• Western Digital 160GB Firewire / USB 2.0 My Book Premium External Hard Drive $59.88
• Western Digital 250GB 2.5″ Bronze My Passport Elite USB Portable External Hard Drive - USB Powered 5400RPM $75.00
• Western Digital 320GB USB 2.0 MyBook Essential External Hard Drive$52.99
• Western Digital 320GB USB / Firewire / eSATA My Book Home Edition External Hard Drive $60.00
• Western Digital 500GB USB 2.0 MyBook Essential External Hard Drive $67.88
• Western Digital 640GB 7200RPM USB 2.0 MyBook Essential II External Hard Drive $77.00
• Western Digital 500GB USB 2.0 MyBook Office Edition External Hard Drive $79.88
• Western Digital 500GB USB 2.0 MyBook Office Edition External Hard Drive $79.88
• Western Digital 1TB USB / Firewire / eSATA My Book Home Edition External Hard Drive $119.00
• …and more!

It’s a topic I pay more than just a little attention to. I want my kids to look beyond buying whatever product pushes their buttons in a commercial on TV. I’d like them to think about the greater good a company might do for the community and the world it exists in.

That said, I recently came across a company called Grassroots Computers and I want to tell you about them.

In brief, they help the world’s largest manufactures build strategies to sell and repair their excess inventory and customer returned product. All the products they sell come with a warranty and the quality meets the strictest standards.

But there’s more to it than that: GrassrootsComputers.com was established in 2004 as a women-owned US-based small business helping needy orphans. Eventually, they expanded their mission to include reducing the carbon footprint that manufacturers and consumers make on the planet.

Bottom line: they annually donate over 10% of annual company profits to assist charity organizations that serve the needs of orphans in the USA and abroad.

So when they say they’re different, they mean it:

Grassroots Computers is made up of community-conscious computer enthusiasts. It is our hope that … we are able to cause a grassroots movement that will continue to spread and enable us to offer more aggressive deals and savings to you.

They’re one of our sponsors. Hopefully when you see their banners, you’ll click through and check out what they’ve got to offer. Because when you buy through Grassroots Computers, you’re doing your part to make the world just a little bit better.

OK, got it? Let’s go.

As you know, Dell produces a large collection of laptops and notebook computers under lots of different brand names. Here’s a brief outline/rundown of what they offer:

Dell Vostro

Dell’s Dimension is being phased out and a “value-oriented” line of laptops — Vostro (Latin for “yours”) — has been created for the small business market. One great thing to note: Dell claims the Vostro line will not come with “trialware” (or “crapware”) pre-installed. The other thing is that the Vostro laptops have an “upmarket” — classier — black finish with chrome trim.

Current Models

The following laptop models were released during July, 2007 in Canada and the US.

• Vostro 1000
• Vostro 1400
• Vostro 1500
• Vostro 1700

Dell Latitude

Dell’s Latitude laptops are targeted at the corporate market, e.g., the road warriors. Latitude uses standardized, interchangeable parts throughout the line. After all, businesses want fast and cheap product service, right? In addition, the specs are meant to NOT change for several years (also for support purposes).

Note: This contrasts with the Dell Inspiron line which is aimed at the (fickle and flighty?) consumer market whose specifications change regularly.

Dell Latitude computers are also built with a more durable casing and internal metal frames. In addition, many offer hard drive protection systems in case the computer is dropped or suffers a severe impact.

Current models

Current Latitude models include:

• ATG
• X1
• D430
• D520
• D600
• D620
• D630
• D830

Select models based on the Intel Core Duo, Core Solo and Core 2 Duo are now available. The D420, D620, and D820 feature wide aspect LCD screens: 12.1″, 14.1″, and 15.4″ respectively.

The Latitude D620 weighs 4.7 pounds, and the base model includes a 1.67GHz Intel Core Duo T2300 processor (667MHz front-side-bus) and 2M of L2 cache. There is an option to upgrade to a Core 2 Duo T7X00 processor (667Mhz font-side-bus) with 4M of L2 cache.

It comes standard with 512M of DDR2 RAM, expandable to 4GB, and four USB ports.

For graphics, it offers the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, and an option to upgrade to NVIDIA discrete graphics at the expense of lower battery life.

