damage.
To Secure Your Laptop visit http://www.compsana.com/itsecuritytools.html Now!
Christopher Okoh
CEO
Computer Security & Network Associates.
Website: http://www.compsana.com
He has written over 100 computer security articles. He also writes for computer security magazines and newspapers. I'm always happy to take on a writing job on security.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Okoh.

Best Laptops for Gamers !!

A PC gaming fanatic needs a reliable, responsive laptop that supports high-end graphics and sound. Need some help shopping for a new gaming laptop this holiday season? We're happy to help. By Mike Lynch

Toshiba Satellite A665

from $825.99

Looking for a bargain? A new gaming laptop doesn't have to cost a fortune. For around $750, the 16-inch Toshiba Satellite A665-S6055 offers an i5 processor, back-lit LED display, and an NVIDIA graphics card. It also contains a HDMI audio/video port, 4 usb ports (so you can attach plenty of gadgets), and 1eSATA/USB combo port (for fast data transfers). This laptop is the perfect option for holiday shoppers who want to buy a solid gaming machine while remaining under budget.

 

Dell Alienware M17x

from $2,435.00

Looking for the best gaming experience money can buy? You can't do much better than Alienware. Alienware, a subsidiary of Dell, builds powerful, high-performance computers. Their M17x, for example, takes high-end to an entirely new level. This machine is guaranteed to make jaws drop. It absolutely blows the minimum requirements away and will easily run the latest games for years to come. And for under $1000, you're not going to find a more gamer-oriented laptop than Alienware's 11.6-inch M11x. This machine may look small, but it packs some serious gaming power under the hood. It's the definition of gaming on the go!

ASUS G73JW

from $1,669.86

Looking for something a little more in between? The Republic of Gamers series by ASUS offers serious gaming power at a series of sizes and price points ranging from $1000 to $2000. G series computers are currently a very popular option for gamers. Why? Because they combine ASUS's reputation as industry leader in terms of delivering reliability and optimal performance, and they offer high-end video cards, processors, and HD displays at prices that are a bit more mainstream. These machines will handle even the most demanding games, and it will handle them with relative ease. A laptop from the ASUS Republic of Gamers series is a great holiday buy, and it's sure to please casual and serious gamers alike.

Logitech MX 518

from $39.47

If you're looking to buy something for the gamer on your shopping list, but you can't afford a new gaming laptop, don't sweat it -- you can still improve you the gaming experience of your loved ones! For example, why use your laptop's touchpad when you could be using a solid gaming mouse? Well one of the best reasonably priced gaming-mice on the market right now is Logitech's MX 518, an ultra-precise and responsive laser mouse. A brand new gaming mouse is sure to improve your performance, regardless of what kind of games you play! Also, your laptop builds up a ton of heat when it runs games, and heat is bad. If your gamer does do a lot of gaming (and what gamer doesn't?) maybe they could use a cooling pad. This will ensure that heat is eliminated as efficiently as possible while making a laptop easier to handle and extending its lifespan.

Review For Laptop's Kinds

HP Pavilion DV7-2180US 

Buying an HP Pavilion DV7 2180US will be absolutely worth in the cost it is being offered. It’s a high-tech notebook with all new innovations made in both outlook and inside. The touch panel in the notebook is highlighted with glowing lights and is only visible when laptop is switched on. It is equipped with a large 17.3 inches HD+ HP LED screen with a wide and bright display. The laptop is powered with an Intel 2.00 GHz Centrino² quad Q9000 processor to enhance its speed and also to save battery life. It is installed with 6 GB DDR2 RAM, which can be further extended up to 8 GB and a 500 GB hard disk drive. It has an ATI Mobility Radeo Graphics acceleration card with up to 2815MB total available memory. The connectivity is compensated with an Intel WI-FI link and a Bluetooth.

Some other additional features:

• Security protection utility provided for hard disk in case any jerk or abrupt motion detected.

• A 5-in-1 SD card reader for easy transfer of files.

