Class Actions For Overheating Laptops - Justified Or Not?

In the process of researching heat related faults with notebook computers we have been amazed at the number of class action related websites which are pointing a sharp stick at the majority of notebook computer manufacturers in one way or another. Class actions for faulty or defective notebook related cases have been noted as far back as 1998. Problems with electronic equipment are inevitable, irrespective of brand or place of manufacture.

Complaints pertaining to the majority of notebook manufacturers seem to fester and multiply in online forums scattered around the web originating from many different countries. Comments on such forums at times appear to be ill-informed, inflammatory and irrelevant with a touch of mob mentality.

Forum users also tend to peddle rumours and repair tips that often lead to a much worse situation that any unsuspecting notebook owner would dread, from having a notebook that needs some minor work done on it to fix the overheating issue to ending up with a very costly and often avoidable repair due to advice they shouldn't have taken.. don't pull apart you own laptop based on unsubstantiated advice from someone in a forum no matter how many times some guy tells you he has done a similar repair himself.

Don't get me wrong it's OK to take informed advice and guided instruction, there's some very smart and skilled people offering their advice in forums and chatrooms around the net but you have to check the source of the information to see if it's based upon actual experience.

Not every every consumer will be happy with everything they buy. So where does this type of litigation end? My guess is that it doesn't.

From what we can determine a lot of the hoo-ha relates to laptops overheating, which appears to be an issue in certain types and makes of notebook. Symptoms like machines freezing due to internals overheating and failure to reboot seem to be the norm amongst some notebooks suffering from design flaws in their cooling systems.

I can't help but feel sorry for the notebook manufacturers who strive to cater for consumer demands for more and more power from these devices, it's getting more difficult to keep doing this and maintain sufficient cooling for the machine itself.

Not to mention the potential loss of sales or even market share that must plague them if they can't provide the notebook specifications their customers want.

If you have ever opened a laptop and taken a peek inside you would have seen some the wacky designs some of these cooling modules take form of, copper pipes, radiator type add-ons and fans, needless to say they don't all work as well as they need to.

Laptops overheating and malfunctioning isn't a problem that is going to go away anytime soon, as new machines become more and more powerful it exacerbates the problem, however with some regular maintenance you can keep your laptop's cooling system running as well as the manufacturer intended it to.

Dual Core Laptops - Sorting The Facts From The Fluff

Mobile computing technology is ever changing and the latest evolutionary step is the development of dual core processor laptops.

New CPU's for notebooks.

The recent introduction of the NAPA Platform has shown some significant enhancements on the older Somona technology. The new NAPA platform offers a lot of significant advantages for a dual core laptop such as a 60% performance increase with its physically smaller dual core processor which can utilise memory more effectively whilst using less power as well.

What are the enhancements for laptops?

Performance Increases:

- Dual core processing with 667Mhz Front Side Bus

- Latest Intel 945 Chipset

- Generation 3.5 Intel Integrated Graphics

- DDR2/667 Dual Channel Memory

- Lower power consumption = Increased battery life

- Latest IEEE 802.11 Standards

We've been playing with a couple of the latest Toshibas to see exactly what these developments have to offer a real world user.

Fingerprint Reader Technology.

New fingerprint technology will allow users to bypass multiple password entry with one swipe of the finger.

Bundled with some awesome software Toshiba owners can now utilise this technology to logon to Windows, access secure websites, secure files and folders and even logon to a laptop secured with a Bios password.

Laptops that have the fingerprint reader hardware have now got the software to match and utilise what the fingerprint reader hardware can do.

Toshiba's new OmniPass and Protector Suite QL software gives the user all of the following features and functions.

- Data encryption

- Individual fingerprint application assignment

- Multiple print storage

- Fingerprint website access

- Bios fingerprint authentication

- Single touch boot feature

In addition to this sort of technology, Toshiba's new Wireless Authentication logon feature is impressive to say the least. This technology coupled with the Toshiba Wireless Key Logon utility enables a user to setup their BT (Bluetooth) enabled mobile phone to act as a key, with similar password entry free logon from Bios to Windows simply by activating the BT function on your phone when in range of your laptop.

There's been a bit of misinformation floating around regarding these new dual core notebooks so we'd like to clear up a couple of points.

1. If a machine has a stated processor speed of 1.66GHz then that's across both cores, not 1.66GHz on each core, the advantage over a 1.66GHz single core processor would be improvements in performance and data handling.

2. The new dual core processors don't require software written specifically for the CPU, you would still see an improvement running all your existing software.

3. A dual core notebook will actually run cooler than it's single core counterpart, this is due to the fact that the processor is more efficient and uses less power. This is a welcome development in the world of mobile computing where overheating machines are a constant bugbear for users.

The evolution of dual core processors is big news in the laptop world, as they become more common in the marketplace it will be interesting to see how they cope with the multitude of applications that will be thrown at them.

