Pentium 3, Pentium 4 and Centrino laptops in mint condition, which the original manufacturer cannot sell as new. Source may be cancelled orders, unused machines which have some minor faults repaired, or surplus stock
All are in excellent condtion. All are usually available 1-2 days from order Current offers include a range of highly specified Dell laptops
1-year RTB (Return-to-base) warranty from Portables Direct
Dell laptops with 56k modem, Ethernet 10/100, floppy and carry case - some also with buil-in wireless
Smart PC 250n £375+VAT
15" screen • Pentium 4/2.4GHz, 256Mb RAM, 40Gb hard disk, DVD+CDRW
Inspiron 2600 £325+VAT
15.1" screen • Pentium 4/2GHz, 512Mb RAM, 64Mb video, 30Gb hard disk, DVD+CDRW
Inspiron 2650 £375+VAT
14.1" screen • Pentium 4/1.6GHz 512Mb RAM • 40Gb hard disk + floppy drive DVD-CDRW
Inspiron 5100 £395+VAT
14.1" screen • Pentium 4/2GHz, 512Mb RAM, 32Mb video, 30Gb hard disk, DVD+CDRW
Inspiron 8200 £595+VAT
15.1" screen • Pentium 4/2GHz, 512Mb RAM, 64Mb video, 30Gb hard disk, DVD+CDRW
Latitude C400 + Cport II £395+VAT
12.1" screen • Pentium 3/866MHz, 512Mb RAM, 30Gb hard disk, DVD+CDRW
Latitude C640 + Cdock II £595+VAT
14.1" screen • Pentium 3/1GHz, 512Mb RAM, 30Gb hard disk, DVD+CDRW
Latitude C840 + Cdock II £595+VAT
15.1" screen • Pentium 4/1.8GHz, 512Mb RAM, 64Mb video, 30Gb hard disk, DVD+CDRW
Latitude D400 + Dport £525+VAT
12.1" screen • Pentium M (Centrino)/1.4GHz, 512Mb RAM, 40Gb hard disk, DVD+CDRW
Latitude D600 + Dport £525+VAT
14.1" screen • Pentium M (Centrino)/1.3GHz, 512Mb RAM, 30Gb hard disk, DVD+CDRW
Latitude X200 £425+VAT
12.1" screen • Pentium 3/800MHz, 512Mb RAM, 30Gb hard disk, DVD+CDRW (Firewire)
Latitude X300 £575+VAT
12.1" screen • Pentium M (Centrino)/1.2GHz, 512Mb RAM, 30Gb hard disk, DVD+CDRW
Monday, July 26, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
School used student laptop webcams to spy on them at school and home
According to the filings in Blake J Robbins v Lower Merion School District (PA) et al, the laptops issued to high-school students in the well-heeled Philly suburb have webcams that can be covertly activated by the schools' administrators, who have used this facility to spy on students and even their families. The issue came to light when the Robbins's child was disciplined for "improper behavior in his home" and the Vice Principal used a photo taken by the webcam as evidence. The suit is a class action, brought on behalf of all students issued with these machines.
If true, these allegations are about as creepy as they come. I don't know about you, but I often have the laptop in the room while I'm getting dressed, having private discussions with my family, and so on. The idea that a school district would not only spy on its students' clickstreams and emails (bad enough), but also use these machines as AV bugs is purely horrifying.
Schools are in an absolute panic about kids divulging too much online, worried about pedos and marketers and embarrassing photos that will haunt you when you run for office or apply for a job in 10 years. They tell kids to treat their personal details as though they were precious.
your privacy is worthless and you shouldn't try to protect it.
Update: The school district admits that student laptops were shipped with software for covertly activating their webcams, but denies wrongdoing.
If true, these allegations are about as creepy as they come. I don't know about you, but I often have the laptop in the room while I'm getting dressed, having private discussions with my family, and so on. The idea that a school district would not only spy on its students' clickstreams and emails (bad enough), but also use these machines as AV bugs is purely horrifying.
Schools are in an absolute panic about kids divulging too much online, worried about pedos and marketers and embarrassing photos that will haunt you when you run for office or apply for a job in 10 years. They tell kids to treat their personal details as though they were precious.
your privacy is worthless and you shouldn't try to protect it.