• A pre-installed version of Windows Vista (64-bit).

• A web camera integrated along with a mono directional microphone enabling you both video and voice chat.

• An 8x super speed combo DVD-RW drive which can write double layered DVD’s.

• An 8 cell lithium ion battery.

The Dell Latitude XT2 With Multi-touch Recognition 

The Dell Latitude XT2 is a touch screen, convertible, business function laptop with advanced features such as multi-touch recognition and digital pen controls. It might look bulky and big, but its easier to use and carry.

Dell Latitude XT2 Specifications:
•    Intel Core 2 Duo SU9400 1.4GHz (800MHz FSB, 3MB L2 Cache)
•    Microsoft Windows Vista Business (32-bit)
•    12.1″ Premium WXGA (1280 x 800) LED-Backlight Display with Multi-touch
•    Intel X4500MHD Integrated Graphics
•    3GB DDR3 1066MHz RAM (2GB + 1GB)
•    120GB Toshiba 1.8″ 5400RPM HDD
•    8X CD / DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive) through docking station
•    Intel 5100AGN WiFi, Bluetooth, and 1Gb Ethernet
•    6-Cell 42WHr Battery
•    Limited 3-year standard parts and labor warranty with on-site service
•    Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.7 x 1.1″
•    Weight: 3lbs 13.6oz
Build and Design
The Dell Latitude XT2 has a business look, with visible screws, sharp edges and dark body colour. It does not offers a lot on looks, but the design is sturdy and professional.  The metallic body is strong and one of the best quality construction on a dell system. The mechanics is excellent with most hardware put up so neatly that an upgrade needs no time at all. Also, the traditional Dell technology to put a user removable BIOS chip, makes it easier to maintain and repair. The series start with a  $1,929 price tag and its totally worth for someone who uses the functions available, but its one of the highest priced notebooks in the market.

Sony Vaio FW-270j Reviews

The new Vaio FW series, with 16.4” display screen, Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 processor, a whopping 4GB RAM and mammoth big 320GB HDD is the good thing that comes in a small package with stylish sleek design that turns heads. The Sony Blu-ray techonology gives it the edge over other competitors.

Design, Keyboard and Mouse
A glossy silver body with chiclet keyboard makes it look nothing less than a Macbook. The clean design allows a lot of free space over the base and adds to the charm of the glossy looks the laptop carries. The black lid and lack of number pad disappoints but the over smooth look compensates. The multimedia buttons give a fast and easy access to a wide range of functions.
Connectivity
In addition to the usual hardware, i.e., card reader, audio in/out, 3 USBs and Bluetooth etc, it comes with a HDMI port, lifeline for any HTC and I Link S400.
Performance and Conclusion
The laptop’s a compact multimedia genius with its blue-ray vantage technology, it makes the cult but the battery back and weight disappoints. It’s a beautiful laptop overall, with Sony brand name ofcourse.
Sony Vaio FW Technical Specifications
• Processor 2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile
• Memory 3 GB
• Harddrive 250 GB
• OS Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit
• Weight 6.4 lbs
• Screen 16.4
• Screen resolution 1600 x 900
• Graphic Card Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500 MHD
• Battery Life 5.5 hours

Lenovo IdeaPad Y650-8343UT

Lenovo has introduced another innovative ThinkPad notebook. It is one amongst the thinnest notebooks from Lenovo. It has a large 16 inches diagonally, wide and high definition colored display. It is powered with a 2.4 GHz core2 duo Intel processor (P8600). It has a 4GB installed DDR@ RAM and a spacious enough 320GB SATA hard disk drive. It is equipped with a light sensor that adjusts the screen brightness automatically according to the outer environment or lightning conditions. A face recognition system is also provided through which you can authenticate or control access to the system by recognizing your face. Its 1.3 mega pixel integrated web camera and a microphone will enable you to video conferencing and voice chat side by side. It has a Dolby surround home theatre sound system with a pair of JBL stereo speakers. Moreover you can switch it to a multimedia music system just by touching a single theatre button. Hence it is a multi-utility system, can be used both as office and home desktop. It is powered with a 6 cell lithium battery. The ThinkPad is pre loaded with original Microsoft windows vista Home premium addition.

