Student Laptops - What You Need to Know Before Buying?

If you're considering buying a laptop for a student, here are some factors or features you might want to examine before plunging down your hard earned cash. These are some basic elements all great student laptops should possess or have which will make your chosen laptop more suitable for a student.



So here are some things you should consider when buying a student notebook or laptop:



1. Sturdy



The student environment can be harsh and unpredictable so you will need a sturdy, tough laptop. You might even consider a ruggedized notebook if the laptop is to be used under really extreme conditions. Just make sure your chosen laptop can take the bumps and drops associated with the student environment.



2. Portable



The student laptop should be very portable with good battery life if it is to be used in the classroom. It should also be sleek and small so it can fit neatly under the arm or in a backpack. Laptops are getting more and more compact so finding a laptop to meet your needs should not be difficult. Just make sure it has sufficient wireless connections as the Internet is now a valuable tool in any student's life.



3. Performance



Performance must meet your needs. Choose a laptop that offers sufficient performance and power to carry out all your computing tasks. Again, laptops have greatly increased in performance and are now almost parallel with desktop PCs. But check the Processor (CPU), RAM, Hard Drive and OS (Operating System) on your chosen laptop to make sure they will meet all your student's needs.



4. Economical Laptops



Economics always plays a part in any student's life so you have to shop around and find a good quality cheap laptop. Again, with laptop prices steadily falling, finding a good affordable laptop should not be a problem. Don't rule out a used or refurbished laptop as they are usually very

inexpensive.



5. Theft and Security



Laptop theft and security should be high on your mind when buying a student laptop. Fortunately, many laptops now come with a lot of security measures such as fingerprint entry or even face recognition software as seen in the latest Lenovo laptops. Also, you should check into other security measures such as the Anti-Theft software like LoJack that can track and locate your laptop or computer thru the IP address once the stolen laptop is used to access the Internet.



Now here are some points you should consider when buying any type of laptop, student or otherwise:



1. CPU Processor



Central Processing Unit or Processor is important in any laptop or PC. Check to see how much power and speed you have; most laptops now come with Intel's Dual Core Processors which should give even the most demanding student enough performance.



2. RAM



RAM or Random Access Memory is an important element in your laptop. It will usually determine

(along with the CPU & Hard Drive speed) how fast your laptop will perform. The more RAM you have the better, but note 32 bit systems can only use up to 4 GB of RAM and 64 bit systems can use 8 GB or more.



For running Windows XP, Microsoft recommends 128MB as the minimum RAM requirement, again

more is better. For Mac OS X systems you will need a minimum of 128 MB but for optimal performance try 512 MB. Linux will work nicely on a system with only 4 MB of RAM. For Windows Vista - Microsoft recommends at least 1 Gig of RAM but many users have reported that 2 to 3 Gigs of RAM makes Vista run smoother.



3. Graphics Card or GPU



If a student will be handling a lot of heavy graphics (video gaming aside) with their studies then the type of Graphics Card you buy will be important. If you can afford it go with a high end GPU such as those offered by NVIDIA and ATI. Dual graphics cards would be another option for

optimum graphics performance.



4. Display



Display in a student laptop is also important. Many students prefer a slate or convertible display which makes it easy for note-taking. Even tablets should be considered if note-taking is the main purpose of your laptop. Otherwise make sure the display is crisp and large enough to suit your needs.



5. Value for Money



It does pay to shop around and make sure you get great value for your money. Comparison shopping is one of the best ways to do this; just make sure you're getting good value for the laptop you're buying. Compare CPUs, RAM, Hard Drives and Performance to see how much you're paying for each feature.



The "Cool Factor"



In conclusion, you should consider all the factors listed above before buying your student laptop and it will make your task much easier. However, if you're a parent buying a laptop for your student son or daughter you probably already know from past experiences that there is always an "unwritten cool factor" in anything they use! To avoid disappointment, consult with your offspring about what type of laptop they would appreciate having. If it is something they really like, they will take better care of it and protect it as if their life depended upon it. Besides, why waste money on something they won't even use.



So don't rule out a cool high end Apple laptop or even a high end gaming laptop such as those from Alienware. High end laptops are more expensive but they also offer the best performances of any laptop you will consider, as long as the aforementioned offspring has been sufficiently weaned off video gaming to get their school work done. Happy laptop hunting!

Now You See It, Now You Don't: Preventing Laptop Computer Theft

When Irwin Jacobs, chief executive and founder of Qualcomm Inc. had his laptop stolen from a journalism conference in September 2000, it shed light on a growing problem.



Other recent events have focused national attention on the laptop security issue, consider the following:



o In July 2001 the Federal Bureau of Investigation reported that 184 laptops had been stolen or lost. At least one and possibly as many as four contained classified information.



o In April 2001 the British Defense Ministry reported 205 laptops missing since 1997, most of which contained classified materials.



o In February 2000 a laptop computer with "highly classified" information disappeared from the U.S. State Department. Then, in May 2000 two more laptops were reported missing from the U.S. State Department.



While technology has made laptops smaller, easier to store and transport, it has also made them easier to conceal and steal. It's the convenience that has made the laptop computer so popular and the information vehicle of choice for business people throughout the world.



.The computer itself is a valuable asset and one that should be protected, but it can be replaced, however, the information stored on it in many cases is not replaceable and of greater value to competitors if compromised. A thief can get a few thousand dollars for a top of the line laptop, but he can get a whole lot more for a company's marketing plans.



High Risk Locations



A high percentage of laptops are stolen from the office. FBI officials estimate as much as 75 percent of laptop thefts are committed by insiders, individuals who are expected to be on the premises. For example, employees, delivery people and janitors all have access to the grounds and buildings and have opportunities to steal unprotected laptops.



In one case, Canadian authorities apprehended a man believed to have stolen 20 to 30 laptops from an office building over a span of a few weeks. The suspect would enter the building dressed as a maintenance employee, load computers onto a dolly and exit the building. He performed this routine so often, that building employees believed he was actually a member of the maintenance staff.



According to a USA Today article, heightened airport security as a result of the September 11 terrorist attack has caused an increase in the number of lost laptops at airport checkpoints. . The problems stem from new procedures that require passengers to remove their laptops from their cases and put them through x-ray machines. They either forget to pick them up or grab a stranger's laptop by accident. It becomes more problematic for travelers who are singled out for magnetic wand searches and may be separated from their valuables on the conveyor belt for extended periods of time.



Business travelers should also pay close attention to their laptops when at the following locations:



*Hotels



*Train Stations



*Bus terminals



*Car rental agencies



*Conference Centers



*Restaurants



*Restrooms



*Payphones



Always remember, laptop theft can happen anyplace, at any time.



Laptop Theft Prevention Tips



Employees



o Disguise your laptop. By carrying your laptop in a case designed for computers, you alert the thieves you have a laptop. Carry your laptop in an ordinary piece of luggage, satchel or other inconspicuous bag.



o Record the laptop serial number, make and model information. Keep this information in your purse or wallet so if your computer is stolen, the information will be readily available when you file a police report.



o Never leave your laptop unattended in a public place.



o Use computer-locking cables to secure the computer to a desk or table



o Never place a computer in checked luggage.



o If a laptop must be left in the car, store it in the trunk of the vehicle prior to arriving at the final destination.



o Identify your carrying case in some unusual way to make it stand out from all other bags. An unusual color, colored tape or yarn or exceptionally large or brightly colored tags attached to the bag will help you immediately locate the bag and give police probable cause to stop and question the carrier.



o Also consider taping colored paper or placing a large tag on the front of you laptop to avoid accidental mix-ups at the x-ray machine.



o Regularly back up information and store it separately in case your computer is stolen.



Employers



o All laptops should be permanently marked or engraved with inventory or serial numbers so they can aid in recovery if found by the police. Check with the manufacturer regarding appropriate marking locations and warranty criteria prior to marking.



o Conduct scheduled inventories of laptops periodically.



o Proper documentation should be maintained for all laptops. Records could include the type of equipment identifiers such as make, model and inventory or serial numbers, an equipment assignment date, and the employee responsible for the laptop.



o Some companies utilize electronic asset tracking technology. Employers can tag laptops with a small electronic transponder. If an employee attempts to leave the building with the computer, the system records the time, date and exit used. Some systems can also give security the ID of the employee taking the equipment.



o Access to the area where laptops are stored when not assigned should be limited to a select few individuals.



o The limited access storage area should be situated away from high traffic areas.



o Access should be controlled to areas such as offices where employees utilize laptops. This can also be accomplished through the use of ID card systems.



o Some companies have established policies making employees responsible for the loss of a laptop if they do not follow company policy for safeguarding it. Communicate the policy in writing and get a signed statement of acknowledgement.



o Employers have also been known to require employees to purchase their laptops, reasoning that employees will better care for them.



o Provide employees with loss prevention and security awareness training. E-mails, brown bag luncheons, new hire orientations security awareness literature/posters and video presentations are all excellent vehicles for getting the word out.



o Provide employees with adequate secure storage areas for their laptops such as locked security closets, cabinets and lockdown devices at desks and workstations.

Practical Tips For Buying Your New Laptop

So you want to buy a laptop but don't know where to

start. You're not alone. Buying a new laptop can present

many challenges, especially if you're unfamiliar with

laptops or notebook computers.