Update: The school district admits that student laptops were shipped with software for covertly activating their webcams, but denies wrongdoing.
How to Buy a New Laptop
A laptop is a notebook-sized computer that generally incorporates all of the other features you've come to depend on every day. Smaller than a desktop computer, a laptop usually includes a monitor, a keyboard, a system unit and a mouse or touch pad.
There are plenty of advantages to owning a laptop. The No. 1 reason people get laptops is because they can bring them anywhere--the beach, to church or even to the bathroom--so if you're constantly on the go, a laptop will come in very handy. Laptops are also lighter and much more compact than a desktop computer, so they'll help you save tons of space. And when you're not using it, you can fold it up in a briefcase and store it.
However, laptops have their disadvantages, too. Because laptops are so compact, they are always a step behind desktops when it comes to capability and efficiency. You're going to have to sacrifice decent sound devices, keyboard comfort and your mouse for the sake of portability. Also, if you're planning on adding stuff onto your computer, get yourself a desktop and not a laptop. While upgrading a laptop is not entirely impossible, it's often impossible to add elements like RAM and hard drives without shipping the entire computer back to the manufacturer. And even if you do decide to upgrade, you're still limited in the selection of extra equipment: Most laptops require that you install parts manufactured by the same company.
There are plenty of advantages to owning a laptop. The No. 1 reason people get laptops is because they can bring them anywhere--the beach, to church or even to the bathroom--so if you're constantly on the go, a laptop will come in very handy. Laptops are also lighter and much more compact than a desktop computer, so they'll help you save tons of space. And when you're not using it, you can fold it up in a briefcase and store it.
However, laptops have their disadvantages, too. Because laptops are so compact, they are always a step behind desktops when it comes to capability and efficiency. You're going to have to sacrifice decent sound devices, keyboard comfort and your mouse for the sake of portability. Also, if you're planning on adding stuff onto your computer, get yourself a desktop and not a laptop. While upgrading a laptop is not entirely impossible, it's often impossible to add elements like RAM and hard drives without shipping the entire computer back to the manufacturer. And even if you do decide to upgrade, you're still limited in the selection of extra equipment: Most laptops require that you install parts manufactured by the same company.
History of Laptop Computers - History
It is a little hard to determine what was the first portable or laptop computer, the first portable computers did not look like the book-sized and folding laptops that we are familiar with today, however, they were both portable and lapable, and lead to the development of notebook style laptops. I have outlined several potential firsts below and how each qualifies, many of the off-site links provide good photos of the computers that will let you see the progression in design.Designed in 1979 by a Briton, William Moggridge, for Grid Systems Corporation, the Grid Compass was one fifth the weight of any model equivalent in performance and was used by NASA on the space shuttle program in the early 1980's. A 340K byte bubble memory lap-top computer with die-cast magnesium case and folding electroluminescent graphics display screen.
Sponsored Links
Compare Laptop Prices
Compare Prices & Save - Shop Smart! PC World Shopping: Laptop Computers
www.PCWorld.com/laptops
Parallel Computing
The latest & greatest in parallel computing. Visit our expert blog!
www.drdobbs.com/Go-Parallel
Channel News
Channel Insider Reviews the Nine Most Reliable Notebook PC Makers
www.ChannelInsider.com
Gavilan Computer As The First Laptop?
Manny Fernandez had the idea for a well-designed laptop for executives who were starting to use computer. Fernandez, who started Gavilan Computer, promoted his machines as the first "laptop" computers in May 1983. Many historians consider the Gavilan as the first fully functional laptop computer.
The First Laptop Computer - Osborne 1
The computer considered by most historians to be the first true portable computer was the Osborne 1. Adam Osborne, an ex-book publisher founded Osborne Computer and produced the Osborne 1 in 1981, a portable computer that weighed 24 pounds and cost $1795. The Osborne 1 came with a five-inch screen, modem port, two 5 1/4 floppy drives, a large collection of bundled software programs, and a battery pack. The short-lived computer company was never successful. (second photo)
More History of Laptop Firsts
•Also released in 1981, was the Epson HX-20, a battery powered portable computer, with a 20-character by 4 line LCD display and a built-in printer.