How to fix video problem on HP laptops .!

In this post I explain how you can fix a known video problem on some HP laptops without actually taking it apart. Most likely the fix is not permanent but this will buy you some time, enough to backup personal files or even use the laptop until you get a new one. There is no guaranty this fix work 100%.

Here are some HP models affected by this known video failure problem: HP Pavilion dv2000, dv6000, dv9000, tx1000 tablet PC, Compaq 700, v3000, v6000 and probably some others.
If you know more models, please mention them in comments after this post.

CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM:

As I know, the video problem somehow related to NVIDIA chip located on the motherboard. Overtime the NVIDIA chip separates from the motherboard and the laptop video fails.



SYMPTOMS OF THE PROBLEM:
When you turn on the laptop, all LEDs light up but there is no video on the laptop screen or external monitor. The laptop screen remains completely black and blank. The cooling fan spins as normal, on some models it stars spinning right away on other models after some time.
I found this trick mentioned by Walliot (comment 85) in this post. This trick called “towel fix” and used to fix “no video” issue in xbox360. 

HOW TO FIX:

1. Remove laptop battery and hard drive.
2. Plug the AC adapter and turn on the laptop. Make sure the laptop is actually on, all LEDs should work.
3. Wrap the laptop with towels so all air intakes are closed.
4. Keeps the laptop wrapped in the towel for about one hours.
5. Unplug the AC adapter from the wall the let the laptop cool down (do not touch it for a while).
6. Unwrap the laptop and try tuning it on.
I didn’t really believe that this trick might work and tried it just because of curiosity but… IT WORKED!!!!

LAPTOP #1. HP tx1000 Tablet PC.

First, I tried this fix on a failed HP tx1000 Tablet PC.
I didn’t have paper towels at work but I had plenty of bubble wrap.
I closed the laptop in a tablet mode (with hard drive and battery removed), plugged the AC adapter and wrapped the laptop properly in bubble wrap.

After that I just waited for about two hours and unplugged AC adapter from the wall.
Waited for about 30 minutes and tried turning it on.
Success!!! The laptop started with video.

I just couldn’t stop and tried the fix on another failed laptop.

LAPTOP #2. HP Pavilion dv6000.

This is a different model with very similar failure symptoms. It turns on, all LED lights work but there is no video.
This time I didn’t something extra. To make sure there is no cool air coming into the laptop though bubble wrap, I closed all air vents with sticky tape.

After that I turned on the laptop from AC adapter (again with hard drive and battery removed) and wrapped the laptop base with bubble wrap.

The laptop was running like that for about 60-70 minutes but then I noticed that all LED lights went off. Not sure what happened, maybe the laptop overheated too much and shut down on its own. Anyway, I didn’t touch it for about 30 minutes and let it cool down.
My fix was successful again! The laptop turned on with video and booted to the desktop.

HOW THIS FIX WORKS:

Here’s my understanding of how this fix works.
When you run a laptop wrapped in towels (bubble wrap in my case), it gets very hot because there is no air circulation inside the heatsink. The heatsink and GPU (NVIDIA chip) run so hot that it melt solder between the chip and motherboard and the video chip gets resoldered to the motherboard.

How to troubleshoot laptop battery charging problems

In this post I explain how to troubleshoot laptop battery charging problems. I will list most common battery failure examples and suggest some troubleshooting steps.

Example 1.

Laptop detects the battery but shuts off when AC adapter unplugged.

When you move the cursor arrow over the battery icon while the laptop is connected to AC adapter, it show the remaining battery charge and says “charging”.


The batter power meter utility (if available) also shows that battery is connected and charging.

