laptop posts

Which browser isn't such a battery hog?

by Jay Hathaway Sep 14th 2009

If you use your laptop primarily for web browsing, the browser you choose could make a difference in how long your battery lasts. AnandTech tested out the latest versions of the most popular Windows browsers on three different laptops, and it turns out that - when it comes to battery endurance, anyway - IE 8 is the champ. It yielded 5 to 10 minutes of additional battery life compared to Firefox, Chrome and Opera, and nearly half an hour more than Safari.

The three computers in the test were a Gateway with an Intel processor, a Gateway with an AMD processor, and a netbook, the Asus Eee PC. The two Gateways were running Vista, with the Eee PC running XP. On the Eee PC, the browsers all came in within a few minutes of one another, meaning you should make your decision based on other features. On the other machines, though, IE was the clear leader. Firefox (with adblock installed) came in second. Because adblock keeps battery-intensive Flash elements from being displayed, running it will let you eke out an extra 10 minutes compared to standard-issue Firefox.

Tags: battery, battery life, BatteryLife, browsers, ie8, laptop, test

Filed under: Utilities, Windows, Freeware

BatteryCare provides detailed laptop battery info

by Brad Linder Aug 10th 2009

Sure, Windows will do a decent job of estimating how much juice is left in your laptop battery and let you adjust your power management settings accordingly. But BatteryCare goes a few steps further, by providing you with information like the battery's total capacity, voltage, CPU temperature, and manufacturer, if the information is available.

The program also tracks your battery's discharge cycle. After a certain number of partial discharges, a notification pops up recommending you completely discharge the battery to optimize performance.

You can also use BatteryCare to automatically adjust your laptop power plan. For instance, it could switch to the home/office profile when plugged in, and the portable/laptop power pan when you unplug the laptop.

[via Life Rocks 2.0]

Tags: battery, batterycare, laptop

Filed under: Utilities, Freeware, Mobile, Windows x64

BattCursor does in-your-face battery alerts using Aero Glass and more

by Lee Mathews Aug 10th 2009

Just about every operating system out there includes some basic notification for a laptop's battery level. For Windows users who want to go beyond basic, give BattCursor a try.

One of the app's coolest features is the ability to warn you when your battery is low by altering the color of your window borders. By default it's set to yellow for low and red for critical, but you can specify any mix you like using RGB / alpha sliders. As you'd guess from the name, BattCursor can also display the current charge level beneath your pointer.

You can also set up some Vista / Windows 7 oriented battery saving measures. The battery tweaks page allows you to disable both Aero Glass and the Windows Sidebar when your battery reaches a certain level. BattCursor's tray icon also provides right-click access to quickly disable both features.

BattCursor can also automatically switch power profiles. Once enabled, your system will change from high performance to balanced to power saver at the charge levels you specify. The tray icon also provides access to the three default profiles.

If you still want more visual feedback, turn on the OSD to show changes in volume and backlight brightness.

I'm not certain I'd call BattCursor an essential app for laptop users, but it's still a great little program and packs a ton of useful features.

[via Into Windows]

Tags: aero-glass, battery, charge, laptop, monitor

Filed under: OS Updates, Linux, Beta, Mobile

Xandros Presto promises yet another instant-on Linux experience

by Lee Mathews Mar 2nd 2009

Xandros isn't a new name in netbook oeprating systems. After all, it was their OS that first appeared on Asus' category-defining EeePC. What next? Why, instant-on, of course! Called Presto, the new OS will be joining other options like JoliCloud, Moblin, gOS Cloud, and Phoenix Hyperspace.

As is the case with competing products, the goal is to provide a fast-booting desktop experience that includes must-have applications like Firefox, Skype, and a media player. In addition to that core functionality, Presto will also include full access to files on Windows partitions. Xandros is also preparing an app store that will allow users some freedom to expand their instant-on capabilities.

It remains to be seen whether there's an appreciable market for Linux installed in tandem with Windows XP. Most users might just be willing to wait the extra 20 or 30 seconds required to boot their full (and more familiar) Windows desktop.

Presto will cost about $20 after its scheduled release this April, but until then the beta version is a free download. You can get it from the Presto site (as soon as it stops returning 500 errors).

[ via Webware ]

Tags: eee-pc, instant-on, laptop, linux, netbook, xandros

Filed under: Utilities, Macintosh, Freeware

Mobilizer: location-based actions for Mac OS X

by Todd Ritter Feb 20th 2008

If you're a Mac laptop user who is often mounting different network shares or picking different printers depending on which network you connect to, then you may want to checkout the free utility Mobilizer Lite. Mobilizer lets you add locations (in this example we've used "Home" and "Work") which would be different networks that you may use.

Mobilizer can determine your location in a few ways: when you select it manually via the Mobilizer app, when you're connected to a specific wireless SSID, when you receive an IP address from a specific DHCP server (good for wired networks), or even when your power adapter is connected.

