For Super Secrets About Notebooks, This Article Is It

There are many options for choosing a laptop that fits your needs. Choose to buy a new laptop, or even a used laptop, and you’ll feel overwhelmed when you don’t know much about the technology. The following article is intended to help you make a wise choice on your laptop.

If you are looking for a very light weight laptop, consider a Netbook. Netbooks are light weight, very portable and usually less expensive than traditional laptops. The downside of Netbooks is that they are not as high functioning as traditional laptops. Still, if you are looking for a simplistic laptop with a budget friendly price, this is the way to go.

If you’re going to buy a used laptop, make sure that you use it for a while first. You want to make sure that it boots up quickly. It should also not be making too much noise. Check to see how hot it gets as well. You may want to consider buying it from a retail place with a guarantee of some kind.

USB Mouse

You may want to get a USB mouse if you don’t like using the track pad on your laptop. A laptop generally isn’t going to come with a mouse for you to use. This is why it’s up to you to get one. They make them in smaller sizes that are wireless if you wish to get those kinds.

Prior to buying that desktop replacement laptop, think about how much traveling you’ll be doing. Desktop replacement laptops are top of the line in terms of power, but they are sometimes twice as heavy as other laptop options. They can be a real hassle to carry around with you if you do lots of traveling. Keep that in mind when purchasing.

Brands do matter when you are buying a laptop. Some have better service than others, while others are noted for their ruggedness. The reputation for certain companies changes over time. It is usually a good idea to stick with a reasonably well-known brand and to check online reviews by buyers before making a final decision.

Consider if your laptop will be your primary computer. If it will, you might want to spend more to get a bigger hard drive, more RAM and an increased number of features. If it will only be a secondary computer, used from time to time when you are on the road, you can get away with something less updated and less expensive.

Multitasking

For people who do a lot of multitasking, then RAM is an important feature on their laptops. The cheapest laptops will have less RAM than the more expensive models. For high-end applications, gaming, and multitasking, a computer with a large amount of RAM is going to be a necessity, not an option.

The LCD is a big component that drains battery life. To help out your Dell 312-0461 Laptop Battery life, take the brightness down a notch or two. You will be able to use your laptop longer if you utilize this tip.

Check out online reviews of the various laptop manufacturers before you go shopping. There are some brands, such as Asus, which are highly regarded, while others are considered to be lower end and less than impressive. The more you know, the better informed you will be to make a purchase decision.

When you buy a new laptop, spring for a DVD drive on it. While going without one may seem feasible, especially considering the lower price, you could really be up to the creek when it comes to installation or repair. When you need to put new software on, update it, or perhaps fix an existing problem, being able to use a disc is essential.

If you want to be able to connect your computer to your television screen, you need a VGA port. You also need a newer model television that can accommodate your laptop. This option gives you a much bigger screen to work with. You can also use it to watch videos from your computer on your television.

Choose a reputable brand when buying your new laptop. Your computer is only as strong as the brand name behind it, and you might find this out if you have to contact customer service for any reason. You want a company that honors the warranty it offers and assists you with updates or other needs too.

How strong are you? While most laptops are pretty light today, carrying them around all day can still wear you out. If you plan to do a lot of moving around, a lighter model will be a better choice. If you will instead travel by car mostly, you don’t have to worry so much about weight.

Laptops Battery Life

Maximize your battery life by dimming the LCD to the lowest brightness you find tolerable. The display is one of the biggest battery drains, so keeping this setting low will help your Dell latitude d830 notebook battery last longer. The Control Panel gives you the ability to dim your lights.

In order to keep track of all of your passwords, create a password manager to track your accounts, enter your passwords with just one keystroke, and even generate complicated passwords that hackers cannot guess. This place saves you from having to write all of those passwords down (and lose them), and it stores your information securely.

There are some ports you might not even realize you need, but think about them now. For example, do you want to connect your laptop to the TV to show videos or photos? You’ll need an HDMI port. Do you want an SD card slot to put photos from your camera on the computer? Do you need an Ethernet port for your internet connection?

Laptops have evolved over the years and there are some fantastic useful features available if you just know where to look. If you have ever felt overwhelmed about buying a new laptop, just take it one step at a time. Use the tips from this article to help cure your confusion!

Find The Best Notebook With These Tips And Tricks

When your computer finally gives up, the time to buy a laptop is right. They offer portable computing that can give you the ability to get up and leave. If your computer is just out of date, a laptop is a good substitute. No matter why you need a new laptop, the following tips can help you get it.

You may not actually need a disk drive. Consider a computer that simply comes with a CD/DVD combination drive. Flash drives, external hard drives and cloud storage available on the Internet make it easier for you to save vital files without cluttering your computer’s hard drive. This can save you money and decrease the weight of your laptop.

When it comes to owning a laptop you will want to avoid drinking near it at all costs. Any spray from your drink or accidental spillage will more than likely result in a permanent sticky spot on your computer, if not worse. Therefore, have a drink before or after use, not during.

Laptop Budget

When setting a laptop budget, think about what accessories you’ll need. From getting a backpack, case or a mouse, you may spend a lot of money on these things. Look on the Internet to get price estimates for each item and add it to your budget.

To get the best deal on a laptop, start looking at the release cycles ahead of time. You can save a lot of money by purchasing last years model. Even a computer that is only a few months old can help you save. You may not get all the newest hardware but an older laptop may suit your needs.

If you want to play video games on your new laptop, you’ll have to buy one with a top of the line video card. The amount of memory on the card is key as the more memory is available, the faster the game will play, allowing you to quickly move without lagging.

Overheating

To keep your computer from overheating when you are working on it in bed or on the couch, make sure that you do not set the laptop directly on a soft surface, such as a blanket or quilt. A hard surface gives the cooling vents room to operate, but softer surfaces fill the gaps, keeping the heat inside the motors and potentially damaging your computer.

To avoid adding, even more, costs onto the price of your computer, skip the fancy software. There are plenty of free alternatives available to you, such as Google Docs instead of Microsoft Word. Only purchase software if you must for work or school, and talk to your administrator about discounts available to you before you buy.

To start out setting up your new laptop, the first thing you need to do is install and activate the antivirus software that you should have bought with your computer — or that came free with it. After all, you wouldn’t walk around downtown with your ATM PIN on your forehead. So keep your computer information secret from the beginning.

Think about the weight of the laptop. Weight corresponds to portability. If you plan on traveling, you should try looking at lighter models. Carrying around a heavy laptop will cause you to get tired and strained. However, weighty laptops tend to have more functionality, so this is something to consider depending on what you plan to use it for.

Hardware Needs

Understand what your hardware needs will be. If you are a gamer, sound and video cards will be important to you. This will also mean a faster processor and more RAM. If you are a more casual user, avoid the latest, greatest sound and video hardware. However, if you are watching movies regularly, they become a consideration again.

