While there are various factors for purchasing a portable (such as speed, portability, design, and looks), one would probably have wondered what brand is the most reliable. RescueCom, a popular computer repair and support company in the US, gives us an idea of what brands are the most reliable, at least for 2Q 2009: Brand (Computer Reliability Score): Asus (416) Apple (394) IBM/Lenovo (314) Toshiba (218) HP/Compaq (142) Computer Reliability is based on two key measures, including the quality of the components and software that's used in manufacturing the computer, and the post-sale support that's provided by the manufacturer to its customers. The higher the score, the greater the reliability of the brand. [RescueCom] So, if you just can’t decide what brand of portable to get on your next purchase, maybe the reliability factor can help. Technorati Tags: laptop, portable, reliability

Looking for a new netbook (a small portable laptop computer designed for wireless communication and access to the Internet.)? LifeHacker.com gives their shortlist of netbooks: The Samsung NC10, Dell Mini 10, Asus EeePC 1000HE, Acer Aspire One, and MSI Wind. [LifeHacker | Five Best Netbooks] Maybe you would like to have a Mac OS X netbook as well? The shortlist is as follows: MSI Wind, Lenovo S10, Dell Mini 9, or HP Mini 1000 [BoingBoing | Mac OS X Netbook Compatibility Chart] If we would be basing our purchasing decision on the two abovementioned articles, the winner would be the MSI Wind, but popularity seems to be on the EeePC 1000HE’s side. If you’re not planning to create a Hackintosh portable, any of the LifeHacker shortlist is a good pick. Your choice… Technorati Tags: netbook, msi, wind, mac os x, hackintosh

Apple recently released Firmware Update 1.0 for the 17-inch MacBook Pro (Early 2009) portables. The update addresses the possibility of vertical lines or distorted graphics on the display.

All 17-inch MacBook Pro (Early 2009) users who experience distorted graphics on the display should download and install the update. Download MacBook Pro Graphics Firmware Update 1.0 [...]

The Apple MacBook White (Early 2009) [starts at US$999] is the refresh of the White MacBook (2007). Features:

13.3-inch 1280×800 pixels glossy widescreen TFT display 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3MB on-chip shared L2 cache running 1:1 with processor speed 1066MHz frontside bus NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor with 256MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main [...]

Archos, a company well known for its portable media players, will now offer the Archos 10 (US$399), Archos’ first netbook. Archos 10 Specs:

1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 processor Intel 945GSE chipset 1GB RAM 160GB HDD (SATA, 5400RPM) 10.2-inch 1024×600 display 802.11 b/g WLAN MS Windows Home operating system 3 USB ports 4-in-1 card reader dimensions: 10.2 x 7.4 x 1.1  inches weight: 2.8 pounds

“At [...]

Guru of 3D had a close look at the Fujitsu Siemens Computers Amilo Notebook SA 3650 with Amilo GraphicBooster. It is a laptop that features the ATI XGP (External Graphics Port), and coupled with the Amilo GraphicBooster (the external graphics module) device.

Amilo SA 3650 Notebook Specs:

2.4GHz AMD Turion X2 Ultra ZM-84 processor 13.3-inch WXGA [...]

The Acer Aspire 6930G-6723 (US$1020) is a gaming/general purpose laptop that features the following:

2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5800 processor 4GB RAM 16-inch widescreen display DVD+/-RW DL with Blu-Ray optical drive nVidia GeForce 9600M GS graphics 320 GB HDD 802.11n WLAN Weight: 7.2lbs

“Equipped with a Blu-ray drive and generous performance parts for under $1,000, the 6930G has regained the (PC Magazine) Editors’ Choice accolade for best value media center laptop that its predecessor lost.” [PCMag.com | Acer Aspire 6930G-6723]

If you’re looking for a laptop with Blu-ray, the Aspire 6930 won’t disappoint. IceRocket: acer aspire 6930 blu-ray

Related posts:Protective Laptop Bag for Your New Apple LaptopApple MacBook Pro 2008 Laptop Reviewed

Apple recently released new SMC and EFI firmware updates for the Late 2008 MacBook Air, MacBook, and MacBook Pro portable computers.

MacBook Air (Late 2008)

MacBook Air SMC Firmware Update 1.1 - improves the sensing and accuracy of the MagSafe Power Adapter indicator light MacBook Air EFI Firmware Update 1.1 - fixes several issues to improve the stability

MacBook (Late 2008)

MacBook SMC Firmware Update 1.2 - improves the sensing and accuracy of the MagSafe Power Adapter indicator light, and the battery charge indicator lights MacBook EFI Firmware Update 1.3 - fixes several issues to improve the stability

MacBook Pro (Late 2008)

MacBook Pro 15-inch SMC Firmware Update 1.2 - improves the sensing and accuracy of the MagSafe Power Adapter indicator light, and the battery charge indicator lights MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.6 - fixes several issues to improve the stability

  Read more about EFI and SMC firmware updates at the Apple site >> IceRocket: apple, macbook, macbook air, macbook pro, smc efi firmware update

Related posts:MacBook, MacBook Pro Trackpad Firmware Update 1.0 ReleasedOlympus E-420 and E-520 DSLR Firmware 1.1 ReleasedNikon D200 Firmware Update 2.01 Released

