Mark Best » Laptops

PS3 mod makes for unique laptop

Mark Best — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:27:46 +0000

(Credit:
Benjamin Heckendorn)

The original PlayStation 3 was one huge machine, and modding it into a laptop was probably unsuitable. But when the smaller PS3 Slim came about, modder extraordinaire Ben Heckendorn decided this was the right time to change his gaming console into a portable.

Granted you’ll probably …

Upgrade Windows XP to Windows 7

Mark Best — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:27:45 +0000

Many of you did not upgrade from Windows XP to Windows Vista, but are planning to upgrade to Windows 7. How dare you leave the Microsoft upgrade path? As a punishment, you can’t upgrade directly from XP to 7; you have to do what’s called a clean install, which means you have to jump through some hoops to keep your old data and programs.

Not to worry, we’ll show you a couple ways to deal with the pain of installing Windows 7 on your XP machine. And afterward, Microsoft will forgive you your trespasses. Maybe.

Before you start, do these three things.

1. Run the Windows 7 upgrade adviser. It will let you know if your computer can handle any version of Windows 7.

2. Check the Windows 7 compatibility center. This is different than the upgrade adviser. It will tell you if you need to update your drivers or apps to make them work in 7.

3. Make a copy of your hard drive, just in case things go horribly wrong. I recommend using Macrium Reflect; it’s a free download available from Download.com.

OK, now you’re ready to upgrade.

…

Originally posted at CNET TV

Performance showdown: Windows 7 vs. Snow Leopard

Mark Best — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:27:44 +0000

Snow Leopard consistently beats Windows 7 in many general performance areas.

(Credit:
Dong Ngo/CNET)

As someone who uses both platforms for work and personal entertainment, I’ve been wanting to do a performance comparison between Windows 7 and Mac OS X since I first got my hands on the Windows 7 RTM (the final build of the OS) more than two months ago, but decided to wait until I could compare the two apples to apples. (No pun intended.)

The right time seems to be now, as Snow Leopard has been out for a while and has even been updated to 10.6.1, and Windows 7 has been at the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) vendors for almost three months and has also had a few updates. Furthermore, Boot Camp 3.0 seemed to make Windows run better than ever on a Mac.

…

Originally posted at Windows 7 Insider

The Real Deal 183: All about Windows 7

Mark Best — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:39:16 +0000

CNET Download.com’s Seth Rosenblatt joins the Real Deal to answer all your questions about Windows 7 so you can be prepared for October 22.

Listen now:

Download today’s podcast

Subscribe with iTunes (audio)
Subscribe with iTunes (video)
Subscribe with RSS (audio)
Subscribe with RSS (video)

…

Originally posted at The Real Deal Podcast

Acer’s 3D-capable Aspire laptop leaks

Mark Best — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:39:15 +0000

The 3D-ready Acer Aspire 5738DG.

(Credit:
pcpro.co.uk)

A handful of bloggers have taken note of the Acer Aspire 5738DG, mentioned on that global PC brand’s New Zealand Web site. This 15.6-inch laptop is notable for including a 3D-capable display.

Unlike Nvidia’s 3D Vision setup, which …

Acer’s Netbook line adds dual-boot Android version

Mark Best — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:39:15 +0000

The dual-boot version of the Acer Aspire One includes XP and Android.

Acer’s Aspire One line of Netbooks is adding a dual-boot version that will include both Windows XP and Google’s Android operating system. The Aspire One has always been popular for its entry level pricing, and adding …

Michael Dell dings Netbooks

Mark Best — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:39:14 +0000

The Dell Mini apparently isn't Michael Dell's favorite product.

(Credit:
CBS interactive)

Netbooks aren’t for everyone, Dell CEO Michael Dell said Tuesday night at a dinner in Silicon Valley hosted by the Churchill Club.

Give a 10-inch Netbook to someone who’s been using a …

Originally posted at The Digital Home

Acer adds a couple of new Windows 7 laptops

Mark Best — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:39:13 +0000

PC maker Acer is adding another pair of laptops to its Windows 7 laptop lineup. The two entries are a 15.6-inch touchscreen system, called the Aspire 5738PG; and a 11.6-inch addition to the Timeline series, called the Aspire Timeline AS1810TZ.

The touchscreen Aspire 5738PG has a multi-touch display …

Originally posted at Windows 7 Insider

Dell teases with new Adamo shots

Mark Best — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:39:12 +0000

The new Adamo's offset hinge.

(Credit:
Dell)

We’ve mentioned a couple of times how the new, revamped version of Dell’s high-end Adamo laptop has a pretty interesting design twist. After offering a few tantalizing teases (including a brief appearance at a press conference last week), the …

Digital City No. 53: Netbook gaming, Dell’s new Adamo, and the Steve Jobs jack-o-lantern

Mark Best — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:39:12 +0000

Episode 53 of the Digital City, where we explore Netbook gaming, thanks to the Nivida Ion and HP’s Mini 311; the thin-is-in designs of the new Dell Adamo and Sony X-series; T-Mobile

…

Originally posted at Digital City Podcast