You should ask yourself if you are going to use your computer as the primary computing device. Many people have replaced their PCs with smaller devices. If you want to do this, you’ll likely require a bigger screen, more RAM than a budget laptop typically comes installed with and a faster processor.

Check out the keyboard before purchasing a laptop. Play around with it and find out if it is comfortable for you. Is there enough space between the keys? Do you like the touchpad, which is used as the mouse? A great laptop could be useless if you do not like the keyboard.

Metal Case

Try to purchase a laptop with a metal case, instead of purchasing one with a plastic case. Metal is more durable, and it will last you for a longer time period than plastic. This means your computer is less likely to break or need to be replaced for some time into the future.

Think about processor speed. Not all laptops are created equal. They all have processors, but the speed and number of them can vary quite a bit. You may not notice any difference between them initially. If you do intensive work or gaming, however, you should look for faster processing speeds.

Ask your salesperson any questions that you may have about the laptop you are potentially buying. These salespeople are typically gadget geeks and love talking about laptops and other computers. They also tend not to hard-sell devices. Tell him about your typical use cases, and the salesperson can lead you in the right direction.

Stolen Computer

To keep someone else from getting away with your computer, consider installing a program that reports the location of a stolen computer. Whenever the laptop connects to the Internet, the program reports the precise physical location of the computer. Some programs even allow you to remotely disable your computer or delete or retrieve data.

Be sure you know about the battery life. If you will be using your computer on the go, you need one with a long lasting Acer as07b72 laptop battery. Search for a laptop with five or more hours of battery life. You can make sure to have power when you need it while on the go.

Smart people always do their research ahead of making an important purchase. Just by reading this article, you have proven you are a smart shopper who plans to do things right. Now that you know all of these ideas, put them to use to prove yourself as the smartest laptop shopper ever!

2017 Guide: Top 12 Notebooks With the Best Battery Life

What is the most important aspect of notebook computers? Typists can pick up keyboards and keep looking for desktop travel and haptic feedback. Multimedia enthusiasts like large color monitors and symphonic speakers. Hardcore players value the original performance, measure at a fast frame rate, and most importantly.

But for most of us, the best thing about a portable PC is, well, its portability—the time it can spend away from an electrical outlet. That’s why, big or small, the most desirable laptops are the those with the best battery life. This guide will clue you in to notebook battery technology, capacity, and smart usage, and link to reviews of 12 overachievers in Computer Shopper’s tests.

The Basics

The goal for laptop manufacturers and buyers alike is “all-day” battery life, defined not as 24 hours of running time but as lasting through an eight-hour workday or longer.

We don’t count systems that can reach that mark by swapping batteries—removing a spent one and snapping a spare into place. Still, as you shop, it’s worth looking for laptops with removable batteries that at least give you the option of buying a spare, as virtually all notebooks used to. Having inaccessible internal batteries is the trend with more and more laptops nowadays. (The few that still offer removable batteries tend to be business-centric machines.)

At this writing in mid-2017, our single-battery record holder was the Lenovo ThinkPad X260$881.10 at Lenovo business ultraportable, when equipped with its 72-watt-hour swappable battery. It endured for over 23 hours of runtime in Computer Shopper’s standard battery test. (That consists of looping an MP4 video on constant playback with screen brightness at 50 percent and volume at 100 percent until the battery dies.) Another seminal Lenovo ThinkPad business machine,  was the second-place model, also tested when using a specific oversize swappable battery (Lenovo’s “extended battery”). The ThinkPad T460 cranked out a whopping 21 hours and 30 minutes of runtime when we tested the latest version with its biggest Lenovo thinkpad t60 laptop battery in late 2016.

Note, though, that the above models have recently been supplanted by the ThinkPad X270$881.10 at Lenovo and ThinkPad T470$1,231.65 at Lenovo. These newer models also posted epic run times, if not as long as the models they are replacing. But because the newer models are the ones you’ll increasingly find in stock online and in stores, and stock of the previous models will dwindle, we’re listing the newer ones below.

Other recent long-enduring machines include the Microsoft Surface Book (2016)$1,899.00 at Amazon, which is a detachable 2-in-1 model that we tested in Core i7 trim. It hauled along for a bit more than 19 hours in our video-playback test, thanks to its two integral batteries, one behind the detachable screen portion and one in the keyboard base. Just a few minutes shy of that machine, and still above 19 hours, was Lenovo’s 360-degree-rotating flagship 2-in-1.

Now, these are extreme endurance machines. We’re starting to see, however, a bunch of premium mainstream machines clustering in the 14-to-16-hour range. These include the most recent versions we’ve tested of the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2, the Dell XPS 13$949.55 at Amazon (the “Kaby Lake” Core i5 model we tested in late 2016), and the Apple MacBook (2017). Also in the same range, we’ve recorded some lusty Dell Xps m1330 Battery numbers from a few “Cherry Trail” Intel Atom-based detachable 2-in-1s, like the Asus Transformer Mini T102H$384.00 at Amazon.

Because the Transformer is primarily a Windows tablet, not a true laptop, we’ve left it out of the list below. There are so many extremely long-lasting laptops these days that we’re being increasingly strict about what makes the cut, lest this list turn into an unwieldy top 25.

Battery Types & Tech

Two main types of laptop batteries are in use today. The more common lithium-ion batteries tend to come in traditional cylindrical or rectangular cell shapes; lithium-polymer, in contrast, is more expensive and can be shaped freely to fit into smaller spaces inside a notebook. Bigger laptops tend to rely on big, heavy blocks of lithium-ion. The 2-pound Apple MacBook was an early pioneer (in the original 2015 MacBook) in packing its frame with thin sheets of lithium-polymer, filling every nook and cranny and yielding, in that laptop’s case, over 15.5 hours in its 2017 “Kaby Lake” Core m3 iteration$1,149.00 at Amazon we tested most recently.

Battery capacity is typically measured in watt-hours (Wh). If you find one laptop advertised as having a 45Wh battery and another with a 37Wh, you can assume the former will last longer—if they have similar specs, including processor, screen size, screen type, maximum brightness, native resolution, and type of storage. However, it’s rarely the case that all those things (or even most of them) line up across devices. It’s almost impossible to make an apples-to-apples battery-life comparison of, say, a 13.3-inch, 1,366×768-resolution Core i3 laptop and a 15.6-inch, 4K-resolution Core i7 system. That’s why lab-based, authoritative testing and reviews like ours are crucial when assessing battery claims. There are just too many slippery factors.

