Inventure Laptop Backpack from Samsonite
Having recently bought a V2000-series Compaq, which is smaller relative to my old fullsized 14-incher ThinkPad, I thought I’d also be better off getting myself a portable carrying case. I’ not fond of carrying around my laptop in those shoulder-type leather or nylon bags that come deafult with the package. Instead, I make it a point to get myself backpacks for easier transporting, and so it wouldn’t be too obvious that I’m carrying around a notebook computer (see my article on preventing laptop theft).
For carrying around my laptop and all the junk that I usually bring with me, I have a medium-sized Echolac laptop backpack. But it’s still heavy and quite bulky, especially with the junk I tend to carry along with me (which includes cables, coin purses, keys, notebooks, some extra shirts for emergencies, a small umbrella, documents, my toothbrush, and all that).
So yesterday evening, I finally got to buy that small-ish backpack I’d been eyeing for some time now. It’s the Inventure ICT Backpack A4 039 (pictured above) from Samsonite. It’s your basic one-zipper laptop case that’s designed to carry your laptop and only the most necessary of accessories (that is your AC adaptor and perhaps some cables and USB peripherals).
The backpack is designed to accommodate small/thin 14-inch laptops and of course smaller-sized ones such as 12-inchers and, of course, sub-notebooks. The V2000 initially didn’t fit as well as expected, because while it’s a 14-incher, it’s in widescreen format, so it’s as long as a 15-inch laptop would normally be. But a little adjustment does the trick and my laptop fits although there’s not much allowance in terms of play.
Inside
Inside the Inventure is your basic laptop case fare. You have the laptop pouch itself, which is padded but not as thickly as with larger ICT cases. The pouch is still suspended inside the backpack’s body, though, so that’s good for added protection, especially when you’re setting down the case bottom-part down. There’s a document holder, which is expandable by adjusting the velcro straps. Then there are two pouches that can hold PC cards or other accessories (such as my card-reader, which is the bluish thing you see on the photo).
On the front part of the internals are a set of businesscard holders and loops for holding pens/pencils. There’s also a mesh-type pouch where you can put in all those small articles you’d rather not lose elsewhere in the case. I keep my USB flash drive and earphones here. For those who like listening to music while on the move, the case has a small hole for earphone wires.
How it fares
- Protection. I’d say the Inventure gets a 6 out of 10 for protection, as it’s the padding is not as thick as I’d personally be comfortable with. Also, since the Compaq V2000 just fits the bag snugly lengthwise without any allowance, I wouldn’t want the top part of the case to hit something hard. If I were using a 12-inch laptop, I’d probably rate the backpack higher by two points.
- Comfort.I give the backpack a 8 out of 10 for comfort. It’s light and comfortable enough. My only gripe is that the shoulder straps aren’t made of that sweat-resistant material that lets your skin breathe (which my Echolac backpack has). The part that goes to your back actuall has this feature, but the shoulder straps have this velvety material that’s soft but can get hot with prolonged use.
- Portability. The saving grace in terms of comfort would be the fact that that the case is so light and that I’m not tempted to carry around all my junk. So my back’s saved from all the aches and pains associated with carrying heavy backpacks. In this area, I give the backpack a 10 out of 10.
Overall, I give the Inventure an 8 out of 10. Average in terms of protection. Not so perfect in terms of comfort. Perfect in terms of portability.
HP Compaq tc4400 Tablet PC Review
HP has released a new tablet PC of their own, the tc4400, and while it does not do as well as the Toshiba Portégé M400, that was reviewed a few days ago, it still has some good points to it.
Laptop Magazine put it through its paces and had this to say:
HP’s newest convertible, the Compaq tc4400, is out to prove that the age of the sluggish hybrid is over. Notebook functionality and performance now blend well with tablet PC functionality, so traveling power users can have the speed of a top-notch mainstream notebook and get tablet PC pen-style computing in one portable system.
The 12.1-inch display sits on a very sturdy swivel pin. We found the screen to be flatter and less vibrant than the display on the Toshiba M400 convertible we tested last month, as well as some of the slates we have seen from Electrovaya and Motion.
In the end they gave the tc4400 a three and a half out of five. They loved its speed, keyboard, and stylus performance, but found the LCD lacking, and the unit a bit too pricey.
