Chris Pirillo » laptop

Which Notebook Do You Prefer?

Chris Pirillo — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 20:16:51 +0000

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If you aren’t a fan of the questions being answered in these videos, you can pop into the chat room and ask something original of your own! One chatter wanted to know recently why it is I chose to go with the MacBook Pro instead of another brand or model. The answer is simple: it’s all about software for me.

Yes, there *may* be better choices out there for hardware. But I’m happy with what is inside of my MacBook Pro. I just happen to prefer OS X over other choices. However, I can still run Windows or Linux on this machine, so why would I need anything else?

If you aren’t a Mac fan, more power to ya. I simply like it. Yes, I have Windows machines in my home – and I DO use them. This machine carries everything that I need, and it works well.

Isn’t that what it’s all about? At the end of the day, you need to use what works for you and whatever you are most comfortable with. I’m not different.

Which Notebook Do You Prefer?

Which Android Tablet is the Best?

Chris Pirillo — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:42:02 +0000

Which Android Tablet is the Best?

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Hopeland Digital Corporation of Shenzhen releases this NB-100 10.1″ Android Laptop, powered by the ARM11 Telechips 8902 processor, 256MB RAM, 8GB nand flash, SD card slot, WiFi, it runs Android 2.1 for now, possibly upgradable.

What does Google need to do to optimize Android for the Laptop? Do you think this platform is ready yet to replace your MacBook Air?

This video was filmed by Charbax of ARMdevices at CES 2011.

Which Android Tablet is the Best?

Are There Things You Shouldn’t DO on a Laptop?

Chris Pirillo — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 18:53:15 +0000

Are There Things You Shouldn’t DO on a Laptop?

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Over on Lockergnome, PhidiasBob asked the community if there are things you can do on a desktop machine that you should NOT do on a laptop. This is a fair question to ask. I think the only thing I wouldn’t do with a notebook or laptop vs a desktop is to do something that is very memory or processor intensive. They to tend to underpowered compared to your desktop system… and some machines will even end up having an overheating problem if you push them too hard.

There are times you need to use a portable machine, such as when you’re on a self-imposed vacation. I prefer my desktop, of course. I have more power, more memory and more OOMPH on my home system. My Macbook Pro is great, but it just doesn’t have the capability to multi-task with processor-intensive applications as my Mac Pro does.

There really isn’t anything else I can think of to answer this question, y’all. What things can you guys think of that you likely shouldn’t do with a laptop that you can do on your desktop?

Keep in mind that you can join Lockergnome yourself for free and ask questions of your own. The community loves to answer things, and are telling me that it’s quite addictive. I hope you’ll join us!

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Are There Things You Shouldn’t DO on a Laptop?

Never Gonna Give You Up

Chris Pirillo — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:55:24 +0000

Never Gonna Give You Up

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According to a study just released by Slate, the sale of laptops eclipsed the sale of desktops last year – 44% to 38%. The remainder of sales went to netbooks. These figures would lead one to believe that laptops may be replacing desktops as the primary machines people own. Lamarr is here to tell you that as far as he’s concerned, that isn’t going to happen.

Lamarr says that laptops are useful, but don’t have the same workhorse power as his desktop. He won’t give up the power of his desktop, and says he can upgrade “old reliable” easily. Lamarr even went to Fry’s to check out some new notebooks just to see what the hype is all about.

While many of the notebooks there were “very nice,” they just don’t measure up to a desktop machine. Yes – a desktop keeps you chained to your desk. But for those of us who work at home – from a DESK – it makes sense to have a workhorse.

For Lamarr, a laptop is great for traveling. If he had to choose only one machine, Lamarr tells his desktop that he will “never give you up.”

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Never Gonna Give You Up

When Do You Power Down Your Laptop?

Chris Pirillo — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:17:51 +0000

When Do You Power Down Your Laptop?

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One caller to the live show the other night wondered if it’s a good idea to turn off your laptop when you are finished using it. Many people simply let the machine go into sleep mode or flip it to a screensaver.

When I am done using mine, I tend to turn it off completely if I know I won’t be using it again soon. If I’m traveling and using it often, I let it go to sleep and just get a bit of rest until I need it again. It doesn’t hurt anything to let it sleep for awhile, but I don’t recommend doing it for long periods of time.

