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.

lgpOnTheMove hits 100K milestone

At precisely 4:59AM today Pacific Time, lgpOnTheMove got it's 100,000th visitor. It's an accomplishment that I am particularly proud of considering the long time it has taken me to reach this key goal.

Of course, this would not have been possible without your support, so I extend my sincere thank you to every one of my readers. The hard work that I do here will continue and I look forward to reaching even bigger milestones in the future.

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!

Off the Beaten Track - playing with the iPhone 5S

In what is quite the unique review here at lgpOnTheMove, I now get to take an Apple iPhone 5S for a test drive. My opportunity to get a real hands-on with the smartphone was an unexpected turn of events, and only for a very brief time. Still, this was something that I had wanted to try out, and thanks to the genius of T-Mobile, I get to experience iOS and Apple's hardware design for the very first time.

This all a stark contrast to the HTC Touch Pro 2 I am still currently using as my main smartphone. The two handsets could not be more different in both hardware and software. Is it valid to make a comparison between the two? Can a top-end smartphone from 2009 still kick to the curb Apple's latest and greatest? Read on for my take.

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.

Accessory Corner - Logitech G13 Gamepad

Gamepads are a great accessory for notebook users who are serious into their gaming, and in particular the first-person shooter crowd. Notebook keyboards themselves offer few conveniences that gamers crave - something many will have observed when compared to a desktop gaming experience.

The Logitech G13 Gamepad, on the other hand, can change a mundane notebook fragging experience into a totally awesome frag fest. Armed with a multifunction LCD display, mini-joystick and 22 fully-programmable backlit macro keys, this may just be the ideal complement to your gaming notebook.

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.

Confessions of an Audiophile - Creative Gigaworks T40 Series II Speakers

Notebook audio is one of those things today that you either take for granted or hate entirely. It's a rare find to get your hands on a modern notebook with an audio experience worthy of mention - a far cry from the concerted efforts manufacturers were making just a short few years ago, my old-school 5-speaker Toshiba Qosmio X305 being the prime example.

Of course, plugging in a high-end set of cans has been the classic workaround for sub-par notebook speakers. Except that there will be instances when doing so is either not an option, or simply not suitable. The solution? Get external speakers, and the Gigaworks T40 Series II 2.0 units from Creative may just be the best piece of equipment you have yet to plug in to your notebook! Do these speakers satisfy the audiophile in me? Read on for my thoughts.

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.

Wish List - the Notebook in 2014

My excursion to CES 2014 last month left me feeling positive about where the notebook is heading. This despite what the big-name tech press have been blasting for years concerning the death of the PC. If anything, most indications point to a mobile bubble that is going to burst within the next 12-24 months. Bad news for tablets? You know I'm not putting my eggs in that basket. Good news for notebooks? Definitely.

On Location - CES 2014

With the Christmas and New Years Eve festivities all but forgotten, I am once again back in the Las Vegas limelight covering the geek mecca known as the Consumer Electronics Show. As in years past, it was an awesome opportunity to do some great networking, check out all the newest hot gadgets of 2014, and get a serious dose of fun.

I was pleased this time around to see some very impressive notebooks from more than one manufacturer, among a slew of other great products and accessories. This year definitely holds a lot of interesting stuff to hit consumers hands, some of which I know I'll be taking a closer look at.