Over the last little while so much new laptop technology

has hit the market... Intel Duo Processors, SLI, Dual

Graphics... it can all be totally mind boggling to the average

consumer. For the first time laptop buyer understanding

all the techno jargon can be downright scary.



Mainly because a whole new generation of notebook technology

comes around every two years or less; probably much less

when you consider all the new advances made recently.

It can even be a little overwhelming even for someone

like myself who runs an online Laptop Guide and who has

a keen interest in all things laptop.



Regardless of all these fancy new improvements, devices

and notebook technology, you must remember you're buying

a new laptop for you and you alone. You must first

decide if all this new stuff is important to you?

Do you really need all this new notebook technology?



But most of all before you can consider that question you

must first figure out WHY you want a laptop? Why are you

buying a laptop? What chores or tasks do you want the

laptop to perform?



If you just want a laptop for simple web browsing and

emailing, a laptop made five years ago will do the

job nicely and cost you a heck of lot less. You really

don't need a top of the line laptop unless of course,

you're keeping up with the Jones and want the latest top

model of everything. But that's moving into Dr. Phil's

territory... lets not venture there!



So what do you need the laptop for?



Do you need a lightweight portable laptop for business

trips or meetings? Do you need a student notebook for

classes? Or do just want a desktop replacement computer

that you can easily move around in your home?



Your answer will greatly determine which type of laptop

you should buy.



In my case, I needed a desktop replacement that I could

easily move around my home and take on very infrequent

trips or vacations. Long battery life was not a major

consideration because I would mainly be using it plugged

into an electrical outlet. Besides, the laptop I wanted

would be 7 or 8 pounds and I had no intentions of lugging

that baby around over any great distance.



I work full time at home and do a lot of web design so

I needed a solid machine with a lot of RAM. I also enjoy

downloading and enjoying the occasional movie so a DVD

Multi Drive and a wide screen display were important.

High quality graphics and sound was also important for

what I needed.



* RAM



RAM is to computer what location is to real estate. RAM

or Random Access Memory is perhaps the most important

factor to consider when buying your laptop or any computer.



RAM will greatly determine the speed of your laptop or computer.

How fast it will process your tasks and graphics. You must make

sure you have enough for your needs. You can now find many laptops

pre-loaded with 1 Gig of RAM and capable of upgrading to 4 Gigs

or more.



Compared to yesterday's computers that's a lot of RAM. If you're

not into gaming, handling large video files/editing, all that

RAM is not needed but it will make your laptop run faster. Also,

remember if you're into gaming, Video RAM will be important

-- you need a top of the line (read expensive) Graphics Card

and it will increase the cost of your laptop.



Also it may be wise to buy a laptop with upgradable memory -

since new applications, multi windowed browsers, streaming video...

of the very near future may place high demand on your laptop's

RAM.



* Dual Core Processors



CPU or Computer Processing Unit is the heart of your laptop

and in this case you have Two Hearts -- Intel Centrino Duo

is the front runner in this area right now. However, AMD

is giving Intel some stiff competition in the dual core

battle with its Athlon(TM) 64 X2 dual core processor. Either

one would be a wise choice.



* Hard Drive



The amount of space or size of laptop hard drives are

steadily increasing, a 100 Gig laptop is now common.

If you don't want a lot of storage, buying a smaller

size hard drive will save you money.



Many laptop experts choose the SATA hard drive with

a high 5400 or 7200 RPM.



* Weight or Size



Perhaps the major reason you're considering buying a laptop

is its size or weight -- otherwise you're better of saving

your money and buying a desktop computer instead. A laptop is

portable, you can carry it anywhere... tuck it under your

arm and cart it to class or your next business meeting.

It is ideal for taking your information and work to wherever

you want to go. This portability is the main selling feature

of a laptop.



Obviously you must pick the best sized laptop to suit your

needs. Laptops are divided into different categories, here's

a quick rundown:



Tablet PC (smallest) Size of a paper tablet or notepad, less than 3

pounds.



Ultra Portable (small) 13" x >11" More than 1.5 inches,

more than

7 pounds and up



Pick the size that suits your purpose and use.



* Price



Laptop prices are steadily falling, it is now possible to get

a quality laptop for well under a $1000. Many are selling at the

$500 - $600 range. High quality gaming laptops offered by such

specialty laptop makers as Alienware, Rock, will still set you

back 3 to 4 grand. Ouch!



* Warranties



Don't overlook this factor, if you're buying an expensive

laptop, you might want to check out these extended warranties.

If you do a lot of traveling, you might need to purchase

insurance against thief and loss.



* Dead Pixels Was the Only Thing I Feared!



If you can check your laptop for any dead pixels. A dead pixel

will give you white spots(pixels)on your LCD display screen.

Most cases you're buying your laptop straight out of the

box, booting up and finding you have dead pixels is not

a pleasant experience. If you want to check your laptop

screen for dead pixels, just do a search for the free

'Dead Pixel Buddy' software program and run it to check

your laptop for dead pixels.



* Use The Internet For Information Or Even Purchase



I run a simple Laptop Guide on one of my sites and I also keep

a laptop blog so I am constantly using the Internet to gather

information and compare prices. You must shop around and

check out the consumer reports on the different laptop makers

and the different laptop products. You must also check out

the service records/reputation of the major brand names.



I researched all the different laptops and found the one

that met my requirements and price. I bought it in the real

world at a local Computer store mainly because I wanted to

examine the laptop's graphics and keyboard in the flesh.

However, I checked out all of the product's details beforehand

on this store's online site -- much easier than in a busy

crowded store.



Make A List



It might prove helpful to create a list of the minimum

requirements or features you want on your desired laptop:



Intel Duo

1 Gig of RAM

100 Gig Hard Drive

15 Inch Screen

4 or 5 Hours Battery Life

Burn/Write DVDs...



* Kick The Tires



Like buying anything, it is always a good idea to fully

check out your purchase. Sample the laptop's keyboard, does

typing feel comfortable? Try the touchpad, is it responsive?

Open your favorite programs and check the processing speed

of your laptop. Bring along a DVD and sample the sound

and graphics. Take note of any problems or irritations that

may pop-up, in my case it was a small right shift key but

this was so minor I knew I could get used to it and it didn't

stop me from buying my desired laptop.



* Research Your Laptop



Use the Internet to research your desired laptop, know exactly

what components it has and know what software is already preloaded.

Be careful of salespeople who will try to charge you extra for

configuring or installing programs on your laptop when these

programs may already be preloaded at the factory stage!



I settled on a Toshiba Satellite P100-SD3: it has Intel Duo,

1 Gig of RAM, 100 Gig Hard Drive, 17" widescreen TrueBrite

Display, compatible with the new Windows Vista... it meets

all my needs and I am quite pleased with my new laptop.

And I will be writing a full review after I have used it for

a couple of weeks... but that's another article.



If you consider most of the simple points and check out the factors

listed above then making your own laptop purchase will not only be

quite painless but it may even prove an enjoyable experience. Do a

little homework and you will easily find the perfect laptop for you.

Pink laptop: buy a pink laptop

Pink laptops have quickly become the prominent choice in laptops for girls. Having your own pink laptop can add some flair, expression, and identity to one of your most used possessions. Almost every pink laptop computer manufacturer has pink laptops for sale - and many of them will sell a cheap pink laptop model or two. A lot of computer places also make hot pink laptops, or a pink mini laptop. The varieties out there are pretty much endless. But what if you are trying to research the upcoming purchase of a pink laptop computer?



In this hub, we will try to help you answer all of those questions and more, and help you decide which laptop is best for you and how you can go about buying a pink laptop computer.



So where do you begin when you're trying to find information and you want to buy a pink laptop? Do you go with a normal sized one or a mini pink laptop? What about prices for laptops with features like a webcam, HD screen, or Blu-Ray DVD drive? And are cheap pink laptops really the best way to go, or is it better to pay a little bit more for a laptop or notebook that will last longer and be a better deal?



Laptop Prices: Is Less More?

We all know that laptop prices, and prices for almost every technology, have come down significantly in the last few years. Some HP pink mini laptop models, and other laptops, sell for as little as $300, while others are as much as $1,000. HP doesn't quite have a free laptop but they do produce very well like models. However, let's take a look at the pros and cons of spending only $200 or $300 for a laptop.



First, don't confuse a netbook with a notebook. A netbook - also known to some as a mini laptop - can cost anywhere from $200 to $400. Pink mini laptops and pink netbooks are generally limited with features, can come with limited software packages, and some reviews complain at their size (tiny keyboards!).

If you just want to browse the internet and check email, then a netbook or mini laptop can be right for you. These laptops are very affordable and come with limited features - but who needs all that when your priorities aren't too big.



But for someone who needs their laptop for school, work, or wants to do more like use video, music, and any other added features, what can be a cheap, "cute", small laptop can cause headaches later.



What Will $800 Get You In A Laptop?

It is important to be careful and use diligence when shopping for a laptop because a lower price does not always mean a better deal: in fact, it almost always doesn't. Let's take a look at one of the middle to upper priced pink laptops and see what you can get features-wise.



One of the most popular brands among girls - the Sony VAIO - has a pink laptop that costs about $829. Compared to the cheaper netbook/mini laptop, this model (and other laptops in this price range) offers much more and will certainly last much longer. In short, you get more for your dollar.

Some of the more prominent features and specifications with this laptop are the power. The CPU is 2.13GHz.