Despite the advances in power-saving technologies, it’s better to turn off (and unplug) a device when not in use for awhile. Sometimes, it all adds up when your power bill shows up.

It’s interesting that this question was asked the day that it was. Just that day, a new service from Microsoft popped up on my radar. Microsoft Hohm can help you save money on your energy bill. After you register (for free) and answer several questions, the site will make recommendations based on your answers.

Sadly, I am the Griswold of my neighborhood. I use entirely too much power. I can’t help it! I love my gadgets, gizmos and electronics. It’s an addiction, and I don’t want a 12-step program. I will proudly stand up at the block party and yell “Let there be light!” You don’t think my neighbors will hate me too much, do you?

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When Do You Power Down Your Laptop?

Which MacBook Should I Get?

Chris Pirillo — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 05:49:41 +0000

Which MacBook Should I Get?

Andrew Portess (also known as ‘portessa’ in the chat room, and also a member of Geeks and Lockergnome.net) asks:

Since Mac OS X Leopard came out, I was sold on the idea of getting a MacBook Pro and unfortunately, I still haven’t managed to afford one yet. Considering that the MacBook Pros have just been refreshed, now is most certainly the best time to get one.

Ideally, I would love to get the 15-inch Core i7 model which, here in the UK, retails at £1,799. The base 13-inch model (based on the Core 2 Duos) is just £1,119 if you add the 500GB hard disk to boot. In terms of my budget, the £680 difference is quite a big jump (and could buy a very decent family PC), but that would eventually be mitigated. I just can’t help but wonder if it’s really worth it, though; given the major differences in the models is just the processor, graphics card, and screen.

When you also take into account how quickly Apple rolls out new Macs, as well as how quick technology moves in general, trying to decide what is a better investment becomes that much more difficult. To put it in a more general way, when buying any computer, at what point do you say “enough is enough” – and what’s the best way to make your money go further? I suppose the deciding factor is in how I plan to use the computer. I do play games, but my primary focus is in creating music, which isn’t very graphic-intensive in comparison to gaming.

At the moment, I am doing both these things on what is technically a laptop I bought for my Mum when *cough* Windows Vista was released. It’s true to say that even the base 13-inch model of the new MacBook Pro trumps my Mum’s laptop in every single component – and the performance gains I’m sure to get are likely going to be a vast improvement on what I am used to. I would love to hear both your, and the community’s, opinion on what model I should get. If you are getting one of the i7 MacBook Pros, I would also be very grateful to see some performance tests.

I swear, I get asked this question every day – which is one of the reasons I’m answering in a public capacity.

It’s kinda funny, though; you seemingly question the value of a newer processor, graphics card, and screen. What else is there to be concerned about in a notebook computer? :)

“Making music” may not be graphics-intensive, but it likely will be processor- and RAM-intensive. For that reason, coupled with your love for games, I’d recommend an i7 (or AMD-equivalent) in just about any current-generation notebook computer you care to pick up. I’d also suggest going for as much screen real estate as you can realistically lug around.

You already realize that Microsoft Windows can be run inside a Virtual Machine (VMWare or Parallels) or through Boot Camp – which effectively makes it a PC in every single respect. If your favorite audio editing tool is Windows-only, you’ll still be in luck with a MacBook Pro. I bet you’d have fun with GarageBand, though.

I’m not going to tell you to buy a Mac outright, though – that choice is ultimately up to you (and you’ll have to live with your decision, not me). I will, however, suggest you look at these features when you’re shopping:

Case Structure – It’s extremely tough to beat the MacBook Pro’s unibody design.
Service Plan – It’s extremely tough to beat the track record of AppleCare.
Battery Life – It’s extremely tough to beat a MacBook Pro’s battery life of ~10 hours.

Bottom line? Macs make awesome PCs. Even though…

MacBooks don’t come with Blu-ray drives (instead, you can download HD content from the Internet, which most people do these days, anyway).
Some MacBooks don’t contain removable media card slots (although, you can get an ExpressCard media reader at any point).
MacBooks don’t have removable batteries (but this new series had taken measures to optimize life away from the power cable).

