A Buyer's Guide to Sony VAIO Laptops: Series A and B If you are a fanatic follower of Sony laptops then this guide is definitely going to be of some help (unless, you are so stuck on Sony that you know everything about their laptops!). Specifically, the purpose of this article is to inform you about the various VAIO models; hopefully, it will also assist you in buying the laptop that best matches your character, your needs and your pocket. First of all, you need to know a few things about Sony s involvement in the laptop world. Sony is recognized globally as one of the best electronics manufacturers in the world. Regarding the laptop world, although Sony can be considered as a newcomer , it is a fact nowadays that they are one of the dominant players in this game. The VAIO laptops series by Sony has seen a great success since the very beginning of its lunch and Sonly quickly won a large piece of the sales pie. VAIO laptops are divided into special categories; each category features laptops aimed at a specific characteristic. Without loosing any time, let s have a quick look at categories A and B. Starting with the VAIO A-series, we will find laptops equipped with Centrino processors and thus, extended wireless capabilities. Those laptops are generally not the ones you would like to move a lot with. They weight a lot and they are pretty large. A - Series laptops are mostly designed towards being a desktop replacement but of course, you can always move them around if you wish to. The processing power of the A series is high enough to substitute this of most desktops and you can always enjoy your multimedia with a 17 screen on them. If you know that you are not going to move a lot with your laptop then this is one of your best choices. For the VAIO B - Series someone could easily say that the B stands for business; that s probably true. Those small, portable 14 laptops will be your best co-worker while traveling around; they are very portable and they will weight a lot less than the laptops you might have been used to. B series feature a 100+GB HDD and the battery life can last up to 4 hours! Of course, wireless capabilities are a must for any business laptop and this laptop comes equipped with a Centrino processor that will make things even easier for you. If you don t really mind about large screens and brutal processing power then the B series will be your best choice to get your job done efficiently. John Gibb is the owner of Sony Laptop resources For more information on Sony Laptops check out http://www.Sony-Laptops.info Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Gibb

3 Hot Selling Notebook Computers The laptop market is an overcrowded field with literally hundreds of offerings available to consumers. Some laptops are very basic models with Celeron processors while others are full blown multimedia powerhouses. Featured here are three top models from the plain Jane to the middle of the road, to the fully loaded. Dell Inspiron 1200 It is possible to purchase a notebook computer for considerably less than $1000 and Dell offers several models below this threshold including the Inspiron 1200. This particular model is the price leader amongst laptops especially when rebates are figured in. A recent Dell advertisement has been touting the Inspiron 1200 for just $499 after a $150For rebate is received. What do you get with this model? Not a whole lot: an Intel Celeron M Processor 350 (1.30 GHz/1MB Cache/400MHz FSB); Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition; 30GB Ultra ATA Hard Drive; and 24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive. Surprisingly, Dell does include wireless capabilities in the form of a networking card. HP Compaq nx9600 Notebook HP s acquisition of Compaq has produced a nice line up of notebook computers including this particular model geared toward those consumers replacing their desktop computer. Retailing at just over $1300 [before $100 rebate] this midrange offering is nicely loaded as it offers a 17" screen; Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition; an Intel Pentium 4 Processor with Hyper-Threading Technology; a 40 GB hard drive; a 12 cell battery; wireless connectivity; and graphics oriented software. Sony VAIO FS675P/H Notebookspacer The Sony Vaio name is typically associated with high performing, high priced offerings. The VAIO FS675P/H Notebookspacer fits the bill as this workhorse retails at just under $2000. Chief features of this model are: an Intel Pentium M Processor 750 (1.86 Ghz); Microsoft Windows XP Professional; DVD+R Double Layer/DVD+-RW; 1GB RAM; and a 100GB hard drive. The screen is 15.4" Widescreen5 LCD with XBRITE Technology and all of Sony s top digital software for photography, video and audio are included as standard equipment. All three models attract different types of consumers, but each model is a standout in its respective class. Consumers are the winner when it comes to shopping for a laptop as prices continue to drop, new features are added, and technology improves with every new model marketed. Matthew Keegan is The Article Writer who writes on just about any and every issue imaginable. You can preview samples from his high performing site at http://www.thearticlewriter.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan

Sony Announces $1,800 VAIO UX UMPC Microsoft and Intel announced the new Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC) form-factor back in March with the aim to bring full Windows XP (and later Windows Vista) functionality to a handheld, tablet-based devices. Over the past few months, we ve seen UMPC devices from Asus, Samsung, ECS, DualCor and TabletKiosk. Today, we can add a new player to the game: Sony. Here s the real kicker though, Sony claims the whole ultraportable weighs in at just 1.2lbs.Rather than just enter the fray with a cookie-cutter been there, done that design with its new VAIO UX, Sony has decided to spice things up a bit. While all previously displayed UMPCs make do with a stylus for input as well as a somewhat awkward on-screen keyboard, the VAIO UX features a dedicated sliding keyboard for quicker data entry in addition to the traditional stylus. The VAIO UX also comes with a touch launcher which gives users quick access to oft used functions like email and music. On the hardware side of things, the one-pound unit packs an Intel ULV Core Solo processor, 4.5″ SVGA (1024 600) touch sensitive LCD with XBRITE technology, three USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet, VGA, Firewire, WiFi, Bluetooth and WWAN (compatible with Cingular s EDGE wireless network). And the VAIO UX features not one, but two built-in cameras. The one located on the front of the device is for VOIP communication and video conferencing while the camera on the back of the unit is used to take pictures. Security is handled by an integrated biometric fingerprint scanner and G-Sensor technology is used to protect the VAIO UX s 30GB hard drive in the event of an unfortunate fall. The UX is built around an Intel Core Solo U1400 processor running at 1.2GHz with 2MB L2 cache. Sony has managed to cram an Intel 945GMS chipset into the device with 512MB of 400MHz DDR2. Intel s GMA950 provides all of the graphics, and uses up 128MB of the system memory when needed. Sony claims the entire devices runs on a mere 41W during normal operation, giving the unit up to 4.5 hours per battery charge. That s quite a lot of features packed into a pint-sized package and Sony seems to be quite proud of their new baby. This model is an achievement in ingenious design. With this pocket PC, you can have the same functionality as your office or home PC in a device that fits in the palm of your hand, said Mike Abary, vice president of VAIO product marketing at Sony Electronics in the U.S. For those of you intrigued by Sony s new VAIO, the ticket price is $1,800 and the show begins in July of this year. You can preorder the unit from SonyStyle right now. http://www.usdigg.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Jenna

Which Windows Vista Version Is Right For You? by Sid Kato Array Systems Inc. (http://www.arraysystems.com) - By now, you've seen or heard of Microsoft's newest operating system for desktops and notebooks: Windows Vista. Prior to the holiday season, PC makers introduced Vista by providing upgrade vouchers for new PC purchases. And in February, Microsoft announced some 20 million copies were sold to consumers worldwide. So yes, it is out, but did you know there is more than one Vista to choose from? Windows Vista can be thought of as a family of operating systems for PCs which share the same primary name. Recall that with Windows XP, there was a version named "XP Home", "XP Media Edition", and also "XP Professional" (or XP Pro for short). After more than 5 years of refinement, Vista adopts a similar naming approach, which we'll introduce briefly in this article. For the US market, Windows Vista arrives in 4 consumer/retail editions, and a single corporate edition. They are: Windows Vista - Home Basic. Considered the entry-level option, this can be thought of as a marketing equivalent to the former XP Home product. Basic is fully Vista software, with Internet Explorer 7, Windows Mail (formerly Outlook Express), and Media Player 11 enhancements. You can produce CDs (not DVDs), and run most software that is Vista compatible. This version also includes added security in the form of Parental Controls. Windows Vista - Home Premium. Incorporates of all Home Basic components and adds support for Tablet PCs, DVD authoring tools, and features similar to XP's Media Center Edition. An enhanced graphical interface option (Aero) is also included for PCs with compatible video hardware. Windows Vista - Business. Workplace oriented, Vista Business supports connection to company domains, more Tablet PC integration, multiple physical CPU systems, and corporate-level system management options (such as remote desktop, image backups, file encryption, volume shadow, user profiles, etc.) and the Aero interface. Does not contain features of Home Premium, due to the business-focus, however this can be positioned similarly to the former XP Professional edition. Windows Vista enterprise. Corporate focused, this edition is only available to corporations and authorized institutions through Microsoft via non-retail licensing programs. Functionally very similar to Vista Business, this edition adds drive encryption (Windows Bit-Locker), the option of using alternate languages, and license structure permitting multiple concurrent copies of Vista to operate using Virtual PC 2007. UNIX-based application support is provided via a UNIX emulation module subsystem. Windows Vista Ultimate. Considered the top-shelf edition, Ultimate includes most of the features of all other Vista editions. Corporate supported, yet consumer (Media Center) enhanced, this edition can be thought of as the advanced/power-user edition, particularly on notebook/mobile systems which operate under multiple functional roles (though Microsoft positions this product as a consumer/retail edition). In addition, there are optional services and products (Ultimate Extras) available for this edition from a growing list of producers. Separately from these 5 US 32-bit editions, Microsoft (worldwide) offers special editions to Europe and Asia with various component mixes, and a special pre-installed version known as Vista Starter Edition, again with varied feature sets. Also, there are 64-bit versions of Vista, though this is covered in another article. From a pragmatic standpoint, Vista versions generally align with functional user intentions, from entry-level PC users to multi-site corporations, with variations in between. Array Systems' views of the differences are as follows: Larger organizations would likely adopt Vista Enterprise for the standardized features, licensing and uniformity afforded. Since Enterprise requires qualifications to adopt, this edition is not a consideration for retail implementation otherwise. However, on mobile devices, the features of Vista Ultimate might also be attractive for special user needs in certain situations. IT organizations in corporations would have the greatest influence on adoption policies and upgrade paths. Entry-level PC users, on the opposite end of the business spectrum might select Vista Home Basic, an alternative for customers looking to adopt the new features of a Vista platform, and require basic support for Internet access. Also, Microsoft supports the option of in-place upgrading from XP Home, so this can be an attractive option for existing entry-level users who might do a home upgrade themselves. Advanced PC users, or those needing to maximize the features of the former XP Home and XP Media Center editions might select Vista Home Premium. Most of the media capture, editing, and producing features are present, which makes this edition appeal to a wider audience of home PC users. Upgrade options can be performed directly on XP Home and XP Media Center versions without loss of data, further increasing its attractiveness. Small-medium businesses are the intended users for Vista Business. Lighter on consumer (Home) features, heavier on corporation features, this edition is ideal to operate a business or organization. Microsoft-supported, in-place upgrade choices are from XP Home, Professional, or Tablet PC technically, although pragmatically, performance may be a consideration for older hardware typical of established businesses. Power users, or mobile (notebook/tablet) users, might adopt Vista Home Premium, Vista Business, or Vista Ultimate. Microsoft features these three editions as "best choice for laptops". As mentioned prior, matching the feature set and intended roles of the system/user will help determine which edition best suits the need. Beyond this brief introduction, there are considerations when selecting an edition of Windows Vista for replacement purchases, upgrades, or additional growth. For example, some upgrade or replacement paths may introduce issues of compatibility with existing hardware or software, and perhaps suggest applications you already purchased may also need to be updated. In any case, planning, research and analysis should be part of the selection and decision-making process. Got a question? Need Help? Please visit our website: Array Computer Network Support in Los Angeles Ask a question at our blog site: AskSid.com Email: skato@arraysystems.com Call us Toll Free: (877 ) 412-7729 About the Author Sid Kato is the president of Array Systems Inc. and author of the Daily Breeze "computer-wise" column. Array Systems is an IT Outsourcing and Computer Network Support company that aims to help small businesses throughout the greater Los Angeles area with all of their technology demands. In business for over 16 years, Sid knows where the pitfalls are.