In layman's terms, CPU size determines how fast a computer can work and how many tasks it can do all at once. The same is true with memory - a pink laptop like this has 4GB if RAM memory which will be able to handle a slew of applications including Photoshop, video making or viewing, webcam, etc. There's a DVD drive that can burn cds and dvds, a webcam and microphone for chatting with friends and taking pictures, and equipment that can handle a fast internet connection. This $800 dollar laptop also has support for HD video connections, wireless internet, Bluetooth, and a manner of other options.



Of course, there are many pink laptop notebook models to choose from and many features to choose from as well. This section is a snapshot of what $800 will buy. If you want more features and a more powerful laptop, it will cost more, while a less powerful laptop and less features will cost you less money.



Popular Pink Laptop Brands

Because of growing consumer demand for pink laptops, computer manufacturers have designed an extraordinary line of sleek pink laptops. Pink is a fabulous color that never goes out of style, and is now appreciated by men as well as women. Today's man is quite comfortable with pink accessories, it is not uncommon to see a confident, well-dressed gentleman wearing a pink tie or dress shirt, or using a pink laptop.



Your online search for pink colored laptops will lead to various companies that sell different colored laptops. Here are a few of the companies where you can buy pink laptops:



Pink Dells

A high-profile company with an impressive array of pink laptops is Dell Computers. One of the most recognized computer manufacturing companies in the world, Dell produces more pink laptops than any other company. Shoppers on a budget can find a nice pink dell laptop with all of the updated features for less than five hundred dollars.



Dell has a variety of pink laptops for the fashionista in you. They even offer what is called their Promise laptop that helps fight breast cancer. Five dollars from every purchase goes to breast cancer research. They have at least seven different choices in pink laptops in the Promise line alone, as well as a variety of other choices. They range from mini-laptops to bigger laptops with screen sizes from 9 to more than 17 inches. They have a price range of around 300 to 800 dollars. Dell laptops are known for their reliability, functionality, and sense of style.



When you visit Dell's website, you can customize the laptop that you choose with upgraded memory, a stronger hard drive, word processing, and virus protection all in the color of your choice. To add a personalized touch, various patterns can be purchased to enhance your new laptop.



Pink Sony Laptop

Another top rated laptop that is comparable to those made by Dell, HP, and Acer are the pink VAIO laptops by Sony. Sony also has several hot pink laptop Vaio models for sale on their website as well.



Sony's laptops are a trendy choice among girls. While providing a stylish choice, the functionality of these computers are top notch as well. They come with displays ranging from 11 to 15.5 inches and supply the user with a battery life that will last on long trips. Their pink laptops feature from 160 GB to more than 500 GB hard drives and range in price from around 500 to 1200 dollars. Their models offer built-in wi-fi, webcams, DVD writers, microphones, internet telephones and speakers. Many of their laptops offer Core Duo 2 processors and are Bluetooth enabled. The Sony Vaio pink laptops are especially brilliant for playing games and watching movies.



The Sony Vaio Signature Collection offers four attractive laptop computers in pink, one of them is adorned with a beautiful flower pattern. Generally costing about two hundred and fifty dollars more than the Dells or other similarly cheap pink laptops and notebooks, they are equipped with the same software and power, but may also have some benefits that are not available with Dell laptops.



While Sony and Dell both have a variety of pink laptop computers, they are also available from other computer manufacturers.



HP Pink Laptops

Does HP sell pink laptops? As previously mentioned, HP specializes in pink mini laptops. What is unique about these stylish HP mini models is that they are only one inch thick, making them extra easy to transport. Mini HP pink laptops are a great bargain for the money, with models available from around 250 to 400 dollars. Their Mini 110 Chic is known for having the largest keyboard in the industry. They offer approximately 9 and 10-inch screens, and have mouse buttons on both sides of the pad. The webcam and microphone both offer excellent clarity and they also come with a small but impressive speaker. HP also offers a variety of pink colored laptop covers to turn any laptop you own into a fashion statement.



Some customers who recently purchased HP Mini Laptops reviewed the laptops as follows: "Small and compact; fits perfectly in my book bag and weighs less than 3 lbs. The battery life that I have experienced has been awesome". On the contrary, according to shopping reviews on several websites some users have experienced slowness with their HP netbooks. This may be typical in an entry-level netbook; running lots of programs such as for video, music, and photos can require additional resources.



Update (5/10): In May of 2010 HP announced a new line of consumer laptops and notebooks, with an all-new design called "MUSE". MUSE, which stands for Materials, Usability, Sensory appeal, and Experiences, is geared towards the young and hip crowd as well as the savvy businessperson. The new Hewlett Packard laptops were designed by Tord Boontje, which is a design, firm based out of London. Among these spring 2010 laptop refreshes by HP included new HP Envys (available in pink) as well as HP Pavillion laptops. These laptops are available in 14.5 and 17-inch screens.



ASUS Pink Laptop

Asus has laptops in pink that can please both the businesswoman and the gamer. Their laptops range in size from 7 to 10 inches and range in price from approximately 300 to 500 dollars. The great thing about Asus laptops is that they are easily set up and don't require a technical manual to learn how to use. They are user-friendly units that come with an intuitive graphic interface as well as being very durable because of their shock protection feature. Speakers are set up on each side of these computer and they can be found in 2, 4, and 8GB hard drives.



It is always a good idea to be a comparison shopper when purchasing high cost items like computers. When you have researched the laptop that you want, visit three or more manufacturers to secure the best product at the best price. A little comprehensive research will help you to make an informed decision regarding price, power, and the different computer accessories when you are ready to make a purchase.



Hot Pink Laptops

Several places sell hot pink laptops for sale, namely Sony, Dell, and Asus. Let's take a look at some models:



Sony Vaio series: The E series Sony Vaios are the ultimate hot pink laptops. Starting at just $799, you'll get all the features and upgrades - pretty much more than anyone needs (like a 500GB hard drive- plenty for movies, music, games, etc).



Dell Studio: The dell studio hot pinks range anywhere from $500 to as much as $1000 considering what kind of options and features you get with your new pink laptop. The dell studios are just like any other laptop at first, except you add on a cover to the outside - in your case, a hot pink laptop cover! The covers are more like hot pink designs and patterns, as opposed to just a solid cover. Keep that in mind when shopping around.



Asus Eee PC 1008P: This 10" pink laptop definitely has one of the more stylish covers out of the cheap pink laptops out there. The processor is the same as others: 1.6ghz, though this laptop comes with 2GB of memory. Weighing only 2.4 pounds this hot pink laptop is definitely something to show off to your friends. The laptop was actually designed by Karim Rashid and is meant to be "more chic" than all the other pink laptops available. It also is only one inch thick! Comes with Windows 7, Bluetooth, and high-speed wireless, and a webcam! One thing to know is that it doesn't come with a disc drive but nowadays with Itunes and netflix and other services you won't even notice.



Other ways to "make" a hot pink laptop? Just like you can apply a cover to a school textbook, you can also put a cover on a laptop. Many places make laptop covers and NoteFashion actually sells a hot pink laptop cover for just $11. It could be a good deal if you already have a laptop computer and want to turn it hot pink while saving up for a genuine one!



Cheap Pink Laptops To Consider

Keep in mind that cheaper is not always better - however if you are looking for a simple laptop to carry out simple tasks like surfing the web, doing homework, chatting online and keeping in touch with friends, then a cheap pink laptop could be right for you. Here are a few models to consider:



Disney Netpal by Asus: This Disney pink laptop sells for about only $340 and comes with a cute Disney pink logo and pink abstract pattern on the outside. Though the laptop screen size is only 8.9 inches, the color itself "princess pink" is sure to please any girl. The laptop comes with a 1.6ghz Intel atom processor with 1GB ram and a 160GB hard drive; these specs are sure to be plenty of resources for an entry-level laptop. The laptop also comes with several security features such as website blacklisting and whitelisting for protection.



Lenovo S10-2 Pink Netbook: This laptop, though technically a netbook, is definitely a great mini pink laptop to consider. For around $350 you'll get a laptop with 6 hours of battery life - plenty of time, as well as Windows 7 starter edition, a 1.6ghz processor and 1GB memory. This laptop on Amazon happens to have a 4.5 star average review and many customers reported things like "beautiful, well built" and "pinker than it seems in the picture". You might want to definitely check out this pink laptop.



Pink Laptop Accessories

Some accessories typically purchased with a laptop or computer can include a laptop case or bag, an extra battery or hard drive for storing photos and videos, or even a photo scanner with feeder should you want to import all of your old photos into your brand new computer.



Want pink colored laptop accessories for your new notebook computer? Some places online such as Amazon or even computer manufacturers themselves (Dell, HP, Sony) may offer a pink mouse, pink travel keyboard, a pink laptop case or bag, and other pink colored accessories for your laptop.



Important Things To Keep In Mind When Buying A Laptop

Now that we've identified what $800 will buy in terms of features and specifications, it's important to cover some of the most important things that most consumers fail to always keep in mind when buying computers - and how you can help yourself when you go to buy your pink laptop. Here are the most important things to remember:



1. You get what you pay for. With laptops and computers, just like cell phones, there are certain price ranges and in each price range is a bracket of features. You definitely pay more for these extra features, and with an increased price, you also may be paying for durability and better materials (though not always). True, many manufacturers that have pink laptops on sale will have prices for slightly less, or maybe a feature compromise or two for a little lower price. Sometimes there will be rebates and sales and coupons. But the bottom line is this: you get more when you spend more.