You can certainly save a *tiny* bit of money by going with another vendor, no doubt – but are you giving anything up by taking that route? You’re the one asking me about a MacBook Pro option, and I’m just laying out the facts for you (or anybody who takes the time to read this article).

Am I an “Apple Fanboy” just because I value quality hardware? Sure. Okay. Whatever. I can save you money with any choice via http://coupons.lockergnome.com/ – so I really don’t care what YOU buy – just be happy with the purchase, please? Get the hardware features you need AND love (and don’t break the bank in the process).

…but never fall victim to FUD.

Which MacBook Should I Get?

App Store Gets a PG-13 Rating!

Chris Pirillo — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 01:22:24 +0000

App Store Gets a PG-13 Rating!

Apple has decided to make some serious changes to the types of Apps that it will allow for sale on the App Store. The company pulled several apps in the past week that it deemed to be of a sexual nature, or not fit for audiences of a younger generation. There was no warning given to the app developers. The apps simply disappeared, and the creators received an email after the fact.

Several people, of course, are not very happy with this decision. Some of these apps have been for sale for several months. And (as one would guess) many in the community are yelling the censorship word loudly.

I can see both sides of this coin, and I’m torn as to what the right thing to do is. I understand Apple’s point of view… as well as that of the people who are now mightily ticked off. What about you? What do you think?

Don’t forget to stop by our Software Center to check out the newest deals we have available for you!

App Store Gets a PG-13 Rating!

Stolen Laptop Tracking

Chris Pirillo — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 00:38:29 +0000

Stolen Laptop Tracking

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What are you afraid of? Go ahead… share your fears with us! Are you afraid of the dark, or of heights! I promise no one will make fun of you for your fears, whatever they are. For me… I’d have to say fear of having my laptop stolen has to be my worst nightmare. I have a lot of data and information on there, and it would be a royal pain to try and straighten it all out again if I lost my machine somehow.Too bad there isn’t some type of free software that I can use… oh… wait… there IS!

Prey is not only free, it’s also open-source! Even better, it works on Windows, OS X, and even many flavors of Linux!! Prey is a lightweight application that will help you track and find your laptop if it ever gets stolen.

Prey helps you locate your missing laptop by sending timed reports with a ton of information about where it is at. This will include things like the status of the computer, a list of the programs that are running, what connections are active, network and wi-fi information, a screenshot of the desktop, and – if your laptop has a webcam built in – a picture of the thief!!

Prey uses a remote activation system. This means the program just sits silently on your machine until you want it to run. If you turn it on, it will gather all of the information and send it to your Prey web control panel – or directly to your Inbox. The thief will never know that you’re watching their every move!

I know that you may think a thief will simply reformat your laptop right away. However, that usually isn’t the case. In most instances, the thieves are looking for your information, not looking to get rid of it.

Prey has proven to be successful in capturing several different thieves, so what do you have to lose? It’s free, it runs on all operating systems, and it WORKS.

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Stolen Laptop Tracking

OLPC to Bring a $75 Laptop to the Market

Chris Pirillo — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:30:15 +0000

OLPC to Bring a $75 Laptop to the Market

Skeptics are busy bashing the newest idea from the One Laptop Per Child folks. Their last offering was the XO, which was clunky and childish looking. It works well for younger children, I’m sure. However, for anyone older than grade-school age, this simply isn’t an option.

OLPC is spreading images – and words – about their newest innovation – the XO-3. It isn’t targeted for release until 2012, so we should not be too skeptic at this point. We have no idea if they will be able to pull off what it is they’re attempting to do this time around. The plans call for a notebook that is thinner than an iPhone, and uses touch interface. It is purported to have every traditional feature found in a computer, save the 8.5-by-11-inch screen. Instead of a mouse and keyboard, there will be a virtual (touch) keyboard that the child can use.

The idea being OLPC is a very good one. I purchased one of these myself during the original offering. You buy a laptop for a child you know, and another one is sent free via OLPC to a child in a developing country who would otherwise likely never see a computer.