Going Wireless: Using Your Cell Phone for Broadband Access by Daniel Swensen With wireless hotspots becoming ever more common, getting Internet access while traveling is easier and more convenient than it's ever been. But if you're traveling or working on the go, there will always be times when you can't find a wireless hotspot, or even a place to make a dial-up connection. This is where your trusty cell phone can come in very handy. Many modern cell phones can be used for wireless Internet access when tethered to a laptop or used in conjunction with a wireless card or broadband access card-- even when you're nowhere near any conventional broadband access. Enabling Broadband Access on Your Cell Phone There are two basic routes to getting connected via your cell phone: tethering your cell phone directly to your PC, or using a broadband access card. To get Internet access with your cell phone, you will need a laptop computer (of course) and a dual-mode cell phone. A dual-mode (or web-enabled) phone is equipped with a data port for syncing with personal computers, and is capable of sending both voice and data. Most modern digital cell phones are dual-mode; check with your cell phone carrier or do some research on the Web if you're not certain about yours. You will also need a USB cable or special connection kit (such as the Verizon Wireless Mobile Office Kit). If you have a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone and laptop, or a laptop with infrared capability, you may be able to do away with the cable entirely; if you have a broadband access card, you may not even need your cell phone. Your mileage will vary, of course, according to your cell phone carrier and cell phone model, so some homework will probably be necessary. The LG Vx6100 cell phone, for example, can connect to a laptop via USB cable and VZ Manager software (this process is called "tethering") and can connect to the Internet anywhere there is a Verizon Wireless signal. Fortunately, Verizon incurs no extra charges for Internet use (beyond normal airtime), bypassing the need for any monthly ISP fees. Playing Your Wireless Card On the other hand, if your model of cell phone doesn't come with Internet capability, you might be able to use an broadband access card from your cell phone carrier to give your laptop WWAN (wireless wide area network) capability. Sony's Vaio notebook series, for example, offers wireless cards using Cingular's EDGE technology, such as the Sony Ericsson GC83 and the Sierra Wireless AirCard 775, which both offer Internet access on Cingular's wireless network. The wireless card fits into the laptop's PC card slot and allows connection to the internet via the cell phone carrier's data network. The wireless card option, unfortunately, can be a tad more expensive; broadband access cards range in price from $192 for a GC83 to $265 for a Sierra Wireless AirCard). The good news is, a broadband access card can often be picked up at online cell phone retailers for a substantial discount, or even as a free perk, when subscribing to a new data service plan from a wireless carrier. Broadband Access That Goes Where You Go In most cases, using your cell phone is definitely the shrewder option, as it generally requires no extra equipment, and you may be able to avoid any extra charges for Internet use, depending on which cell phone carrier you have. A wireless card, however, can be a great boon if you're a business traveler or take frequent road trips. Connection speeds are often slower than DSL (60 to 80 kbps, by most reports) but are usually significantly faster than dialup. The biggest advantage to using your cell phone for broadband access is the freedom -- no more paying outrageous fees for a hotel's dialup connection, no more driving around searching for a proper hot-spot. If your current cell phone isn't Internet-capable - or if you're in the market for a broadband access card -- this might be just the excuse you need to upgrade. About the Author Daniel Swensen is a freelance writer who covers websites like Wirefly

