Computers
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General
The purpose of this notebook is to capture alternatives and trends in personal computer configuration. I update it from time to time.
At this time (2008), non-traditional personal computers -- netbooks, all-in-ones and small-form-factors -- are changing very rapidly. Intel and AMD are spinning out lower-power, higher-performance CPUs at a fast pace. Those dynamics, plus the fact that picking a computer is largely a matter of personal preference, makes it hard to provide general guidance. You'll need to do some research yourself. ;-) 64-bit or 32-bit computers. Which should you buy? Right now (Aug, 2008) we're at a cusp. I'd say go with 64-bit, but wait a while. Flash, which just about every smartypants website uses these days, does not yet work with 64-bit software so you're not going to like it. But I'd not recommend that you buy a 32-bit computer. That's why I say wait a bit. See the 64-bit section next.
Information to Help Select the Right Computer For You
compreviews.about.com/od/buyers/Information_to_Hel... Information to Help Select the Right Computer For YouThis section deals with researching information to properly select the right desktop or notebook computer system to match your needs. This will include selections of the best products, questionnaires and articles to help in the buying decision for personal computers or their components. 64-bit Windows and 64-bit computers
Windows Vista Team Blog : Windows Vista 64-bit Today
windowsvistablog.com/blogs/windowsvista/archive/20... Will consumers realize the benefits from larger chips and 4GB or more of memory? The answer to both of these questions is yes - but a qualified yes. Preconfigured 64-bit PCs obtained from retailers or PC manufacturers should work quite well. This is in stark contrast to the experience of many technology enthusiasts who built their 64-bit PC from scratch and may have had to scour the Web looking for drivers. So, unless you really love to tinker with your PC, we suggest you buy a pre-built 64-bit PC at retail or directly from a PC manufacturer. Beyond the box, you also need to consider the hardware peripherals and software programs you plan on using with your new PC. Any hardware or software product displaying the ‘Works with Windows Vista' or ‘Certified for Windows Vista' logo must be compatible with both the 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Windows Vista in order to warrant the use of the logo. If you don't see the logo, visit the Windows Vista Compatibility Center and check the 64-bit compatibility status. Hardware and software vendors continue to test and improve their products. Please note that the Windows Vista Compatibility Center is currently in beta. In some cases it is possible that a device may be marked as not compatible when in fact it is. I recommend that you also check with the device manufacturer to see if the compatibility status of your desired device has changed. This is just an excerpt. Click the link to read the whole article. PC World - Microsoft Sees Uptick in Use of 64-bit Vista
www.pcworld.com/article/149234/2008/07/.html?tk=rs... This adoption may continue to grow as PC makers are more comfortable putting a 64-bit version of Vista on PCs and selling them to customers now that they know third-party devices will be compatible with the OS, he added. But he still doesn't see people necessarily being "thrilled" by the idea of using 64-bit Vista.
All-in-One PCs (the PC is in the display or keyboard)
Cybernet, LCD PC, All-In-One PC, Small PC, Mini PC, All-in-One Computer, Space Saving PC
www.cybernetman.com/Default.cfm?DocId=8003 All-in-One PC inside a LCD monitor -- an example of what's possible. Cybernet, LCD PC, All-In-One PC, Small PC, Mini PC, All-in-One Computer, Space Saving PC
www.cybernetman.com/default.cfm?DocId=602 All-in-One PC inside a keyboard -- an example of what's possible. All-in-one PCs are a form of desktop computer that integrated the computer system into the same case as the computer monitor. These have been around for quite some time but their popularity has come and gone over the year.
Many articles on all-in-one PCs Desktop PCs
Reviews of mainstream desktop PC compatible computer systems. These are the bulk of desktop computer systems that don't fall under the budget or high performance computer systems.
Reviews of budget desktop PC compatible systems that can be found in the US. Budget systems are defined as those that cost under $600 without a monitor or $750 with a monitor.
Desktop Replacements (powerful, luggable notebooks)
Desktop replacements are laptops that are geared towards competitive performance when compared to a desktop system. They are designed to have as much computing power as desktop systems, but in a portable format. Over the past couple of years, manufacturers have even begun to use desktop processors into these laptops to give them the same computing power as desktop systems. They also tend to have high-end mobile graphics processors and larger LCD screens when compared to other laptops. But what are things to consider when considering a desktop replacement?