Have Laptop will Travel - the Truly Mobile Office

When many people start their own businesses, one dream that nearly always features is the ability to work in your own time, preferably in your own home. Well, I regularly work all over the world, from just a laptop. It helps that my "shop window" is my group of web sites, but I still have to talk to and meet my clients from time to time. So how do I do this from an office that fits into a small bag and weighs less than 7lb!

Well first start with your laptop - make it as light and as powerful as you can afford. I say light, because anything that weighs more than 5lb is going to be one laptop that you really hate after you have hauled it around for a few hours. Some models have CD/DVD units that plug in to the main PC. These are useful if you leave them behind or pack them separately. I prefer them to be included if possible. A small mouse and slim mouse pad - the latter which stores inside the "clam" of the laptop when traveling to protect the screen - completes your basic office.

I also have a handful of those memory sticks that plug into your USB socket. These hold my key documents and any documents that I am working on at the moment. In that way, if I can't find a broadband link to hop onto when traveling, I can at least use the local internet café and still have my documents available. It is always a good idea, to set up a Yahoo account, to use your own email settings, as a fall back. Lastly I always carry a couple of CD's with all my documents and emails on - just in case the awful happens and my laptop ceases working or gets stolen.

Lastly I need some kind of communications - I use VOIP (voice over internet protocol). I can set up telephone numbers in major cities or countries and be contactable whenever I am logged on. Of course if I am not logged on, then voicemail will take over and my clients think that I am busy. A good quality, small headphone and microphone and I have a full telecoms facility. I don't use fax, but those that do, can easily open an efax account to obtain that facility. Lastly, I use a small web camera for my consultancy calls.

I carry my basic pens and stapler in a small pencil case as well as a small note book for my messages and notes. A larger note book holds all of my planning, consulting notes etc. A small notebook holds all my contact details as well as business and software details etc. A few personal items and my office is set up.

To carry my laptop, well aware that passing through numerous security checks with the laptop out of the bag, as well as a higher risk of it getting stolen. I actually carry my laptop inside a case logic slip case - inside of my rolling bag. In this way it is hidden from view, but easy to get to when going through airport checks. For general use, I have another case logic carrier that hangs off my shoulder. For the less secure areas, and if I have to store the laptop in the hotel room, I have a "safe" which is a mesh bag attached to a long lead that can be wrapped around something solid and then locked. The bag and the lead cannot be cut. These can be found at good camping shops. Of course my laptop is password protected and can be attached to the desk by a lead if necessary.

A mobile/cell phone and small digital camera completes my office and a MP3 player my working environment.

So that's my office, but of course I am dependent upon broadband for it to work. Luckily wi fi areas are easier to find now - let's just say I drink a lot of coffee. Places like Starbucks and McDonalds, hotels, airports etc. You get to know the possible areas very quickly, you can seek them out beforehand using the internet, or buy a small wi fi hotspots seeking gizmo. I have always found these places welcoming, if you sit down, buy their products and don't cause any disruption. I usually ask if I can plug in as well. The only problem I find, apart from too much caffeine, is when you need to use the facilities - in this case, knowing that my laptop can run faster than I can, it comes in with me. More of a problem for the gents I think.

Of course, if you don't want to travel, and I'm just planning a 3 month round the world trip, you can always use your mobile office by the swimming pool, in the garden/back yard or on your client's site.

Happy wandering.

A True Review of Comparison Shopping With A Mobile Phone

Today, many consumers who make purchases online won't buy anything until they consult with a comparison shopping website first such as Shopzilla, Cnet.com, or Shopping.com. They understand that comparison shopping ensures that they are getting the best deal around, which is what most value conscious shoppers want after all. However, with today's social and lifestyle pace being faster than ever, there is a growing need for comparison shopping on the go. Sure, there are laptops and wireless connections all over the place, but the average person is more likely to leave home with their cell phone instead of their laptop. So, the need for comparison shopping using a mobile phone was answered and there are several ways to take advantage of this new technology.

Google SMS

Google recently launched a new service that allows U.S. mobile phone users to tap into its search results via the short message service (SMS) infrastructure. Users send queries to GOOGL or 46645 and receive results on their phones. The service returns directory information about local businesses via Google Local and provides price comparison shopping information through Froogle.com. It also lets users search for residential phone numbers, dictionary definitions and Web search results snippets. Google SMS also does calculations, area code look-ups and ZIP code look-ups. Results usually come within a minute, and are text-based only.

This is a great alternative to wasting gas money and time driving all over the city looking for the best deal.

Frucall

Launched in March 2006 as the first price-comparison mobile service using voice, Frucall allows consumers to compare retail store prices with prices for the same products on Amazon.com and online comparison shopping service Yahoo Shopping, directly from their mobile phone. It's a simple solution that sidelines many services that offer price comparison results to be sent via text message. Even better, is that consumers can soon buy products directly from their mobile phone, assuming they have registered and have a valid credit card in their profile.

