Toshiba Satellite P305 Notebook Computer

Toshiba Satellite P305 Notebook Computer
By Heath McKnight

If you're in the market for a great, dependable Windows Vista-based laptop, the Toshiba Satellite is the perfect portable PC. Packed with a solid amount of processor speed, RAM, and a sizeable hard drive, this computer means business. And after working with the Toshiba QOSIMO earlier this year (read my review here), I know that Toshiba makes a great laptop.
Whenever I review a product, I try to do so in a real-world scenario. In the past, I've reviewed video cameras that were used on movies or music videos, computers (Macintosh and Windows PC's) that were used for editing features or short films, and other everyday tasks. Knowing that the Satellite is a great system for office work and more, I took advantage while doing pre-production on a feature film.

Processor Speed, RAM, and Drive Space
The Satellite P305 comes with a 2.1 GHz AMD Turion 64-bit X2 Mobile Technology TL-62 processor, 2GB RAM, 250GB hard drive, DVD/CD-RW drive, and an ATI Radeon X1250 graphics chip. The processor and amount of RAM ensure that the computer will handle plenty of tasks thrown at it. Since I am an amateur photographer, I usually fill up my MacBook with photos everyday. Plus, my music collection is big enough to take another chunk of space on my MacBook's hard drive. I have very little worries about maxing out the drive space within the Satellite.

Working With the Satellite
I set up the system in the production office, alongside a brand new iMac, and I began doing everything from word processing to emailing, your everyday office-type tasks. I never once had a problem with the Satellite. On a pre-production day, my co-producer and I worked about 12 hours on both computers, getting things wrapped up before production began. I put the notebook to sleep, went home, and then watched a DVD. Again, no problems whatsoever with the computer, even after 12 solid hours of work. I love that I can work and play on the computer without missing a beat.

Besides working with standard software applications such as Microsoft Office and Firefox 2 and 3, I loaded up some Windows-based applications for future reviews, including Planetwide Media's Comic Book Creator 2 and also the Marvel Comic edition. Those applications ran smoothly and since they're so visually graphics-intensive, I was very pleased with how the large display showcased colors and motion.

Graphics, Display and Sound
Though the QOSIMO's beautiful 17-inch HD display and terrific Harmon/Kardon speakers are missed, the Satellite's packing a lot with its 17-inch display, and its own set of Harmon/Kardon speakers. The display is bright, colors are vibrant, and sound is good. The ATI Radeon X1250 graphics card keeps things looking good.

Video games are always fun on a computer that can handle it, and never fun if the video, graphics, and sound are choppy and clipped. A friend of mine, a big-time gamer, helped me out by playing World of Warcraft and he was impressed with how the computer handled the game and Internet play. He owns a quad-core Intel system and is used to having the fastest computer on the block, but he's now convinced a Satellite portable might be in his future.

Another great way to test a system is watching a DVD, believe it or not. I've used laptops in the past that had tinny speakers; the display showed the movie as dull and dark; and the system's fans kicked on at full speed, drowning out the movie's sound. I am happy to report I didn't have any problems with the Satellite. One feature I enjoyed: when I put in a DVD, controls lit up on the Toshiba, above the keyboard. Easy access, even in the dark, to play, pause, etc., a movie without having to use the mouse pad/cursor.

One more thing: the battery's life was great, but I prefer to keep it plugged in at all times. But if I'm out and about, I'm happy to know I have a few hours of life. I didn't run a formal test, but I was able to get about three hours of web surfing and word processing without a charge. It didn't die�?"I just finished what I did and moved on.

Windows Vista
Let's talk Windows Vista. I know, Vista is unpopular with many hardcore Windows users, and I've heard the nightmares. I am also a Mac OS X power user, so I very rarely work with Windows. But I gotta say, after working with Vista on the QOSIMO and now the Satellite, I had absolutely no problems. Maybe I'm lucky, but I really didn't feel like I needed to install XP on the unit.