Even there, sometimes similar systems will surprise you. As an example, back in 2015, the HP Stream 11 and Asus EeeBook X205TA were both Windows compacts meant to compete with Chromebooks, with 11.6-inch screens, small solid-state drives, and nearly matching HP pavilion dv2000 batteries(37Wh and 38Wh, respectively). But the EeeBook’s Intel Atom tablet-grade CPU was more battery-friendly than the Stream’s Celeron processor, so the Asus lasted 12:21 to the HP’s 9:23 in our tests. That’s not always a reliable yardstick, though: In contrast, the also-similar, Celeron-based Acer Aspire One Cloudbook 14 surprised us by lasting just shy of 14 hours, and that with a much larger (though fairly dim) 14-inch screen. So: testing, testing, and testing.

Indeed, processor differences can have a large effect in otherwise similar systems. (So can screen resolutions; more on that in a bit.) That’s why units with low-power-consumption, less muscular CPUs like Atoms and Celerons can deliver very good battery life even while the system is inexpensive. Likewise, Intel’s Core M processor line (which has been partly subsumed into the Core i5 and Core i7 line, in chips with “7Y” in the name, starting late 2016) is built to eke out extra battery life compared to fuller-fat Core i3, i5, and i7 chips. We’ve seen some impressive results from Core M—more than 12 hours, for example, out of the Core m5-based Yoga 900S$949.00 at Lenovo.

To reiterate: It’s worth checking individual reviews for any model you are considering. The power-draining interplay of battery size, hard drive, processor, and display make it hard to predict actual battery life without formal testing.

Tips: Extending Battery Life

So, how can you squeeze more minutes from a battery that’s running low, or buy a machine whose options keep battery life in mind? Checking out formal reviews that feature defensible battery-life testing is key, but these usage and shopping tips will help, too.

BE SELECTIVE. When they are not in use, switch off power-sapping features you don’t need, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and keyboard backlighting. Activating a laptop’s “power save” or “eco” mode may automate some of these settings. All of these draw energy to some degree, sometimes even if you think they’re not; for example, if the Wi-Fi is not connected to a network, it’ll likely be polling constantly for a connection, which still takes juice.

TAKE IT EASY ON THE BRIGHTNESS AND AUDIO. Dial down the screen backlighting—something between 50 and 60 percent is usually perfectly legible indoors, but offers considerable savings over full brightness—and reduce or mute the sound, especially if your laptop has loud speakers.

ONE THING AT A TIME. Reduce the number of apps or processes running in the background; multitasking is a strain on your battery.

OPT FOR A LOWER-RES SCREEN. Sure, that 4K (3,840×2,160 resolution) display on a recent-model laptop looks great, especially with the brightness cranked all the way up. But unless you have eagle-like vision or you’re watching movies with your face just a few inches from your screen, you won’t actually see all the detail those tiny pixels are pushing. And a 4K panel has four times as many pixels as a 1080p (1,920×1,080) panel; those extra pixels are a serious drain on battery life. Sticking to 1080p (or even 1,366×768) will let you go much longer between pit stops at the power plug, all else being equal.

SKIP THE TOUCH SCREEN. Of course, if you opt for a 2-in-1 convertible, you can’t ditch the touch screen; touch is in these machines’ very nature. But if you’re in the market for a traditional laptop that offers both touch and non-touch displays (like the Dell XPS 13), going with a non-touch model may add significantly to battery life. As convenient as it can be to reach out and tap a dialog button or scroll down a Web page with your finger on a screen, adding touch to a screen means a whole other layer of always-on electronics that are constantly waiting for your finger to tap or swipe the glass. If you use touch only occasionally, it’s not worth the drain on battery life—especially if battery longevity is one of your main priorities.

Fantastic Tricks Relating To Notebooks Which Are Easy To Learn

Mobile devices are all the rage these days, but most of them don’t offer the full range of power and functionality you might need. Notebook computers are the best way to get the full computing power, and they also have great mobility. When you read this article, you will get some good advice to help you make a more informed purchase decision.

The weight of a laptop should be considered when making a purchase. Carrying a heavy laptop will take a toll on your shoulders and back, so try going with a lighter one if you must carry it with you frequently. Just because it is light, doesn’t mean it costs more. However, many times battery life is greatly decreased.

Get on the mailing list of different laptop brands. You will be able to get insiders-only discounts and coupon codes. When you are in the market for a new laptop, you might get just the coupon you need to make a purchase. Sometimes, a good coupon will help you make up your mind.

Different Laptops

Compare the options available with different laptop computers. Find out which ones come with a USB port, HDMI port, and an SD slot. A USB 3.0 port will make your computer function more quickly. The HDMI port allows you to connect your laptop to your television. An SD card gives you an easily removable storage card for digital photographs.

If you don’t plan on carrying your new laptop around much, consider buying a full-sized 15-inch screen. It will offer you the best viewing options, as well as be the most cost-effective you can get. They are a little heavier than their smaller counterparts, but pound for pound, worth their viewing pleasure.

Battery life is an important consideration when you are considering the purchase of a laptop computer. Check how long the manufacturer says the TOSHIBA PA3817U-1BAS Laptop Battery will last, but keep in mind that your actual usage may affect this number. If you intend to use your laptop for more than 3 or 4 hours, plan on an extra battery or someplace to plug it in and recharge.

Are you afraid of your laptop being stolen? Invest in a tracking software such as CyberAngel Security, Absolute Software’s Lojack for laptops or TheLaptopLock (which is free). These increase the chances of recovering your laptop by pinpointing the location of the registered notebook once it connects to the Web.

Check out online reviews of the various laptop manufacturers before you go shopping. There are some brands, such as Asus, which are highly regarded, while others are considered to be lower end and less than impressive. The more you know, the better informed you will be to make a purchase decision.

Battery Life

If you don’t care much about battery life, consider buying a used laptop online. In fact, if you do care about battery life, you can even buy a whole new battery and you should be good to go. Used laptops work very well, plus the price is always right!

Consider buying a laptop with a touchscreen. While touchscreens are not for everyone, some people really enjoy them. Touchscreens give your laptop a tablet feel but in a larger form. The Windows 8 operating system is based on a touchscreen format. If you use your laptop for lots of typing and office programs, then a touchscreen is probably not necessary.

Think about the mouse that comes with the laptop. There are many different mouse designs available. Whether you like a button-style, ball type, or trackpad mouse, learn what works best for your needs. You can add later, but you want one that you like the best now.

To make your favorite applications easy to find and use on your laptop, pin the right shortcut to your taskbar. Go to the Start menu and find the shortcut to the program you want to pin. Right click on that shortcut and choose “Pin to Taskbar.” The icon will appear permanently just to the right of your Start button.

Bluetooth Capabilities

Consider if your new laptop has Bluetooth capabilities. This can come in handy if you want to attach an external mouse, keyboard or another accessory. While most computers come equipped with WiFi, Bluetooth is not a guarantee. Look for it before making your purchase, and consider how useful it will be to you when selecting the price point you want to spend.