2. The price tag on the laptop is always not the final price. While most online places offer free shipping, you can't forget tax costs, paying for a Bluetooth mouse, extra battery, extended warranty, accessories like pink laptop bags, and any extra customizations or add-ons you get. Generally speaking, you can expect your "final price" to be at least $75 more than what the price tag tells you.



3. If you want your laptop to last more than two years, buy an extended warranty. Warranty plans do cost more money but you will be glad you invested it when you drop your laptop, spill something, or the friend that you trusted accidentally knocks something over. Laptops, by nature, are mobile and portable which opens the risk for any kind of accident. Additionally, doesn't it always seem like things break just after the manufacturer's warranty ends? Nobody likes a broken laptop, and an extended warranty can help you prolong the life of yours and help get it fixed quickly if anything should happen.



4. Sometimes, patience is an important key to getting the best out of the money you have budgeted. I love instant gratification, and I know what it's like to want something now. But one responsibility of a shopper is to always do their homework when buying a laptop, and to always check prices and features.



Let's face it, salesmen have one job: to sell. Most salespeople will try and take you for granted by assuming you will buy anything that they can glorify. Naturally, companies will try to sell you products that cost the least for them to make and give them the most profit. While this isn't always the case, going into a store prepared and willing to check prices and spend extra time comparing models, you'll get a better bargain.



In Closing...

Ask yourself this: what kind of pink laptop do you need? For many, laptops and computers are not just about a want, but also about needs. If you are going to depend on your new laptop for school or work, then you'll want to make sure that you get the features and options that you need the most, even if it means paying a little extra.



Finding a laptop is not an easy decision to make because of the many choices available in the market. Now, making it a personal laptop such as option for pink laptops and with all the PDA accessories is a decision you need to make and you can do this by reading up on all the information necessary.

Learn How to Buy A Good Laptop Computer

When buying a laptop, you need to consider factors beyond performance and weight. There are many additional things like screen dimensions, battery life, and keyboard and connection options which you have to think about.



Let's look at some of the factors one should consider when buying a laptop.



1. Processor



One of the first things you need to consider in a laptop is the CPU. The latest laptop CPUs include Intel's Core Duo and Core 2 Duo processors which outperform older single-core Intel processors (e.g. Pentium M). Other laptops use the AMD Athlon Turion 64 X2 dual-core processor - which is also a good performer. In general, however, if you're looking for a laptop, I'd advise you to look for one with an Intel Core Duo processor. You can also read this guide to find out more.



2. System memory



The amount of RAM in the laptop is very important. If you're not short of cash, my advice is to get at least 1GB of RAM - that is the minimum you need to get newer PC applications to run fast. Also remember that you can always add more memory to your existing laptop. You may be interested in this short guide on how to install new memory modules into a laptop.



3. Graphics memory



Laptop graphics are another feature you will want to consider. Typically, I'd say you should go for 128MB of dedicated video RAM. Also, ensure that the graphics memory is used solely for graphics use and not shared with the main memory. If you intend to play games on the laptop, then look for advanced 3D graphics chips with about 256MB to 512MB of dedicated graphics memory. Be prepared to fork out a lot more cash though.



4. Screen



You will also want to take a look at the laptop screen. Laptop screens have recently become bigger. Most of them have gone widescreen so you can watch movies or edit spreadsheets more comfortably.



If you intend to use the laptop from home a lot, then I'd go for a 17-inch wide screen. If you are more concerned about portability or if you travel a lot, then laptops with screen sizes of 12.1 or 13.3 inches might suit you better. There are also 14.1- or 15-inch screens for laptops, but I believe manufacturers are shifting away from these models.



5. Battery



Here's another critical factor - laptop battery life. I personally find it very frustrating to have my notebook power run out after 15 minutes at Starbucks. What you need to do is to buy a laptop that has about 3.5 hours of battery life, running on a Core Duo or Core 2 Duo processor. Make sure you question the retailer on how long the battery can last - a short battery life is usually a deal breaker for me.



6. Keyboard and Pointing Device



Some people believe that the keyboard and pointing device on a laptop is important. If you have big fingers, you might be more comfortable typing on a larger notebook keyboard than a small one. Make sure you try the laptop out - get the feel of typing and navigation before you buy the laptop.



7. Optical drives



I'd usually recommend getting a laptop with a rewritable DVD drive as a minimum. One thing you need to know is that some laptops sacrifice a DVD drive in exchange for a lighter weight and portability. If you don't think you need a DVD drive all the time, then you might want to get a model that doesn't have one.



8. Hard drive



In the laptop hard drive department, what can I say? More is better. These days, you can get a notebook hard drives coming in sizes of 160GB or more. You can also get SATA hard drives if you have more cash.



9. Weight



Another thing to note is the weight of the laptop. Now, when you buy a laptop, always remember that the total weight includes the notebook AND the AC adapter, any external modules, and their cables. These can add up to quite a bit of weight.



10. Communications



These days, you will find that most laptops come with at least two USB 2.0 ports - I'd recommend that as a minimum. If you do a lot of video editing, then a FireWire (IEEE 1394) port also becomes essential.



You should also check for good network capabilities. Make sure your new laptop has built-in ethernet capability, a built-in wireless connection and also built-in Bluetooth (if you need to transfer data between your mobile phone and the laptop).



Some of the laptops also include card slots for removable media such as CompactFlash, Secure Digital and MultiMediaCard. If you take a lot of digital photos, then this feature might matter to you.



11. Laptop Shopping Tips



Whew! That sure is a long list of features to consider when buying a laptop. In addition to understanding the features, there are three important laptop shopping tips you should bear in mind.



Tip #1: How will you use the laptop? One of the problems when you buy a laptop is that you pay for features you don't really need. One of the best ways to avoid paying too much is to consider how you will use the laptop. If it is mostly for word processing, then settle for a cheaper machine. If it is for gaming, then you need a more powerful one.



Tip #2: Think of features you will not compromise You should also be aware that there are some basic features in a laptop you should NOT sacrifice. For example, for me, if I were buying a laptop, I'd choose (as a minimum) - an Intel Core Duo or Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of RAM, 160GB of hard drive, a very small screen size and a super long lasting battery. Your list of critical feature may vary.



Tip #3: Remember you can pick and choose Most vendors will let you custom-build your own laptop. This is a good thing, because you can just pick those features you need and not pay any extra. You can easily purchase a faster notebook by accepting a smaller hard drive or DVD drive, for example.



Conclusion



I hope this article has shown you that ins and outs of buying a laptop. Remember, a laptop is an expensive device. It will also be something you bring along anywhere you go. Hence, it is critical that you do proper research and find the correct laptop to suit your needs. Remember the above tips the next time you're in the market for a laptop, and happy shopping!

Laptop security where would my laptop?

Laptops are lovely. They are convenient, mobile, powerful and prestigious.

They are also thief magnets. Over 400,000 laptops disappear each year, leaving their owners wondering where they went, what is happening with their data and what to do next.

Some of the laptops are just lost - left in cabs, at hotels, restaurants and at conferences and events. Many of these laptops (but not all) find their way back to their lucky owners.

Some are stolen by people - many of them co-workers, service staff or people taking advantage of a "moment of opportunity" - who just want to have a laptop.

Some are stolen by professional "Laptop Lifters" who may work in teams to steal the laptops for resale.

And others are stolen, not for the laptop itself, which may be a bonus, but for the data on the laptop's hard drive - financial or identity data or business plans or data.

For example:



QualComm's CEO had his laptop stolen while he was conducting a Press Conference. Reportedly, some of QualComm's most valuable secrets were on that laptop, unencrypted and only protected by an easily bypassed password. A Department of State laptop containing high level information on nuclear proliferation was stolen right from State's headquarters. Two administrators were fired and other personnel were reprimanded.



Think about it - What other piece of equipment or personal possession do we routinely carry around that is worth over a thousand dollars, by itself, and may be worth thousands more in data? Why wouldn't that be attractive to thieves?

A large part of the problem is less on the hardware or software end of things, it's in the HUMAN side of things. By raising our awareness many of the vulnerabilities can be greatly lessened.

There are 3 areas of vulnerability: 1) Securing the actual laptop, 2) Securing the Data, 3) Getting the laptop back.



1) Securing the actual laptop

There are many ways to control the physical security of a laptop.



There are cable locks that can be attached to an immovable object to make it more difficult to just pick up the laptop and walk away. Although these cables can be cut with a bolt cutter, some of them are combined with an alarm that will sound if the cable is cut.



Use a laptop carrying bag that does not look like a laptop case. Having a laptop case that says IBM or Sony is advertising that you are carrying a highly valuable commodity. Consider using a backpack with your laptop in it in a padded sleeve. One of the prime places for laptop theft is the men's bathroom in airports and convention centers. Another prime place that laptops are stolen is at pay phones in a busy area.



Just as there are pickpocket teams, one of whom distracts you by "accidentally" bumping into you while the other steals your wallet, there are "Laptop Lifters" one of whom will accidentally spill something on you while the other walks off with your laptop. A good rule to follow is: any time there is a diversion near you, put your hand on your laptop.



People usually feel comfortable at conferences and conventions. After all, you are usually surrounded by your peers, and there are often convention staff around to provide security. Often the theft will take place on the second or third day, when IDs for entry are not being checked as stringently, and many of the attendees are NOT wearing their badges. Many times people will leave laptops unguarded on or under conference tables during breaks.