Conclusion
The Toshiba Satellite P305 is a wonderful Windows Vista laptop that's perfect for working with Microsoft Office, Photoshop, video games, Web browsers, you name it. It comes with a great amount of processor speed, RAM and hard drive space, and starting at $1,000 USD, it's a great deal. If you are doing really high-end graphics and photo editing work, or, like me, uncompressed HD video editing, consider going with the Toshiba QOSIMO. www.toshiba.com

Makers of desktops and laptops carry development to extremes

If there's a phrase that characterizes the latest crop of desktops and laptops, it's "going to extremes." Consumer Reports recently tested the thinnest, smallest and largest laptops it has ever tested, along with laptops and desktops of unprecedented processing speed.

According to CR's editors, even component integration is getting extreme, as more manufacturers stuff computer circuitry into monitors to create sleek, one-piece desktops. Yet CR also found basic budget computers and more powerful workhorse and high-end models that would be fine choices for most people.

WHAT WE FOUND -- More choices for special needs. The all-in-one computers and the new very small and very large laptops come at a price -- financial, practical or both -- but they also offer unique distinctions.

CR rated six all-in-one computers that combine the components and monitor into a single unit that's thicker than an LCD, though smaller than the combined volume of a traditional two-piece desktop. Apple's elegant iMacs are the original all-in-ones, though Apple's competitors also have stylistic flair. Sony's all-in-one, for example, borrows design elements from some models in the company's HDTV line, with a display that seems to float within a glass case.

For laptops, CR found that new designs shrink and expand the machine in different ways, with different trade-offs. Apple's MacBook Air, only three-quarters of an inch thick, has an 80GB hard drive (or a smaller 64GB drive for shoppers who choose the solid-state version), an excellent 13.3-inch screen and generous battery life. But it's missing an Ethernet port and a CD-DVD drive, although an external drive can be added for $100. At $1,800, it's also the costliest slim-and-light laptop CR tested.

Processing accelerates. Chip maker AMD recently joined competitor Intel in making so-called quad-core chips, with four processors instead of the usual two. Intel's Core 2 Quad was the speedier of the two, besting AMD's Phenom by 20 percent and Intel's older Core 2 Duo by about the same.

Standard computers advance. Cutting-edge computers aside, even the mainstream models in CR's ratings reflect the steady advance in performance and features, with larger hard drives, increased RAM and more.

CR'S QUICK PICKS -- For the best laptops for basic needs, CR's Quick Picks include the Lenovo ThinkPad T61 ($950), the Toshiba Satellite A215-S5818 ($750), the Lenovo ThinkPad R61 ($870) and the Dell Inspiron 1525 ($675). For more features and performance, the Apple MacBook Pro ($2,050) and the HP Pavilion dv6700t ($1,200) topped CR's ratings. For best lightweight laptops, the Sony VAIO VGN-SZ780 ($1,660) and Apple MacBook Air ($1,800) performed well in CR's ratings.

CR's Quick Picks for best inexpensive desktops include the Lenovo 3000 J200 ($580). For more features and performance, top performers included the HP Pavilion m9100t ($970) and the HP Pavilion a6250t ($825). CR deemed the Apple iMac 20-inch ($1,200) as the best inexpensive all-in-one.

HOW TO CHOOSE --

Make sure that a new computer is necessary. If an old Windows machine is sluggish, running the defragmenting software it came with will help the hard drive access files more quickly. Open up free space on the hard drive by deleting programs that no longer are used.

Choose a type and size. The new computer shapes and sizes are best suited to specialized needs, so most buyers still should opt for a laptop with a 13- to 17-inch screen or a traditional desktop that combines a processing tower with a 17- to 22-inch LCD monitor.

Decide on power. Make sure the new machine has at least the 2GB of RAM CR recommends even for budget models.

Ignore unwanted programs. Computer makers clutter hard drives with shovelware such as trial programs and light versions of programs.