So, what do you think? Is this something that they are going to be able to pull off? Will the $75-dollar laptop become a reality sooner than we think? If so… is it going to be something that everyday computer users would be able to make use of?

OLPC to Bring a $75 Laptop to the Market

What’s Your Favorite Commercial?

Chris Pirillo — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:48:18 +0000

What’s Your Favorite Commercial?

With all the talk of the new Miscrosoft commercials in Europe and the Pre wanting to co-exist with the iPhone, I can’t help but thinking about commercials in general. What’s your favorite technology-related commercial on television? You do remember what TV is, right? Do you love that annoying (yet catchy) Comcast song? Or are you more inclined to watch the Dell laptop commercials over and over? Let’s hear your thoughts!

What’s Your Favorite Commercial?

Could all of Life’s Conveniences be Killing Us?

Chris Pirillo — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:19:42 +0000

Could all of Life’s Conveniences be Killing Us?

Reading this blog post on Geeks earlier stopped me dead in my tracks. I saw myself in what the author wrote, as I’m sure many of you will. He talks of how we have so many gadgets and gizmos to make our lives easier… and then wonders if it’s in fact making things more difficult:

People around the world are moving so fast, trying to do so much, that humanity as a whole is slowly choking itself with its own progress. We’re trying to cram so much into a day, so much into our minds that we don’t know how to do anything else. What we need to learn how to do, more than anything else, is to slow down. If you’re worried about progress, think about this, the best way to gain a clear perspective is to back away and let everything focus. People are supposed to smell the flowers that they plant. Just take some time to enjoy what mankind has done, rather than waste your time coming up with the next best thing that no one will take the time to enjoy.

All the ‘conveniences’ that we use and abuse only serve to get you to the next minute faster. Every inch of the way is packed with time savers that allow you to use more time savers. Just slow down, take a breath, get to know people, go to new places. Enjoy life before it passes you by, just to get to the next generation.

Wow. I’ve been pondering something very similar to this in my own life lately. That is why you’ve seen me out of the office more – trying to take time to relax and have fun. We tend to get so caught up in the daily grind of life that we often forget to live.

When is the last time you took a day completely “off”? I don’t just mean off of work… I mean OFF. OF. EVERYTHING. When did you put away all of your gadgets, your phone, your laptop and even your iPod and just chilled out? Can you even remember when it was, or what you might have done?

If you can’t bear to part with your computer, maybe you can take time out from working yourself into the ground, and enjoy what others are hard at work doing. They are writing excellent articles, like the one mentioned here, every day. They are sharing their thoughts with the world, and I sincerely hope you will consider doing the same. There’s something to be said for being able to write out what’s in your mind and heart, and it takes a very special type of person to be able to do so. The next time you’re stressing over the little things, and everything yet to do on your list, why not just let it all go and write? We’d love to have you join us on Geeks or Lockergnome.

Could all of Life’s Conveniences be Killing Us?

What Happens When Your Laptop’s Motherboard Goes Bad?

Chris Pirillo — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 04:02:14 +0000

What Happens When Your Laptop’s Motherboard Goes Bad?

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There is this thing sitting inside your computer that is the one thing every other thing is connected to! It’s called a motherboard. I have no idea why there’s no fatherboard… but yeah. The motherboard is crucial. If it’s not working – good luck using your computer at all. Ian from the PCPitStop community is sad because his Sony Vaio died. His motherboard is now dead, and wonders where he can find an affordable replacement.

Virut won’t corrupt your motherboard – but it will usually lead to having to reformat your system. With that said, if your motherboard is hosed for any reason, you might want to run a few diagnostics if you can. It’s possible it could be a bad power supply, you know? Check everything you possibly can, to determine for sure that it’s a motherboard.

I feel your pain. I’ve heard some not-so-happy things about Sony support in the past. Unfortunately, if it is a motherboard problem – it’s going to cost you. My recommendation is to find a local Geek. Pay them in pizza and cola. They’ll take a look at the computer to assess the problem. Sometimes it’s something small that trips us up, and I certainly hope that’s what is going on with you!

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What Happens When Your Laptop’s Motherboard Goes Bad?

Cool Your Laptop with a Griffin Coupon!