•In January of 1982, Microsoft's Kazuhiko Nishi and Bill Gates begin discussions on designing a portable computer, based on using a new liquid crystal display or LCD screen. Kazuhiko Nishi later showed the prototype to Radio Shack who agree to manufacture the computer.
•In 1983, Radio Shack released the TRS-80 Model 100, a 4 lb. battery operated portable computer with a flat and more of a laptop design.
•In February 1984, IBM announced the IBM 5155 Portable Personal Computer.
•Three years later in 1986, Radio Shack released the improved and smaller TRS Model 200.
•In 1988, Compaq Computer introduces its first laptop PC with VGA graphics - the Compaq SLT/286.
•In 1989, NEC UltraLite was released, considered by some to be the first "notebook style" computer. It was a laptop size computer which weighed under 5 lbs. (second photo)
•In September 1989, Apple Computer released the first Macintosh Portable that later evolved into the Powerbook. (second photo)
•In 1989, Zenith Data Systems released the Zenith MinisPort, a 6-pound laptop computer. (more Zenith laptops)
•In October 1989, Compaq Computer released its first notebook PC, the Compaq LTE.
•In March 1991, Microsoft released the Microsoft BallPoint Mouse that used both mouse and trackball technology in a pointing device designed for laptop computers.
•In October 1991, Apple Computers released the Macintosh PowerBook 100, 140, and 170 - all notebook style laptops. (more on Powerbooks)
•In October 1992, IBM released its ThinkPad 700 laptop computer.
•In 1992, Intel and Microsoft release APM or the Advanced Power Management specification for laptop computers.
•In 1993, the first PDAs or Personal Digital Assistants are released. PDAs are pen-based hand-held computers.
Sponsored Links
Compare Laptop Prices
Compare Prices & Save - Shop Smart! PC World Shopping: Laptop Computers
www.PCWorld.com/laptops
Parallel Computing
The latest & greatest in parallel computing. Visit our expert blog!
www.drdobbs.com/Go-Parallel
Channel News
Channel Insider Reviews the Nine Most Reliable Notebook PC Makers
www.ChannelInsider.com
Gavilan Computer As The First Laptop?
Manny Fernandez had the idea for a well-designed laptop for executives who were starting to use computer. Fernandez, who started Gavilan Computer, promoted his machines as the first "laptop" computers in May 1983. Many historians consider the Gavilan as the first fully functional laptop computer.
The First Laptop Computer - Osborne 1
The computer considered by most historians to be the first true portable computer was the Osborne 1. Adam Osborne, an ex-book publisher founded Osborne Computer and produced the Osborne 1 in 1981, a portable computer that weighed 24 pounds and cost $1795. The Osborne 1 came with a five-inch screen, modem port, two 5 1/4 floppy drives, a large collection of bundled software programs, and a battery pack. The short-lived computer company was never successful. (second photo)
More History of Laptop Firsts
•Also released in 1981, was the Epson HX-20, a battery powered portable computer, with a 20-character by 4 line LCD display and a built-in printer.
•In January of 1982, Microsoft's Kazuhiko Nishi and Bill Gates begin discussions on designing a portable computer, based on using a new liquid crystal display or LCD screen. Kazuhiko Nishi later showed the prototype to Radio Shack who agree to manufacture the computer.
•In 1983, Radio Shack released the TRS-80 Model 100, a 4 lb. battery operated portable computer with a flat and more of a laptop design.
•In February 1984, IBM announced the IBM 5155 Portable Personal Computer.
•Three years later in 1986, Radio Shack released the improved and smaller TRS Model 200.
•In 1988, Compaq Computer introduces its first laptop PC with VGA graphics - the Compaq SLT/286.
•In 1989, NEC UltraLite was released, considered by some to be the first "notebook style" computer. It was a laptop size computer which weighed under 5 lbs. (second photo)
•In September 1989, Apple Computer released the first Macintosh Portable that later evolved into the Powerbook. (second photo)
•In 1989, Zenith Data Systems released the Zenith MinisPort, a 6-pound laptop computer. (more Zenith laptops)
•In October 1989, Compaq Computer released its first notebook PC, the Compaq LTE.
•In March 1991, Microsoft released the Microsoft BallPoint Mouse that used both mouse and trackball technology in a pointing device designed for laptop computers.