Among the computers CR tested, HP units often had the most shovelware; Gateways and Apples, usually the least.

Global retail prices for laptop computers set to rise as contract manufacturers seek to hike prices for the first time

Global retail prices for laptop

computers are set to rise as contract

manufacturers seek to raise prices for

the first time in the face of rising raw

material and assembly costs.

PC users have got used of falling prices

in the past decade as the sophistication

of the units has risen with each new

model range. However, the so-called

"China effect" on global manufactured

goods prices is ending.

The Financial Times reports today that

Quanta, Compal and Wistron, the world’s

three largest notebook contract

manufacturers by output, are in talks

with their customers – branded computer

vendors such as Hewlett-Packard, Dell

and Acer – on how to share the burden of

rocketing prices for key materials.

Labour costs in China, where the

manufacturers have their main production

bases, are also rising.

“We will be raising prices for the first

time,” said Ray Chen, chief executive of

Compal, which expects to account for 25

per cent of the global market this year,

told the FT.

“In the past, we [the contract

manufacturers] were always forced to

absorb upward price pressures. But 95

per cent of the industry is controlled

by Taiwanese manufacturers, and the

prices for key materials such as copper

and plastic resin and the cost of labour

in China have been rising so much that

it doesn’t make sense for us to continue

lowering prices.”

Quanta, Compal, Wistron and smaller

competitors design and assemble most

notebook computers, which the top PC

companies sell under their own brands.

While Taiwanese contract manufacturers

have seen their profits squeezed in

recent years, they have been unable to

get price rises accepted by the the

branded vendors.

However, the FT says that several of the

branded PC companies have agreed to

share part of the burden, recognising

that the entire supply chain is

clamouring for price rises, according to

executives at the notebook

manufacturers.

XO laptop now shipping with Windows XP

The One Laptop per Child project (OLPC) and Microsoft have agreed to

start testing XO laptops with an adapted version of Windows XP.

According to a press release, the first computers will be delivered

to students in developing countries from June. Windows XP will be

part of a software package costing $3. The release says that as the

task of increasing the level of education in poor countries is too

big for any single organisation, Microsoft and OLPC are committed to

working with governments and non-governmental organisations.

The release also states that the availability of Windows, in

addition to the already adapted Linux, will allow customers to

choose the software most suitable to their needs. Customers want to

be able to use existing educational software for Windows and the

target is an dual-boot version of XO that can run both operating

systems . Although Microsoft denied plans for an OLPC version of

Windows in January, according to media reports the OX version of XP

is now scheduled to be available in October. OLPC founder Nicholas

Negroponte adds that developers are working on porting the Sugar

user interface to Windows.

Microsoft reports that it has been developing suitable drivers with

partner companies for more than a year. The special version of

Windows is now said to support the e-book reading mode, wireless

networking, the camera and other hardware. According to Microsoft's

developers blog, the adapted Windows version is identical to the

implementation for Intel's Class Mate and the EeePC by Asus. For the

XO notebook, both Windows and the BIOS had to be adapted to allow

the system to be started from an SD card.

The web log continues to explain that the OLPC project plans to

program a new BIOS and increase flash storage. Back in December

2007, when Microsoft released more specific XO plans, the 1 GB

limitation was still one of the key problems. Bohdan Raciborski,

Group Program Manager at Microsoft, explains that this problem has

now been resolved. He describes in a video that apart from Windows,

applications like Office have also been adapted. He explains that

because of the low power processor used, System startup after

switching on the laptop takes about 50 seconds.

Apple wins big in Consumer Reports survey

Apple wins big in Consumer Reports survey

In what is sure to become more fodder for Mac vs. PC ads, Consumer Reports' latest tech-support survey shows that Apple has the best help-desk support for both laptop and desktop systems.