Dell Precision

The Precision brand name features the most powerful laptop computers that Dell makes. These include the M4300 and M90. The M4300 is a little less in quality compared to the M90. These computers, when configured for extreme computing, can exceed $3,000. The Precision line top-shelf: its nVidia Quadro FX 1500M - 3500M gives you super-high-end video graphics.

Dell Inspiron

Inspiron is targeted at the consumer laptop market. As of June 26, 2007 the Inspiron name also refers to Dell’s desktop systems as well.

Current Configurations

Dell updated their Inspiron series in June of 2007 with the 1420/1420 N, 1520/1521, and 1720/1721 models.

• Inspiron 1420/1420 NSmall (5.39 lbs), portable models based on the Intel Santa Rosa platform. Both models have an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor (up to 2.2 GHz), 14.1″ display (up to 1440×900), SATA hard drive (up to 160 GB), and 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (up to 4 GB). The 1420 features an integrated Intel X3100 or NVIDIA GeForce Go 8400M GS. The 1420 N has an integrated Intel X3100. Dell also offers Ubuntu Linux as an alternate operating system on this laptop. Available in 8 colors.

• Inspiron 1501Mid-size (6.19 lbs), mainstream model with an AMD Turion (up to 2.0 GHz) or Mobile AMD Sempron 3500+ processor, 15.4″ display, ATI Radeon Xpress 1150, SATA hard drive (up to 120 GB), and DDR2 SDRAM (up to 2 GB).

• Inspiron 6400/E1505 NMid-size (6.18 lbs), mainstream models with an Intel Core 2 Duo (up to 2.00 Ghz), 15.4″ display, SATA hard drive (up to 160 GB), and DDR2 SDRAM (up to 2 GB). The 6400 features an ATI Mobility Radeon X1400. The E1505 N features an integrated Intel Media Accelerator 950, ATI Radeon x1300, ATI Radeon x1400, or NVIDIA GeForce Go 7300.

• Inspiron 1520/1521Mid-size (6.40 lbs), mainstream models based on the Intel Santa Rosa platform (Model: GM 965 or PM 965). The 1520 features an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor (up to 2.2 Ghz) with an integrated Intel X3100 or NVIDIA GeForce Go 8400M GS/8600M GT. The 1521 features an AMD Turion (up to 2.2 GHz) with an ATI Radeon Xpress 1150. Both models have a 15.4″ display (up to 1680×1050), 160GB SATA hard drive (option for 5400RPM or 7200RPM), and 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM (up to 4 GB). The notebooks also have the option to come installed with a Blu-Ray drive. Available in 8 colors with webcam.

• Inspiron 1720/1721Large (7.62 lbs), high-end models based on the Intel Santa Rosa platform (Model: GM 965 or PM 965). The 1720 features an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor (up to 2.4 Ghz) with an integrated Intel X3100 or NVIDIA GeForce Go 8400M GS/8600M GT. The 1721 features an AMD Turion (up to 2.2GHz) with an ATI Radeon Xpress 1270. Both models have a 17″ display (up to 1900×1200), support for dual SATA hard drives (up to 500GB - 2 x 250GB drives), and 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (up to 4 GB). The 1721 also features RAID 0 or 1 hard drive configurations, an option which is strangely missing from the 1720. They also lack DVI or HDMI connections, which would be expected for a high-end desktop replacement, given their HDCP compliant graphics card and Blu-ray Disc option. Both models are available in 8 colors.

• XPSDell has marketed this brand as an all-in-one multimedia system.

• XPS M2010Software includes Dell’s “Media Center” with an instant-access button to quickly start the system direct in this application, and it is equipped with an 8 speaker plus subwoofer audio system.On the downside, the battery is only good for about 2 hours, but you are probably not buying this laptop to take on the road — the system weighs almost 18 pounds. That said, it is fully portable and self-contained.

  The case design includes a detachable keyboard with full-size keys and integrated trackpad, and flexible approach to screen placement. The base unit cannot be detached from the monitor, although the monitor offers articulation in two locations. The design incorporates a large handle which also forms part of the display hinge - the optional carry case uses this and does not provide a handle to lift the system, but it does feature casters and a telescopic handle to wheel the case around.

