Lately, the computer industry has decided to shift its focus to a slightly younger demographic. No, it’s not those technology-loving college kids, or even those teenagers with infinite knowledge of the Internet. Instead it’s middle-school kids - ages six through 12.

The world’s largest PC manufacturer, HP, recently announced the release of its new Mini-Note PC laptop - a small, rugged, light and cheap computer designed primarily for children. More likely than not, HP’s decision to produce the Mini-Note is a direct result of the success of Asus’s Eee computer. Since its initial release last year, Asus’s Eee PC has become a top seller. Read the rest of this entry »

This rig has some gaming gusto but is priced too high for the performance it offers. [Full review at LAPTOP: Toshiba Satellite X205-SLi4]

The Toshiba Red Transformer laptop, with its 17-inch flat screen, easily transforms from the utility of a laptop computer to the fun of a flat screen home entertainment center. In creating a portable computer truly adapted to the home user, the designers recognized the need to lose the computer-like personality that distracts from a clean entertainment experience. The fiery red enamel coating alludes to the power of the machine resting inside and the casing exhibits a very simple, strong geometry. When opened, the continuous silver front does not distract from the media experience, while its high grade finish leaves an impression of quality and high-tech resolution. A unique sliding hinge attached to the back of the screen transforms the computer into entertainment mode by pushing the screen to the forefront. The screen rests on the integrated speaker panel and a removable remote control and keyboard allow the computer to be controlled from afar. Read the rest of this entry »

Acer has unveiled to the rest of the world its latest laptop - the Acer Gemstone Blue.
The new model, which actually goes by the moniker of the Acer Aspire 6920 is, according to the company, a laptop designed to “bring the enjoyment of high definition anywhere you go”.

Breaking away from traditional laptop design, the new model will feature a touch sensitive media console, called CineDash, that according to Acer allows you to “manage entertainment in seconds, as well as navigate menus, adjust volume and control media on the fly”.  The laptop will also be one of the first laptops to offer an unconventional 16-inch screen size to benefit from 16:9 ratio widescreen movies. Read the rest of this entry »

The Sony VAIO CR290 is a 5.5-pound, mainstream consumer notebook computer. Compared to other mainstream notebooks on the market, it is relatively inexpensive at around $1,270. Has Wi-Fi (wireless connectivity) built-in.  Price range: $1,079.49

Specs: Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo (2.2 GHz); RAM installed: 2 GB DDR II SDRAM; Weight: 5.5 lbs