According to the survey, which polled Consumer Reports' subscribers for their experiences with 10,000 desktop and laptop computers, Apple's help desk staff far and away had the highest success rate among computer manufacturers. Apple's tech support team helped their customers solve problems with their computers more than 80% of the time. Industry-wide, help-desk teams from all companies solved their customers' problems around 60% of the time.
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Consumer Reports also singled out Lenovo for its "outstanding" tech support for laptops, and Dell for providing "above average" support for both laptops and desktops. HP and Compaq on the other hand, offered "inferior support" for their computers, according to the survey.

Additionally, the survey ranked the best places and methods for consumers to get help for their computers. In-store walk-in tech support for Macs provided for free in Apple stores offered the most effective troubleshooting, the survey found, with user problems getting solved 90% of the time. Another good option is the in-home service offered by companies such as Dell and HP, as 75% of users who called for in-home service reported that they experienced no problems during the process, the report said.
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Free phone support was more problematic, the report found, as 59% of respondents reported having at least one problem when dialing in for tech support. The report also said that consumers should consider using free online forums for help if their computer manufacturer's support is lacking, although it also cautioned that "quality may vary from site to site."

Finally, the survey reported on what consumers said were the best bargains for laptops and desktops. The best laptops to meet "basic needs," said the report, are Lenovo's ThinkPad T61 and R61 models, which respectively sell for $950 and $870; Toshiba's Satellite A215-S5918, which sells for $750; and the Dell Inspirion 1525, which goes for $675.

Apple wins big in Consumer Reports survey

Apple wins big in Consumer Reports survey

In what is sure to become more fodder for Mac vs. PC ads, Consumer Reports' latest tech-support survey shows that Apple has the best help-desk support for both laptop and desktop systems.

According to the survey, which polled Consumer Reports' subscribers for their experiences with 10,000 desktop and laptop computers, Apple's help desk staff far and away had the highest success rate among computer manufacturers. Apple's tech support team helped their customers solve problems with their computers more than 80% of the time. Industry-wide, help-desk teams from all companies solved their customers' problems around 60% of the time.
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Consumer Reports also singled out Lenovo for its "outstanding" tech support for laptops, and Dell for providing "above average" support for both laptops and desktops. HP and Compaq on the other hand, offered "inferior support" for their computers, according to the survey.

Additionally, the survey ranked the best places and methods for consumers to get help for their computers. In-store walk-in tech support for Macs provided for free in Apple stores offered the most effective troubleshooting, the survey found, with user problems getting solved 90% of the time. Another good option is the in-home service offered by companies such as Dell and HP, as 75% of users who called for in-home service reported that they experienced no problems during the process, the report said.
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Free phone support was more problematic, the report found, as 59% of respondents reported having at least one problem when dialing in for tech support. The report also said that consumers should consider using free online forums for help if their computer manufacturer's support is lacking, although it also cautioned that "quality may vary from site to site."

Finally, the survey reported on what consumers said were the best bargains for laptops and desktops. The best laptops to meet "basic needs," said the report, are Lenovo's ThinkPad T61 and R61 models, which respectively sell for $950 and $870; Toshiba's Satellite A215-S5918, which sells for $750; and the Dell Inspirion 1525, which goes for $675.

What to consider after deciding which Mac to buy

Mac shopping advice

Where to Buy

You have many choices to consider when you’re shopping for a Mac.

Apple Retail Stores Apple has made a massive retail push in recent years—both online and with its brick-and-mortar Apple Stores. And shopping with Apple has its advantages. An Apple Store lets you test-drive the computers you’re interested in. And if you want more information, the well-trained Apple Store salespeople can provide it. It’s worth remembering, however, that Apple Stores don’t carry all third-party peripherals and software. (Visit www.apple.com/retail to see if there’s a store near you.)

