Wish List - Bringing Back the 20-inch Notebook

My recent encounter with Toshiba's 4K notebook, the Satellite P50t, has left a pressing question in my mind - is there anything that can be done to make notebooks even better? Consider that we already have the best mobile CPU's and GPU's, fast AC wireless, m.2 mobile storage options, phenomenal styling, the best of the best notebook keyboards and now the most detail-rich high-PPI 4K displays. Have we really hit the limits of what's possible in that 15-to-17-inch chassis?

A few years ago manufacturers tried to push the 20" form factor. It failed, partly because the bigger screen size alone didn't provide a compelling sale. Fast forward to today, though, and a 4K UHD 3840 x 2160 screen at that same 20" size certainly would make for one hell of an amazing notebook, and do so in more ways than you think.

Tech Tips - Fixing a Flaky Logitech M570 Wireless Trackball

In what is now an article being written out of necessity, rather than choice, I show how you can get around potential problems that may occur with your hardware. This particular problem I am writing about had been cropping up for a while for me, yet the solution I had quite embarrassingly only recently stumbled upon.

So it seems that after four years of 9x5 use, my bulletproof Logitech M570 Wireless Trackball has developed an issue. My left mouse button, or rather the micro switch inside, has malfunctioned. The end result being erratic double-clicks happening even when only a single button press is made. Why is this a potentially serious problem and how can you remedy it? Read on for the full story.

First Impressions - Toshiba Satellite P50t notebook

15.6 inch notebooks continue to push the high end, often offering features equal to or rivaling larger 17" models. The trend began a few years ago with 15.6" 1080p displays, so is it safe to say the next feature bump is to be 4K?

Toshiba seems to think so, and their latest Satellite P50t comes with exactly that - a 3840x2160 panel.  Is a 15.6" 4K screen even practical? More important, does the higher resolution, intense pixel density and screen real-estate help or hinder user productivity? To say that I was curious to get my hands on this notebook is an understatement, but does my skepticism of 4K technology change? Read on for the full scoop.

Glamor Shots - Toshiba Satellite P50t notebook

Toshiba teased us back in January at CES with several new notebooks due for release in 2014, and I'm happy to report the promised Satellite P50t is finally shipping. What makes this particular model that I have stand out from every other 15.6" notebook is that it boasts an eye-watering 4K UHD 3840x2160 display.

Stay tuned next week for the full review, and until then, enjoy the eye-candy!

Tech Tips - 101 Things You Can Do with a Surface Pro 2

Microsoft sure made a big splash with their Surface Pro 3 announcement last month. But that doesn't mean those who invested in or may still be looking into a Surface Pro 2 are now up the creek. There's little doubt that despite my strong criticism towards slates, my recent experience with Microsoft's now-superseded slate offering has left me extremely impressed. The Surface Pro 2 is a performance and productivity beast. Many who have thought of it as just an overpriced/expensive slate I'm guessing either have not used one or just don't really know exactly how good of a product this slate is!

Granted, I was only able to spend a short time with the device, yet that was plenty for me to come away with a solid understanding of the Surface Pro 2's capabilities. Following my already extensive listing of things users can do with a netbook and original Surface RT, it was only natural that I follow up with a similar in-depth article detailing the many tasks that the Surface Pro 2 can also successfully tackle.

Lifestyles of the Mobile Road Warrior - replacing your Desktop with a Surface Pro 2

It's really hard to ignore the fact that Microsoft's Surface Pro 2 (and newer Surface Pro 3) slate is an impressive and unique piece of kit. For many users already, it has not only replaced their smartphone-OS based slate, but also their netbook/ultrabook/notebook. Indeed, when the emphasis is mobility, one device always beats carrying around two.

But given it's solid x86/x64 computing capability, could you use a Surface Pro 2 or 3 to tackle tasks that you do at your desk? Can you realistically replace your office work PC with a svelte slate and still get everything you need done? In this installment of Lifestyles of the Mobile Road Warrior, I show how you can not only ditch that boring black box on your desk, but give you the luxury of being able to take your work with you when you head out of that office.

Accessory Corner - LG 34UM95 Monitor

In what is again another debut here at lgpOnTheMove, I am happy to present my very first monitor review. While it has become common for notebook users to attach a second screen to their machines, the LG 34UM95 is anything but your typical LCD display, much less something that can simply be labeled as an accessory.