If you expect to have your laptop for more than a few years, consider how upgradable the laptop is. You may want some additional memory or better graphics down the line, so a few empty card slots will be a big deal when buying. A laptop that isn’t upgradable means less of a shelf life.

How large of a screen do you need? If you want to work on your laptop, you may need a larger screen with greater resolution, especially if your work involves graphic design. If all you want to do is word processing, a smaller resolution will probably do just fine.

The laptop your purchase is only as good as the brand behind it. If you buy an off brand laptop to save some money, you will more than likely end up buying a new laptop sooner than you want. The major brands have long histories of excellent customer support and service. Research the brand before you purchase.

Replacing

If your laptop is not keeping a charge well, it is possible to change the battery. This is much cheaper than replacing the entire computer. In fact, you can find low-priced Toshiba pa3285u-1bas batteryies if you shop some of the major internet markets rather than shopping on the computer maker’s website itself.

Many think a graphics card is necessary for graphic intensive work and games. A graphics card that is dedicated cuts down on battery life, sucking power out of the machine. Lots of folks get laptops for the erroneous reason that they need dedicated CPU, but in many cases, it never gets utilized.

Laptop computers, as you can see, are not just a simple device. Though they may be simple to use, there is more to these machines than most think. Learning tips like this article have shown, plus any other knowledge you can find will allow you to make the smart decisions that put a quality laptop in your hands.

The best notebook deals in July

The best new laptop models can be very expensive, but there’s no reason why you can’t pick up a bargain and get a lot of help with the equipment you need.

Whether you are looking for a short-term fix or investing in a solid model from last season’s batch there are some key points to consider.

Here’s our guide for July to make sure you get a budget purchase that is right for you.

This month’s best laptop deals:

Lenovo Yoga 300: This convertible 2-in-1 laptop hybrid is now a fantastic price for under £250.

HP Stream 11: A small and portable Windows 10 laptop that is now fantastic value from Amazon and Currys at just £169.99.

Acer Chromebook 11: This small Chromebook is still a great bargain if you want a budget laptop. You can get it for around £150 used from Amazon or around £180 from other retailers.

Acer Chromebook 15: For a bigger screen on a Chromebook this Acer now comes in with a massive saving at under £189.

Asus X555YA: A great everyday laptop with a large 15-inch screen and 1TB hard drive.

Asus Transformer Mini:This is a stylish 2-in-1 that is down from its launch price of close to £350 It features a detachable keyboard and kickstand for laptop or tablet flexibility.

Lenovo Yoga 510: This 2-in-1 is still a fantastic price for a decent hybrid laptop that can be used like a tablet.

MSI GS30 2M 205UK Shadow: A powerful gaming laptop with latest i7 processors and 8GB of RAM for just over £800.

Dell XPS 13: Get Dell’s flagship laptop with high-end performance for around £1,000.

Macbook Air: Prices have dropped on Apple’s Air for this 2015 model.

What do I want my laptop for?

If you only want a budget stand-in or portable device you can easily pick up a Windows laptop or Chromebook for £250 or even less. This July, there are plenty of brands out there built for those who just want something simple, and cut priceHP, Acer and Lenovo laptops can all be found for just a couple of hundred pounds.

If you want a device that is a little more powerful for running run several programs without feelings the heat you will need to spend a bit more. You can find good deals on laptops with slightly cheaper Intel or AMD processors. Often last year’s models will still be highly viable everyday laptops, and you can find a decent machine for around £500.

Even for gaming laptops there are plenty of deals. While you are unlikely to see many going for less than £750, you can still find models that have had their prices slashed and will still perform well on the latest games.

Where can I get a good laptop deal?

Most major retailers will offer deals around the year. One-off events such as the January sales, Amazon Prime Day in July or Black Friday can also be the answer to securing a great deal.

UK retailers such as John Lewis, Currys, PC World, Argos and Tesco all offer deals and discounts on laptops, often with options to throw in cases, hardware, security systems and programs such as Microsoft Office.

Several of the main manufacturers have their own websites offering outlet price models at a discount and online retailers such as Amazon, Very and AO all have discounted deals and bundles.

What are the best laptop deals for students?

Many major laptop providers offer an education discount for students buying a laptop. This can help save you around 10% or better on even high-end models.

While you may be tempted to just go for the cheapest model, even top of the range Apple products offer a 10% discount to students, as does Microsoft for its Surface Book and Surface Laptop. Other manufacturers including Dell, Lenovo and HP all offer chunky savings if you buy using an education discount.

Should I buy a new or refurbished model?

Buying a new model is the safest bet to get decent performance and specs up to the level of what the developer called for.

However, it is easy to pick up a refurbished model online. Generally these will be memory wiped, cleaned and factory reset, but there is no clear standard for buying a refurbished laptop.

Some major suppliers such as Dell will resell their own refurbished models in outlet stores or online. With a major developer you can have some guarantee of quality, but you should always check what warranty the model comes with and what operating system will be installed.

Under £250

Best 2-in-1 deal: Lenovo Yoga 300

Screen size: 11.6 inches

Weight: 1.39kg

Battery life: 8 hours

Lenovo’s budget 2-in-1 option is fantastic value through Lenovo’s website and on Argos. You can now get this laptop for £239 from Argos – its lowest price ever on this laptop. It comes with a smooth 360 degree hinge, Windows 10 and up to eight hours of battery life.

Best budget Windows deal: HP Steam 11

Screen: 11.6 inches

Weight: 1.17 kg

Battery life: 11 hours

This lightweight budget laptop is one of the best deals this month if you want to get a bargain product with Windows 10. With a solid Hp proBook 4520S laptop battery life for such a cheap laptop and a  Intel Celeron N3060 processor it comes in vibrant colours including aqua blue and purple.

Best Chromebook deal: Acer Chromebook 11

Screen: 11.6 inches

Weight: 1.25 kg

Battery life: 9 hours

One of the best budget Chromebooks you can buy, the Acer 11 has now dropped under £200 from some retailers. While this version lacks the flexible flip screen of its big brother the Acer R11, it runs on the same processor so will deliver similar results. You can currently save around £40 on Amazon compared to high street retailers.

It’s not very powerful and uses Chrome OS, meaning limited storage, but for simple web-based tasks and portability it is a bargain.Acer Chromebook 11

Best big Chromebook deal: Acer Chromebook 15

Screen: 15.6 inches

Weight: 2.2kg

Battery life: 9 hours

While it is large and chunky for a Chromebook, this Acer is a bargain if you want a bigger screen but only want a budget model.

Asking prices have now fallen to under £150 on some major retailers for a new model, making this 15 inch Chromebook a bargain if you just need a stopgap laptop for simple tasks.

Under £500

Best Asus offer: Asus Transformer Mini

Screen: 10.1 inches

Weight:789 g ​

Battery life: 11 hours

This brilliant Asus tablet/laptop convertible is now incredible value with several major retailers. With a great 1280 x 800 resolution screen and a stylus pen and keyboard in the box, this hybrid is now available for juts over £300 from some retailers.