Tags: automatic, automation, laptop, location aware, LocationAware

Filed under: OS Updates, Linux, Red Hat

Fedora 8 out today

by Brad Linder Nov 8th 2007

Red Hat is releasing the latest version of its Fedora Linux software today, and along with new features for users, Fedora 8 is the first version of the Fedora software that's targeted at developers who want to create their own Fedora-based Linux distributions complete with a new logo. There are already plenty of Linux distros based on other popular platforms like Ubuntu, so it kind of makes sense that if you want to get your name out there, you open the door to developers who might strip your name from the finished product.

As an end user, here are some of the changes you're more likely to notice in Fedora 8:

Improved printer support
Bluetooth enhancements
PulseAudio gives you more control over audio settings for different users and applications
GNOME Online Desktop integration
Better power management in the kernel
Better support for suspend, resume, and monitor backlighting for laptops

And if that's not doing it for you, there's already a list of proposed features for Fedora 9.

[via Extra Tech]

Tags: fedora, fedora-8, laptop, linux, logo

Filed under: Hardware, News, Linux

Acer selling notebook with Ubuntu Linux - in Singapore

by Brad Linder Jul 31st 2007

Acer appears to be following Dell's lead and is installing Ubuntu Linux on at least one notebook PC. The Acer Aspire 5710Z with Ubuntu is only available in Singapore, where it's advertised for SG$999. That's about $660 US dollars.

This PC's specs would seem to indicate that it's targeted at budget-minded consumers, and the omission of Windows XP or Vista probably helps drive down the price. But while you could only run Windows Vista Home Basic on a computer with just 512MB of RAM, your money gets you a full version of Ubuntu Linux with all the bells and whistles.

Of course, you could just buy a laptop and load your own copy of the free operating system onto it. But we assume Acer have tested Ubuntu on the 5710Z and ensured that all the appropriate drivers are loaded. That alone makes these systems with Ubuntu preloaded worth their weight in gold for the new Linux user.

No word on whether Acer will be offering Linux laptops in the US anytime soon.

[via Engadget]

Tags: acer, dell, laptop, notebook, ubuntu

Filed under: Business, Internet, Web services, VoIP

Skype is shacking up with Toshiba

by Chris Gilmer Jun 27th 2007

Skype announced a deal that will see their internet calling software loaded as standard applications on select Toshiba notebooks.

The software will be loaded onto four model lines of Toshiba computers that have built in webcams (Satellite X205, Tecra M8, Qosmio F45, and the Satellite A215 series), and will display a Skype logo on the case. Its always nail grinding, especially for techies, when we come to realize that applications we do not want have been loaded onto our new computers. However, Skype seems to be the exception here. Most of us use it, and most of us want our other friends to adapt to using it as well. Correct us if we're wrong, but this move will see people who have never heard about VoIP to be engaged by both the combination of the web cam in their new laptop, and the software that works with it.

With a major computer manufacturer introducing a leading edge VoIP software provider to potentially a whole new audience, could we finally see a drastic reduction in home and mobile rates?

Tags: laptop, skype toshiba, SkypeToshiba, voip, web cam, WebCam

Filed under: Kids, Hardware, News

OLPC to be sold to the public?

by Ryan Carter Jan 13th 2007

The One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) initiative is planning to ship nearly 5 million XO model PCs this summer to mostly third world countries. There are rumors floating about that the OLPC folks may offer the laptops for sale to the public as well. Consumers would be able to buy the laptops in pairs, and only receive one of them, with the other one going to a child in a third world country. Sure it is a bit unorthodox, but forcing philanthropy on the public when they purchase is simply brilliant. I don't think many people will have a problem with this method of helping others. You would even get to keep in touch with the child your laptop went to, to see how they are, and what they are up to, sponsoring them, in effect. eBay is also rumored as a seller to help the sale of laptops, since supply chain costs are high and the foundation need to keep costs down to continue producing low-price PCs. Seriously, what is $100 in the grand scheme of things? Would you 'buy 2 get 1' to help out your own kid and the kids that need a PC in third-world countries? I would.

Tags: child, computer, countries, developing, laptop, NIcholas Negroponte, NicholasNegroponte, olpc, philanthropy, third-world

Filed under: Hardware, Windows, Blogging, Microsoft

Microsoft's blogger bribe blunder will be good for EFF

by Ryan Carter Dec 31st 2006

Microsoft wasn't the smartest in the way they handled the blogger laptop give-away, but the debacle will turn out good in one way. One blogger, Scott Beale, is choosing to auction off the laptop he received on eBay and give the proceeds to the EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation). The auction will run through January 4th, when Scott will post the results on his blog, the Laughing Squid. If you can get over the ugliness of the Acer Ferrari-inspired laptop, then give it shot and bid on the thing. This just proves bloggers are smart, resourceful, and thinkers, which I think is just plain touching...sniff.