  The keyboard is often reported to attach magnetically. It uses two large spring-loaded locating catches, but does not fix rigidly to the chassis. Instead, the folded screen holds everything together. But when open the keyboard does detach easily.

  M2010 features a wide, flat CPU section with a symmetrical design - the optical drive is flush to the top surface and motorised. Internally the symmetry is maintained with the centrally mounted CPU flanked by two SATA HD drives and two cooling systems - the GPU and CPU coolers vent on opposite sides of the base.

  The M2010 also features a unique option, the Dell Premium Remote developed by Gyration Inc. Using 2.4GHz RF on an internal board. Referred to in the service manual as a Wireless USB board. it uses the Cypress “WirelessUSB” chipset, which predates and does not conform to the Wireless USB standard. the remote offers basic HID functions and control for Windows Media Centre with an additional LCD allowing navigation of the music library in a style akin to an iPod or similar device.

  The remote had been exclusive to the M2010 from launch. In August 2007 Gyration announced the Ultra R4000 remote which offers the same LCD-display functionality and has a similar appearance.

• XPS M1710The higher-end mobile XPS computer available in black or red that features a 17″ widescreen, Intel Core 2 Duo processors, NVIDIA GeForce Go 7900GS or 7950GTX video cards, 7200 RPM SATA hard drive, and DDR2 SDRAM. The Inspiron E1705/9400 offers similar features, notably the Core Duo or Core 2 Duo processors, 17″ screen, and the NVIDIA GeForce Go 7900GS for a lesser price (about $1000 less than the M1710). The M1710 does offer unique user- and software-changeable LED lighting in the touchpad and fan outlets/inlets, as well as the lid, also including BluRay Disc Drive in some models. The system was marketed to gamers. It was physically identical to the Inspiron 9100. This computer was later replaced by the Inspiron XPS Gen 2 and ultimately the current XPS M1710. This model is highly expected[weasel words] to be replaced in the coming weeks

• XPS M1330This high end laptop, released in June of 2007, features the Intel Centrino’s Fourth Generation Santa Rosa platform. It features a 13.3″ screen either with CCFL or WLED. The WLED version will have a 0.3 Mega pixel camera, as opposed to the 2MP camera with the original CCFL screen. Moreover, XPS 1330 also features a biometric fingerprint reader, which was usually found in business class laptops like the latitude series. The XPS 1330, with the WLED screen is thinner and brighter than the previous XPS 1210 version. The XPS M1330 also offers the NVIDIA GeForce Go 8400M GS graphics card as an option.

Conclusion

There you have it — the Dell line of laptops. Hopefully you gained an appreciation of the similarities and differences between the different brand names.

First off, let’s talk common sense. Before you access any wireless network, especially one in a public place, you must have anti-virus software installed and up-to-date on your laptop. Your laptop should also be current with all Windows Operating System Updates.

That said, the next thing you need is to have a laptop with wireless networking capabilities. If you’re not sure whether yours does, do the following to check it out:

Step One:
Click on Start | Connect To | Show all connections, or
Click on Start | Settings | (Control Panel) | Network Connections

Step Two:
Under “LAN or High-Speed Internet” you should see a wireless connection icon. (If not, see below about installing a wireless network card). Assuming you have wireless capabilities, continue on doing the following:

Step Three:
Right-click on the wireless connection icon.

Step Four:
In the pop-up menu, select “View Available Wireless Networks.”

Step Five:
In the “Wireless Networking Connection” window, click on the appropriate wireless network.

Step Six:
Check the box that says “Allow me to connect to the selected wireless network.”

Step Seven:
An icon in the lower right hand corner of your desktop should eventually appear stating that you are connected.

Step Eight:
Open your browser and visit any website you want. If authentication is required on the wireless network, you will be redirected automatically to a login page where you’ll have to log in using an approved Network User Name/ID and the correct password.

That’s all it takes.

Note: If your laptop does not already have built-in wireless networking, you will need to purchase and install, or have installed, a Wireless Networking Card. There are many brands of wireless networking cards. Just make sure you buy a card that is 802.11b or 802.11g compatible. Linksys cards are an excellent choice and I recommend them highly. If you choose another brand, be certain that the card is WiFi Certified. (For a list of 802.11b and 802.11g certified cards, please visit the WiFi Alliance website.)