•In October 1991, Apple Computers released the Macintosh PowerBook 100, 140, and 170 - all notebook style laptops. (more on Powerbooks)
•In October 1992, IBM released its ThinkPad 700 laptop computer.
•In 1992, Intel and Microsoft release APM or the Advanced Power Management specification for laptop computers.
•In 1993, the first PDAs or Personal Digital Assistants are released. PDAs are pen-based hand-held computers.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
10 Things To Be Considered Before Buying Student Laptops
But how would a first time buyer who hasn’t used the laptop before will get the best laptop from his purchase? Here is the list of top 10 things you must consider before buying a student laptop:
1.First things first, before investing your resources in this ideal machine, you should be clear with some of the basic fundamentals of your requirement, like what are your major requirements as for computer hardware and software? Can your laptop be used in the classroom for taking notes and connecting to the internet? What internet connections are available in your campus and how can you connect to the University's/School's intranet? These are some of the basic questions that need to be answered before you invest into your dream machine.
2.The next step which follows after making your requirements clear is that what kind of laptop is best suited for your needs. Consider, what attributes it should carry in order to fulfill your basic requirements, without involving much management from your side.
3.While buying a laptop make sure that you buy it from a vendor who will be able to support your needs. If you purchase it from a shop local to you but far away from the place where it is intended to be used, it makes difficult for the service calls.
Other things to be considered are:
4.Size: An ideal student laptop must be small, light-weighted and very portable as students peculiarly need the one they can carry easily to places.
Sturdiness: Your laptop should be tough and sturdy enough to bear any kind of treatment given by you.
5.Software compatibility: Shop for the software section before buying your machine to make sure that in the end you can afford both the machine and the software of your choice.
6.Convenience: It should be convenient for you to use it anytime.
7.Connections: Access to internet is a must for any student. So, this facility should be available to you anywhere and anytime.
8.Besides a proper internet connection there are some of the must checks which you need to make in your laptop-- a printer port, a 56 kbps-modem, at least one USB port for external keyboard/mouse, drive, digital cameras and MP3 players. A VGA port for an external monitor will be an added advantage.
9.Technical specifications: your laptop should have enough storage space, RAM and the right computing speed to accomplish any kind of job. For example: Your laptop should posses a reasonable battery life which can be of five hours or more.
10.Price: Last but never the least, there always exist price constraints for students. Therefore your laptop should be reasonably priced. For this matter refurbished laptops may be a good option for those who are on a real strict budget.
1.First things first, before investing your resources in this ideal machine, you should be clear with some of the basic fundamentals of your requirement, like what are your major requirements as for computer hardware and software? Can your laptop be used in the classroom for taking notes and connecting to the internet? What internet connections are available in your campus and how can you connect to the University's/School's intranet? These are some of the basic questions that need to be answered before you invest into your dream machine.
2.The next step which follows after making your requirements clear is that what kind of laptop is best suited for your needs. Consider, what attributes it should carry in order to fulfill your basic requirements, without involving much management from your side.
3.While buying a laptop make sure that you buy it from a vendor who will be able to support your needs. If you purchase it from a shop local to you but far away from the place where it is intended to be used, it makes difficult for the service calls.
Other things to be considered are:
4.Size: An ideal student laptop must be small, light-weighted and very portable as students peculiarly need the one they can carry easily to places.
Sturdiness: Your laptop should be tough and sturdy enough to bear any kind of treatment given by you.
5.Software compatibility: Shop for the software section before buying your machine to make sure that in the end you can afford both the machine and the software of your choice.
6.Convenience: It should be convenient for you to use it anytime.
7.Connections: Access to internet is a must for any student. So, this facility should be available to you anywhere and anytime.
8.Besides a proper internet connection there are some of the must checks which you need to make in your laptop-- a printer port, a 56 kbps-modem, at least one USB port for external keyboard/mouse, drive, digital cameras and MP3 players. A VGA port for an external monitor will be an added advantage.
9.Technical specifications: your laptop should have enough storage space, RAM and the right computing speed to accomplish any kind of job. For example: Your laptop should posses a reasonable battery life which can be of five hours or more.
10.Price: Last but never the least, there always exist price constraints for students. Therefore your laptop should be reasonably priced. For this matter refurbished laptops may be a good option for those who are on a real strict budget.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
