Laptop Hardware
Written by Lersar Wednesday, 27 January 2010 00:00
Cooling is essential to any computer and has become even more vital for those users running higher-end laptop models, such as gamers. The nature of the notebook is a hot one, and putting extra hardware and stress in little spaces only adds to the problem. We've reviewed many laptop coolers in the past, each with their own tactic to tackle a common enemy (heat). The weapon of choice has always been fans, ranging in size, quantity, and speed. That is, until now. VIZO has introduced a new, fanless tactic to the arsenal of laptop cooling, and sent us a sample to try for ourselves.
Written by Lersar Wednesday, 02 December 2009 00:01
Companies have been trying to produce the perfect laptop cooler for years, trying to cover all range of sizes and focusing on unique hot spots of the laptop models. This is near impossible with one set mold, or at the very least spreads each aspect so thin it hardly does any good. However The people over at VIZO weren't satisfied with one specific mold. They decided that the best way to satisfy each individual user was to let the user decide their own measurements and fan placements, to meet their own unique cooling needs. The result is the Ninja HS, and VIZO has sent us a sample to try for ourselves.
Written by Lersar Tuesday, 01 December 2009 00:00
Written by garfi3ld Wednesday, 14 October 2009 05:29
No its not U2's newest album, but it is a new product from a brand we know and trust. Today I will be taking a look at the NotePal U2 notebook cooler from our friends over at Cooler Master. Lets find out how it compares to the countless other notebook coolers on the market, from past experiences with their notebook coolers we know not to expect anything but the best.
Written by garfi3ld Tuesday, 08 September 2009 01:33
A while back we had the opportunity to take a look at Cooler Master's Notepal Infinite laptop cooler, unique for its ability to support up to 17" wide screen laptop, as opposed to the average 14~15.4" limit. More recently, however, Cooler Master has release a new line of cooling options, and included is the Notepal X2, the Infinite's big brother, so to speak, rivaling it as the second CM laptop cooler supporting wide screens. With a new look, new features, and new design, its time to see how the X2 stacks up in the harsh realm of notebook cooling.
Written by garfi3ld Tuesday, 01 September 2009 05:01
When it comes to laptop accessories you can find just about anything that you can imagine. Choiix a Cooler Master brand has recently been making a name for themselves by marketing what they call lifestyle products with a focus on style and comfort along with simplicity and portability. Most of their products focus on Netbook or Eee PC’s along with small notebooks, obviously a growing market. With the Cooler Master Brand backing them up I expect to see and hear a lot more from Choiix. Today I’m going to take a look at a few of their products just to get an idea of what Choiix is all about.
Written by garfi3ld Friday, 31 July 2009 03:56
![IMG_5287 [lr] [lrsm]](http://lanoc.org/reviews/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/IMG_5287-lr-lrsm.JPG "IMG_5287 [lr] [lrsm]")
If you have ever lost or damaged your notebook’s power cable before you understand how important and expensive they can be. The cable for my Eee PC runs just under $55 bucks on Amazon right now, and my old laptop’s cable was even more than that. Cooler Master recently introduced their SNA95 power supply for notebooks. With 95 watts and adapters to fit almost any available notebooks the SNA95 looks like it could be a good replacement or supplement for your notebook. Let's take a closer look.
Written by garfi3ld Monday, 29 June 2009 06:10
![D1 Pics 051 [lanoc_sm]](http://lanoc.org/reviews/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/D1-Pics-051-lanoc_sm.jpg "D1 Pics 051 [lanoc_sm]")
A while back, Cooler Master sent us the Notepal Infinite, a notebook cooling solution to cover wider-screened models, sporting a self-claimed 17 degree difference. Recently, we received the new Notepal D1, a turn around of its sister product, per say. Designed specifically for increased mobility, the D1 is only about half as long as any laptop and wide enough to fit a standard size model. Sure, smaller is always better when it comes to those of constantly on the go, but how does it actually stack up against other notebook coolers, specifically the elder Infinite?
Written by garfi3ld Friday, 26 June 2009 06:38
![IMG_4722 [lr] [lrsm]](http://lanoc.org/reviews/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/IMG_4722-lr-lrsm.JPG "IMG_4722 [lr] [lrsm]")
Our friends over at Razer have been hard at work introducing a new product line called Razer Gear. Along with that product line you will find products ranging from T-Shirts to messenger bags. Today I am going to take a quick look at their 17 inch Laptop Sleeve to get an idea of what all of the fuss is about.
