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The IdeaPad S9 is Lenovo's answer to the netbook phenomena. Featuring a 9" LED backlit screen, and coming in at just over two pounds, the S9 presents a slightly cheaper version of the S10. Priced at $349, the S9 will target those interested in a mobile machine less cumbersome and delicate than a laptop. Not meant to replace a user's primary computer or laptop, the S9 comes with a single core 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, 512MB of DDR2 ram,and a small 8GB SSD. While not the latest in cutting edge technology, this allows Lenovo to provide a small and light machine at a low end-user cost.
Showing posts with label Notebook Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Notebook Review. Show all posts
Notebook Lenovo IdeaPad S9 Review
Notebook Dell Latitude E6400 XFR Review
The Latitude E6400 XFR is the latest upgraded notebook from Dell that sports nothing less than Ballistic Armor that can withstand even hurricanes and desert storms. This is a fully rugged laptop with a frame that is built like a safe. This makes the E6400 XFR to be a very heavy unit, weighing an enormous 8.5 pounds. The latest XFR boasts of a new armoring technology. This technology is Dell’s exclusive PR481 material that the company calls its “Ballistic Armor.” This is a polymer hybrid base that is used in cryogenics and the automotive industry.
This polymer hybrid base brags of a very high strength-to-weight ratio, thereby making the product extremely rugged and tough.
The laptop meets the MIL-STD 810F and IEC specifications. These are military certified tests rated for situations like 3-feet drops, high dust levels, extreme temperatures, and high moisture levels. The E6400 XFR rates highly even in independent specifications like IP64 and IP65. In these tests, water is jetted into a device at 50 MPH. The E6400 XFR comes out with flying colours in these tests too. According to Dell, the E6400 XFR can withstand, in addition to accidental drops and spills, a hurricane and a desert storm.
The unit also features Dell Quadcool fan at its base. This fan pulls heat from a line of metal pipes that run through the computer’s motherboard. The E6400 XFR’s hard drive also carries three layers of protection. The first layer of protection is given by a thermal elastomer material located on the corners of the unit. The second layer is of a hard case shock mount and the final layer of protection is given by rubber shock mounts within the computer chassis. The front bezel of the XFR sports a carrying handle that is equipped with zinc anchors.
The 14-inch LED widescreen, sporting a special anti-reflective surface, of the computer is three times brighter than those of other laptops. The computer houses three USB and FireWire connectors, a multi-media card reader, an ExpressCard slot, and an eSATA port. It also features WWAN, WLAN, and Bluetooth wireless technologies. Being an outdoor laptop, it also features an illuminated keyboard. The graphics are powered by Nvidia Quadro graphics card. The Dell Latitude E6400 XFR is available at a price of $4,200.
Notebook Dell Latitude D630 Review
The Latitude D630 is Dell’s latest update to the D620, a light-weight business class machine. The Dell D630 comes with the very anticipated Santa Rosa platform but is visually the same as its predecessor. The machine starts at $899 (as of this writing) and most upgrades are reasonably priced.
* Processor: Intel T7300 Core 2 Duo (2.0GHz, 800MHz FSB, 4MB Cache)
* Graphics: Intel GMA X3100
* Operating System: Windows Vista Business 32-bit
* Display: WXGA+ 1440 x 900 (matte)
* Hard Drive: 80GB 540RPM
* Memory: 512MB (512MB x 1), up to 4GB max
* Ports:
o 4 - USB 2.0 (two in the back and two on the right)
o FireWire (left)
o Security lock (left)
o Headphone out & microphone in (left)
o VGA out (back)
o 56k modem (back)
o Gigabit Ethernet (back)
o Power (back)
o Serial (back)
* Slots:
o 1 PC Card Slot
o Smart Card Slot
o Docking station
* Optical Drive: DVD +/- RW
* Battery: 9-cell 85WHr
* Security: UPEK fingerprint reader
* Pointing device: Touchpad or Track Stick
* Intel 3945 WLAN (802.11a/g) mini Card
* Dell Wireless 360 Bluetooth Vista Module
* USA keyboard
* Dimensions: 13.3" x 9.37" x 1.09 - 1.27" (337mm x 238mm x 27.6 - 32.3mm)
* Weight: 5.1lbs with DVD drive and 6-cell, 5.8lbs with 9-cell, 6.6lbs with AC adaptor and 9-cell
* 3 Year warranty, In-Home Service, International
Total Price As Configured: $1,372
Some of you are probably wondering as to why I chose so little RAM and a rather small hard drive. Like I said, most upgrades are reasonably priced. I purchased 2GB from Newegg for $80, Dell’s upgrade would have been $200.
Build and Design:
This thing feels like a tank and is extremely sturdy. The hinges on the machine are stiff but not difficult to open and the screen will not wobble. There is no flexing of the screen and you truly have to try to press the back to see ripples. When closed, a small, shiny hinge holds the screen locked. The top and bottom of the machine are made of magnesium. I still wouldn’t recommend dropping the machine in order to test if the material is durable.
The speakers are (I think) inside the laptop because I saw no openings for them. The battery sticks out in the front rather than the back. You are also able to add another battery to the DVD bay or replace the drive with something updated down the road. It is very simple to replace the drive in case something happens.
I do have one complaint: I frequently use my USB slots and I dislike having the other two ports in the back. I prefer them on the side. The USB slots are also a bit stiff. Sometimes you have to try to jam the connector into the slot.
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