Notebook

Disadvantages of a Notebook Computer

January 4, 2012 By Terry Stockdale

I’ve mentioned many times that my main computer is my notebook computer. Sure, I have a desktop computer, too, I just don’t use it very much. I also have my home theater PC and a Linux-based file server for backup. But, my Dell Inspiron 8600 is the real workhorse.

In this week’s online newsletter, my article Why Buy a Notebook Computer? I’ve written about making the decision on whether or not to buy a notebook computer — and when to go for the cheaper models.

But, first, let’s consider some of the limitations of a notebook computer, as compared to a typical desktop computer.

These include:

Price — for an equally capable computer, a notebook is more expensive

Continue reading Disadvantages of a Notebook Computer

Solving Jerky Streamed Videos

June 2, 2011 By Terry Stockdale

Subscriber Gordon Shaw wrote for help to solve a problem with jerky streamed video:

Hi Terry

Wonder if you could help. I have a PC with AMD Athlon tm 64 processor 3800+. 2.4GHz, ASUS M2V-MX Motherboard & 2GB Ram. The video card is a NVIDIA Ge Force7600Gs with 256MB of Video Memory. I’m running XP Home 32 bit with SP3.

I recently installed a BENQ G2420HD LCD Monitor with a natural resolution of 1920×1080 but have had to reduce this to 1620×900 as videos I play especially on BBC iPlayer are really jerky. Even now at the reduced resolution it isn’t perfect.

Do I need to replace my graphics card with say 1GB of video memory to achieve the proper resolution? If you could recommend a replacement I would be very grateful.

I wrote to Gordy to suggest that he check the Nvidia web site to make sure he has the latest driver. I also suggested that he check the Benq web site to make sure he has loaded the latest driver for his monitor. While the standard Windows plug-and-play monitor driver may work, and the video card driver in Windows may work, they’re not likely to be optimized.

Continue reading Solving Jerky Streamed Videos

Filed Under: Communications, Hardware, Notebook, Terry's Computer Tips, Video

Crucial Memory for PC’s and Mac’s

August 15, 2009 By Terry Stockdale

Filed Under: Hardware, Notebook, Other

Save $100 instantly + FREE shipping on the Compaq Presario C769US Notebook PC

June 20, 2008 By Terry Stockdale

Save $100 instantly + FREE shipping on the Compaq Presario C769US Notebook PC

Note: This special deal is available June 22 – June 28, 2008
No coupon necessary!

Filed Under: Coupons, Hardware, Notebook, Sales, Shopping Deals

Save up to $149 instantly on the HP Pavilion dv6700t Customizable Notebook

June 20, 2008 By Terry Stockdale

Save up to $149 instantly on the HP Pavilion dv6700t Customizable Notebook

Includes $100 instant rebate, and FREE shipping ($49 value)
Save up to $149 instantly on the HP Pavilion dv6700t customizable Notebook

Note: This special deal is available June 22 – June 28, 2008
No coupon necessary!

Filed Under: Coupons, Hardware, Notebook, Sales

My Dell Notebook Repair Experience

March 22, 2008 By Terry Stockdale

My call one Monday evening to Dell Support was met with the ubiquitous automatic answering system, with the standard message that said something like “We are experiencing heavy call volume right now. The best time to call is Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm.” Of course, since this was the tech support group for Dell’s Home & Home Office group, I don’t imagine that very many of those customers call during that time.

That message was the only downside to the whole tech support and repair process!

As I expected and was warned, I waited on hold for a little bit, perhaps 10-15 minutes. It didn’t bother me. I’ve waited longer on hold in earlier years.

Continue reading My Dell Notebook Repair Experience

Filed Under: Dell, Hardware, Notebook, Terry's Computer Tips