Even if it is not your laptop that is stolen, your PCMIA cards - modem or wireless connectors - can be stolen in an instant. Not only is this a loss of value, it's also a real inconvenience.



It's a good idea to engrave your company information prominently on the outside of the laptop and on its carrying case. It makes it less attractive to the thief, because it makes it easy to identify and makes it harder to sell. Having a large or conspicuously colored luggage tag securely affixed makes it less attractive because thieves like to be "invisible."



You also should be sure to send in that little registration card that came with your laptop. Sometimes a stolen laptop will be sent back to the manufacturer for repair by the person who had innocently bought it from the thief. You may get your laptop back this way.



Don't leave your laptop in your car. If it is visible, you may lose your laptop AND have to pay for the damage to your car. Rental cars are often the special target of thieves, especially at popular restaurants or shopping malls. Plus, the extremes of temperature (both hot AND cold), can either fry your laptop or freeze the LCD screen.



2) Data Security



Losing your laptop may mean you'll have to shell out $1,000 - $3,000 for a new one. Losing your data can be MUCH more serious. Many people ONLY have a laptop, so ALL of their data is on it. Plus, most people don't back up their data as often as they should.



Replacing the data can be a pain. But losing your PERSONAL data, including perhaps your Social Security number, PIN numbers, credit card info, etc can be a form of personal hell.





Prevent data loss through your Infrared port. Do you actually use your infrared port? Do you even know if you have one? If you do have one, your computer can be hacked into all the way across the room! A simple way to disable it is to put a piece of black electrical tape across it. (It's a little dark window, generally on the back of your laptop). Alternatively you can disable the infrared port completely. Because each laptop manufacturer has different steps, search on Google or Yahoo for "Disable Infrared Port" and add your laptop manufacturer's name to the search terms.



Back up your data before you leave your office. That way, if your laptop is lost or stolen, you have not lost your files.



Consider keeping sensitive files off your laptop hard drive. A DVD can hold multiple gigabytes of data and can be carried in your pocket. A USB storage device is also quite handy.



If you are running XP Pro, your can encrypt your data using EFS (Encrypting File System), so it will be totally unreadable without the decryption key. If you don't have the Pro version, you can purchase third party encryption software.|



3) Getting your laptop back.



So the worst has happened and your laptop has disappeared. Hopefully, you have your name and phone number on it somewhere, so it can be returned to you if it was just left in a cab.



If you've taken the right steps before it disappeared, there's a fair chance you will get it back.

Common Problems With Laptops & Some Solutions - Liquid Spills, Cooling, Power & LCD Display Screen

Fixing Common Laptop Problems



Liquid Spills on Laptop



I have repaired many Laptops exposed to accidental liquid spills. This is a recoverable condition in most cases. It is most important to respond to the cleaning up process as soon as possible (before corrosion or internal soakage occur)! Liquid intrusion can cause the following types of laptop damage:



Short circuit due to conductive nature of wet liquid (problem may clear as liquid dries) Short circuit due to dried liquid residue Corrosion occurs (particularly volatile with some acidic soft drinks - Coke) Electronic components damaged by above short circuits

Possible Solution: Immediately when a spill occurs, turn off the laptop, invert the laptop and leave the unit upside down (drainage) for at least 20-30 minutes. Then, remove any attached leads, remove the power unit and battery, and allow the unit to air-dry overnight.



To remove any liquid residual: Have someone remove the keyboard assembly and perform additional cleaning. It may help to use cotton buds and distilled water to remove any contamination. Where corrosive side effects may be suspected (with coke), gently rub any suspect areas with a cotton bud dampened with CRC or WD-40. Dry the treated areas so that only a light film of the WD-40 anti-corrosive solution remains. While the keyboard is removed, use a bright light and magnifying lens to inspect areas where the liquid made contact.



Laptop randomly turns off



This is often due to:



AC power adaptor sensing an overload of power drain Overheating processor due to a build of internal dust (clogged fan) AC power adaptor not able to sustain normal power needs (faulty power adaptor) Battery overheating, due to internal battery fault, or charging levels Intermittent short circuit or open connection (check condition of power leads)



On older Laptops, the most common reason is poor cooling. Try going somewhere air-conditioned and see if that helps. Inspect the areas near the internal cooling fan; see if there is a build up of dust fibres. Easy way to check this; with the unit running, feel the flow of air from the cooling outlet(s) - is the airflow very low? If yes, and the unit is at normal operation temperature, this may indicate the internal cooling system is partially clogged.



Troubleshoot Laptop LCD Video Display problems



Here are some tips and tricks for troubleshooting and fixing laptop video problems. Video issues are very common within portable computers and with the following tips you should be able to detect and eliminate basic laptop video problems.



Laptop LCD screen has a faint image or is very dark



Look closely at the laptops LCD screen, and see if you can see a very faint image. If you can then it is possible that the Laptop's LCD lid close switch is stuck in the closed position. In this mode the backlight stays off, even with the LCD lid open. This is to conserve power when the laptop is ON with the LID closed. Check the LCD lid close switch. It is a small plastic pin located close to the back LCD hinges. Try tapping the lid switch a few times to see if you can turn on the screen backlight. If that does not help, then I would suggest to replace the FL inverter board.



Laptop LCD screen is solid white colour or garbled



Connect an external computer monitor to the laptop. If the external monitor display is fine, then you have a problem with the Laptop LCD screen or the LCD cable connection. If the external monitor image is the same as on the Laptop LCD, then it is likely to be a faulty integrated onboard video, this means replacing the motherboard of the Laptop.



A typical Laptop LCD display assembly



This is a simplified explanation of the basic components that are involved on a Laptop LCD video display problem:



LCD Connector: Video data is sent from the motherboard through to the LCD screen. A video cable also feeds voltage to the FL inverter board on the LCD panel FL inverter PCB: This section converts the low voltage DC source to high voltage AC, as required to energise the backlight bulb. If the FL inverter PCB is faulty, the LCD screen will show a very dim image on the Laptop display screen CCFL (backlight bulb): When the backlight bulb is working, you can see the image on the LCD screen. With some Laptops, the backlight bulb is a part of the LCD screen assembly and needs to be replaced with a complete LCD screen assembly. It requires a specialized Laptop repair workshop to replace the backlight bulb Laptop Lid close switch: This switch is a small switch (mechanical or magnetic) that is located close to the rear display hinges. Most laptops will either hibernate or operate in standby mode when the LCD is closed. This is achieved by interfacing with the Laptop's BIOS power management software. In turn this is linked to the Windows operating system



Laptop is slow and continually shows Internet popup's



The Laptop is very likely infected with spyware. Spyware is software that hides on your computer and attempts to collect information about your activity on the internet. Spyware is sometimes transferred to your computer when you download 'unknown' free software or when you link to free music Internet programs (KaZaA, Limewire, BearShare, etc). The best method to remove and further prevent spyware is to use Spybot. Please read my Spyware Software Help Page.



Laptop is frozen, no response to keyboard or mouse, cannot Shutdown



With most Laptops I have seen that this will happen from time to time! The easy method to solve this problem is:



Disconnect the laptop power cord Remove the battery from the laptop Wait a short while (10 seconds) Replace the Laptop battery into the unit Reconnect the Laptop Power cord Turn the Laptop on



The Laptop will start normally and be fully operational. If you were working on a Microsoft Word or Excel document at the time of the problem, then you may find that the data has been auto-recovered for you. In this case, you will be automatically prompted to view the last document you worked on when you open the Microsoft program.



Troubleshoot Laptop Hibernate and Standby problems



Power management options on laptops sometimes to cause problems. Hibernate and Standby modes are power saving modes of operations to battery powered laptops.



Hibernation is a procedure by which the working state (contents) of your work is stored to disk before the computer goes into hibernation or standby. When the Laptop is woken up, you are restored to the exact place you were before. Standby and Hibernation use a low power consumption mode, with enough power to preserve the content of such memory. This means that Laptop computer can wake up without a full restart and loss of work.



Laptop does not wake up from Standby or Hibernation



Here are my tested suggestions:



Give it time - some older Laptops may take up to 30 seconds to wake up - fully Some Laptops have special keys or buttons for 'Wake Up' - read the manual Press and hold the Laptops power button for five seconds or more. Some Laptops are configured to Suspend or Hibernate with a press of the power button. Holding the power button for 5+ seconds will usually reset and reboot the Laptop As a last resort, remove the laptop battery and the power cord, wait 30 seconds, replace the batteries and reconnect the power cord



Now that the Laptop is operational, you should research the underlying problem. Typically, such problems arise from a disagreement either between the power management features of the Laptops BIOS and Windows.



A conflict with the Laptops BIOS power management and Windows power management is the most common cause of such wake-up failure. Try different settings in the BIOS to see if that might solve the problem. Look to see if the Laptops BIOS is configured to suspend the computer, and how it compares with the value configured in Windows. In most cases let Windows control the power management.

Laptop Security Device - 10 Tips To Protect Your Laptop And Data

Here are 10 tips to prevent your laptop from theft as well as an explanation of laptop security devices that ensure your laptop and data are protected. The main attraction of laptops is their portability and mobility. It is great to be able to take your computer with you and use it anywhere. But with these benefits comes a risk of theft. Obviously theft is more likely to happen when an object can be picked up and carried away. Laptop security devices are important to prevent your laptop from being stolen as well as to prevent the data from your laptop being retrieved and used in the event that your laptop is a victim of theft.