Boasting an ultra-wide 21:9 aspect ratio and a monster resolution of 3440x1440 plastered across a 34 inch diagonal, this monitor promises a viewing experience that even desktop users will drool over, never mind that you can also enjoy it connected to your notebook. Does this display stand a chance among the slew of 4K panels being dumped onto the market in 2014? I believe it does.

Accessory Corner - Logitech K800 Wireless Keyboard

Wireless keyboards are great devices to use with desktops, but even more so with notebooks. Many users will already know what I'm talking about, especially for notebooks that have small keyboards, a cramped layout, or you simply need something for extended use.

For those of us that yearn for a backlit keyboard or a proper number pad, yet are stuck with a notebook with an inferior keyboard, this can also be a serious reason to look to an external solution. The Logitech K800 is a full-size wireless backlit keyboard that's a great accessory for notebooks, netbooks and even for certain tablets.

Second Take - Microsoft Surface Pro 2

After close to 5 months of waiting, I've finally been able to get my hands on a Surface Pro 2 slate. Microsoft's refresh to the original Surface Pro pushes the bar to the extreme when it comes to combining performance, productivity and battery life. It's also again the most expensive slate money can buy.

Readers familiar with my review of the original Surface Pro will no-doubt remember that it left me wanting more - something understandable given the nature of a first generation device. But has Microsoft corrected the numerous flaws I observed, and does the Surface Pro 2 earn an award here at lgpOnTheMove? Should you be interested in the Surface Pro 2? Read on for the full details.

The Best of 2013

This year has been a very different one compared to all others I've covered here on lgpOnTheMove. The notebook landscape has changed dramatically, not only due to hardware and software advances, but from the onslaught of devices from other product categories. This was to be expected given hardware first seen in 2012, and should continue into 2014 as well.

While I haven't managed to personally look at even a fraction of what manufacturers have teased consumers with this year, I can pretty much lay down my recommendations based on what I've researched and read up on over these last 12 months. Let's take a look at the changes that have taken place this year, along with some of the newest gadgets worthy of mention.

Accessory Corner - Netgear D6200 Wireless AC Modem Router

Modem routers remain appealing devices for users looking to get maximum versatility and features when it comes to harnessing their internet connection. Not only does it give DSL jockeys a single device, but offers upgrades and connectivity that would otherwise require three or four separate pieces of hardware.

Netgear's D6200 is their latest variant in the DSL modem/wireless router offering. Armed with the newest 802.11ac wifi standard capable of 866Mbps throughput, it promises the fastest wireless speeds for the latest notebooks and mobile devices. Read on to see how it performs, and why I may consider keeping this.

Off the Beaten Track - a Desktop Renaissance or Notebook Demise?

Notebooks have become a real drag recently - there's just nothing exciting out there that would really tickle my fancy. My enthusiasm for working with the devices has for the first time in many years hit an all-time low. While I have no reason to abandon notebooks entirely, or cease coverage here on lgpOnTheMove, this major downer IS heavily influencing my thoughts about my next big hardware purchase. A purchase which may just be a build-it-yourself desktop come Christmas 2013.

What would compel me to dump my Toshiba Qosmio X305 in favor of my own-assembled box? The arguments in favor are plenty. Yet as much as I've enjoyed my notebook, it's now time to look for something new. With nothing on the notebook landscape from manufacturers worthy as a replacement for my X305, my focus for a no-nonsense work tool has for the first time shifted back to the desktop.

Wish List - Building the Ultimate Slate

If there was ever a year to mark a spurt in slate innovation, then 2013 has to be that year. With Microsoft's anticipated release later this year of Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 along with Intel's just-announced low-voltage Haswell parts, those in the know are probably waiting to see just when (and not if) the "next big thing" is coming.

My experience with various slates of recent has shown me that they continue to progress. While still focused primarily on content consumption, devices such as the Surface RT and Surface PRO can tackle productivity in a way that would render even a netbook or notebook obsolete. Given my stubborn insistence on keeping my 10" netbook, is there a recipe for a perfect slate that could satisfy those such as myself who have been holding out all this time? Read on for my thoughts.

Tech Tips - 50 Things You Can Do with a Surface RT

Long-time critics of slates such as myself will tell you that they fail to provide a suitable productivity experience, based largely on the limitations inherent in a smartphone OS. On the other hand, many proponents will argue that the overhead of a full desktop OS is not necessary to carry around with you all the time. With the plethora of keyboard case accessories available for so many slates on the market today, one still has to question if turning a slate into a notebook replacement is indeed a viable proposition, or just armchair experts blowing smoke.

