Tech Tips #3 - Maximizing Battery Times on Notebooks - part one

EDITOR'S NOTE: Due to time constraints and length, this is the first of a two-part article on lgp On The Move.

My recent experience with the HP dv4t CTO and it's impressive run time with the 12-cell battery got me thinking a lot about just how important battery power is for notebooks. True, some notebooks never get out of the house and spend their whole operating life tethered to a desk, much like my veteran zd7000. But there are quite a lot of folks out there for whom a notebook has become a take-it-with-you-every-morning must-have companion - a tool that is used far away from any office desk or power outlet, sometimes for hours on end.

Second Take - HP dv4t CTO

Following my brief yet impressive experience with the budget HP dv4-1225dx notebook back in February, I wanted to revisit this model to see just what it was capable of in a more potent configuration. Welcome the new HP dv4t-1300 series CTO model, available directly from HP.

Tech Tips #2 - Essential Software for a New Notebook

My recent purchase of the HP dv4-1225dx notebook was different for several reasons. First of all, it was bought for my sister who was looking for a capable replacement for her desktop, since she moves frequently between locations and required a notebook she could easily take around with her. Second, it was a notebook I needed to prepare for her, since she is not with the "geek" crowd and I wanted her to have a great turnkey experience, without dealing with software installation, junkware removal and OS settings.

While it is true that every user has their own particular setup for their specific reasons, some things are just a requirement no matter what notebook you buy or what you use it for. From the experience I have had reviewing so many recently, I have put together a list of the things you should look out for (in no particular order) when playing with a new notebook for the first time, including some recommended software.

First Impressions - HP dv4-1225dx

It's been quite a while since my last notebook review, but today I take a look at what might be the most impressive notebook I have come across - welcome the dv4-1225dx from HP. This budget notebook is available now from Best Buy for a mere $629. Cheap but useless you say? Find out here.

Wish List #1 - Components Choice for a Notebook in 2009

There's literally a TON of choices for enthusiasts and professional users out there today looking for powerful notebooks with good graphics horsepower. Toshiba, Sager, OCZ, and need I say Gateway have released some impressive notebooks over the past six months that can chew through the toughest graphics tasks and CPU intensive applications.

Tech Tips #1 - Choosing a great gaming notebook for 2009

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is a new series of posts beginning in 2009 where I share with you my experience and knowledge, offering advice for notebook users on various topics of interest.

My review of the HP dv7 CTO notebook last month and my experience with the Toshiba Qosmio X305-Q708 one month earlier presented me with two very different notebooks. Both are very unique in appearance, offer some notable features, came fully loaded, approach gaming differently and are priced totally apart from each other.

And while both notebooks are indeed very good at what they do, the experience has left me with one burning question - just what does it take to make a great gaming notebook?

The Best of 2008

With the old year now behind us and a new year full of new notebook technology already on the horizon, I'm going to look back on 2008 and present my top choices for outstanding hardware and innovations in the notebook market.

Happy New Year from lgp On The Move

To all my readers out there, I would like to kick off 2009 by wishing you all a safe and prosperous Happy New Year. Last year saw the birth of my blog, and this year will continue to bring to you the best notebook coverage. We have a big year ahead of us, so stay tuned for more great news, reviews and cool notebook stuff.

Cheers,

LGP