Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Lenovo Laptops and Notebooks


A few years ago, Lenovo inherited (well, bought) the tried and true ThinkPad line from IBM. Since then, not much has changed: The ThinkPad line of notebooks and laptops still bear the IBM logo and still offer reliability and security for consumers looking for a machine that can keep up with them and their work. Lenovo also offers the 3000 line, which offers much of the same stability in a more mainstream package.

Lenovo ThinkPad

What can be said about the ThinkPad? It’s perhaps the most enduring brand name in laptop computing. These sturdy notebooks have been serving students and businesspeople well for years, and under Lenovo, they have continued to be a strong contender for consumers who need a little extra security when it comes to their precious data. The ThinkPad has an optional magnesium-alloy roll cage and shock-mounted hard drive, making it practically impervious to blunt force damage or falls. A built in biometric scanner replaces text passwords with a swipe of your finger, providing an extra layer of personal protection. On top of all that, underneath the hood, there is a powerful, high-performance notebook capable of fulfilling all your computing needs.

Lenovo 3000

Meant to be a little more approachable to the everyday user, the Lenovo 3000 takes the solid construction and well-earned reputation of the ThinkPad line and gussies it up with a number of features that makes it just as suitable in the home as it is in the office. Big hard drive, lots of RAM, and a powerful graphics card make the 3000 series great for multimedia tasks like watching videos or playing games, while the integrated camera and microphone allow you to produce your own webcasts and communicate with friends.

Apple Laptop and Notebook Computers

The ascent of Apple’s sleek and stylish notebook is one of the greatest comeback stories in modern computing. Ten years ago, nobody would’ve guessed that Apple and their Mac OS would be mounting a successful and highly-persuasive campaign against the PC, but they’ve done just that.

Thanks to an emphasis on style, a preoccupation with intuitive features and smart, well-designed interfaces, the Apple MacBook and MacBook Pros are a common sight these days. Such beauty does not come for free, however, and consumers will pay somewhat of a premium for these gorgeous notebooks, but as those who own them will tell you, it’s a small price to pay for piece-of-mind and pleasurable computing.

Apple MacBook Pro

The MacBook Pro is the hardcore Apple lovers dream, and is grand enough to make even the staunchest PC-loyalist weak in the knees. Available in 15 and 17-inch models, the MacBook Pro is clad in durable aluminum with a shiny metallic finish that gives the feeling of substance and reliability. It’s supercharged with a Core 2 Duo processor and all sorts of wonderful goodies like a built-in webcam and massive hard drive (200 or 25 0GB).

Apple MacBook


If you’re looking for something more modest (though only slightly), Apple also offers the MacBook, a tiny notebook with a 13-inch display that allows you to tuck it away in a bag or knapsack. Just because it’s small doesn’t mean that it’s lacking in the power department, as it is equipped with Intel Core 2 Duo processors, and can be configured with 2GB of RAM and up to 200GB of hard drive space. The MacBook is available in white and black, the perfect compliment to your iPod, and also features a built-in webcam for easy self-portraits and web video.

Sony VAIO


The Sony VAIO line of laptops has been a perennial favorite of consumers looking for a brand name they can trust. Sony’s diverse and distinct classes of notebook offer something for everybody, whether you’re looking for a thin-and-light tote to take as you travel, or a big, burly performance machine that can handle your multimedia needs.

Lightweight, Portable (SZ, TZ, UX models)

If something sleek and lightweight is what you’re looking for, the Sony VAIO SZ, TZ, and UX lines might be of interest. The super-slim SZ notebooks carry a roomy 13-inch LCD display, yet they manage to keep the total thickness down to 1-inch. Don’t think they’ve left out any important features to bring down the bulk. The SZ models still feature the dual-core Intel Centrino processors that will help a user meet today’s computing needs.

The TZ models are a little smaller, with a display size of 11.1-inches. These are super-mobile, meant to be tucked easily into a purse or backpack and whipped out at a moment’s notice. Even still, it manages to include an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, plus media accessories like a built-in camera and microphone. TZ notebooks are available in four stylish colors: champagne gold, Bordeaux red, classic black, and premium black carbon.

UX models are a little more niche than its peers. These are the UMPCs, that is, ultra-mobile PCs. They’re a kind of hybrid missing link between PDAs and laptops, and are meant for people who want full bodied computing power in a slight and incredibly portable package. They’re still pretty expensive too, so outside of the professional or corporate traveler, these models might be out of reach.

Multimedia (AR, FZ models)

These notebooks are the real powerhouses of the VAIO line. The AR and FZ model notebooks are meant to be the centerpiece of your digital home entertainment system, with huge hard drive storage capabilities, expanded connectivity to interact with your television and home wireless network, and next-generation high definition video. Both AR and FZ models have Blu Ray disc players, allowing users to enjoy movies using Sony’s new, high-definition format. The AR series takes it a step further, with a TV tuner allowing the notebook to be used as a digital video recorder. The AR and FZ series notebooks also have an HDMI output, for best-quality high-definition television connections. The FZ series features 15.4-inch LCD displays, while the AR series kicks it up to 17-inches.

Mainstream Computing With an Emphasis on Design (NR, CR models)

For users not interested in the super-tiny or multimedia models, Sony also offers some mainstream, versatile notebooks that put a significant emphasis on design and personality. These affordable notebooks in the NR and CR series have everything you need to get things done, with Core 2 Duo processors, audio/video multimedia modes, and eye-catching designs that rival Apple’s sleek constructions. The NR series features a classy fabric-like texture, adding some extra flair to its persona, while also offering an array of connectivity options, including MemoryStick and SecureDigital card readers. The NR series features 15.4-inch displays. The CR series has 14.1-inch LCDs.