Written by garfi3ld Tuesday, 16 June 2009 03:17
![IMG_4758 [lr] [lrsm]](http://lanoc.org/reviews/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/IMG_4758-lr-lrsm.png "IMG_4758 [lr] [lrsm]")
I recently decided to jump onto the Netbook bandwagon (a little late) as a portable replacement for my 14.1 inch laptop. The smaller size of my 10 inch Netbook gave me the ability to carry it on me most of the time without a heavy laptop bag slowing me down. Of course this means that it is being transported with almost no protection. While looking into options I was peaking around at the Choiix website remembering that they had a lot of creative solutions for Netbooks at CES. A small professional sleeve caught my eye called the Easy Fit Netbook Sleeve. Today I am going to see how well this sleeve perform in everyday use. Will it protect your Netbook from damage? I will soon find out.
Written by garfi3ld Thursday, 07 May 2009 04:15
Today I will be reviewing the Endo laptop messenger bag from Spire. Laptops are made to be portable and are also quite expensive . When taking your laptop out into the public you need as much protection as you can get. Is this the one messenger bag to top the rest?
Written by garfi3ld Wednesday, 06 May 2009 10:10
There are a lot of things a laptop provides: generally low power consumption, connectivity, and portability to name a few. But when a user takes a laptop beyond spreadsheets and blogging, there are certain areas that are left lacking. Extensive use creates stress on the system and many styles' neglected ergonomics create stress on the user. Cooler Master has created a solution for both.
Written by garfi3ld Wednesday, 04 March 2009 22:47
At CES this past January and more recently at CeBit right now we have seen a growing trend. Companies like Cooler Master have been introducing designer brands with a focus on style. Cooler Master introduced Choiix (it's said "choice") this past June, we had the opportunity to take a closer look at their whole line this past January at CES. Today we have a chance to get a closer look at their Mini Air-Through Notebook Cooling Pad. Without the models here to distract me, I can really check it out.
Written by garfi3ld Thursday, 22 January 2009 05:01
For the past year I have been using a messenger style laptop bag to carry around my laptop. I've made a few trips but nothing major up until the beginning of this year. Our trip to CES this year required a lot of planning and packing. I was going to need a secure way to carry around my laptop at the show that I could also take onto the plane with me. I came in contact with a bag manufacture by the name of Spire; they have a great selection of high quality laptop bags including backpacks. Spire was nice enough to send out their new backpack called the Torq for me to be able to try out while I was at CES.
Written by garfi3ld Monday, 15 December 2008 05:01
In the past, we have reviewed a VIZO laptop coolers a few times. We did enjoy them; in fact, I still use the mini Ninja II when I have my laptop at my main desk. The problem is when you leave your desk they weren't designed to be carried around with your laptop. Considering that's the point of a laptop I was really excited to see that VIZO recently came out with a portable laptop cooler called the XENA mini. They shipped one out for me to check out. I plan to find out how helpful the ZENA mini is for people "on the go".
Written by garfi3ld Friday, 24 October 2008 04:24
When it comes to your high dollar laptop you can’t be too safe. There are only a few ways of keeping it secure. Short of carrying it around with you the options are very limited, there is a good chance you will be looking at Notebook locks. With Kensington being a trusted name it’s no surprise a lot of people turn to them to keep their laptop secure. Kensington produces a variety of different options, the easiest being a combination lock. Kensington provided us with their newest model. We are going to use it in everyday life and see how well it works. Keep reading to find out how everything went.
Written by garfi3ld Wednesday, 10 September 2008 14:50
Not too long ago one of our reviewers 8BitGeek took a look at VIZO’s Mini Ninja. The Mini Ninja is a desktop laptop cooler. If you remember overall he was very happy with the product although he did have a few issues. VIZO has released an updated version called the MiniNinja II . We will be taking a look at it today. We will find out what they changed and see if they fixed any of the issues that were brought up in the last review.
Written by garfi3ld Wednesday, 02 July 2008 04:16
The word laptop is a very deceptive term. The general construction of it implies that such a device would be comfortable on a person’s lap. More often than not, however, this is not the case. They tend to heat up and nearly catch you aflame or are just plain uncomfortable. Personally, I have never used a laptop that proved comfortable after a few hours of use. Laplogic offers their own unique approach to this solution with their Aerogel Lapdesk . We had the privilege of trying their new G800 and W800 Aerogel Extreme lapdesks to see how they solve our heat and comfort woes.
Written by garfi3ld Wednesday, 11 June 2008 23:10
Krusell is a Swedish company who is known normally for making cases for cell phones and other portable electrical devices. They have recently branched into the laptop bag arena and have provided us with a sample for us to check out. They have provided us with a Radical Messenger bag for a 15.4” laptop. Is Krusell ready to enter the laptop market? We will find out after the jump.