Best everyday deal: Asus X555YA

Screen size: 15.6 inches

Weight: 2.2kg

Battery life: 6 hours

Grab a cheap deal with this Asus X555 for under £300. This model features an AMD A6 quad core processor which will be ample for everyday needs and comes with a 15.6 inch screen and 1TB of hard drive capacity.

While a laptop at these specs won’t excel at every task, and the screen resolution on this one could be said to be on the cheaper side, this is definitely a bargain deal if you need a cheap model now. It comes with USB 3.0 connectivity and an SD card reader.

Best deal for a hybrid: Lenovo Yoga 510 14

Screen size: 14 inches

Weight: 1.75kg

Battery life: 5 to 6 hours

This two-in-one laptop has now dropped well below £500 in its most basic form, which uses a Intel Pentium 4405U processor for managing most simple tasks. With a 128GB SSD it will run smoothly, although this version only features 4GB of RAM may mean the laptop lacks power for some people.

Prices on this model have now fallen to £349, saving £150, making this a cheap laptop convertible you can pick up which will still deliver decent performance.

Under £1,000

Best deal for gaming: MSI GS30 2M 205UK Shadow

Screen size: 13.3 inches

Weight: 1.3kg

Battery life: up to 6 hours

Get a great gaming experience for just £800 with this MSI gaming laptop. It now has 20% off with Amazon, and for that you get the latest i7 processors, 8GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD, easily packing a punch for standard gaming on the move.

Best deal for performance: Dell XPS 13

Screen: 13.3 inches

Weight: 1.29kg

Battery life: 13 hours

By shopping around you can now find almost £200 off the brilliant XPS 13 laptop, considered one of the main current challengers to Apple’s Mac range. The XPS 13 features a virtually borderless 13.3 inch Infinity Edge display, which is available with touch. With Amazon and Currys the price has fallen to just over £1,000.

Dell also claims the laptop offers up to 22 hours of Dell Xps m1530 Battery life, although in practice this is more like 12 to 13 hours when streaming video. This latest model runs on Kaby Lake processors, Intel’s newest and more powerful seventh generation processor.

Best deal for Apple: Macbook Air

Screen: 13.3 inch

Weight: 1.35 kg

Battery life: 12 hours

Apple’s highly successful Air has just had a price cut in the UK, bringing it down to around £849 on Currys. This does, however, only bring the cost of the Air closer in line with what it was on release date, with Apple having since hiked prices in the UK. You can also get Apple products from the Apple Store with a 10% discount for students.

Best 4 Tips for Buying Gaming Equipment

Every year, after the famous E3 conference, all the game player will be on the upcoming game excited, but suddenly everyone in the mind of the question is: “my computer can install these new games?” In other words, getting new game gear is something that gamers often do. There are better graphics cards, keyboards, processors, etc., released every year, and everyone loves to enjoy their game at high resolution.

Unfortunately, this is quite an expensive hobby, and as such, there is no room for mistakes. Making a mistake will result in a waste of money, and nobody likes that. So, here are some tips to help you when you are thinking about purchasing new gaming equipment.

Check for the exclusives (PC vs. Consoles)

As we all know, there are console players and PC players, and even though there are a lot games that come out for all platforms, the gameplay experience and difficulty can largely differ depending on which games you are playing. Moreover, there is one important factor that, as a gamer, you should not neglect and that is the category of exclusive games.

Basically, during each convention, there are games which can only be played on a particular platform. So, if there are games you really want to play that will be coming out only for Xbox, or Playstation, or Nintendo, or PC, then this fact should narrow down your purchasing decision.

PC vs. Laptop

Now this is a good question, granted you have already opted for purchasing a new PC platform, because buying a gaming laptop can very well be a better investment. Again, this solely depends on the circumstances and your preferred play style. If you primarily want to play from your home, inside the comfort of your room, than yes, a PC is a better option, however with a laptop, there are numerous new possibilities that will open up.

For starters, you have the opportunity to play from any room in the house, even from your bed or arm chair. Another great advantage that comes with having a gaming laptop is that you can take it with you on your travels, or to your friend’s place if you are organizing gamer gatherings like LAN PVP events, etc.

Lastly, if you commute a lot, a laptop with a durable Acer aspire 4720 battery can come in handy while riding the bus, or if you are at college and there are long breaks in between lectures. In other words, think about it because, nowadays, a laptop might be a superior choice.

Product reviews

This does not apply much when buying a console, since opinions will be divided, all of which are mostly based on personal biases. When buying a PC or laptop however, you should definitely go over tons of reviews and lists to see whether the device or configuration you want to go for is a worthy buy. For laptops, it is not too difficult, as they come pre made, and you are the one who decides if you want to boost the configuration a bit. In other words, look for a gaming laptop buyer’s guide or gaming laptop reviews, and see which one will be the best fit.

When it comes to buying a PC, there is going to be a lot more research involved. You will need to research each component individually, and find the best configuration to get your money’s worth. Also, you will need to find a gamer’s keyboard as well as a new mouse for gaming, and probably a good and comfortable chair. Luckily making a good purchase will most likely enable you to play all of the upcoming AAA titles for the next 3-5 years.

Discounts

Finally, you need to check if there are any active discounts or upcoming discounts in your near vicinity. During events like the 4th of July, or national holidays in general, stores tend to offer far better deals in order to incentivize the consumers to shop. In other words, practicing patience can help you save tons of cash on these purchases, especially if you plan to buy full PC gaming gear.

These were some basic shopping tips for gaming equipment, and hopefully they will help you pick a quality gaming platform for the best personal gameplay experience.

Expert Advice For Finding The Best Notebook For Your Money

You want a new laptop and you want it now?! The problem is that you don’t know where to look for it, what to find and how to get it. You don’t have a full day, so look at this article and get a quick course on smart laptop shopping.

If you want a good deal on a laptop, join an electronics forum online. The people in there are always sharing deals on various electronics, including laptops. That way, you can also get opinions on the laptop you might be interested in buying. A forum full of electronics aficionados will help you to know what will work for you.

Consider how much security you need for your laptop computer. How much is personal and business information available on your device? Fingerprint scanners are used to prohibit access to the operating system. Only the person whose fingerprints scan as the owner will be allowed to use the system. However, no security measures are full proof.

When purchasing your laptop, do not let the salesman talk you into every upgrade under the sun. Upgraded memory, a huge hard drive and the best graphics card available are important to some, but consider if they will be important to you. If you’re not using your laptop in a way that requires these features, you are only wasting your money buying them.

Size of Laptop

The size of your laptop depends on how much you need to travel with it. If you travel frequently, your best option is a small, lightweight computer. The screen and keyboard are small on these computers, but it makes traveling much easier. If you are mostly planning to use your laptop at home, you can go larger.