Gone Laptop Shopping (My Search for an Affordable Notebook Computer)
Loyal bLaptops readers would probably know that my ThinkPad is dying on me and I’m looking to replace it soon (but hey, I’m still using it right now to type up this blog post). To tell you the truth, this particular model is quite heavy, bulky and severlely underpowered especially by today’s standards. It’s a 14-incher (my preferred size for any laptop), so the form factor is not as wide nor tall as a 15-inch notebook, but it’s quite thick and heavy.
What I like about this computer, though, is that it has surprisingly long battery life for an old model. I still get about 3.5 hours on this baby, when many Celeron M-based notebooks today would offer only 2 to 2.5. I’ve even slapped on upgrades along the way, such as 512 MB of RAM (which comes standard in most new laptops these days) and a 40GB hard drive (ditto!) In contrast, standard retail releases of laptops this vintage maxed out at 6GB and 128MB of RAM. And then there’s the combo drive (CD RW plus DVD-ROM).
So while performance is not at par with today’s models, it’s still as zippy as can be for my purposes (anyway, I don’t play games on my laptop. That’s what my desktop is for).
Also, the ergonomics is as excellent as you would expect on a ThinkPad. Probably more than half a decade of use, and there are still no fade-marks I could see nor feel on the wrist rest. The keyboard is also still superb. Other newer notebooks would have this sign of wear and tear even a few months into use (or maybe my palms are not that oily nor acidic as I think).
Of course, there are the cons. Living with an old laptop, you would inevitably get hinge issues with those older, un-reinforced models. This is why IBM (and now Lenovo) employed those thick, metallic braces that make up the hinges. Yes, they can be ugly for some, but they’re a beauty to me, as you’re assured the hinges won’t crack nor break.
Unfortunately, my budget these days won’t afford me a decent mid-range ThinkPad. Probably the lowest-end model would fit my needs and funds, though. Still, I thought of looking at other choices.
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First 64-Bit Dual-Core Mobile Processor
AMD today introduced AMD Turion™ 64 X2 mobile technology, the first and only family of 64-bit dual-core processors designed for thin and light notebook PCs. AMD Turion 64 X2 mobile technology allows people to get more from their mobile lifestyle through long battery life and outstanding performance, even when using multiple applications simultaneously, including demanding digital media applications.
Continuing its technology leadership, AMD also is bringing 64-bit computing to the Mobile AMD Sempron™ processor family. Now AMD delivers the only complete mobile product portfolio offering the ability to seamlessly transition between 32- and 64-bit computing.
“AMD is first to market with the only 64-bit dual-core mobile processor, driving the wave of next-generation mobile platforms that are ready today to run the upcoming 64-bit version of Microsoft Windows Vista™,” said Chris Cloran, vice president, AMD Mobile Division. “This is advanced mobile technology for the office or home, packing dual-core processing for extreme multi-tasking, 64-bit computing, extended battery life and cutting-edge technology from industry leaders in wireless, connectivity and graphics.”
Using an open standards-based approach, AMD collaborates with industry leaders in graphics and wireless solutions to enable OEM customers to deliver feature-rich notebooks that stand out from the crowd of overly standardized choices. AMD Turion 64 X2 mobile technology-based notebooks will offer outstanding graphics and leading wireless solutions for a visually engaging experience, and high-speed connectivity throughout the home or office.
“AMD dual-core technology will help provide HP consumer and commercial notebook customers the freedom to work and play virtually anytime, anywhere,” said Ted Clark, senior vice president and general manager, Notebook Global Business Unit, HP. “Our consumer notebooks based on AMD’s Turion 64 X2 mobile technology, including the latest HP Pavilion and Compaq Presario models, offer outstanding performance, mobile entertainment and a stylish new look.”
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HP Compaq nx9420 Review
Laptop Magazine reviews the Compaq nx9420 from HP, a 17 inch widescreen notebook, under 8 lbs.
HP’s Compaq nx9420 is designed for professionals who require a large display, top-notch security, and mobility around the office. Thanks to a powerful dual-core processor and souped-up graphics, this desktop replacement tackles any task. At a surprisingly light 7.4 pounds, the nx9420 might even make it home a few times a week.
The 17-inch widescreen is stunning, assuring that you’ll never have to squint when plowing through spreadsheets or watching a DVD. The full-sized keyboard and numeric keypad worked quite well in our tests. However, the placement of the fingerprint reader between the touchpad buttons creates an awkward separation while making the buttons themselves too small.
The $2,399 USD desktop replacement earns a nice four out of five on their rating scale, being docked the final point due to the small touchpad buttons and minimal software that is included.
HP Compaq nc2400 Review
Laptop Magazine reviews the Compaq nc2400 from HP.