My recent detailed look at the Microsoft Surface RT showed that you can indeed make a workable compromise between a plain slate running a crippled smartphone OS versus a full-blown netbook such as my HP 210 Mini. To illustrate just how well Microsoft thought out their first-ever venture into the slate market, I've put together a list of 50 things that you can do today with a Surface RT slate.

Accessory Corner - Netgear R6200 and A6200 Dual Band Combo

Hard to believe how fast time flies, but it's been almost THREE YEARS since I looked at Netgear's N300 modem-router and USB adapter combo here on lgpOnTheMove. In that time, Netgear have made quite a few changes to their product lineup, most notably the addition of 802.11ac equipment.

The R6200 wireless router and A6200 wireless USB adapter make for a sweet combination, providing connection speeds well in excess of 800Mbps for netbooks/notebooks. Should you be interested in upgrading to this latest wireless standard? Read on for a detailed look.

First Impressions - Microsoft Surface Pro

Having been so impressed after my experience with the Surface RT, it was with great anticipation that I took to putting the higher-end Surface Pro under my detailed scrutiny. Microsoft's flagship slate takes a jab where no other slate has gone before, marrying a full Windows 8 touch-optimized x64 OS with today's most cutting-edge mobile PC hardware crammed inside an incredibly svelte form-factor.

Does it succeed when so other similar attempts in the past have failed? More importantly, can it truly replace a Windows 7 netbook/notebook? Hang on to your wallet, because it's going to be a bumpy ride!

Lifestyles of the Mobile Road Warrior - Surviving the Coffee Shop

Coffee shops have become synonymous for being sought-after work venues for the mobile road warrior. It's easy to understand their appeal - you can sit down with a laptop, log-on to free wifi and enjoy a good hot coffee as well. They also make convenient locations to meet with coworkers and clients.

But coffee shops also present a challenge for people seeking to get real work done, especially folks who must conduct business outside the office. Many entrepreneurs or start-ups that lack physical office space also turn to the corner caffeine house, as do tech enthusiasts and geeks escaping the home with their latest mobile gadgets. Combined with the crowd of bona-fide coffee lovers, is it possible to make the coffee shop work session an enjoyable and successful experience? Read on for some proven tips and advice!

First Impressions - Microsoft Surface RT

In a first here at lgpOnTheMove, I felt it's now time to put Microsoft's Surface RT under a bit of detailed scrutiny. After all, Microsoft has never been a company famous for hardware, yet it's answer to the iPad and Android alternatives comes in the form of a very unique and, some may say, compelling product.

With the company trailing behind in the tablet market, both on the hardware and software front, can the Surface RT capture users with it's blend of Windows OS running on ARM and product design? Are the features of the Surface RT good enough to make it a viable work tool and netbook replacement, aside from content consumption? Read on as I explore these aspects and more.

First Impressions - HP Elitebook 2170p notebook

It's no accident 11.6" notebooks (or netbooks depending on your viewpoint) have been improving greatly over the years. Since my first exposure to AMD's Nile effort in 2010, followed by Intel's response with ULV Sandy Bridge 15 months later, each newer iteration has afforded consumers improved CPU/GPU performance along with a longer stretch in battery life.

Introduced during 2012, Intel's ULV Ivy Bridge is currently the top-of-the-line solution for maximizing battery life with performance. While finding a consumer 11.6" notebook has been tough given the focus on ultrabooks and slates of recent, HP had no hesitation creating a business-class 11.6" notebook with this sought-after platform. Does the Elitebook 2170p manage to tick all the boxes? Let's take a look!

Tech Tips - Blogging with the Surface RT

Professional writers and bloggers looking for a no-nonsense work tool need look no further than Microsoft's Surface RT. The $499 $299 slate delivers a comparable typing experience to using Word on a notebook, yet does so at a size/weight that makes it more portable than even a svelte netbook.

The secret to the Surface RT slate's amazing capability lies not only in part to the Windows RT OS, but the slate's ability to pair and work with both keyboards and pointing devices. Full desktop browser support also means you can forgo those watered-down blogging apps, allowing native access to your site's content management system. Watch as I show how you can effortlessly create and publish a complete article with Blogger's web interface using the Surface RT paired with just the Type Cover keyboard attachment and my Logitech M570 wireless trackball.