Always check battery life expectations for a laptop. If you are often on the go, having the longest Hp probook 4710s laptop battery life possible will be imperative. The specs that you see for battery usage can often refer to a laptop running at minimal settings. Look at the specs and judge this based on your expected needs.

If you’re buying a laptop online, know how to ask questions about it. Find out what the brand name is, and tell the person to give you the specs. If they can’t tell you then it’s probably a good idea to avoid buying from them. Unless you can look over it in person, it’s not worth the risk since you don’t know what you’ll be getting.

If you only want to use your laptop for web surfing, simple word processing and watching movies, consider an ultrabook, notebook or tablet instead. These smaller, cheaper options provide you with a lot of features, but they’re lighter, fit your budget more easily and can still provide you with what you require.

Multitasking

For people who do a lot of multitasking, then RAM is an important feature on their laptops. The cheapest laptops will have less RAM than the more expensive models. For high-end applications, gaming, and multitasking, a computer with a large amount of RAM is going to be a necessity, not an option.

If you want to play video games on your new laptop, you’ll have to buy one with a top of the line video card. The amount of memory on the card is key as the more memory is available, the faster the game will play, allowing you to quickly move without lagging.

Do you need a CD drive? Many computers today do not come with CD drives. If you need or want one in a computer, be sure that any computer you are considering purchasing has a CD drive. If you aren’t sure if you need one, you can always purchase an external CD drive.

To avoid adding, even more, costs onto the price of your laptop, skip the fancy software. There are plenty of free alternatives available to you, such as Google Docs instead of Microsoft Word. Only purchase software if you must for work or school, and talk to your administrator about discounts available to you before you buy.

How long might you be using your laptop for at one time? This is a hugely important fact to determine before you make your purchase. Every laptop will have its own battery life, and you must choose a model which will fit your needs, otherwise, you’ll find your computer just doesn’t cut it.

Start Menu

Pin your shortcuts to your Start menu. Once you find the right shortcut, right-click on it and choose “Pin to Start Menu.” The icon you need will now appear all the time in your Start menu options, rather than remaining in the All Programs folder.

Do you really need a DVD burner? With the advent of USB keys and external hard drives, most people don’t need to burn DVDs any longer. Think long and hard about whether your new laptop really requires this feature as not having it included will save you hundreds of dollars.

To take control of the way that your laptop uses power, tweak the power usage settings. You can usually find this file, sometimes called “power options,” somewhere in your computer’s settings. It depends on what operating system you are using. The display and sleep mode are important options when it comes to the power.

If you tend to do some gaming, look at the minimum specs of your favorite games before buying a new laptop. You should have them with you when shopping as you’ll need a laptop that meets them. To be honest, your choice should exceed them a bit, as you want the room to grow into the newest games coming out.

When you are in the market for a laptop purchase, always chose the fastest processor speed you can get for your money. With larger processors becoming commonplace, people are taking advantage of this. You will not be wanting to learn your processor is outdated in a year or two. Plan for the future and buy the fastest and largest one you can afford now.

Now that you’re done this article, you have filled your mind with many helpful tips. Laptop shopping will be a snap now that you know what you’re doing. Get to the store or check out online retailers and find the perfect model, get the best price and then start enjoying portable computing!

LAPTOP: Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 vs Lenovo Yoga 910

It’s a battle between two fantastic 2-in-1s.

Forum user Sulaylavsi is trying to decide between DELL XPS combo and spot associate yoga 910. Sulaylavsi will configure CPU or Core i7 system, 16GB memory, 512GB hard drives and a high resolution (3200 x 1800 Lenovo DELL x 2160 or 3840) of the screen. Although these two systems are good choices, your choice depends on what is most important to you.

Here are the key differences between these two premium 2-in-1s and our overall recommendation.

Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 Lenovo Yoga 910
Starting Price/Configured $999/$1,329 $979/$1,849
Screen Size  13.3 inches 13.9 inches
Resolution (Starting/Configured)  1920 x 1080 / 3200 x 1800  1920 x 1080 / 3840 x 2160
CPU (Starting/Configured) Core i5-7Y54  Core i5-7200U
RAM (Starting/Configured) 4GB / 16GB 8GB / 16GB
SSD (Starting/Configufed) 128GB / 512GB 256GB / 512GB
Battery Life 8:27 10:36
Size 11.98 x 7.81 x 0.54 inches 12.72 x 8.84 x 0.56 inches
Weight 2.7 pounds 3.04 pounds

Size

At 11.98 x 7.81 x 0.54 inches and 2.7 pounds Dell XPS 13 is noticeably smaller and lighter than the Lenovo Yoga 910 (12.72 x 8.84 x 0.56 inches, 3.04 pounds). However, the Yoga 910 has a 13.9-inch display, compared to the 13.3-inch display on the XPS 13, so you’re getting more screen in exchange for the added heft.

Winner: Dell XPS 13 2-in-1, but only if you value portability over screen size.

Design

Both laptops look great, so this is really a matter of personal preference. Do you prefer the soft-touch carbon fiber deck on the XPS 13 2-in-1 or the brushed metal body and watchband hinge on the Yoga 910?

Winner: Lenovo Yoga 910. The watchband hinge puts Lenovo over the top for us, but others might feel differently.

Screen

We haven’t tested either laptop with its optional high-res display, so we can’t comment on the brightness or color quality of either panel. However, we do know that Lenovo’s laptop has a larger and sharper display.

In terms of raw pixel count, the Yoga also has more dots, with a 3840 x 2160 resolution vs 3200 x 1800 on the XPS. So, even though Lenovo’s screen is 0.6 inches larger, it has 316 pixels per inch vs 276 PPI on Dell’s panel. More importantly, the Yoga 910’s screen is true 4K so it can show Ultra HD movies at their native resolution, while the XPS 13 2-in-1 has to downscale them.

The XPS 13 2-in-1’s default 1920 x 1080 display is marginally brighter and more vibrant than the Yoga 910’s base panel. Dell’s 1080p screen reproduced 107 percent of the sRGB color gamut while hitting 314 nits on our light meter while Lenovo’s panel achieved slightly-lower scores of 98 percent and 292 nits.

Winner: Lenovo Yoga 910 has a true 4K display option, which will be better for Sulaylavsi. However, if you’re purchasing a laptop with a 1080p screen, the XPS 13 2-in-1 panel is a tiny bit better.

Performance

Though Sulaylavsi plans to buy either laptop with a Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, the systems are not created equal. The Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 uses a low-power (and therefore low-heat) Intel Y Series processor so that it can eschew a system fan while the Yoga 910 uses a standard Intel U Series CPU.