Frucall enables consumers in the midst of examining retail aisles to call a toll-free number (888-FRU-SHOP) and input the product's barcode. Within approximately 10 seconds, the caller gets a confirmation of the product name and the price of the product as listed online. Currently, the service compares prices for products from a variety of categories available on Amazon including automotive supplies, books, electronics, jewelry, movies, music, tools and pet supplies. There are even features that will allow consumers to save purchase history, makes notes, and reminders.

Lastly, is that Frucall be accessed from any phone and since the results are not returned via SMS, there are no text messaging fees that sometimes occurs with Google SMS.

Conclusion

With cell phones being as popular as socks, and everyone from age 10 to 100 having one, there is no surprise that mobile phone comparison shopping services are taking off. It is a simple concept that brings tremendous value for consumers who are looking to save a few dollars; and they can now feel confident about making the right purchasing decision, online or offline.

Should You Choose a Laptop Case or a Backpack?

If I'd been asked whether to buy a backpack or a laptop case a few months ago, a laptop case would have won hands down. I'd been using them for years to haul laptops around Europe.

I mean, a laptop case is specially made for carrying a laptop but a backpack is just a bottomless pit. So how will you ever find anything in a backpack?

A laptop case is small and compact. Granted trying to pile a lot of things into it can be a challenge and getting them back out again an even bigger one as everything gets tangled up. But a backpack for goodness sake!

Sure you can fit a lot of things in a backpack, but you'd have to take that all back out again to remove whatever you've buried at the bottom. And with so much more depth than a laptop case, it must make things even worse for getting things mixed up.

And what about the protection your laptop needs?

A laptop isn't some cheap disposable item you've got there and few of them will take well to being knocked about, so surely you'd want to surround it in padding and not just "drop" it into what is basically a big bag.

Of course the last time I'd used a backpack was, well, for backpacking obviously.

As far as I was concerned a backpack has a few pockets on the sides, on the front and the top but is really just one deep giant bag.

So just how on earth could a backpack be a sensible replacement for a laptop case?

Well some time after I started working permanently in the city, my opinion of backpacks completely changed.

Before that I'd been carrying my laptop over short distances. My car was in the car park right outside the office. And if I wasn't using a car then I'd be hiring taxis to get me between hotels, railway stations, other offices and airports. So as a result I wasn't really taking it very far.

But that all changed when I was forced to keep my car in a public car park. This time I was working in an office that was in the middle of the city and there was no parking there available for me. That meant the nearest car park was over twenty minutes walking distance away.

I started hauling my laptop across the city over my shoulder, taking advantage of the shoulder strap on the case, as it was really uncomfortable carrying this heavy weight by hand.

But it wasn't long before I found myself getting pains in the lower back as well as tense back muscles. I even ended up with a trapped nerve in my ribs.

When I mentioned this to a colleague he suggested getting a backpack instead.

Apparently a lot of people were complaining about having to carry a laptop in a traditional case and were asking to have it replaced with a backpack. It seemed a backpack was much more comfortable so I decided to give it a try.

Wow! What a difference!

The backpack itself felt as light as a feather. I'd been using laptop cases that when empty were almost half the carry on weight allowance for planes. I was barely managing to stay under the limit with just a laptop, mouse and power charger in it.

And the external pockets this backpack had were far more useful. I was carrying several items with wires and now they could be better spread out inside this backpack and so they were no longer getting tangled up with each other.

With a removable, padded compartment for the laptop, that fits in the centre, together with extra slots for other items this backpack was just great.

Well that was all well and good but what about the real test?

Would carrying a laptop in this backpack be more comfortable than using a laptop case?

Well after about a month my back was fine. I didn't have the trapped nerve anymore either so that was enough to convince me.

Now there is no guarantee that just changing from a laptop case to a backpack fixed all my ailments. It could be pure coincidence.

But I can tell you now that there is no way I'm going back to using a laptop case just to prove a theory.

Small Business Opportunity Laptop Ideas

When a good small business opportunity idea is combined with the latest in laptop technology, expect nothing less than an explosively successful enterprise.

The reason should be obvious. The extra mobility that a laptop provides means that a small business opportunity entrepreneur can be on the road for months and yet clients and customers wouldn't even know it nor care less. This allows for a fascinatingly efficient one-person business enterprise because the principal can promote their business across the country and even the globe and yet do everything as if they never left their cozy head office premises.

Small Business Opportunity Laptop Idea: Recruit Agents For Your web site Worldwide

An excellent laptop computer well able to access the Internet means that you can go around the country promoting your web based business and recruiting agents while still efficiently running your site. It has clearly been proven that offline advertising and promotion of online small business is very effective. Radio and newspapers have been especially effective in promoting online enterprises in recent years.

With all your tools in your laptop, you can very effectively go all over the place promoting your site in local newspapers and radio stations, as you gradually cover the whole country and beyond. This exercise of sending sales persons on the road was previously an extremely expensive undertaking that usually required a person to recruit a fairly large sales team. Now the net and modern, efficient and powerful laptops have opened up vast new opportunities for the small business entrepreneur that were a wild impossible day dream just a few short years ago.