Monthly Archives: February 2012
The Apple MacBook Air MC969LL/A 11.6-inch Laptop: A More powerful Air returns!
As the leader in ultra-thin notebook computers, the Apple MacBook Air MC969LL/A is probably one of the more well-known notebook computers in the market. This version is also the latest in a line of trend-setting products and looks to continue turning heads while delivering more powerful performance than its predecessors.
Design
The Apple MacBook Air MC969LL/A looks as good as before with an even thinner profile due to the curved surfaces near the lid and chassis. The thickest part of the notebook remains the back part and even then it is only as thick as the ports that it houses. Apple have not changed the color though and people will still associate it with any other Apple product. The keyboard is still super comfortable in Apple’s signature chiclet or island style and surprisingly has very little flex despite the thinner profile. The keyboard is also backlit so you can see the keys in the dark. The glass covered multi-touch trackpad is even more responsive and more pleasing to the touch. As usual of Apple products the trackpad supports gestures as well.
Features and Specifications
As the smaller model in the latest range of Macbook Air notebook computers, the Apple MacBook Air MC969LL/A packs in an 11.6” screen with LED backlighting. The screen itself offers up to 1366 x 768 pixel resolutions while the notebook computer runs on Intel’s new HD 3000 graphics processor, so you can watch smooth 720p video with ease. Unlike previous Macbook Air computers, this new version packs in a powerful Intel Core i5 dual-core processor running at 1.6Ghz and also has a whopping 4GB of fast 1333Mhz DDR3 memory. Performance is further enhanced with 128GB worth of flash memory for storage purposes. Due to the limited space the notebook computer only has two USB 2.0 ports but backs this up with a new Thunderbolt port for multiple display support.
Everything else in this notebook computer is top notch including high-speed wireless-N connectivity and Bluetooth 4.0 support. A built-in Facetime camera with built-in speakers and omnidirectional microphone lets you do video chatting with ease while the OS X Lion system lets you “borrow” a DVD drive from any nearby Mac or PC wirelessly.
Performance
The Apple MacBook Air MC969LL/A is definitely not how its predecessor was it as it is now at least two times faster than before due to the maxed out memory, much better processor and super fast storage. The Intel HD 3000 graphics deliver stutter free 720p video and at a mere 2.38 pounds this notebook computer is lighter than ever. The limited space hardly seems to faze even the battery performance, as despite the fact that it uses a shaped non-removable battery, this notebook computer has a 5-hour battery life with Wi-Fi activated on a single charge. This notebook computer can also last 30 days on standby mode so rest assured that it is very good for those who like to travel light.
Conclusion
All in all, the Apple MacBook Air MC969LL/A will put most PCs and other ultra-thin notebook computers to shame because despite its netbook size and awesome ultra-thin look, it can now outperform most of them without even trying. Truly an excellent notebook computer for the trendy user on the go but do expect the price to match as well.
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The HP Pavilion DV6-6116NR 15.6-inch Laptop: Cool Yet Powerful
Laptops originally got called this way because you would usually place such computers on your lap. As laptops became more and more powerful, they also became hotter, quite often so much so that the lap would be the last place you put a laptop. However, the HP Pavilion DV6-6116NR is one laptop that should be a more than comfortable lap placed computer due to it’s new Coolsense technology while providing powerful laptop performance at the same time.
Design:
Unlike some other laptop makers, HP has always made very solidly designed laptops and the HP Pavilion DV6-6116NR is no exception. Featuring a stylish HP Imprint latticework design on the cover and keyboard bezels this laptop looks good in black with some silver trim on the sides. Build quality is good with a curved lines and rounded edges. The keyboard is comfortable with more than enough space for all the keys including the integrated keypad but because of this some of the keys are a little smaller than usual.
Features and Specifications:
Since the HP Pavilion DV6-6116NR is an entertainment laptop, it packs in a beautiful 15.6” screen with a 1366 x 768 pixel resolution. Since it is running on the built-in Intel HD 3000 graphics you can expect smooth 720p HD video and media playback. The laptop itself is running on a Sandy Bridge Intel Core i5 2430M processor going at 2.4GHz, although it can go to 3.0GHz on Turbo Boost. The dual-core processor is complemented by 4GB worth of DDR3 memory and a large 640GB hard disk drive. The laptop also packs in a Blu-ray combo drive along with four USB ports, one HDMI port, one VGA port, one RJ-45 LAN port and an SD card slot. Some models may just include a Super multi DVD burner instead.