There’s a huge performance gap between the 4.5-watt processor in the XPS and the 15-watt chip in the Yoga 910. Unfortunately, the Yoga 910 we tested had a Core i7-7500U CPU and the XPS 13 2-in-1 had a Core i5-7Y54 so we can’t make a perfect apples to apples comparison between Core i7 on the two systems. However, the huge delta in performance scores between our two review units is more than just the normal difference between Core i5 and Core i7, within the same series.

On Geekbench 4, a synthetic benchmark that measures overall performance, the Core i7-7500U-powered Yoga 910 scored 8,102 while the Core i5-7Y54-enabled XPS 13 2-in-1’s got just 6,498. A Core i5-7200U-powered Dell XPS 13 (not the 2-in-1) scored 7,287. Lenovo’s laptop also completed our spreadsheet macro test, which involves matching 20,000 names with their addresses, in 3 minutes and 34 seconds, compared to 4:14 on Dell’s 2-in-1 and 3:44 on the XPS 13 clamshell with the U series processor.

The delta between the laptops is much bigger when comes to graphics performance. While the Yoga 910 was able to play Dirt 3, a low-end racing game, at a solid 50 frames per second, the XPS 13 2-in-1 managed a slideshow-like 21 fps. Lenovo’s laptop got a score that was about 50 percent higher on the 3DMark Ice Storm Unlimited benchmark (77,093 vs 49,214). The Core i5-7200U-powered XPS 13 laptop got 62,754 and 28 fps.

Winner: Lenovo’s Yoga 910 offers much better performance.

Battery Life

While the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 lasted a reasonable 8 hours and 27 minutes on our Dell xps m1330 laptop battery test (continuous surfing over Wi-Fi), the Yoga 910 blew it away by enduring for 10 hours and 36 minutes. To be fair, both laptops we tested had 1920 x 1080 displays so either model with a higher-res, QHD screen would probably have shorter battery life.

Winner: Lenovo Yoga 910

Price

Prices are always subject to change, but right now, the Yoga 910 is a whole lot cheaper than the XPS 13 2-in-1. In the configuration Sulaylavsi wants — a high-res display, a Core i7 CPU, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD — the Yoga 910 costs just $1,329 at Lenovo.com while the XPS 13 2-in-1 goes for $1,849 at Dell.com, a difference of $520.

The two laptops have similar starting prices, but the base model Yoga 910 gives you a lot more for your money. For $979, the low-end config of the Yoga 910 gives you a 1080p display, Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. The starting, $999 Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 also has a 1080p display and Core i5 CPU, but it comes with only 4GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD.

Winner: Lenovo Yoga 910 is a much better value.

Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 Lenovo Yoga 910
Size
Design
Screen  ✔
Performance
Battery Life
Price

Bottom Line

In every criteria but size, the Yoga 910 wins. So, unless you just have to have the lightest 2-in-1 around, Lenovo’s laptop is the better choice.

Fantastic Tricks Relating To Notebooks Which Are Easy To Learn

Mobile devices are all the rage these days; however, most do not provide full spectrum of power and functionality. Notebook computers are the best way to have sufficient computing power, as they are mobile. When you read this article, you will get some great skills to help you make a wise purchase decision.

The weight of a laptop should be considered when making a purchase. Carrying a heavy laptop will take a toll on your shoulders and back, so try going with a lighter one if you must carry it with you frequently. Just because it is light, doesn’t mean it costs more. However, many times battery life is greatly decreased.

Get on the mailing list of different laptop brands. You will be able to get insiders-only discounts and coupon codes. When you are in the market for a new laptop, you might get just the coupon you need to make a purchase. Sometimes, a good coupon will help you make up your mind.

Different Laptops

Compare the options available with different laptop computers. Find out which ones come with a USB port, HDMI port, and an SD slot. A USB 3.0 port will make your computer function more quickly. The HDMI port allows you to connect your laptop to your television. An SD card gives you an easily removable storage card for digital photographs.

If you don’t plan on carrying your new laptop around much, consider buying a full-sized 15-inch screen. It will offer you the best viewing options, as well as be the most cost-effective you can get. They are a little heavier than their smaller counterparts, but pound for pound, worth their viewing pleasure.

Battery life is an important consideration when you are considering the purchase of a laptop computer. Check how long the manufacturer says the battery will last, but keep in mind that your actual usage may affect this number. If you intend to use your laptop for more than 3 or 4 hours, plan on an extra Acer as07b72 laptop battery or someplace to plug it in and recharge.

Are you afraid of your laptop being stolen? Invest in a tracking software such as CyberAngel Security, Absolute Software’s Lojack for laptops or TheLaptopLock (which is free). These increase the chances of recovering your laptop by pinpointing the location of the registered notebook once it connects to the Web.

Check out online reviews of the various laptop manufacturers before you go shopping. There are some brands, such as Asus, which are highly regarded, while others are considered to be lower end and less than impressive. The more you know, the better informed you will be to make a purchase decision.

Battery Life

If you don’t care much about battery life, consider buying a used laptop online. In fact, if you do care about battery life, you can even buy a whole new battery and you should be good to go. Used laptops work very well, plus the price is always right!

Consider buying a laptop with a touchscreen. While touchscreens are not for everyone, some people really enjoy them. Touchscreens give your laptop a tablet feel but in a larger form. The Windows 8 operating system is based on a touchscreen format. If you use your laptop for lots of typing and office programs, then a touchscreen is probably not necessary.

Think about the mouse that comes with the laptop. There are many different mouse designs available. Whether you like a button-style, ball type, or trackpad mouse, learn what works best for your needs. You can add later, but you want one that you like the best now.

To make your favorite applications easy to find and use on your laptop, pin the right shortcut to your taskbar. Go to the Start menu and find the shortcut to the program you want to pin. Right click on that shortcut and choose “Pin to Taskbar.” The icon will appear permanently just to the right of your Start button.

Bluetooth Capabilities

Consider if your new laptop has Bluetooth capabilities. This can come in handy if you want to attach an external mouse, keyboard or another accessory. While most computers come equipped with WiFi, Bluetooth is not a guarantee. Look for it before making your purchase, and consider how useful it will be to you when selecting the price point you want to spend.

If you expect to have your laptop for more than a few years, consider how upgradable the laptop is. You may want some additional memory or better graphics down the line, so a few empty card slots will be a big deal when buying. A laptop that isn’t upgradable means less of a shelf life.

How large of a screen do you need? If you want to work on your laptop, you may need a larger screen with greater resolution, especially if your work involves graphic design. If all you want to do is word processing, a smaller resolution will probably do just fine.

The laptop your purchase is only as good as the brand behind it. If you buy an off brand laptop to save some money, you will more than likely end up buying a new laptop sooner than you want. The major brands have long histories of excellent customer support and service. Research the brand before you purchase.