High-end VAIO laptops are usually shipped with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium or Business, while low end laptops such as N series come with Microsoft Vista Home Basic.

As of October 2005, VAIO laptops are available upon request without pre-installed software at a slightly lower price. Most recently, some models no longer ship with a Recovery CD, but a special partition on the hard drive is used for the recovery information, including operating system and all bundled software. VAIO users are prompted to create a set of recovery CDs or DVDs immediately after purchase.

VAIO computers use Intel processors, Seagate Technology or Fujitsu hard drives, Infineon RAM, Sony (usually made by Hitachi) or Matsushita optical drives, Intel or NVIDIA graphics processors and Sony speakers.

Current VAIO Models

• AR - Flagship 17″ High-end multimedia machine
• FZ - The first 15″ notebook with BluRay burner
• CR - New 14″ derivatives of the FJ and C Series.
• BX - Professional 4:3 notebook
• G - Entry level Vista Laptop for professionals
• N - Entry level Vista laptop for home users
• TZ- 11.1″ professional notebook, perfect for long business trips with 7hour battery life
• SZ- 13.3″ professional notebook

Bundled software

VAIO computers feature a wide array of specially designed or bundled software that help you to use the laptop for multimedia purposes.

Many of these applications inspired similar software or integration into the Windows OS, e.g. Movie Shaker preceded Windows XP’s Movie Maker.

Additional software products in the bundle can include:

• Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Elements
  These products are bundled as part of the video and audio integration that Sony prides its VAIO series on.
• SonicStage, a digital music manager
  Integrated with Sony’s Connect downloadable music service, it allows users to transfer music to Sony standalone music players, PDAs, or PSPs.
• PictureGear
  An image management software that predated popular programs like Picasa.
• VAIO Zone
  Used for music listening, viewing photo slide shows, and watching TV (when a tuner card is present) and DVDs. VAIO Zone is an equivalent to Apple Front Row and Windows XP Media Center Edition.

Although Sony made computers in the 1980s for the Japanese market only, Sony withdrew from the computer business around 1990. Later, Sony re-entered the market, this time globally, under the new VAIO brand, started in 1996 with the PCV series of desktops.

VAIO Brand

The VAIO is a sub-brand for many of Sony’s computer products. The branding was created to distinguish items that used consumer audio and video, as well as being conventional computing products.

One example of this was the Sony VAIO W Series personal computer, which was a regular PC and a miniature entertainment center.

Sony is expanding the use of the VAIO label. It can now be found on notebooks, subnotebooks, desktop,

and a hard-disk-based audio player that comes in both 20GB and 40GB variations (called VAIO POCKET player).

VAIO Trivia

Sony named its VAIO line using an acronym for “Video Audio Integrated Operation.” The VAIO logo represents a combination of analog and digital signal technology. The ‘VA’ represents an analog wave and the ‘IO’ represents digital binary code.

Ara Rubyan is networking specialist with over ten years of experience in design, implementation and maintenance. He is a certified A+ Hardware tech, a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, and a Master Certified Novell Engineer. He has over 10 years of experience in training design and delivery and has been developing web based training for more than 10 years. His background in training coupled with his IT knowledge help him to ensure the seamless development of product user training.

UMPCs

These Ultra-Mobile PCs are mobile computers that are similar in size to PDAs. They are extremely portable, to say the least.

Because of their small size, they incorporate a 7 inch or smaller touch-screen for you use as a virtual keyboard. On the other hand, some units are designed with a miniature physical keyboard (”thumbboard”) and mouse interface. They house lower performing, power-saving components (in comparison to larger laptops). Examples of UMPCs are the OQO Model 02 and the Sony VAIO UX Micro PC.

Ultraportables

These are laptops with screens that are usually smaller than 11 inches diagonally. They weigh less than and a weight of less than 4 pounds. Keyboards are usually not full-size. The main market for these units is made up of road warriors and other business travelers who need equipment that is small and lightweight. Ultraportables are often very expensive because of the extreme miniturization. They also have extended battery life, house power-saving CPUs and almost always have integrated graphics.

Thin-and-lights

These laptops usually weigh in at between 4-6 pounds with a screen size of between 12 and 14 inches diagonally. Examples of this variety: the Sony VAIO CR , HP Pavilion DV2000 and Apple MacBook .