10 TIPS TO PREVENT LAPTOP THEFT



1. NEVER leave your laptop or any valuables in plain sight in your car. Recently there has been an increase in car burglaries stemming from valuables being left in plain sight. Lock them in the trunk.



2. Don't use computer bags, while these maybe fashionable and comfortable they make it obvious that you are carrying a laptop. Try using a padded briefcase or suitcase instead.



3. Make sure your laptop is always with you. Do not check laptops in with your luggage while traveling. Never leave your laptop in your car in plain sight or any valuable objects for that matter. There has been a recent increase of car burglaries stemming from people leaving valuables in plain sight. Lock all valuables in the trunk.



4. Another great laptop security measure is to never leave access numbers or passwords in your carrying case. Keeping your password with your laptop is like keeping the keys in the car. Without your password or important access numbers it will be more difficult for a thief to access your personal and corporate information.



5. Keep your eye on your laptop. When you go through airport security don't lose sight of your bag while it's going through the scan or hold your bag until the person in front of you has gone through the metal detector. Many bags look alike and yours can easily be lost in the shuffle.



6. Avoid setting your laptop on the floor or the seat next to you. If you must set ti down make sure you are always aware of it by setting down against your leg or arm. Putting your laptop on the floor is an easy way to forget or lose track of it.



7. Use a screen guard when in public. This prevents people from looking over your shoulder and seeing sensitive information. This is especially helpful when you're traveling or need to work in a crowded area.



8. Do not leave your laptop unsecured in your hotel room. Things sometimes tend to get lost in hotel rooms and are never secure. If you must leave your laptop in the room then use a security cable to attach it to a stable object, such as the desk or bedpost. Another good thing to do is leave the "do not disturb" sign on the door.



9. Labeling everything possible related to your laptop is an effective security measure. Label everything with the name of the individual that owns it, and ensure that these labels are conspicuous. The potential theft value of laptops is reduced greatly when additional work is required to remove the identifying marks. Conspicuous identity labels also significantly increase the risk of a potential thief being caught in the act of theft.



10. Buy a laptop security device. The next section details some options for laptop security devices.



LAPTOP SECURITY DEVICE:



Laptop Cable:



One of the most inexpensive and effective laptop security devices is a laptop cable. Very much like a bicycle lock, this cable attaches to your laptop and allows you to lock it to a stationary object. The cable makes it much more difficult for someone to steal your laptop.



Laptop Tracing Programs:



These programs will report the location of a stolen laptop. They work when the laptop connects to the Internet, and can report the laptop's exact physical location.



Motion Sensors and Alarms:



Unexpected loud noises make people wake up and take notice, something that aspiring thieves find very discouraging. Laptop security devices exist which use alarms as a form of protection.



While the signal mechanism of an alarm system is usually the same, the triggers are different. The idea is that if the user moves out of range of the device, or the laptop is moved out of range of the user, the alarm will sound. Thus, if someone tries to steal or remove the laptop, the alarm will sound, drawing attention to the theft. Another option is to is to buy an alarm that relies on nothing more than movement of the object that it is attached to. If the object that the sensor is attached to is moved, an alarm will sound. Entering the 3-digit security code will reset or disable the alarm once the device has been recovered.



LAPTOP SECURITY DEVICES THAT PREVENT DATA ACCESS:



Security measures available in order to prevent access to data on your laptop in the event that it is taken.



Set a Login Password:



Set a login name/password that way in order to successfully login in to a laptop the user must provide that information. If the login entered is incorrect, the operating system will refuse to allow entry.



Set a BIOS password: Most laptops offer protection by allowing the owner to set a boot password. Typically most will prompt the user three times to enter a password, then refuse to boot if there are three failures.



Encryption:



One of the best laptop security devices are file encryption programs, which, encrypt files on your laptop. A private unlock key is provided to the owner, and as long as your private key is kept safe, no one but you and your intended recipients will be able to view your data.



Biometric Fingerprint Readers: Another great laptop security device is the Biometric Reader. This type of laptop security device would provide authentication at the hardware level which would require authentication before the machine would even boot up. The idea behind biometrics is to use the uniqueness of certain features of a user, such as retinal pattern, fingerprints, and even typing characteristics, to accurately identify and authorize persons.

Laptop Buying Guide - Ten Most Important Factors to Consider

I have faced this question several times in the past from my friends, office colleagues, relatives and also those networked with me through various social networking websites and online communities. They ask me how to choose a laptop computer that will perfectly meet up their needs. And invariably I initiate dialog by asking this question - What is the purpose of this purchase? What do you expect it to do? And based on the responses so far I have received I would like to classify the purpose of purchasing a laptop under four broad categories and I believe a laptop, being more personalized in nature in comparison to its Desktop counterpart, you can not expect it to satisfy multiple intersecting purposes of every individual at your home or work place. After all, like your Mobile Phone - a laptop is basically engineered to meet up personal needs. But anyway, as you are so determined to procure your new laptop, so, please read on to have some guideline, which have helped my friends in making a decision.



Based on the requirements of the end users we may classify needs under four different categories:



1) For High School/College students



2) For Official Use - mostly for official correspondences, business presentation with little Internet Use.



3) Mostly for accessing Internet for online communications, chatting, emailing etc.



4) Heavy duty operations - A laptop for performing heavy-duty operations - which includes processing of multi-media applications gaming, graphics design etc. - expected to be acting as a desktop replacement in the truest sense.



Irrespective of your specialized need you should be made aware about few basic concepts that constitute the backbone of any laptop, and you will also learn their effects on your choice. Here are the details:



1) Processor: Today's laptops support wide range of processors including Intel Core 2 Duo, Intel Celeron M, AMD's Turion X2, and so on. Matter of fact is that the price of a laptop largely depends on the processor it supports. As such, Intel Core 2 Duo processor series like T7200/7300/T7400/T7500 is highly recommended for a laptop to be used as a desktop replacement, or for running high-end multimedia applications, or to have a joyful gaming experience; whereas, laptop with Intel Celeron Processor is priced moderately and good for running office applications. For laptops, which feature AMD processors, are both reasonably priced and optimized for reasonable processing speed. And because of the price benefit without compromising efficiency much these are my recommendations for school/college children, and these models are also good for accessing Internet. In a nutshell, if you feel that you need a laptop with heavy-duty processing capacity then only investment in rather costly processor worth. Otherwise, there is no point in such investment.



2. Installed Memory: Besides processor, this is the second major factor, which differentiates the price and efficiency of a laptop and this is the installed memory. Most modern laptop supports DDR2 Memory, and though 1GB is good enough for processing office documents, or for running those applications required by school/ college students, and even great for browsing Internet but for Windows Vista you need to have a minimum of 2GB memory. As such it is so common to find a laptop with even up to 3 - 4 GB memory but there is no point in investing that much unless you have some reason for doing so. Also, you can almost effortlessly upgrade laptop memory anytime later.







There is a word of caution:



Check well to confirm the amount of installed memory. It has come to my notice that few retailers brand a laptop model as 'up to 4GB memory capacity', whereas actual memory physically installed in that model may be 1GB only. Obviously, you have the flexibility to add extra 3 GB memory anytime but presently what you get is 1 GB. So, you need to know the amount of memory physically installed in a laptop.







3. Hard Disk Space: Space is no more a problem unless you have planned to save all your Music/ Movie collections in your precious laptop Hard Drive. Laptops with 80GB to 160 GB space is a reasonable choice for all purposes. Though for school/college students you may consider to keep the storage capacity on the higher side to accommodate enough room for those massive sized music/movie files.



4.Screen Size: Once again this is one parameter that is to be considered with precision for laptop to be used as a replacement for desktop counterpart. You will do better going for 17" to 19" inch screen size, whereas, 14" to 16" screen size will keep the laptop portable without compromising its usability; but laptop with 13.3" or Less screen size are often referred to as Ultra Portable model obviously you can travel really light and travel freely while carrying the set with you. And laptop with screen size 10" or less, termed as Netbook, offers more flexibility in terms of portability but may not be the best option if you want to use it for presentation purpose!



5.Portability and Weight: This is something rather overlooked often while selecting a laptop model; and this is the factor that is not at all important for a laptop that is more likely to be placed on a table top for the most of its lifetime. However, if you plan to move a lot carrying the laptop with you consider models that are designated as Ultra portable. From my experience, I know, carrying 7 lbs. + weighed laptop is not a very exciting experience in the long run. Ultra portable model weighing less than 2.5 lbs is the best alternative to consider.



6.Battery: Current laptops utilize lithium ion batteries, with more recent models using the new lithium polymer technology. Typical battery life for standard laptops is two to five hours for light-duty operations. Once you have chosen a particular model, read for reviews on that model, take a scrap paper, and note down end users' feedback on battery performance if you need to rely on battery more. This is the best way to learn about battery performance of any laptop model. You may not rely on Manufacturers' claims in this issue at least.



7.Networking and Connectivity: It is desirable for every modern laptop to have support for various connectivity interfaces like Ethernet Card, built-in 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth connectivity, and to have built in modem. Besides, a laptop that features Expansion Ports like USB 2.0 ports (minimum three in number recommended), DVI, RJ-45, RJ-11, and Cable Lock Slot etc. offers better flexibility in terms of its usage.



