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CNET Editors' ChoiceOct 08-
CNET editors' rating:
stars
Excellent
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 10/16/2008
- Updated on: 11/20/2009
- Released on: 10/15/2008
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CNET editors' buying advice
We have not reviewed this product but here is CNET's buying advice on Laptops. This content was chosen based on the features included with this model of laptop.
Laptop computer memory size
To maximize battery life, notebook computer processors are often designed to save more energy and run cooler than desktop processors. The drawback is slower performance, but more memory can help, which it won't consume energy or radiate heat. Even better, up to 4GB of RAM can now be found in budget configurations. If you want more memory later, expansion is often a simple procedure.
See more Notebook computer RAM products
Notebook computer processors
The central processor (CPU) is the heart of any computer system and an excellent litmus test as to whether a desktop computer or notebook fits your needs. The trouble is, processor names like Athlon and Celeron are as cryptic as system names like Latitude and Pavilion. Here's a quick guide to see which chip is a fit:
| Manufacturer | Processor name | Processing power | Designed use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intel | Core 2 Extreme Quad | Very high | Gaming and graphics |
| Intel | Core 2 Quad | Very high | Gaming and graphics |
| AMD | Turion | High | Mainstream |
| AMD | Athlon | High | Mainstream |
| Intel | Core 2 Duo | High | Mainstream |
| AMD | Sempron | Medium | Entry level |
| Intel | Celeron | Medium | Entry level |
| Intel | Pentium Dual Core | Medium | Entry level |
| AMD | Athlon Neo | Low | Netbook |
| Intel | Atom | Low | Netbook |
| Via | C7-M | Low | Netbook |
| Via | Nano | Low | Netbook |
| Intel | Pentium | Low | Budget |
See more Notebook processor products
Notebook computer dedicated graphic cards
If you want a new gaming system then you probably want one of the newest video cards installed. Or maybe you only need enough graphics power to run your favorite game published three years ago. Series numbers get confusing so try comparing graphics adapters by the DirectX version supported in the firmware.
If you only need a multi-display solution then look into a workstation adapter.
| Manufacturer | Series | DirectX version | Launch | Designed use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATi | Radeon HD 4000 series | 10.1 | 2009 | Graphics and video decoding |
| ATi | Radeon HD 3000 series | 10.1 | 2008 | Graphics and video decoding |
| ATi | Radeon HD 2000 series | 10 | 2007 | Graphics and video decoding |
| ATi | Radeon 9000 series | 9 | 2002 | Graphics and video decoding |
| ATi | Radeon 8000 series | 8.1 | 2001 | Graphics and video decoding |
| nVidia | GeForce 9 series | 10.1 | 2008 | Graphics and video decoding |
| nVidia | GeForce 8 series | 10 | 2006 | Graphics and video decoding |
| nVidia | GeForce 7 series | 9 | 2005 | Graphics and video decoding |
| ATi | FireGL | varies | Workstations | |
| nVidia | Quadro | varies | Workstations | |
See more Notebook computer dedicated graphic cards products
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