Apple.com Shopping with the online Apple Store has its advantages, too. People who preorder items from the virtual Apple Store as soon as those items are announced are likely to receive them before they’re available from other online outlets. Apple.com is the only place to order a custom-configured Mac. Also, the online Apple Store offers refurbished Macs at a savings of $200 to $400 on current models, and you can save even more on previous-generation computers. These Macs come with the same warranty as new Macs, and you can extend support for them with AppleCare, making them a good alternative if you don’t need the latest model or would like to get a little more computer for your money (as long as you don’t mind the fact that these systems once had something wrong enough with them to require their exchange).

Everywhere Else Apple tightly controls the price of its computers, so you won’t get a substantial savings by shopping elsewhere—but some discounts do exist. For example, you may save just $5 when you buy a MacBook at Amazon.com, but as we wrote this, Amazon.com was offering a $75 rebate on that computer, as well as a 25 percent discount on AppleCare for the MacBook. Some online stores also offer free RAM upgrades, software, or printers when you buy a new Mac (free, that is, after you send in mail-in rebates, as with the Amazon.com deal). And you can often save sales tax by ordering online, although shipping charges can negate much of those savings. For people who want a new Mac today and don’t have an Apple Store nearby, stores such as Best Buy and Fry’s carry them (just be sure to do your homework before you go, since the staff probably won’t be as knowledgeable about Macs as the staff at an Apple Store). And while many Apple Authorized Resellers have disappeared, thanks to Apple’s efforts in the retail space, there are still some that offer great service and support.
Beyond the Basics

Choosing the Mac you want is the most important decision you’ll make, but it’s not the only one. You’ll also want to mull over many enhancements and add-ons.

Monitor, Keyboard, and Mouse If you’ve purchased a Mac mini, you need everything that attaches to it, while only a monitor is a necessity with a Mac Pro. However, any Mac you buy may benefit from a keyboard, mouse, and monitor—yes, even a laptop that you use as your primary computer at home. Not everyone cares for the feel of Apple’s Mighty Mouse or its ultrathin keyboard. If you don’t, consider third-party input devices. And while Apple’s displays are beautiful, they’re often pricier than the competition’s.

RAM A RAM-starved Mac will slow down as OS X uses the computer’s hard drive for storing data that could otherwise be stored in available RAM. Also, programs such as Photoshop consume RAM like it’s going out of style. So it’s a good idea to have as much RAM as you can afford. In most cases, you’ll find that RAM is more reasonably priced if you purchase it from someone other than Apple. Although it’s convenient to have Apple install RAM at the factory, it’s more expensive, and installing or replacing RAM in most Mac models is easy enough for most users. RAM dealers such as Crucial and Other World Computing sell quality RAM at prices that almost always beat Apple’s by a wide margin. You can max out most Macs (except the MacBook Air, which comes with 2GB and stays at 2GB, and the Mac Pro, which takes lots of expensive RAM) for about $100, and this is a good place to drop a little extra money.

Hard Drive If you’re going to deal with a lot of media files, adding storage to your Mac makes sense. And you’ll certainly need to add a drive if you intend to use Leopard’s Time Machine backup utility. Apple offers the option of purchasing many of its computer models with higher-capacity hard drives. Some shoppers may balk when they realize that Apple’s prices are higher than those of third parties, but in the case of the MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini, you’re better off sucking up the expense than doing it yourself. Cracking open these sealed computers is not easy. Upgrading a Mac Pro’s hard drive (or installing additional hard drives) is a piece of cake, however—definitely shop around for internal 3.5-inch SATA drives priced less than the drives Apple offers. And it couldn’t be easier to install a replacement 2.5-inch SATA drive in the MacBook via its battery bay. And all Macs can connect to external hard drives via either a USB 2.0 port or a FireWire port (if it’s present). For people with desktop Macs other than the Mac Pro, expanding storage through an external drive is the easiest and most cost-effective way to go. Additional storage for your laptop is a bit more problematic in that it, too, may need to be portable (if you intend to take it with you). Thankfully, you can purchase a portable hard drive, or you can build your own with a portable drive enclosure and a 2.5-inch hard drive from a company such as Other World Computing, WiebeTech, and Transintl. Faster-spinning hard drives perform better but typically cost more; however, if you’re capturing video, for example, the increased rotational speed will come in handy.