  Apple recently released its Trackpad Firmware Update 1.0 for the MacBook (late 2008) and MacBook Pro (late 2008). This firmware update addresses an issue where trackpad clicks may not be recognized on MacBook (Late 2008) and MacBook Pro (Late 2008) systems. The update package will install an updater application into the Applications/Utilities folder and will launch it automatically. Download Trackpad Firmware Update 1.0 at the Apple Support site >> IceRocket: apple, macbook, pro, trackpad firmware, update 1.0

Related posts:MacBook Air, MacBook, and MacBook Pro Firmware Updates ReleasedNikon D200 Firmware Update 2.01 ReleasedNikon D80 DSLR Firmware Update 1.11 Released

  The new (late 2008) Apple MacBook Pro (US$) is a 15-inch laptop that features the following:

Precision aluminum unibody
2.4GHz or 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor
3MB (2.4GHz) or 6MB (2.53GHz) shared L2 cache
1066MHz System bus
2GB (2.4GHz) or 4GB (2.53GHz) RAM
250GB (2.4GHz) or 320GB (2.53GHz) Serial ATA; 5400 rpm HDD
8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT graphics processor; and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory
15.4-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen display, 1440-by-900 resolution
One FireWire 800 port
Two USB 2.0 ports
10/100/1000BASE-T (Gigabit) Ethernet
Built-in AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi (based on IEEE 802.11n draft specification)2; built-in Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) module
Dimensions: 2.41cm x 36.4cm x 24.9cm
Weight: 2.49 kg

AnandTech liked the improvements, but would rather wait for the 2009 models: “It’s a difficult conclusion to make because I genuinely enjoy the improvements in build quality Apple introduced with these new notebooks, but the quirks (ahem, trackpad) are too much for me to make a glowing recommendation here. If you need an Apple notebook today and aren’t upgrading from an existing Intel MacBook or MacBook Pro obviously these two are fine, but go in knowing that you’re being an early adopter of a platform that already has some issues.” [AnandTech | Apple’s Redesigned MacBook and MacBook Pro]

Register Hardware gave it an 85% rating: “The new MacBook Pro may not fly off the shelves in the same numbers as the new MacBook – or tempt many PC ‘switchers’ into the Mac fold – its twin graphics processors, larger screen and Firewire should be enough to ensure that existing MacBook Pro users will be more than happy to upgrade to this new model.” [RegHardware | Apple MacBook Pro Late 2008]

IceRocket: apple, macbook, pro Tags: laptop

Since Apple has released the new versions of the MacBook and MacBook Pro, it’s essential that they get the best possible protection. In step Proporta is ready to lend a helping hand… Proporta’s Protective Laptop Bag is the perfect carry case for your MacBook. Made from tough Cordura, this is a fantastic product to protect your laptop whilst on the move. Padded lining safeguards your laptop from bumps and impact damage as a result of every day travelling, and the numerous individual compartments allow you to keep each of your devices and items such as cables and chargers, separate for quick and easy access. In addition, and for extra security, a fabric hinge prevents the laptop bag opening all the way back and exposing your devices.

The Proporta Protective Laptop Bag comes complete with a shoulder strap, plus neatly hidden away rucksack straps, which enable you to carry your laptop and its respective accessories on your back if carrying for a long period of time. P.S. As praised by the one and only Mr. Stephen Fry in his famous ‘Dork Talk’ column, the Proporta Gadget Bag and Magnetic Cable Tidies are definitely not to be forgotten when off on your travels. (Thanks to Hannah Saffman for the news.) IceRocket: apple, macbook, pro, case, proporta Tags: accessories laptop

The Lenovo IdeaPad S10 (US$449) is a netbook that has the following features:  

1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 processor
1GB RAM (up to 1.5GB)
160GB 5.400RPM SATA HDD
10.2” 1024×600 display
Intel 945GSE Express graphics
802.11 b/g WLAN
Bluetooth 2.1
MS Windows XP Home operating system
2 USB ports
4-in-1 card reader
ExpressCard slot
dimensions: 9.8 x 7.2 x 1.1 inches
2.6 lbs. overall weight

Laptop Magazine liked the S10’s stylish looks, small footprint, good display viewing angles, fast hard drive, and the inclusion of an ExpressCard slot: “Lenovo’s first foray into the netbook space has some nice touches: a stylish and compact chassis, full-featured back-up software, a speedy hard drive, and a screen with great viewing angles. … Unfortunately, it also has a smaller keyboard and touchpad than its 10-inch rivals. At $449, the Lenovo IdeaPad S10 is within $30 of the street price for the three-cell MSI Wind ($479 street) and comparable to the six-cell ASUS Eee PC 1000H. Consumers who want the most compact and stylish 10-inch netbook on the market will look past these flaws and snap up the S10. But those who need long battery life should look elsewhere or hold out for an S10 with a six-cell battery.” [LaptopMag.com | Lenovo IdeaPad S10]

If you don’t mind the smallish keyboard, the warmer temps, and rather short battery life, the S10 could be the perfect netbook for you. Technorati: lenovo, ideapad, s10, netbook, atom, n270 Tags: laptop