Laptops (portability is the prime attribute)
Notebook systems have grown in popularity due to their increasing performance and portability. Many systems are even now being marketed as replacements for desktop systems, but few can perform at the same level as a desktop system particularly when it comes to graphics. This guide will help you to look at some of the key items you want to look at before you purchase your next PC notebook system.
These days, $1000 lands you a pretty well rounded budget laptop. You can easily get 2GB of memory, 120GB or more of hard disk space, 802.11b/g wireless networking, and dedicated multimedia shortcut keys that let you watch DVDs or view documents without booting into Windows. The Acer and Dell laptops in our list even sported HDMI connections, extras we didn't expect at this price point. See the next slide for our Best Buy.
Netbooks (low-cost, ultra-portable laptops)
Will Netbooks Shake Up the Laptop Market? - Columns by PC Magazine
www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2704,2279755,00.asp?kc=PC... A new class of small laptops entering the market has some of the major laptop vendors on edge. These computers have been dubbed netbooks. Originally, they were targeted at emerging markets for use in education. Now they're finding their way into the U.S., where they're being snapped up by consumers as second laptops for use in the home or by kids.
Dell will be launching a new family of Intel Atom "Netbooks" called the Dell "E". It's another entry in to the cheap tiny laptop market joining companies like Asus, MSI, and Acer. But Dell's latest entry is actually going outside of the traditional Netbook market with a 12.1" display which has traditionally - as if the market is that old - used 10" or smaller displays.
Asus Eee PC 901 20G Linux EditionNow with 'Atom Inside', is the original still the best? Andy finds out. 14th Jun 2008 - Andy Vandervell
Price as Reviewed:
£319.00 Overall Score
 Asus Eee PC 900After the roaring success of the original Eee PC, can Asus do even better with the sequel? 16th Apr 2008 - Riyad Emeran
Price as Reviewed:
£329.00
Latest Price:
Overall Score
Advent 4211 NetbookIt looks like the MSI Wind but it's called the Advent 4211. Does a price cut make it worth recommending? 30th Jul 2008 - Ardjuna Seghers
Price as Reviewed:
£279.00 Overall Score
Asus Eee PC 1000 - 40GB SSD Linux EditionDoes bigger mean better for this latest Eee PC? 10th Jul 2008 - Andy Vandervell
Price as Reviewed:
£369.00 Overall Score
MSI Wind - Windows XP EditionWe take a look at MSI's much anticipated answer to the Asus Eee PC, the Wind. 4th Jul 2008 - Andy Vandervell
Price as Reviewed:
£329.00 Overall Score
HP 2133 Mini-Note PC - Linux EditionHas HP set a new standard for the burgeoning sub-notebook genre? Andy takes the HP 2133 Mini-Note PC for a spin to find ... 22nd May 2008 - Andy Vandervell
Price as Reviewed:
£351.33 Overall Score
05-2008 : HP Enters the Ultra Portable Notebook Market
h20271.www2.hp.com/SMB-AP/cache/595591-0-0-155-121... HP 2133 Mini-Note PC
“The 2133 is the real thing, with a keyboard with decent-size keys and a good typing feeling” National Business Review “Overall, the Mini-Note is a nice looking and well-functioning computer” Computerworld Circuits - MSI U100 Wind Ultra-Light Laptop - NYTimes.com
www.nytimes.com/2008/06/19/technology/personaltech... The MSI U100 Wind is the latest ultra-light laptop made for office work, Web browsing and portability. The Wind, not to be confused with another light, atmospherically themed laptop, from Apple, stands for Wi-Fi Network Device. It is 10 inches long and about an inch thick.
Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows: Attack of the Tiny PCs, Part 1: Asus Eee PC
www.winsupersite.com/reviews/eeepc.asp Our first contender, the too-cutely-named-for-its-own-good Asus Eee PC, comes from a company that few PC users are likely aware of. Asus has been in the hardware business for years, typically making motherboards for companies like Apple and Sony, but they also make and market their own lines of mobile computers. In the Microsoft-centric view of the world, Asus first came to prominence in the years leading up to Vista's release. Asus was the only company really showing off Sideshow-equipped laptops for a while there. I've always sort of viewed them as an ODM of sorts, a company that makes the machines that other companies rebrand and sell.