But… as soon as you unplug the AC adapter, the laptop shuts off completely.
Possible problems:
1. The battery not seated correctly. Try reconnecting the battery.
2. The battery contacts got dirty or oxidized and the battery is not making good connection with the motherboard. Try reconnecting the battery a few times.
3. If reconnecting the battery doesn’t help, most likely the battery is bad and has to be replaced.
4. If you replaced the battery but the problem still exists, this is motherboard related failure. Apparently the battery charging circuit has failed. In this case the whole motherboard has to be replaced (or repaired on component level).

Example 2.

The battery not detected by the laptop.

The battery is installed and you know it’s connected correctly but there is a red cross on the battery icon.

If you move the cursor arrow over the battery icon, it says “no battery detected”.

Possible problems:

1. Most likely the battery is bad. You have a very good chance to fix this problem by replacing the battery.
2. If replacing the battery doesn’t help, this is motherboard related failure. The motherboard has to be replaced (or repaired on component level).

Example 3.

The battery discharges very quickly after it reaches some critical point.

The battery detected by the laptop and charges properly to 100%.
When you unplug the AC adapter, it take normal time to discharge until some critical point (let’s say 80%) but after that the battery discharges very quickly to 0%.
Possible problems:
This is battery related failure. The battery is bad and has to be replaced.

Example 4.

The battery charges only if the power plug positioned correctly.

You have to wiggle the power plug in order to charge the battery. After you find the right position, the battery charges properly.

Possible problems:

1. AC adapter failure. The AC adapter power cable is damaged. You can test your AC adapter with a voltmeter.
2. If the AC adapter works fine, most likely this is power jack (connector where you plug power adapter) failure. In this case the power jack has to be replaced.
In some laptop models the power jack is not soldered to the motherboard, it’s attached to a power harness.

In this case, you can unplug the failed power jack from the motherboard and replace it with a new one.

How to disassemble laptop keyboard

How to disassemble a laptop keyboard? Can I take it apart and clean liquid spill? Is it easy to repair a damaged keyboard?
I’ve been getting these questions many times and today I show how to disassemble a laptop keyboard. You decide if it’s possible and easy or not.
By the way, in one of the previous posts I explain how to fix individual keys on a laptop keyboard.
I’m doing it for fun. I’m working on a damaged keyboard and have no intention to use it in the future.

First of all, you’ll have to remove the laptop keyboard.



For the keyboard disassembly I’ll be using one of my tools shown on the following picture.

STEP 1.
Remove sticky tape securing the keyboard cable to back of the keyboard.

STEP 2.
Part of the keyboard cable is glued to the keyboard. Carefully separate the cable from the keyboard.

STEP 3.
Start peeling off the aluminum protective film

STEP 4.
Remove the protective film.
After the protective film is removed it’s really hard to attach it back to the keyboard because it’s deformed.

STEP 5.
Most laptop keyboards have some kind of plastic separators.

These separators secured on the back of the keyboard.
Plastic pins are melted on the back of the keyboard and retain separators in place.

Push all plastic pins though wholes on the keyboard.

Start removing the separator.

The plastic separator has been removed.

STEP 6.
Now you’ll have to remove all key caps.
Before you start removing key caps, make a picture or xerocopy of the keyboard so you know the order in which keys are attached to the keyboard.

In order to remove the key cap carefully lift it up with your fingers.

Remove the key cap so the hinge underneath stays connected to the keyboard.

Some big keys have a different design.
In addition to the hinge, some big keys (Back space or Space bar for example) might have an additional support bracket.

Remove the key cap with the support bracket. As you see, the key hinge stays connected to the keyboard.

STEP 7.
Some laptop keyboards might have blank covers on the left and right sides from the up arrow key.

Lift up and remove the blank cover.

All keyboard key caps and plastic separators have been removed.

STEP 8.
Now you can start removing key hinges – key lifting mechanisms.

Carefully separate the key hinge from the keyboard.

Each key hinge has two parts – external and internal pieces.
When you remove the hinge, try to keep these parts connected to each other the same way they are connected on the keyboard.

If the external and internal pieces got separated, you can assemble them together.

