blockhead's Blog
Category Computers-and-Technology:Mobile-Computing
Notebook computers. At this point in the 21st century, they have become an indispensable part of many people's everyday lives. From the commuting business executive and the busy college student, we all want to be mobile with our computers. The big drawback of that is the fact that there is not always a plug around when you need one. A notebook computer's battery is its life-blood. Without proper care, your notebook battery could fail much earlier than anticipated. By following a few simple steps, you can expect to get the greatest amount of usage possible out of your notebook battery before a replacement is needed. 1. Upon purchase, charge the battery to full capacity. Whether you have purchased a new computer have purchased a new battery for your laptop, charging it fully as soon as you open the box is the best recommendation. This allows the battery to reach a full capacity before you begin to use it 'unplugged'. Most batteries come with a partial charge, enough to get you going if you absolutely had to. Giving that battery a full charge when it is brand new will help set the charge capacity for the battery at its highest possible level. 2. Once you reach a full charge, leave the computer plugged in for at least 2 hours. This action lets the battery 'rest' at a full charge for a fairly lengthy period of time. At this point, the battery is not drawing power from your wall socket to charge, and it is also not supplying any power to your system. Letting your battery rest for a time after a full charge helps to 'lock-in' that full charge capacity. 3. Unplug the computer and drain the battery. It might sound silly, but now that you have gotten that battery to a full charge, you need to drain the power almost completely. Again, this will help determine the charge capacity of the battery. Leave your computer unplugged and use it until you get a warning telling you that the battery is almost completely discharge. Then save whatever you are working on and power the computer down. Plug back into the wall socket for a fresh charge. Then use the computer at your leisure. If you follow these steps about once a month, your notebook battery should last a nice long while. Not to say that you will never have to replace it, but at least it will be a long time before you need to. Michael Paul is the host/producer of the TechCast Weekly podcast, a weekly podcast dedicated to offering computer help and computer tutorials to everyday people. Visit http://www.techcastweekly.com to listen to the latest shows and great computer help and advice. |
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The benefits of laptop computers are immense. They are stylish, portable, business-friendly, and a good one can now do almost anything a desktop can do. How different laptop models compare, however, is something that you should explore before buying the first one you see. When inspecting new laptops at a store, it is always a good idea to consider their size and weight, so as to discover which models are portable enough for your lifestyle. A constantly traveling mobile professional, for example, probably wouldn’t be interested in a machine that weighed 8 lbs. Another thing to think about is the ergonomic design of your notebook of choice. You should try out the keyboard and touch pad before buying, to make sure you find it comfortable to work on. As a rule, it is a good idea to find a machine that has at least two USB ports, as well as a FireWire connection if you plan to make use of high-speed peripherals like CD burners. It is also important to think about the specific features you want in a laptop computer. If you frequently need to access the internet outside your home, for example, built-in Wi-Fi connectivity can be a real blessing. If you plan to use your computer for entertainment purposes, an integrated DVD player, coupled with a relatively large screen resolution is nice to have. Overall, the process of buying a new laptop, or consumer electronics device of any kind, requires a great deal of thought. It is important to picture yourself using the device and think long and hard about what features you will want and need.
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So you finally have that new laptop you have been drooling over for the past 3 months, only there is one problem –- You don’t have a case for it. You’ve probably already laid down over a grand for the notebook and you’re telling yourself that you don’t want to spend another $70 for a case. Trust me, this isn’t the time to be cheap.
In this article I will go over the importance of getting a quality notebook bag, as well as what sort of features are found on quality laptop cases.
If you consider your laptop to be important or essential, then getting a good, solid case is a must. You may be wondering why… Here are just a few reasons:
- Expensive notebook should be protected properly
- Quality cases have way better outer and inner protection for your laptop
- More comfortable
- Better shoulder protection
If you still need some prodding in the direction of that super duty case maybe the next points will help. Let’s go over what distinguishes the good from the bad in notebook bags.
Comfort – Quality bags have much better shoulder support than cheapies. Your notebook is going to be at least 6 pounds, probably more. Do you really want to break your shoulder just carrying the thing around? You have a lot more choice with quality aftermarket cases as well when it comes to carrying style. In the end you are going to be a lot more comfortable with something that wears well on you.
Protection – Make sure you don’t drop that notebook case that came with your computer –- You may find your laptop in pieces. Quality laptop cases have great inner and outer protection. Things like reinforced corners on the outside, and air pockets on the inside… It all adds up to piece of mind. If you want, you can even find cases with single or double combo locks.
Storage – If you want to put extra files or folders into your notebook case you are going to need the space. Quite often, cheaper cases will have just enough room for a notebook and maybe a small folder if you are lucky. When buying an aftermarket case you have a lot more choice in size, and can find something that will hold everything you need it to.
Are you ready to spend a little more money and get that quality case now? Good, but before you do, let’s go over a couple more things that are very important.
First, you need to think about what you will be carrying most of the time -- Chances are it isn’t just your laptop. What you will be carrying will be a big part of what case you decide on. The more stuff you need to bring along in the bag, the bigger the bag needs to be.
Next, find out the dimensions of your notebook. You need to know this when buying a case. Not all laptops fit in every case, so you need to look for a case that will fit the size of your notebook. Whether you are buying a case locally or online, the main compartment size of the case should be easy enough to find.
Lastly, as you will soon find, there is more than one style of laptop case available. There are the standard cases, ones that look like actual luggage bags, and even backpack style cases. The last one has the added benefit that thieves won’t think there is a notebook sitting inside.
Going over exactly what you need in a laptop case, and then purchasing a quality one won’t just save your shoulders in time, but possibly your investment too. *******************************************************
Cody Kahl is creator and writer of Toshiba Laptops Guide – A site
dedicated to providing only the best toshiba laptop computers information.
Cody believes in quality, and this free resource proves it.
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There is a wide range of accessories available for laptop notebooks that make working with your notebook computer so much easier. These accessories range from mini hubs and mini zip drives to security locks. All accessories are add-ons to the basic laptop notebook sold and are designed to meet the various needs of users. Some of the top must have accessories for laptops are: Laptop Backpacks These very functional and practical laptop carriers are a terrific option for students or business people who travel. The versatility of a backpack allows much more storage room that a traditional laptop carrying case. In addition they are water resistant and come in a wide variety of colors and designs. Laptop extended use batteries This laptop notebook accessory is a must for computer users who will be away from a power supply for extended periods of time. These batteries will last well over an average workday and still have power left over. Laptop desk stand Ergonomically designed, these portable desk stands allow the laptop computer to be tilted up to move the display area to eye-level for ease of reading. This lessens back and neck strain as the laptop user is not constantly looking down or typing on a flat surface. The lightweight plastic design makes them very easy to use when traveling or moving from one workspace to another. TV card bus A great device for people who travel with their laptop, this accessory allows your laptop to receive and record TV, video and also to be used as a radio receiver. It is a simple card that uses your PCMCIA card slot on your laptop. This small accessory is greatly appreciated by music lovers. Bluetooth Wireless USB Adapter This is a simple plug-in component that allows your computer to become a wireless communication device. Your computer can be linked with a handheld device, mobile phone, printer or anything else that uses2.4 GHz Bluetooth technology. There is built in security with this system that allows for safe transfer of information. In addition it gets rid of the cables that are necessary when using other forms of data transfer. Visit http://www.1-stop-laptops.com for related articles such as best rated laptops and laptop computer accessory. |
