Compared with most previous Hello Kitty laptops, the Hello Kitty C1's design is downright subdued, with the text "Hello Kitty" repeated across the lid and a single impression of the evil mastermind's image in one corner. Otherwise, the 1.2-kg mini laptop looks like nearly every other all-white Netbook.
Its specs are fairly typical as well: A 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, 1GB of RAM, a 120GB hard drive, and a 10.1-inch display. There are also two USB ports, a 1.3-megapixel Webcam and 802.11b/g Wi-Fi. It runs on Windows XP Home in your choice of five languages.
But, fellow citizens, do not be fooled by the cuteness! This product is all part of a pernicious plot to attack your wallet: Whereas most Netbooks are priced in the US$350-US$500 range, the Hello Kitty C1 costs a ridiculous US$890.
For years IT-savvy users have been removing their batteries when running their laptops off a power outlet. This reduces the hit on the limited recharge cycles of laptop batteries and extends the life of your cell considerably.
However, owners of the MacBook and MacBook Pro may not have this luxury. At first it sounded like an urban myth that Apple laptops would start slowing down with the battery removed and the unit running only off AC. However, an official support article on Apple's Web site confirmed this.
According to the Cupertino company, this is a "feature" which reduces the processor speed to avoid a situation when the power adapter is unable to supply the power needed by the chipset. To reach the full performance potential of the machine, you'll need to put in the battery.
So if you intend to do some intensive photoshopping, leave your battery where Apple wants it to be. Fortunately, or unfortunately, the MacBook Air is exempted from this requirement.
At a media preview event recently in New York, ASUS showed off for the first time a new brushed-metal design for the 10-inch Eee PC Netbook. The new Eee PC 1002HA has essentially the same components as the Eee PC 1000--Intel Atom CPU, 1GB of RAM, Windows XP, Bluetooth, 802.11n Wi-Fi, and a few different SSD and HDD hard drive options--but in a sturdy, upscale-looking chassis with a brushed metal lid and wrist rest.
It almost reminds us of the HP Mini-Note 2133, one of the very first Netbooks, which had a similar brushed-metal design. That model was aimed at business and educational users, and the recent consumer version, the HP Mini 1000, has a plastic body.
The new Eee PC 1002HA will ship in the US from early December, and start at US$499. Asia pricing and availability were not available at press time.
It's been about a year since the debut of dual-band routers, those that support both the ever-popularly used 2.4GHz and the newer, less busy 5GHz frequencies. This was very exciting news at first, but after having worked with a few of them, I wonder if they are really worth it.
Just like AT&T cell service, a wireless LAN can be unreliable at times. (Credit: Dell)
If you turn on a wireless network scan in a neighborhood of a big city, chances are you'll find multiple existing wireless networks.
Wireless routers are so popular now. Up till about a year ago, they all operated in the 2.4GHz frequency, which is shared by many other home appliances, such cordless phones or Bluetooth devices. This, in crowded areas, could potentially create interference that adversely affects your wireless network's performance.
This is the main reason why wireless networking vendors have turned to the cleaner 5GHz frequency, thus the birth of dual-band routers, such as the Linksys WRT 610N or the D-Link DIR 855.
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Though ASUS and Dell have already released HSDPA-enabled Netbooks, to get your hands on one requires you to sign up with a mobile broadband plan. The new LG X110 Netbook, on the other hand, comes with a 3.5G radio option that won't require bondage to the powers that be. Unfortunately, this model take a huge hit out of your wallet in the process. But on the flip side, there is a cheaper variant sans HSDPA connectivity which comes at a more pocket-friendly price.
Specs-wise, the X110 is not inspiring, though we like the fact that it is available in three color choices.
Specifications
Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor
1GB RAM
10-inch display
160GB HDD
802.11b/g, Bluetooth and 10/100 Ethernet
Optional HSDPA connectivity
Three USB 2.0 ports, VGA output
Windows XP Home
The machine has a recommended retail of S$799 (US$575.44) without HSDPA radio and S$1,099 (US$791.50) with 3.5G connectivity. The laptop will be available in Singapore from November 22.