AppleCare You can extend Apple’s support and repair period from the included one year to three years by purchasing an AppleCare Protection Plan for your computer. Priced between $149 (for the Mac mini) and $349 (for the MacBook Pro), AppleCare is a worthwhile safety net. Motherboards and display replacements can be very pricey—close to the computer’s original cost—and if one of these expensive items goes kaput during the second or third year of coverage, you’ll be happy you took the AppleCare precaution. (You don’t have to purchase AppleCare when you buy your Mac—you can add it at any time during the first year.)

Printer As popular as PDF files are, we haven’t yet achieved a paperless world. Whether it’s photos, invoices, or homework assignments, chances are you’ll want to print something with your Mac—so you’ll need a printer. Apple routinely offers a rebate on some printers (currently up to $100) when you purchase one at the same time as your Mac. You’ll not only save money when shopping but also have the assurance that the printer is compatible with your new Mac.

USB Hub Today’s computers are tied to a host of peripherals—printers, scanners, audio interfaces, cameras, input devices, iPods, external storage devices, and more. So it doesn’t take long to fill your computer’s USB ports. If you’ve got an expansive peripherals plan, you should purchase a USB 2.0 hub. Powered hubs (which must be plugged into an outlet) are preferable to hubs that pull power from your computer’s USB port, because they have enough power to drive any USB peripheral you attach to them. Unpowered hubs do not.

Software All Macs ship with enough software to get you started and then some. But these tools may not be enough. Be sure to calculate the price of the software you need to get important tasks done—$400 for Microsoft Office 2008 or $79 for Apple’s iWork, for example.

Connectivity The days when the Internet was optional are over. Updates to Mac OS and the software you run on your computer will come via the Internet, as will your e-mail and, most likely, an increasing amount of your news and entertainment. All Macs except the Mac Pro include wireless networking as standard equipment, and all but the MacBook Air carry at least one Ethernet port. If you haven’t plumbed your home or office for Internet access, now is the time. And while you’re at it, add a router (a wireless one if you’re purchasing a laptop) to the mix. Laptop users should also consider a 3G wireless card (either the USB or the ExpressCard flavor) and an accompanying data plan so they never have to be out of the Net’s reach.

Global retail prices for laptop computers

Global retail prices for laptop computers are set to rise as contract manufacturers seek to raise prices for the first time in the face of rising raw material and assembly costs.

PC users have got used of falling prices in the past decade as the sophistication of the units has risen with each new model range. However, the so-called "China effect" on global manufactured goods prices is ending.

The Financial Times reports today that Quanta, Compal and Wistron, the world’s three largest notebook contract manufacturers by output, are in talks with their customers – branded computer vendors such as Hewlett-Packard, Dell and Acer – on how to share the burden of rocketing prices for key materials. Labour costs in China, where the manufacturers have their main production bases, are also rising.

Global retail prices for laptop computers

Global retail prices for laptop computers are set to rise as contract manufacturers seek to raise prices for the first time in the face of rising raw material and assembly costs.

PC users have got used of falling prices in the past decade as the sophistication of the units has risen with each new model range. However, the so-called "China effect" on global manufactured goods prices is ending.

The Financial Times reports today that Quanta, Compal and Wistron, the world’s three largest notebook contract manufacturers by output, are in talks with their customers – branded computer vendors such as Hewlett-Packard, Dell and Acer – on how to share the burden of rocketing prices for key materials. Labour costs in China, where the manufacturers have their main production bases, are also rising.

Prevent Your Computer From Getting Hacked

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Computer security experts warn that anyone conducting sensitive information on a laptop computer should not use a public wireless hot spot.