HP’s first entry into ultraportable territory in more than a year doesn’t offer much in the way of flash or power. What the Compaq nc2400 provides is security, durability, and endurance, along with a budget-conscious price.
Unlike the sleek, shiny designs from the competition, HP’s Compaq nc2400 looks like a miniature version of nearly every other notebook in HP’s conservative, matte, all-charcoal business line. The six-cell battery included with our system puts the weight at only 3.6 pounds; it juts out an extra inch from the rear of the notebook.
In the end the $1599 USD laptop makes away with a rating of three and a half out of five, due in part to its lack of a touchpad and low processing power.
HP Recalls 15,700 Laptop Batteries
For the second time in six months Hewlett Packard (HP) has issued a worldwide recall on Thursday for 15,700 laptop China-made batteries which can pose potential fire hazard because of overheating. The recall is for lithium ion rechargeable batteries manufactured in China in early January 2005 and used with various HP and Compaq computers. The affected batteries have a bar code label starting with L3.
HP has received 20 reports of batteries overheating, including two in the U.S., with one report of a minor burn injury, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The recall is for lithium ion rechargeable batteries manufactured in early January 2005 and used with various HP and Compaq computers. The affected batteries have a bar code label starting with L3, the agency said.
The batteries were manufactured in China, and the computers were sold in the U.S. at retail and online stores from January 2005 to December 2005 for between 1,000 dollars and 3,000 dollars.
According to HP, the problems are limited to just the batteries and users can still use their notebooks on AC power until their replacement batteries arrive. However, the second recall in such a short space of time must throw open to question HP’s quality control and supply chain procedures.
In October 2005, HP issued a similar recall for over 130,000 batteries used in similar model laptops.
HP, a company originally known for its high quality engineering, now sells a range of personal computers, partially inherited from its acquisition of Compaq, most of which are manufactured at low cost locations around the world using low cost parts.
HP Compaq Presario V5000Z Review
Laptop Magazine looks at the HP Compaq Presario V5000Z and give the machine a three and a half out of five.
In the looks department, the 6.6-pound V5000Z reminds us of a late 1980s Volvo: durable, but blockish, lacking any sleek refinements you might see in a notebook from Sony or Apple. The case is thick at nearly two inches, but we had no trouble fitting it into the laptop bags that we tried. The V5000Z is silver on the sides and black on top; this dual-color scheme helps the machine stand out. All of the ports can be found either on the left or right sides, which include three USB 2.0 ports, a 6-in-1 memory card reader, and an expansion port to dock the notebook to an optional base.
As many of you know, I am not a fan of low endurance notebooks. I want a laptop to really perform on a battery, not be worrying about the next place I am going to plug my machine in. So the battery life of the V5000Z at two and a half hours with wireless off, is just rediculous to me, especially with companies advertising laptops that last upwards of seven hours on a charge.
HP Compaq nc6320 Review
Another four out of five from Laptop Magazine, are laptops getting better, or are the reviewers just easy to impress? Well the HP Compaq nc6320, earned its four out of five thanks to a beautiful screen, EV-DO broadband, good speakers, and a spill resistant keyboard.
The HP Compaq nc6320 raises the bar when it comes to features offered on a business portable. There’s wireless broadband, a dual-core processor, and configuration options galore. If you can’t build a model that fits your business needs, you’re not trying hard enough.
The big bummer for me in looking at this laptop is its battery life, at fifteen minutes less than four hours, that is not all that impressive, and as they mention in the article, both Dell and Lenovo systems with comparable specs have a bit more stamina.
HP COMPAQ NC4200 Review
Pocket-lint reviews the NC4200 from HP Compaq. It is an affordable lightweight machine with a 12.1 inch display.
HP’s notebooks have had something of a re-birth in recent months. A year ago it seemed the company had lost their way, now with its back to basics approach it seems that it can’t do any wrong.
Take the Compaq nc4200, weighing in at £1000 (inc. VAT) it ticks the “affordable” button before you’ve even checked out what it has to offer. True, it’s billed as a corporate model but as HP sells its wares in places like PC World as well as online at Dabs or Misco, you don’t have to be in business to mean business with this machine.
The machine is solid and well built, if a little understated and weighs in at 1.8kg, and with a battery life in use of over 4 hours, means you can take it on the go with you and not run out of power. The notebook has plenty of protection and the casing is solid and would stand up to the occasional knock.
Incase you are wondering, the NC4200 earned an eight out of ten on their review scale.
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