Notebooks (heavier, cheaper and more capable than laptops -- weigh less than desktop replacements)
Sony’s amazing crapware-free PC | Ed Bott’s Microsoft Report | ZDNet.com
blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=501 Sony is finally taking on its crapware problem. For the past two months, I’ve been using an astonishingly light and agile Sony VAIO notebook and loving every minute of it. The best part of all was that this machine was absolutely, completely, unequivocally crapware-free, which meant I was able to be productive within a few minutes of unboxing.
Dell also offers crapware free computers. Small Form Factor Computers
Look Beyond the Rack for Style this Fall – Dell’s New Studio and Inspiron Systems Redefine PC Design
www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/corp/press... Dell’s smallest, most personalized and most environmentally responsible consumer PC, the Studio Hybrid, launches today. Available immediately at www.dell.com/hybrid, the PC’s new unique shape and size, personalized with six optional, external jewel-toned color or bamboo sleeves, unleashes stylistic expression, inspiration and fun and looks great in any room.
Buy an HP Pavilion Slimline s3500t series desktop PC from HP
www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_can_s... Shuttle SD39P2 BareboneIs this the best Shuttle barebone system ever? 30th May 2007 - Benny Har-Even
Price as Reviewed:
£309.00
Latest Price:
Overall Score
Shuttle XPC Glamor - SG33G6 DeluxeIs your PC too big for its boots? We check out another mini miracle from Shuttle. 21st Jan 2008 - Benny Har-Even
Price as Reviewed:
£269.97 Overall Score
Shuttle SN68SG2 Barebones PCLooking for a small office PC? Then look no further. 20th Sep 2007 - Edward Chester
Price as Reviewed:
Latest Price:
Overall Score
MSI Titan 700 Micro PCSay hello to the Eee (like) Box for the business user. 3rd Jul 2008 - Ardjuna Seghers
Price as Reviewed:
£212.96 Overall Score
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Best 5 Small Form Factor Barebone PC KitsBy Mark Kyrnin, About.com See More About:4/1/08 - Small form factor or mini PCs are one of the latest trends for desktop computers. These small computers are able to pack the same amount of power as full size desktop tower PCs but in computers the size of a large shoebox or a pizza delivery box. Add in a processor, memory, hard drive and optical drive and these small systems are all ready to go. 1. Shuttle XPC SX38P2 Pro©Shuttle Computers Those looking for the highest performance possible in a small form factor system will definitely need to look at the Shuttle XPS SX38P2 Pro. It is based around the Intel X38 chipset to support all the latest Intel Core 2 processors including the Extreme series. Rather than using expensive DDR3, it instead uses DDR2 which still offers strong memory access but at a lower cost. It also features two PCI-Express 2.0 x16 graphics slots. This won't support the NVIDIA SLI but can allow it to run a CrossFire setup. The 450W power supply also lets it run high performance cards without issues. Drive space includes a slot for a 5.25-inch and two 3.5-inch drives. This is definitely the SFF kit for those wanting a small gaming PC.  2. MSI Media Live©MSI Many people look to small form factor systems to be used with home theaters. The MSI Media Live is one of the best suited for this type of role. It uses the NVIDIA nForce 430 along with the Socket AM2 AMD processors. This doesn't give it as high performance as a platform using Intel processors but still good. It also comes with a large number of multimedia specific features. It already has a built-in DVD burner, a front panel display, media controls on the panel, an IR receiver and remote control. Just add a processor and a hard drive or two and it is ready to go. The big problem is that it doesn't have space for an expansion graphics card and the GeForce 6150 integrated graphics have limited performance. 3. Shuttle XPC SG33G5©Shuttle The Shuttle SG33G5 is a very well rounded kit that can be used for a variety of tasks. The system is based around the use of the Intel Core 2 desktop processors and provides a wealth of unique features. Some of the unique items that help it out as a home theater PC are the HDMI output for its integrated GMA X3100 graphics and the Dolby Digital Live 5.1 audio output support. Of course, if you would rather use it as a general purpose desktop or possibly a gaming rig, that's possible thanks to the space for a PCI-Express graphics card. Note that many top of the line graphics cards won't fit and the 250W power supply is somewhat low. Still, this is probably one of the best all around small form factors currently available. 