Replacing

If your laptop is not keeping a charge well, it is possible to change the Acer as10d31 notebook battery. This is much cheaper than replacing the entire computer. In fact, you can find low-priced batteries if you shop some of the major internet markets rather than shopping on the computer maker’s website itself.

Many think a graphics card is necessary for graphic intensive work and games. A graphics card that is dedicated cuts down on battery life, sucking power out of the machine. Lots of folks get laptops for the erroneous reason that they need dedicated CPU, but in many cases, it never gets utilized.

Laptop computers, as you can see, are not just a simple device. Though they may be simple to use, there is more to these machines than most think. Learning tips like this article have shown, plus any other knowledge you can find will allow you to make the smart decisions that put a quality laptop in your hands.

Alienware & Dell Gaming Notebooks – 2017 Brand Rating and Report Card

Value, innovation, and the design out of the world: These are the features that win the game notebook brand. Alienware, head of the chair, I work in the best and worst game brands report because it has signs of rapid and sustained, with its impressive performance, its proprietary, comprehensive wealth of game software and customization options. It’s also the only brand that offers a display of OLED screens.

Even Dell is following Alienware’s lead with a supremely eye-catching budget system that has plenty of room for improvement. However, it’s also the little things — like the ultracomfortable keyboards and paying for shipping on warrantied items — that help Alienware earn first place.

Reviews (30/35)

Alienware and its corporate parent, Dell, took first place in our reviews category this year. Of the six gaming laptops we tested, four earned our coveted Editors’ Choice award. One received a score of 4.5 and four got 4 stars.

Of the systems we reviewed, there’s isn’t one that we wouldn’t recommend. We enjoyed everything from high-end offerings like the Alienware 17 R4 and Alienware 13 with OLED display as well as the sub-$1,000 Dell Inspiron 15 7000.

Design (15/15)

Alienware’s space-gray design with its distinctive customizable LED lighting accents has been described as parts of a roving intergalactic armada. And the aesthetic continues to be interstellar. This year, Alienware went for a sleeker and more sophisticated look, making each laptop noticeably slimmer than its predecessors. Some of the lights have been moved to the sides of the system, but they’re still every bit Alienware, down to the black, sumptuous soft-touch deck and light-up touchpad.

The Alienware laptops aren’t the only attractive systems in Dell’s portfolio. The Dell Inspiron 15 7000 is a head-turner in its own right, sporting a striking Hibiscus Red soft-touch exterior with lovely geometrical red and black venting along the front and back of the machine.

Displays (14/15)

Alienware has some of the best displays on the market. But man, oh man, the Alienware 13 OLED has raised the bar for all laptops — gaming or otherwise. The glossy panel is one of the most vivid on the market, able to produce a whopping 220 percent of the sRGB gamut. But let’s not forget about the 15 and 17, which offer G-Sync technology for silky-smooth graphics.

While Dell’s Inspiron 15 7000 has several good qualities, its screen is not one of them. The sub-$1,000 panel can only produce 67 percent of the sRGB gamut with a rather dim 253 nits and poor color accuracy.

Keyboards (5/5)

Alienware consistently has some of the prettiest keyboards on the market; the RGB backlighting is capable of reproducing 16.8 million colors. Those hues shine brightly, thanks to the company’s new lighting-diffusion system.

As far as typing goes, the steel-reinforced TactX keyboards normally average 2.1 millimeters of key travel (1.5 to 2 mm is typical), with 68 grams of required force (higher than 60 grams is good). The 17-inch offering has the best key travel at 2.3 mm, while the 15-inch system serves up an impressive 78 g of actuation.

The Dell Inspiron 15 7000’s island-style keyboard isn’t too shabby, either. Despite its monotone red-backlit keys, you can still expect an excellent 2.1 mm of travel, with 58 g of actuation.

Innovation (7/10)

Alienware has stayed at the forefront of gaming by being among the first to adopt Intel’s Kaby Lake processors and Nvidia’s Pascal graphics. However, the company went above and beyond the rest of the industry by being the first to add an OLED display to its gaming laptop, just as it did on the Alienware 13. Speaking of the 13-inch system, it’s currently the smallest VR-ready laptop on the market.

Never one to rest on its laurels, Alienware has adopted VR support across its entire range of laptops, while integrating G-Sync tech and Tobii eye tracking into the 15- and 17-inch notebooks. Continued support for the Alienware Graphics Amplifier means that you can add the latest VR-ready graphics even to older systems. It’s not a new feature, but the broad support across several models is still unique, and it opens up new experiences, saving you from having to frequently replace your laptop for the latest and greatest.

Software (9/10)

Alienware’s AlienCommand hub offers one of the most robust suites of gaming software i on the market. Launching AlienCommand gives you access to AlienFX, one of our favorite keyboard-customization tools, with options to select color and lighting effects in multiple regions of your system. The TactX tool allows you to map commands to your macro keys.

AlienAdrenaline lets you create custom game modes, monitor system performance and adjust your graphics amp (provided you have one). And if your power settings need a tweak, AlienFusion will meet those demands.

Alienware Sound Center helps your kills and pwns, letting you amplify the sounds of enemy footsteps. It also comes with audio presets, just for specific genres, so gunshots in Shooters sound as strong as victory music in Role Playing titles. You can use Audio Launchpad to map audio to your keyboard for playback during streams.

Alienware machines that feature Tobii Eye Tracking, such as the Alienware 17, include the EyeX software. Not only does this technology allow you to control certain games (many, but not all) with your eyes, it also lets you set preferences, including dimming your display when you walk away.

Dell laptops don’t offer as many bells and whistles. The Dell Inspiron 15 7000 only has Nvidia GeForce Experience. However, that includes Game Optimization for tweaking performance settings and Dell inspiron 1545 laptop battery Boost to eke out every last minute of juice.

Selection and Customization (5/5)

They may not have the thinnest or most powerful gaming laptops on the market, but with notebooks starting at well under $1,000 and the freedom to choose almost any component you could ever want, Dell and Alienware have some of the best selection and customization options of any gaming laptop brand.

Highlights include the Alienware 13 with its spectacular OLED display and the Alienware 17 with its optional Tobii eye-tracking hardware. Customers also get the freedom of moving up to Nvidia GTX 1080 graphics, 32GB of RAM and dual storage drives on the Alienware 17, not to mention the system’s overclockable Intel Core i7-7820HK CPU. On the flip side, Dell’s Inspiron 15 7000 is a fantastic option for gamers on a budget who want something that can play AAA games without breaking the bank.

Warranty (5/5)

Alienware and Dell laptops come with a standard one-year, limited warranty. If your laptop is an Alienware, this warranty includes on-site service when the system needs repair, but if it’s a Dell, the company pays for shipping, and you send it in.

You can purchase a variety of extended-warranty options with either type of laptop, including accidental damage protection. Upgrading your RAM or storage doesn’t void the warranty.