Why The Sony Laptops Are Synonymous With Quality

The Sony brand name in the electronics industry has come to be synonymous with quality. So it is no surprise that many people consider the Sony Vaio laptop when thinking about purchasing a notebook computer. It has a reputation of being lightweight, yet feature heavy.

A Sony Vaio laptop is truly a pleasure when you need lots of computing power but do not want to be burdened with heavy, cumbersome equipment. At a matter of fact, the Sony Vaio VGN-T1XP laptop computer weighs in at only 1.38 kilograms, but you should not let the lack of bulk deter you. This ultra lightweight computer eases the shoulder strain while incorporating some of the best features available.

Going Wireless: Using Your Cell Phone for Broadband Access

by Daniel Swensen

With wireless hotspots becoming ever more common, getting Internet access while traveling is easier and more convenient than it's ever been. But if you're traveling or working on the go, there will always be times when you can't find a wireless hotspot, or even a place to make a dial-up connection. This is where your trusty cell phone can come in very handy. Many modern cell phones can be used for wireless Internet access when tethered to a laptop or used in conjunction with a wireless card or broadband access card-- even when you're nowhere near any conventional broadband access.

Enabling Broadband Access on Your Cell Phone

There are two basic routes to getting connected via your cell phone: tethering your cell phone directly to your PC, or using a broadband access card.

To get Internet access with your cell phone, you will need a laptop computer (of course) and a dual-mode cell phone. A dual-mode (or web-enabled) phone is equipped with a data port for syncing with personal computers, and is capable of sending both voice and data. Most modern digital cell phones are dual-mode; check with your cell phone carrier or do some research on the Web if you're not certain about yours. You will also need a USB cable or special connection kit (such as the Verizon Wireless Mobile Office Kit). If you have a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone and laptop, or a laptop with infrared capability, you may be able to do away with the cable entirely; if you have a broadband access card, you may not even need your cell phone.

Your mileage will vary, of course, according to your cell phone carrier and cell phone model, so some homework will probably be necessary. The LG Vx6100 cell phone, for example, can connect to a laptop via USB cable and VZ Manager software (this process is called "tethering") and can connect to the Internet anywhere there is a Verizon Wireless signal. Fortunately, Verizon incurs no extra charges for Internet use (beyond normal airtime), bypassing the need for any monthly ISP fees.

Playing Your Wireless Card

On the other hand, if your model of cell phone doesn't come with Internet capability, you might be able to use an broadband access card from your cell phone carrier to give your laptop WWAN (wireless wide area network) capability. Sony's Vaio notebook series, for example, offers wireless cards using Cingular's EDGE technology, such as the Sony Ericsson GC83 and the Sierra Wireless AirCard 775, which both offer Internet access on Cingular's wireless network. The wireless card fits into the laptop's PC card slot and allows connection to the internet via the cell phone carrier's data network. The wireless card option, unfortunately, can be a tad more expensive; broadband access cards range in price from $192 for a GC83 to $265 for a Sierra Wireless AirCard). The good news is, a broadband access card can often be picked up at online cell phone retailers for a substantial discount, or even as a free perk, when subscribing to a new data service plan from a wireless carrier.

Broadband Access That Goes Where You Go

In most cases, using your cell phone is definitely the shrewder option, as it generally requires no extra equipment, and you may be able to avoid any extra charges for Internet use, depending on which cell phone carrier you have. A wireless card, however, can be a great boon if you're a business traveler or take frequent road trips. Connection speeds are often slower than DSL (60 to 80 kbps, by most reports) but are usually significantly faster than dialup. The biggest advantage to using your cell phone for broadband access is the freedom -- no more paying outrageous fees for a hotel's dialup connection, no more driving around searching for a proper hot-spot. If your current cell phone isn't Internet-capable - or if you're in the market for a broadband access card -- this might be just the excuse you need to upgrade.

About the Author

Daniel Swensen is a freelance writer who covers websites like Wirefly