On the following picture you see the lifting mechanism (hinge) assembled.

As I mentioned at the beginning, I’m taking this keyboard apart just for fun. That’s why I don’t care about removed parts.
If you following this guide to repair the keyboard, I would recommend to keep all hinges in the right order.

STEP 9.
The keyboard has two sheets laying one on the top of another.
Remove the sheet with silicone (or rubber) nipples.

STEP 10.
Remove the second sheet with traces.

Both sheets have been separated from the keyboard base.

STEP 11.
The sheet with traces has two layers and all traces are running between these layers.

STEP 12.
In order to access and repair traces you’ll have to separate to layers from each other.

The keyboard has been disassemble.

As you see it’s not easy to disassemble a laptop keyboard and even harder to put it back together.
Is it worth repairing? Probably not. These days you can find a brand new laptop keyboard very cheap.
If you successefuly fixed your keyboard, please share your experience! Let us know what was wrong and how you repaired the problem.

How to fix broken keyboard connector on laptop motherboard

This guide explains how to fix a broken keyboard connector on a laptop motherboard. I do not claim that my instructions will work for any connector type in any laptop brand, but if I can help a few people, I can call my mission accomplished.
Let’s say the keyboard in your laptop stopped working properly and you decided to install a new keyboard yourself. You disassembled the laptop, removed the keyboard, tried to unlock the keyboard connector and… OHH! MAN!… a piece of the locking clip on the connector got broken!
What can you do? Unfortunately, you don’t have a lot of options. The keyboard connector is permanently soldered to the motherboard and cannot be replaced at home. If the connector was damaged, you’ll have to replace the whole motherboard, use the laptop with an external USB keyboard, or…. try the following trick. Hopefully it works or you.

The keyboard cable is locked inside the connector on the motherboard. In order to remove the keyboard, you have to unlock the connector and release the cable.



On the picture below you see one of the most common connectors. It has the base (white in my case) and locking clip (brown in my case). The keyboard cable is jammed between the locking clip and base.
To unlock the connector, you have to move the locking clip about 2 millimeters in the direction shown by two yellow arrows.
IMPORTANT! The locking clip must stay attached to the connector base.
After that you can pull the keyboard cable (green arrow) and remove the keyboard.

If you are not careful enough, you can move the locking clip too much and break it.
On the picture below you can see the locking clip is missing the left hook.

On the next picture both sides of the clip are broken.

IMPORTANT! Do not though away the broken clip even though it looks completely useless.
If you insert the cable into the connector and will not lock it with a clip, the cable will not make good contact with pins inside the connector and the keyboard will not work.

Here’s how to install the broken clip back in place and make it work.
Position the broken clip the way it was before. In my case both sides of the connector are broken. What could have been worse?

Carefully insert the keyboard cable into the connector. Note, in this type of connector, the cable goes above the locking clip.

Carefully push the broken clip back in place. You can use a small screwdriver to push on the clip behind the cable.
The clip fits tightly when there is a cable inside the connector.

Secure the connection with sticky tape and you should be good to go. The keyboard should work just fine.

The keyboard connector shown on the following picture is very similar to the previous one. The only difference – the keyboard cable is routed under the locking clip. Fix it the same way as the previous connector.

On the next picture you see another type of keyboard connector. The cable is inserted vertically.

In order to unlock the connector, you’ll have to move the locking clip (brown piece) about 2 millimeters up in the direction shown by two yellow arrows. After that you can pull the keyboard cable (green arrow) and remove the keyboard.

If you move the locking clip too far, you can break it.
In my example the right side of the clip is broken. But you still can use it!

Insert the keyboard cable into the connector, position the broken locking clip correctly (behind the cable in my case) and carefully push it in.
Even with a broken clip the cable will make good connection with the base and the keyboard should work.

Here’s the same connector shown from the opposite side. You cannot even tell if the locking clip is broken.

If this trick worked for you, it means I just saved you a few hundred bucks on the motherboard replacement.