Interhack, a company that advises customers about how to protect computer systems, conducted a test for 10TV News.

As part of a test, they set up their laptop computers in one corner of downtown's Café Brioso, one of dozens of public Internet spots in the area, Consumer 10's Chuck Strickler reported.

Interhack's Matt Curtin could spot all the unprotected areas. He brought software to intercept data from other people's computers.

"It's easy to find," Curtin said. "It's easy to download. It's pretty easy to use."

Curtin said that it is perfectly legitimate to have tools that can do what he was doing.

"The issue is how you're using the tools," Curtin said. "It's kind of like a wrench. You can use a wrench for good things. You can use a wrench for bad things. It's all to do with how you employ it."

Ohio State University law professor and privacy expert Peter Swire said that looking at someone's information on a free, public Web site is OK but stealing that information is where the crime starts.

"Once you've set up the password - once you've tried to encrypt it - if the bad guys come
and try to break it, that violates what's called the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, 18USC1030 - and that's a hack attack," Swire said.

Keith Morris just sent an e-mail to his brother, Justin, who lives in Canada. Within minutes, Curtin intercepted his response on Curtin's computer.

"We're able to find anything they're sending or receiving over the Web if they're not using encryption," Curtin said.

Morris surfed the Web unprotected, Strickler reported.

Curtin showed Strickler the Web site that Morris was viewing. Morris later said that he was not surprised that everything he was doing on his computer in a public hot spot was being intercepted.

Brad Lawson, a medical student, was also surfing the Web at the café.

Curtin pulled up information about the Manchester United soccer team. When we checked his laptop, Lawson was checking out the soccer team.

"It's a bit unnerving that somebody could see what you're doing that easily though it's something I'm not surprised by," Lawson said.

Curtin and Strickler then tried to intercept Lawson's e-mail through the protected Ohio State University Medical Center Web site.

"It looks like what he is doing is using a session that is encrypted so he's actually protected against this kind of attack," Curtin said.

Experts said that if a person is comfortable with shouting the information that he or she is working with on their computer from a tall building for everyone to hear, then there should not be an issue. Otherwise, he or she might be taking chances.

Stay with 10TV and 10TV.com for additional information.

Ultra Low-Cost Notebooks Destined As Second Computers

Ultra Low-Cost Notebooks Destined As Second Computers

The most compelling reason to own the small device is to avoid carrying around a heavier and bulkier regular notebook, IDC analysts found.

The ultra-low-cost notebook, a clamshell device with a screen measuring 7 to 10 inches, is likely to find its place among consumers looking for a second computer for accessing the Web on the road, a market research firm said Thursday.

While the sub-$500 notebooks were expected to be potential solutions to the digital divide in developing countries, IDC believes they are more likely to be used as a tool for accessing the Web in Wi-Fi hotspots in developed nations.

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The ultraportable notebooks, as defined by IDC, run a full operating system, support third-party applications, and include a keyboard and wireless broadband connectivity. Examples include the Asus Eee PC and the One Laptop Per Child XO.

The most compelling reason to own the small device is to avoid carrying around a heavier and bulkier regular notebook. The low-cost notebooks offer a true Web browsing experience, which sets them apart from smartphones and other handheld devices, IDC said.

The smaller notebooks are not expected to attract the majority of consumers, IDC said. Most of them will opt to pay a bit more for a full-size notebook that will become their only portable. The only market that the research firm sees the ultraportables used as a primary computer would be for schoolchildren from kindergarten to the eighth grade.

In addition, PC vendors wary of the very small margins on the low-cost devices are expected to promote them as a second PC, not as replacements for current machines. Even then, vendors "will still face challenges in making them a profitable business," IDC analyst Bob O'Donnell said in a statement.

Worldwide shipments of ultra-low-cost notebooks will grow from less than 500,000 units last year to more than 9 million in 2012, IDC predicts. Because of low average selling prices, revenue will be less than $3 billion.