Chris Pirillo — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 06:39:56 +0000

Cool Your Laptop with a Griffin Coupon!

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Just how cool are you? Is it cool in your room? Is your notebook computer cool? It may look cool, but is it running cool? You may need to have something that will keep it nice and chilled, such as the Elevator Fan by Griffin.

The Elevator Fan is really great. It comes in three parts that are simple to snap together. There are two metal legs with rubber on the feet (and on the top!), and a plastic piece that holds them together. That really is all there is. It lifts the notebook up off the desk to an ergonomic height of 5.5″, which matches most computer monitors. At the same time, it allows for 360 degree cooling!

So my friend Dave over at Griffin asked me if I wanted to pass on some excellent savings to all of you. DUH! If you use my Griffin link and enter the coupon code: PIRILLO88 – you will save yourself 10% off ANYTHING on the site!! How’s that for an amazing coupon?

Also, we’re going to be giving away a couple of Griffin products! If we get a lot of people to participate in this giveaway, we just might be able to get Dave to give away even more! Here’s what you need to do to win yourself an Elevator Fan:

Log in to your Twitter account, and tweet this out: I’m saving 25% off any Griffin Product with the PIRILLOGO coupon through http://go.tagjag.com/griffin – Yes, I’m a #griffingeek

I will pick one person to win an Elevator Fan of your very own! Let people know they can save money on any Griffin product, and keep your eyes open for more giveaways courtesy of the folks at Griffin.

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Cool Your Laptop with a Griffin Coupon!

What do You use for a KVM Switch?

Chris Pirillo — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:38:03 +0000

What do You use for a KVM Switch?

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Let’s say that you have a PC, but you don’t have a monitor, keyboard or mouse plugged into it. However, you do have a notebook computer sitting there with Windows on it, as well. You could use that notebook to run the PC with a KVM switch!

Not only are you saving energy by not running another monitor, you’re also saving space by not having another keyboard and mouse. Using a KVM switch is highly recommended for better productivity. You can use one keyboard, one mouse and one monitor for two different machines! I don’t think there’s an easier way to be efficient.

This is ideal for people who own a laptop and an older desktop PC and wish to keep using both for various functions or applications. The KVM features an on-screen toolbar with multiple functions such as file transfer, desktop image scaling and others. The built-in file transfer utility lets the user transfer files, presentations, business information and create backup copies between both computers or from external USB storage devices.

What’s interesting about this particular KVM is that it has an extra USB port built in. That allows you to plug in an external hard drive if you should need to! This is easy to use, and will allow you a ton of new-found freedom when managing your life. Keep and transfer files much faster using the IOGear Laptop KVM. All you need is open USB ports and Windows PCs and you’re ready to roll.

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What do You use for a KVM Switch?

How to Cool Your Laptop Notebook Computer

Chris Pirillo — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 05:37:57 +0000

How to Cool Your Laptop Notebook Computer

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It’s important to keep your notebook computer cool. It adds wear and tear to your machine when it gets too hot. I’ve gone through a few different notebook coolers, and done reviews on each of them. I’m seriously considering a switch to the Laptop Liftsthough!

Laptop Lifts are designed especially for the punishment that mobile laptop computer use can dish out. The unique shape and large size resist side to side force and will not pop off. Use your laptop on the tiniest coffee shop table or airline tray: it will not slip thanks to the large soft rubber feet.

Regular fans can work well, but passive cooling like Laptop Lifts is generally than external fan-based cooling. If you are running a fan from the computer’s USB port, you are using extra power. You will raise the operating temprature of the machine and run down your battery faster.

There are rubber grips that you stick on to the bottom of your notebook. There are a couple of longer pieces, and four shorter ones. You’re elevating the notebook in order to add both extra padding and airflow. If you set it on a desk, you’ll also help prevent scratching and scuffing!

The idea is rock-solid. I’m thinking about adding them to my primary notebook. I could likely still use an external cooler if I need to, but I’m definitely going to try to go without it. That will help clear up the clutter on my desk a bit!

Laptop Lifts are simply a practical and affordable answer to many of the issues that you will face when using a notebook – including keeping it cool!

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How to Cool Your Laptop Notebook Computer