Desktop replacement computers

These are the biggest and most powerful laptops. They are meant to be used in a fixed location and not carried around; they are too bulky and heavy. Sometimes called a “luggable laptop.” Because size is not an issue, they have more room for powerful components and a bigger screen — 15-20 inches in most cases.

Desktop replacements tend to have limited battery life, usually not more than 3 hours. This is because the hardware is not optimized for efficient power usage. An example of a desktop replacement computers are gaming notebooks, which are designed to handle 3D graphic-intensive processing for gamers. These notebooks possess similar features as desktop computers.

Laptops usually run on a single main battery or from an external AC/DC adapter which can charge the battery while also supplying power to the computer itself. Many computers also have a 3 volt cell to run the clock and other processes in the event of a power failure.

As personal computers, laptops are capable of the same tasks as a desktop computer, although they are typically less powerful for the same price. They contain components that are similar to their desktop counterparts and perform the same functions, but are miniaturized and optimized for mobile use and efficient power consumption. Laptops usually have liquid crystal displays and most of them use different memory modules for their random access memory (RAM), for instance, SO-DIMM in lieu of the larger DIMMs. In addition to a built-in keyboard, they may utilize a touchpad (also known as a trackpad) or a pointing stick for input, though an external keyboard or mouse can usually be attached.

Acer is one of the most popular and reputable manufacturers of laptops and personal computers. Since it’s inception in 1976, Acer continues to lead the way in removing the barriers between people and technology, allowing people to interact with computers to perform meaningful communication and tasks.

Acer was renamed as such in 1987, which had previously been known as Multitech which was established in 1976. The global headquarters are located in Taipei County, Taiwan. As of 2002 the global Acer Group employed about 39,000 people in more than one hundred different countries around the world and saw annual revenues around $12 billion.

In 2000 Acer decided to focus primarily on developing advanced technology for especially user friendly computing experiences. This seems to have been a wise move, as sales continued to climb, while the labor force contracted. Though revenues were down as compared to when the corporation employed more than 39,000 employees, by 2005 Acer was making more than $7 billion and employed only about 7,800 people.

In the press release provided by Gateway in late August, 2007, chairman of Acer J.T. Wang said “The acquisition of Gateway and its strong brand immediately completes Acer’s global footprint, by strengthening our US presence. This will be an excellent addition to Acer’s already strong positions in Europe and Asia. Upon acquiring Gateway, we will further solidify our position as number three PC vendor globally.”

Acer’s most popular notebook is the TravelMate series with umpteen individual models from which to choose. Acer offers several different laptops that are sold with Linux or even dual bootable Linux operating systems. This is certainly a nice option for those of us who prefer Linux.

In addition to laptops, Acer makes several different models of desktop computers and other digital devices, including digital cameras. For more information on the company or ordering a new Acer laptop, check out the official Acer website at www.acer.com.

When HP merged with Compaq, they took over Compaq’s existing naming rights agreement. As a result, HP sells both HP and Compaq-branded machines. As you probably know, you can order a computer directly from the factory, over the Internet or even over the phone. You can also customize the computer by choosing what specifications are desired, known as a CTO option.

As of March 2007, HP offers 8 laptop models which carry the Pavilion name. They are:

• 17″ dv9500t
• dv9000t
• dv9000z
• 15.4″ dv6000t
• dv6000z
• 14.1″ dv2000t
• dv2000z
• 12.1″ tx1000z

These HP Pavilion laptops are customizable with the following features:

• Webcam
• Unique HP Imprint Finish
• Choice of four different Windows Vista operating systems (Home Basic, Home Premium, Business or Ultimate on some models)
• 6, 12, 8, or high capacity 8 cell battery (depending on the model)
• ATI, Nvidia, or Intel graphic cards
• Processors such as the Intel Celeron M, Intel Core 2 Duo, AMD Sempron, or AMD Turion 64 X2 Dual-Core processors

Downsides

They have been known to emit an annoying high-pitched whine, identified as being caused by the CPU alternating between low-power and high-power states.

Some models of Pavilion laptop have been criticized as having faulty power jacks, which separate from the motherboard under normal use

The power of its 6 Cell Battery is not optimal and HP has introduced another battery option with higher capacity

Options for high resolution screens are generally lower resolution than HP’s competitors