8.Built-in components: For laptops to be used for Internet access, browsing, online networking or communications, or for playing multimedia files, or for gaming purposes the one that comes with built-in stereo speakers with microphone, and a Webcam is a good choice. In particular Webcam is very essential for online communications.



9. Graphics Card: Besides, for avid gamers, or the individual who wants to run graphics applications, it is always the best option to select a model that incorporates NVIDIA or ATI graphics card.



10. Warranty: And finally, it is desirable to invest on a laptop model that come with a legitimate warranty coverage provided by the Manufacturer.



So, my conclusion is that instead of being trapped by feature-rich expensive models, try to address your needs at the first instance and try to keep a balance between your requirements and available features without exceeding the limit of your budget while purchasing a new laptop.

Identity Theft: Stolen Laptop Response

Encrypt, secure, prohibit or pay the price!



That's what Congress and state legislators should tell Ernst & Young, Veterans Affairs and other companies and agencies that play fast and loose with our personal data.



In the last several days, major news networks and countless online news sources reported two more incidents of lost or stolen laptops containing personal data of millions of individuals. The first theft involved a laptop stolen from a Veterans Affairs employee. Follow-up reports on that theft go from bad to worse, indicating 2.2 million active-duty personnel are now at risk for identity theft [http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/06/07/vets.data.ap/index.html]. The lost data in this case includes Social Security numbers.



The second incident involved a laptop stolen from an Ernst & Young employee. That laptop contained the personal data, including credit card information, of approximately 243,000 customers of Hotels.Com who had booked rooms between 2002 and 2004. In a way, this second incident is more egregious because losing laptops is reportedly commonplace for Ernst & Young.





Nokia staff jacked by Ernst & Young laptop loss (30 March 2006) 40,000 BP workers exposed in Ernst & Young laptop loss (23 March 2006) Lost Ernst & Young laptop exposes IBM staff (15 March 2006) Readers amazed by Ernst & Young's laptop giveaway (4 March 2006) Ernst & Young loses four more laptops (26 February 2006) Ernst & Young fails to disclose high-profile data loss (25 February 2006)



According to The Register, a British technology news site, password protection was the only security available on some of the laptops lost by Ernst & Young during a prior incident, which any avid computer user knows can be easily compromised. What about the laptops more recently lost by Ernst & Young employees? Was the data contained in those laptops encrypted? Are there any company policies limiting the extent of personal data that may leave the office where presumably network security standards and firewall protection are in place? Are there any company rules prohibiting employees from leaving laptops unattended (though you would think common sense would be enough)? Or better still, are there rules prohibiting the transfer of personal data to employee laptops? I expect there aren't. If any such measures were in place, Ernst & Young’s public relations people would have plastered that all over the media to reassure clients and the public in an attempt to save the firm’s corporate derriere.



Ernst & Young and the VA are not the only entities that have lost laptops with personal data, and most of these entities have developed a typical response straight from the Corporate Playbook. Ernst & Young has agreed to offer Hotel.Com customers a year's free credit monitoring. That’s no compensation for someone who will have to spend potentially years clearing up a resulting bad credit history. Anyone who’s been in the tenuous position of having to prove they do not owe a debt they do not owe will tell you that. If Ernst & Young created a task force to help consumers clear identity theft issues, then maybe that could be considered compensatory. If they offered to pay legal fees for anyone having to clear resulting bad credit histories, or pay state fines for prosecution of identity thieves, that might be considered compensatory. If they committed to and implemented a program to encrypt and secure the data and, in particular, prohibited downloading of personal data to portable computers in the first place, that would be considered the best move of all.



Employees of the auditing companies don’t seem to care what happens to your personal data. The Register reported that, in one case, employees left laptops in an unattended conference room while they went off to lunch. You can just see how that might happen. They’re in Miami at yet another conference. The conference is at a downtown hotel they’ve been to a couple times. They’re familiar with the hotel and the area so already they feel some sense of false security. Someone’s been talking for hours about converting more sales, pushing certain investments, or their company’s new data recovery center that will help clients feel more “secure.” Anyway, the speaker stops to take a breath and everyone realizes it’s a good time to break for lunch. They’re coming back to the room so, hey, why lug around those heavy laptops? Aren’t they coming back to the room for the second half of the conference? Do they even ask if the conference room will be locked during lunch? Of course not. They’re company laptops. What’s a few lost laptops to a big corporation like Ernst & Young.



Maybe these irresponsible employees need a little incentive to show better judgment. Suspending reality for just a moment, wouldn’t it be interesting if, any time one of these employees acted that irresponsibly, his or her Social Security number were posted on StupidIrresponsibleJerks.Com? That way they could sweat it out with the rest of us who have personal data floating out there and possibly in the wrong hands. While we’re at it, lets also expose the personal data of policymakers at these auditing companies who are too shortsighted to better secure your data and the company’s reputation. Let them sweat it out too. At a minimum, how about if these employees immediately lost their jobs, were required to be individually named in negligence lawsuits filed by victims of identity theft, or at a minimum SIMPLY HAD TO PAY FOR THE LOST LAPTOPS? I bet we’d see a decrease in stolen laptops then. Seriously people, some of these employees were so careless you can almost imagine them extending their arms and presenting the laptop to Joe Thief. “Here, take it. I’d give you my Windows password too, but you won’t need it. I didn’t bother to log off before going to lunch – check out my Paris Hilton screen saver.”



Most of these companies who have lost laptops with sensitive data try to pacify the public by saying the thieves are just after the hardware. Sure. That’s like telling a home burglary victim the burglar just wants your jewelry box. He’s not really interested in the $50,000 tear-drop diamond earrings you had inside. Bull. When a thief steals, every part of the stolen item has value. Everything. Even a computer illiterate thief knows there will be programs on a laptop and, if he knows what’s loaded, he can better evaluate the asking price when he fences it.



Ernst & Young’s web site praises the company’s network security measures in their section titled "Security and Technology Solutions." These measures may well be admirable. However, too often individuals, companies, and the public in general are so focused on stuff going over the Internet that they forget about stuff sitting in hard drives. A truly secure network focuses on data stream (information being transferred) and on data storage (information waiting to be used). In my dreams, my personal data is properly stored in a secure location, in a building with armed guards, vicious dogs, and an unfriendly receptionist. Well, I can hope. I can also hope that some of that data might also be encrypted. I realize my personal data with one institution may be stored in more than one location; for example, Building A (their main offices) and Building B (a branch office or, better still, a data recovery center). But, not in my wildest imagining would I expect that any business storing my personal data would allow it to be downloaded and stored on a laptop that an employee can take home where he does his online shopping. I know I also don’t expect that the laptop with my personal data is being left unattended in a hotel conference room, a bar counter or someone’s car. I don’t care how many financial or online banking agreements I sign. I’m never consenting to anyone downloading my personal information to a laptop. No one consents to the mishandling of their personal data.



I have yet to read any banking or credit agreement that expressly states the information will be downloaded to a laptop or in any way made available to anyone outside the secured network of the financial institution. There is a vague all-encompassing comment about information sharing, but the appearance given by these institutions is that the information will be handled and “shared” in a secure method over an encrypted Internet connection. Everything they say about their security has to do with their firewalled and encrypted data streams. To me that means that anyone working from home and needing access to my personal data is doing that using one of the many encrypted remote access programs that are out there: for example, Windows Remote Desktop or GoToMyPC or some other Citrix product. These programs are by no means impenetrable, but they are simply a better option, utterly available and far more secure. That’s just not the case with data downloaded to laptops without encryption or adequate password protected (though passwords are simply not enough). Over the years, I have used a number of remote access programs to log into my office and work on client files. I’ve even used a laptop to work downstairs on files stored on my main computer in an upstairs bedroom. The remote desktop creates a window that shows me the programs and data files on the main workstation or network server that is hosting my connection and contains what I need to see. I am NEVER required to download any data to the laptop to work remotely on it. That’s the whole point of the remote access software.



By compelling employees to log in, do the work and immediately exit the remote access program, Ernst & Young, the VA and any other entity that stores personal data minimizes the window of opportunity for your personal data to fall into the wrong hands while remaining behind an encrypted and presumably firewalled connection during the entire time that your personal data may need to be accessed. During remote access sessions, the company retains control of your information and there is oversight of the employee’s use of your information. Best of all, if your personal data is not needed during that particular remote access session, it never even becomes part of the encrypted data stream traveling over the Internet. This would expose even fewer people from the threat of identity theft. Think about it. Can any Ernst & Young employee work on the data of 243,000 Hotel.Com customers during one remote access session? Can one VA employee work on the accounts of 2.2 million active-duty personnel during one online remote access session? And yet, both these individuals collectively had the personal data of nearly 2.5 million people stored on their laptops and immediately available to anyone using their laptops. Why?



There ought to be a law, right? Oh, absolutely. Congress should immediately implement its own measures, including possibly levying fines against any entity that acts irresponsibly with your personal data, and should impose broader guidelines regarding access to your personal data. In 1996 Congress enacted the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulating the use of and access to personal health information and related identifying personal data, like medical record numbers and Social Security numbers contained in patient medical records. Though HIPAA caused a lot of headaches in the medical and legal communities, it validated concerns over privacy. HIPAA was still a step in the right direction even if, like most legislation, it needs to evolve to better reflect the legislative intent. Similar, legislation needs to be considered with respect to the personal data maintained by businesses and financial institutions. A person shouldn’t have to get sick to protect his or her personal data, though the apparent lack of security is sure to make you sick.