Apart from the technical specs, this laptop also offers the ability to sync to smartphone or print wirelessly via Bluetooth as well as the Coolsense technology which regulates its thermal temperature. It is this technology which keeps the laptop from becoming a lap scorcher while providing optimal performance at the same time. A low-light webcam makes video chatting in dimmer areas easier while the wireless-N Wi-Fi ensures that Internet performance is fast.
Performance:
In terms of performance the HP Pavilion DV6-6116NR can handle pretty much everything you can throw at from the office. However, due to the built-in graphics that it is using you are limited by what sort of games you can play on it and what type of media you can watch. Generally, you can play most casual games and some 3D games such as World of Warcraft or Starcraft II on lowered settings but you are limited to just 720p HD media. For those of you with the Blu-ray combo drive, this is meant more for a hook-up via HDMI cable to your HDTV so your laptop can act as your Blu-ray media player as well. The laptop delivers good battery life with 6.5 hours worth of wireless performance on a single charge, although watching a movie may only offer about 5 hours or so.
Conclusion:
Overall, the HP Pavilion DV6-6116NR is a very good entertainment laptop that actually keeps your lap cool or at least far from scorching while delivering good quality performance at the same time. As far as entertainment is concerned the laptop does everything well, but due to its size may be better off as a desktop replacement unit, especially considering the additional integrated keypad for the number crunchers out there.
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Apple MacBook Pro Fall 2011 15-inch Laptop Review
The latest range of Apple MacBook Pro may not offer any significant improvements such as those witnessed on February 2011, but none the less still very noteworthy as they remain to be one of the best laptops that money can buy.
The new 15-inch Apple MacBook Pro comes with a set of very powerful specs and feature that is designed for the power user, or anyone who is looking to buy a state of the art laptop without the need to upgrade it every other year. The power and performance of this laptop is sure to meet your computing needs for many years to come.
Design wise, the new 15-incher retains the classical Apple unibody design with its smooth edges and edge-to-edge display. It measures at 14.4 x 9.8 x 0.95 inches in dimensions and weighs in at about 5.5 pounds. The gorgeous 15-inch screen has a 1440 x 900 resolution that is sure to make HD viewing a delightful experience on this laptop. As if it is not enough, you can even opt for screen upgrades for a small fee.
Spec Sheet:
- Intel core i7 2.2Ghz Quad Core Processor
- 4GB DDR3 Ram
- 500GB Hard Drive (5400 rpm)
- Intel HD 3000 / AMD Radeon HD 6750M Graphics Card
- Mac OS x 10.7 Lion OS
- 14.4 x 9.8 x 0.95 inches
- 5.5 pounds.
A notable new feature on this new Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch laptop is Intel’s new Thunderbolt port. It is a high speed port that can serve both as a data transfer as well as a display port. It is capable of transfers speed of up to a blazing 10Gbps. Although this makes a nice addition to any laptop, there are not many computers accessories out there that come with this type of connectivity.
Specs wise, this 15-incher comes with an Intel Core i7 quad core processor (2.2Ghz), 4GB of DDR3 RAM, and a 500GB hard drive. For graphics there is the AMD Radeon HD 6750M and the Intel HD 3000 graphics card. This set of specs is perfect for those looking for high computing needs and also for the average consumer that is looking for a laptop that can be used for many years to come without the need to upgrade it every so often.
With that said, we should now talk about some of its shortcomings for the sake of fair discussion. Interestingly enough, the biggest con of this 15-inch Apple MacBook Pro is not found within itself, but in the form of its slimmer sibling, the MacBook Air. MacBook Air laptops today have come a long way where they have specs that rival those of some MacBook Pro laptops. Unless the optical drive is an absolute must for you, the MacBook air is actually a very viable and cheaper alternative to a MacBook Pro laptop.
Either way, the new Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch laptop is a very decent computing machine on its own and would make a delightful addition to any home or workspace. If you have just that little extra cash to spare and are looking for a powerful full-featured laptop, this 15-inch computing marvel remains to be a very good choice.
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