4. AOpen MiniPC Duo MP965-DR©AOpen Inc. AOpen's MiniPC is probably the smallest kit available on the market. It primarily uses notebook components to achieve this feat. Users supply an Intel Core 2 mobile processor, SO-DIMM notebook DDR2 memory, 2.5" notebook hard drive and a slim notebook optical drive to complete the package. Two mini-card slots are also included for optional items such as a TV tuner, 802.11b/g wireless and bluetooth module or even Intel Turbo Memory to use with Vista. This makes the MiniPC more difficult to put together, but it does come with a lower price tag and a smaller overall size. 5. ASUS P2-M2A690G©ASUS Many of the small form factor kits tend to carry a fairly high price premium to them. The ASUS P2-M2A690G offers a low cost solution for those looking for a a small kit with a corresponding low price. It is based on the AMD 690G chipset and using the socket AM2 Athlon processors that help keep costs down. Performance is a bit lower but still decent for those putting together a small system. Users supply a standard sized DVD drive and 3.5-inch desktop hard drive, processor and memory and you are good to go. It relies on an integrated Radeon X1250 integrated graphics that have limited performance and does not have any expansion graphics slots which is one of its biggest drawbacks. Smart Computing Article - Small-Form Factor PCs
www.smartcomputing.com/editorial/article.asp?artic... The defining characteristic of any SFF (small-form factor) PC is its scaled-down size. AOpen (www .aopen.com), for example, claims its mini PC systems save 40% more space compared to traditional desktop PCs. Although SFF PCs aren’t new, it’s primarily been serious gamers, businesses, and home-theater junkies who’ve used them to date. Recent developments relating to smaller motherboards, low-wattage CPUs, and noise reductions, however, could soon move SFF PCs into more familiar terrain.
SFF PCs generally fit into slim or cube-shaped categories. Cubed models are larger but offer better expandability. For example, although some cubed models integrate audio and video onto the motherboard, they may also provide card slots to install dedicated cards. Slim models, or mini PCs, may use desktop or quieter and more power-efficient notebook PC components, as well as an external “brick” for power rather than an internal power supply. Both SFF styles come in prebuilt and “barebones” options, with the latter typically providing a case, motherboard, and power supply but leaving the choosing of other components (RAM, hard drives, optical drives, etc.) to you. small form factor pcs - About.com : PC Hardware / Reviews
compreviews.about.com/lr/small_form_factor_pcs/640... Articles about "small form factor pcs"
Look Beyond the Rack for Style this Fall – Dell’s New Studio and Inspiron Systems Redefine PC Design
www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/corp/press... The Inspiron 13 laptop is a great choice for back to school shoppers looking for a small, light, highly efficient mobile PC. With a starting weight of just under 5 pounds, the Inspiron 13 combines a simple and clean design encased in glossy Pacific blue with black trim. Smart features include a 13-inch high definition display, capacitive touch media buttons, 8-in-1 media card reader and slot-load DVD drive. Optional features include built-in wireless networking, built-in webcam and Bluetooth connectivity. A special $699 configuration of the Inspiron 13 will be available at Wal-Mart in the U.S. starting Aug. 3. Fully configurable systems will be available on www.dell.com on a global basis later in the month.
Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows: Attack of the Tiny PCs, Part 2: Shuttle KPC
www.winsupersite.com/reviews/shuttle_kpc.asp As I noted in my review of the ASUS Eee PC, there's a not-so-subtle change that's sweeping across the PC industry. After years of pushing ever-more-powerful PCs at consumers, PC makers are waking up to a new trend in low-cost, small form factor PCs. And these PCs--which come in both portable and traditional desktop form factors--don't just ignore the high-end of the hardware landscape. They've also been skipping out on Microsoft's latest and greatest operating system--Windows Vista--and bundling much lower-end OSes, usually based on Linux.
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