Although HIPAA addressed privacy concerns, the issue of protecting personal data isn’t a question of privacy; it’s a question of security. Protecting personal data could easily fall within the purview of Homeland Security. Personal data needs to remain secure because the casual criminal is not the only one making use of it. Whether it’s to raise fear or awareness, consistently our government tells us about the manner in which terrorists make use of other people’s personal data to create phoney IDs, buy cell phones, or book plane tickets. It’s not a leap of logic to suggest that protecting personal data thwarts terrorist activity. A bold politician might even say failure to do so is a breach of national security. But that’s going a bit too far, don’t you think? Certainly, though, it’s conceivable that personal data has the potential of falling into the hands of someone desiring more than just an overpriced pair of shoes, hair extensions or HDTV.



Other measures offer consumers far more protection than we’ve been seeing. There are currently legislative initiatives in certain states that would allow their residents to place a security freeze on their credit files prohibiting any new credit or loan application to go through without the consumer’s authorized PIN number. The freeze would allow consumers to lock their credit and temporarily unlock it when they know they will be applying for a loan or need to make some other type of major purchase. For more on security freezes, read the June 8, 2006, Home Watch article on WomensWebWatch.Com. A link to that site is provided in the author's bio below.



Ernst & Young is not a small operation. It is a successful business with, I imagine, an exceptional track record and the ability to provide solid services or it would not be retained by so many reputable businesses. However, the best company can show poor judgment and in this case it has. To be fair, I surmise that, like all companies, Ernst & Young has careless employees and most certainly careful ones. The company as a whole may be undeserving of the resulting bad reputation it’s getting. On the other hand, it has not shown it’s done enough to curb the loss of personal data. Frankly, even the most careful employee can be overwhelmed during a crime, or overly fatigued, and become dispossessed of his or her laptop. There is little compelling reason for those laptops to contain personal data. Every entity that handles personal data needs to implement a zero-download policy and issue essentially dumb terminals to their employees (laptops just for remote access).



Too many times, these institutions forego implementing some security measures because, they argue, no measure is 100% foolproof. They claim it would not be cost-effective for them to implement measures that can be breached. Well, every one of them has already implemented security measures which are not impenetrable. Most of these places already use encrypted Internet security connections for their data streams because failure to do so in this day and age is unthinkable, right? I’ve even heard that some of these places lock their doors at night so someone can’t walk in and steal the CEO’s favorite coffee cup. Adopting a company policy prohibiting the download of personal data to laptops is as expensive as sending around a memo about the upcoming company picnic. There is no need to download the data. Workers can still remote access the encrypted data using adequate alphanumeric passwords through a secure Internet connection behind firewalls on both sides, on the host computer and remote desktop. No, it’s not 100% foolproof. That’s true. My front door can be broken down, but I still lock it at night. Allowing downloads of sensitive data to laptops is the same as leaving the front door wide open.

How To Secure Your Laptop

Laptops are quite expensive, hence the risk of being stolen. Laptops are smaller, easy to travel with, because of these, its patronage is on the increase. Laptops because of their new processing power is a delight of most companies today.



How Do I Secure My Laptop



Laptops these days contain vital data and are greatly used for remote data access. Its security should be top priority to all users. There are three aspects to consider in securing your laptop.



Physical Security. Security Software. Security Consciousness.

Physical Security



Physical security involves physical barriers put in place to inhibit access to where your laptop is kept.



Such barriers, hinder the following circumstances;



Theft of your laptop. Damage to your laptop. Theft of information on your laptop. Using your laptop to commit fraudulent activities.



The physical barriers should have the following features;



The ability to properly lock the entrance to where your laptop is kept. An alarm system should be in place to notify you in case of a break in. An inbuilt security camera (cctv) should be placed where your laptop is kept. This is to monitor your laptop. All windows or doors must be screened to prevent prying eyes from seeing expensive information assets such as your laptop. The ability to fasten the laptop to a non-moveable object. This is stopping a thief from carrying the laptop away. The ability to trigger snap shots in case of a break in. These snap shots are directly targeted at the laptop.

Security Software



Access to your laptop can also be prevented using security software.



This security software prevents access to your desktop. It ensures that only the owner of the laptop has access to using the applications on the laptop.



Features of a Security Software



It must prompt the user, to enter a user name and a password. The ability to generate audit report such as successful logins, failed logins should be an essential feature. The user should be able to lock the screen when not in use. Optional but also essential, the software should have the ability to beep when the screen is tampered with.

Security Consciousness



After all said and done, without security consciousness on the part of the user or laptop owner, every control put in place to deter access to the laptop would be futile.



Security Consciousness Tips



Always lock the door to your office. Always carry your laptop with you. If not in use put it in a safe and lock it. Make sure when nature calls you activate the screen lock and all access doors to your office are locked. Always keep your laptop locked in a box and in the boot of your car when driving. Do not use your laptop in overcrowded places. All the necessary details about your laptop must be written and stored in a safe place i.e. serial number, brand name, model e.t.c. Insure your laptop against loss, such as damage, fire e.t.c.

Advice



Laptop security is an ongoing process. The need for regular information on laptop security is vital. The more informed you are on laptop security, the less vulnerable is your laptop to theft or damage.

How To Protect Your Laptop Against Theft & Loss

Laptop theft is rampant. You have a 1 in 10 chance

your shiny new laptop will be stolen. And the real

shocker: according to the FBI 97% are never recovered.



And they should know, the U.S. Department of Justice

stated in a recent report that the FBI lost 160 laptops

in a 44 month period ending in September of 2005. If

FBI agents have trouble keeping track of their laptops,

imagine what the ordinary person is facing.



The statistics are pretty grim. A laptop is stolen every

53 seconds. Ouch!



With stats like those you have to do everything in your

power to avoid becoming a victim of laptop theft. If you

keep valuable personal or business information on your

laptop the consequences can be even more gruesome and

devastating. For laptop hardware can be easily replaced,

but your valuable information may be lost forever.



So here are...



10 Practical Ways to Protect Your Laptop Against Theft,

Loss or Misplacement.



1. Keep Your Eyes On Your Laptop



Be aware of your laptop at all times especially when

traveling. You wouldn't leave a Thousand Dollar Bill

lying around unattended would you? So watch your laptop

closely.



2. Don't Use An Obvious Laptop Bag



Carry your laptop in regular luggage that doesn't look

like it has a laptop. Don't advertise your laptop to any

would be thieves.



3. Use Visual Locks And Restraints



Use visual locks and restraints to secure your laptop and

to act as a deterrent. It won't fool hardened thieves but

most will opt for a less secure laptop. For example, you

can use a product like STOP, this system works by attaching

a specially-made security plate to your laptop. This plate

is barcoded and registered. It also carries a warning label

letting would-be cyber thieves know that the ownership of your

laptop is permanently monitored.



4. Use Passwords And Encryption



Use passwords and encryption to protect any sensitive

information on your laptop. Again, unless you use very

sophisticated encryption it won't fool the experienced

hacker or hard-core digital thief but it will slow down

and hinder the common criminal.



Set a BIOS Password for your laptop. You have to take

advantage of any security option that's on your laptop's

OS or operating system. For those using Mac OS X you can

encrypt your entire hard drive and set-up a master password

in order to view it.



Windows XP & Vista lets you encrypt files and folders. Just

right click your data, select properties, open general tab

and then advanced to check "Encrypt contents to secure data

box".



5. Use Encryption Programs Like Steganos Safe 2007



You can also try something like Steganos Safe 2007. Vital

files can be encrypted and it can even turn your USB thumb

drive or iPod into a key for unlocking your hard drive.



6. Use Anti-Theft Software Like LoJack



Use anti-theft software that can track and locate your

laptop or computer through the IP address once the stolen

laptop is used to access the Internet. Use systems like

"LoJack For Laptops". It costs around 50 bucks a year

but it may be worth that price for your peace of mind alone.



According to the info on their site they recover 3 out of 4

stolen laptops equipped with the LoJack system. It basically

places hidden and silent software that reports back the IP

address and location of the laptop once it is stolen and the

thief connects to the Internet.



7. Use Invisible Ultraviolet Markings



Use invisible ultra-violet markings so that any recovered

stolen laptops will be clearly marked as yours to the police.

Keeping track of your laptop's serial number is also a good

idea and have this number stored in a different place other

than on your laptop.



8. Try Remote Data Deletion



If you place important information on your laptop have a

remotely controlled self-destruct solution in place. Then

your highly sensitive information can be deleted remotely

after your laptop is stolen.



9. Be Prepared



Create company policies for management of your company's laptops.

Have set procedures in place for tracking and reporting of any

laptops stolen or misplaced. Be prepared for the inevitable.



10. Backup Backup Backup



Regularly backup any vital information you have on your laptop.

Most information will be useless to potential thieves but may

be extremely important to you personally or for the running of

your business.



No matter if it is through theft or simple misplacement, losing

a laptop is a painful experience, one you should avoid at all

costs. However, if it does happen to you, be assured you can

minimize the pain by having a complete backup of your laptop's

contents. In most cases, this information will be much more

valuable than the laptop itself.



For hardware can be easily replaced, your personal data and

months/years of work may take forever to recover or redo.

Sometimes it is lost forever, so BACKUP your information

regularly. Keep your laptop and its contents safe and out

of harm's way. Simply protect yourself and your laptop by

using the tips you have just read.