As a percentage of the total consumer PC market, the devices will remain under 5% through the forecast period, the analyst firm said. However, the notebooks could eventually capture more than a third of the education market by 2012.

Oakridge third-graders working on experimental laptops

Even the smartest teachers can learn a thing or two from tech-savy children.
When new, experimental laptop computers were given to students at Oakridge Upper and Lower elementaries to use in classrooms earlier this year, teachers were pleased, but a little suspicious.

It was obvious that students were sharing answers and secretly communicating during class. But, teachers didn't know how until students spilled the beans.

"The students had figured out how to text message each other," said Tom Livezey, Oakridge Public Schools' assistant superintendent for curriculum, assessment and instruction. "We knew the feature was there, but we hadn't figured out how to use it yet."

That lesson prompted teachers to take a crash course in text-messaging and figure out other ways to use the laptops to best teach students, said Livezey.

Teachers learned how to use laptop software to instantly measure whether students are grasping what's being discussed in class, said fifth-grade teacher Kari Turnes. When teachers ask a question, students are prompted to type in their answers, and that information is transmitted to teachers who can identify which students are struggling. It

Several classrooms at the district's upper and lower elementary school buildings have been trying out the "NEO2" laptop computers this year, thanks to a business partnership it has with Renaissance Learning, a company that develops educational technology. The company is headquarters in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.

Under the agreement, Oakridge gets to try out the latest classroom technology first, and if happy with it, buy it at a reduced price, school officials say.

In return, Paniucki and Livezey are required to go to the company's Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., headquarters twice per year to huddle with other "lighthouse" school districts and officials. During those visits, which Renaissance Learning pays for, school officials will serve as product advisers.
Chronicle/Cory MorseCaitlin Harris uses a Renaissance Learning laptop in Tammy Peterson's third-grade class. Enlarge photo

Oakridge is one of eight school districts in the nation participating in the deal. Oakridge is also used as a showcase site that other school districts can visit and check out.

The partnership also allowed Oakridge to roll-out the new "Home Connect" system this school year. The Internet-based computer software allows Oakridge parents to access their children's classroom assignments and performance levels on a daily basis.

Many schools in the area, including Oakridge, already use "Parent Viewer," another company's system that gives parents general information about their child's attendance, grades and homework assignments.

"Home Connect," provides the information with colorful, easy-to-read graphics. For example, an animated bookshelf on the website shows what books students are reading and hopefully encourages parents to ask more questions about assignments, said Livezey.

Parents must obtain a password to access the site. But, it appears they like it. The site received more than 20,000 hits in just two weeks after it was introduced earlier this year, said Livezey.

Last year Oakridge used a $13,500 federal grant to purchase and implement the company's "Read Now With Power Up!" software program.
Chronicle/Cory MorseKyle Milliron uses a Renaissance Learning laptop. Enlarge photo

The district began using the NEO2 laptops this spring. So far students, teachers and administrators have been impressed.


"I like them because you can move around with them (the laptops)," said third-grader Lanessa Neyers, who recently used the pint-sized computer to take a quiz. Normally, Neyers and her 21 classmates have to take turns using two large desk-top computers.

Classmate Brady Luttrull says he's more comfortable typing on a computer than writing on a piece of paper. Plus, when you take a quiz on the NEO laptops, "your answers go right into the computer," and it shows you the results right away, said Luttrull. Luttrull and Neyers are both third-graders teacher Tammy Peterson's class.

School officials like the laptops for other practical reasons.

The NEO laptops operate for nearly 700 hours on three AA batteries and cost $200 a piece, said Livezey. Regular-sized desk-top computers, which the district currently uses, cost $1,000 each.

Depending on teacher feedback, school administrators may ask the board to consider purchasing them in the future, Paniucki and Livezey said.

"It's been a very good partnership for us," said Livezey. "We tell them what's working and what's not. That's how they benefit the most."