Tags: acer, blogger, blunder, bribe, laptop, microsoft

Filed under: Hardware, News, Windows, Linux, Microsoft, Commercial, Open Source

Windows & OLPC: Strange bedfellows?

by Ryan Carter Dec 6th 2006

It's horrible when truth finally comes out. Microsoft really does want to take over the world. Are we sure that Steve Ballmer isn't just a large suit inhabited by Brain (and Pinky) for just this purpose? All joking aside, Microsoft now wants to put their Windows on the OLPC. I can see why they would want to "educate" the world's children on the finer points of using Windows (the bottom line, community goodwill), but it doesn't seem feasible or cost-effective. Windows has certain requirements that are a bit above what the OLPC can support, and isn't the whole idea to use something that works well for the hardware, the form factor, the user? I'm not saying that Linux is the best choice for a beginner to start using right off the bat unless it is extremely dumbed down and pre-configured, which it would most likely be. Would windows be a good thing for the OLPC, you tell me. On one hand, I feel like Microsoft should leave well-enough alone, but on the other hand, isn't Windows the thing all these OLPC kids will be using in the future when they grow up anyway?

Tags: hardware, laptop, linux, microsoft, OLPC, windows

Filed under: Business, Kids, Linux

$100 laptop shipping Q2 of 2007

by Chris Gilmer Oct 23rd 2006

The One Laptop Per Child initiative is getting ready to roll out their line of $100 laptops for school children in developing countries in Q2 of 2007. Quanta Computer in Taiwan is the manufacturer that was brought into the project to create the low cost devices, expects that they will produce close to 10 million units in the first year of development. OLPC figured out a way to improve inexpensive black and white DVD player LCD displays, in order to keep the normally few hundred dollar feature, at a price of only $35. Software was cut out of the machines, since two thirds of software in laptops manages the other third, and supposedly they mostly do the same functions in nine different ways. The OLPC laptops will be running Linux OS, 500MHz microprocessor, and 128MB of DRAM with 500MB of flash memory usage. Unfortunately the laptops will not have a hard disk, so no downloading, but they will have four USB ports if that makes it better? So if anyone has some good deals on flash memory keys that the kids can use, I'm sure OLPC would be interested. Other than the no hard drive feature, and black and white display, sounds like this laptop initiative is really going to help these kids out with their studies, and look into what the rest of the world is like.

More pictures of the laptop after the jump...

Tags: 100 laptop, 100Laptop, cheap laptop, CheapLaptop, developing countries, DevelopingCountries, laptop, lcd, linux, olpc, onelaptopperchild

Filed under: Hardware, News

Another Sony battery recall, this time Lenovo

by Ryan Carter Oct 2nd 2006

So now we have another manufacturer who is recalling Sony batteries for its laptop computer products. Lenovo has issued a voluntary battery recall for over 500,000 batteries. Where does the carnage end? Will Sony still provide batteries for laptops after this, or is this a minor set-back? I know mistakes happen, but I don't know that Sony can afford another big battery catastrophe like this if they want to keep their battery business. Do they even care? Sony is a big company, so what do you think, will this incident hurt their bottom line enough to matter? This is the one time when I am actually glad I have an older laptop. One that isn't subject to a battery recall. It really isn't much of a consolation, but its something, right?

Tags: Apple, batteries, battery, Dell, HP, laptop, Lenovo, recall, Sony

Filed under: Utilities, Windows, Freeware

Battery Eater Pro - test worst-case battery life

by Jason Clarke Aug 29th 2006

Battery Eater Pro is an application that exists solely for the purpose of making life hell for your portable computer's battery. Rather than giving you a best case scenario prediction of the battery life in your notebook, Battery Eater Pro uses every power-hungry option to try to drain your battery as fast as possible. This is in many ways a better benchmark, since it's consistently repeatable, and lets you know what you can expect under the worst conditions. During testing the utility stresses the CPU, RAM, HDD and videocard. For optimal results (meaning the worst battery time), make sure that you turn on WiFi, BlueTooth and IR ports.

Despite it's name, Battery Eater Pro is free.

Tags: battery eater, battery life, battery life test, BatteryEater, BatteryLife, BatteryLifeTest, laptop, notebook

Filed under: Business, Apple

Apple Recalls Sony batteries

by Chris Gilmer Aug 25th 2006

Seems like Apple just got hit by the Sony battery fiasco. Safety regulators just asked Apple to recall 1.8 million batteries from older laptops. Just a short while ago it was discovered that Sony batteries in Dell machines were a fire hazard, after a few actually caught fire. Dell's recall totaled 4 million. Sony has estimated that the cost of replacing all of the faulty units could hit close to $250 Million. Sony is anticipating that there will be no additional recalls for these particular laptop batteries.

Tags: apple, battery recall, BatteryRecall, dell, laptop, laptop battery, LaptopBattery, sony battery, SonyBattery

Graveyard Shift - zombie-busting Time Waster

With Halloween fast approaching, it's a great time to get in some practice defending your territory against zombies. In Graveyard Shift, you take aim at zombies and other creepy-crawlies, blasting them into splatters of cartoony green guts. It's a casual first-person shooter, and it's very easy to get the hang of - use the mouse to aim, click to fire. Graveyard Shift has at least 15 levels, and it might even have some secret stages I haven't unlocked yet. They key to getting good at Graveyard Shift is learning to use ...

View more Time Wasters

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