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Occasionally, a situation arises where a laptop simply isnt powerful enough for your requirements. Whether youre trying to edit a video, play a new game or do something work-related which is heavy on resources, your laptop might just not cut it.
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Alienware, a company that has recently been acquired by Dell Computers, specialises in desktop replacement machines. The concept basically being that its a laptop that has the same power, configuration and usability as a desktop machine.
As far as the two machines we tested go, theyve certainly managed to handle any job your desktop could.
However, the first thing you notice about these computers is their size, the boxes they arrived in were far bigger than any box youd expect a desktop computer to come in and, once unpacked, the size of the laptops takes you by surprise.
[ad]The mALX (below) with its flip-paint case comes with a whopping 19 monitor and, although this makes the footprint of the unit mammoth, the width is very impressive, as is the specification. The mALX is something that most users would expect to find in a graphics studio and not in a laptop. The graphics and sound quality are simply amazing. The m7700 (above) comes with a slightly smaller 17 monitor. However, being one of Alienwares cheaper models, its rather heavy and rather fat!
In my opinion, the mALX, even though its very expensive, is the one to go for. If, for whatever reason, you decide that a desktop replacement is for you, then why not go all the way and get one that looks fantastic, comes with a TFT monitor that rivals most free-standing units on the market and comes with more extras than you can shake a stick at.
Any laptop that comes with an integrated TV tuner is alright in my book - even if it does require more space on my desk than a keyboard and mouse and printer and mouse mat and telephone!
People can argue the Mac versus Windows point until theyre sick of it but theres no denying which look better, on both the outside and the inside.
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Macs latest operating system, OS X, is above and beyond anything that Windows XP can do at present. With Windows Vista on the way, you would think the time of the Mac might be coming to an end but it seems theyre just growing ever more popular and for good reason. Once youve got over the initial difference between Macs and PCs then you start to fall in love. All the tasks that used to take so long in Windows can now be completed in seconds but, it cant be all good can it? Otherwise, everyone would have made the switch by now! Depending on what you use your home computer for, you might find that the equivalent software for Mac isnt as readily available as you hoped but, for most of the obvious home computing tasks - movies, music, pictures - then youll find that not only does the Mac come with software than can handle the tasks, the software that comes included in the package is far better than the PC equivalent. None of the above however, is Mac Book specific and thats what we are here to talk about. The 15 Mac Book Pro. There are no other laptops on the market that match the design and build quality of this unit. Although Windows based laptops come in a million different configurations and sizes, I have yet to see one that looks as aesthetically pleasing as the Mac Book Pro. From the metal case, to the illuminated keyboard, which turns on or off and even shifts in brightness depending on the surrounding light the Mac is undeniably stylish. Other functions including the CD drive which doesnt have an awkward and fragile tray and the screen release which, rather than being large, cumbersome toggle buttons have a delicate (but robust) magnetic catch. The Mac Book Pro comes with all the connectivity you could want, meaning you can retire the various dongles and cables that might surround your PC laptop. Our example came with WiFi, Bluetooth and an endless array of USB and Firewire ports in all the different sizes, down the left hand side. A camera built into the top of the monitor makes for seamless integration with the Macs built in Messenger and video chat program, iChat. And, there is even an infra-red receiver and remote control for Macs take on the Windows Media Center which, although it doesnt offer the same functionality, looks and functions as well as you could hope for.
We raved about the Mac Book Pro in the previous edition of Lusso, but for some reason the iMac failed to stir the same passion and interest in us. Despite being very easy and quick to set up the iMac just does not feel as special as the Mac Books.
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However, any doubts soon vanish when you are reunited with that fantastic operating system, mail and browser software.
With a true out-the-box experience the iMac is a great solution but if its for regular use, maybe you should be looking at the epic Mac Pro.
A product review on a laptop may seem a strange thing to do as they largely depend on which exact model you get, what is installed and what version of this and that you have on it. It is true, and that is why product reviews on laptops are something we only do if we stumble across something different or inspiring.
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The first time I turned on the Toshiba Qosmio I can say I was genuinely flabbergasted. From the bassy thump of the Windows Media Centre start up music to the shockingly bright and crisp white of the screen.
Being a laptop user myself it was the sound volume and quality that really took me back, to continue the test we launched Windows Media Centre. After a few minutes of the simple Media Centre setup we began watching all the demonstration videos the Qosmio engine is immediately noticeable, bringing out an extra vibrancy in colours that has previously only been available from top of the range CRT monitors. Our version came equipped with a TV-Tuner, allowing Media Centre to offer a number of channels whether through a standard aerial cable or a set top box of freeview receiver. Working along side the internet-powered TV guide the whole set up is very attractive, however Im not 100% sure its suited to a portable application. The receiver for the remote control is an external USB powered accessory, about the size of a large desktop mouse. Switching in and out of Media Centre is slow and awkward as the Qosmio engine switches on and off, and personally, I prefer hi-res, smaller screened laptops over large screen ones.
My recommendation varies drastically depending on what you are looking for in a laptop the Qosmio is very well suited and very proficient as a home PC. If you need a laptop because you need a PC you can take with you on long business trips, once or twice a month then the Qosmio is worth considering. However if you are looking for something that you use at the office everyday and at home in the evenings then this may be just a bit too fat and fragmented for your needs.
Ive never seen anything like it, a computer monitor larger than most of the televisions that people keep in their bedrooms. Once you get over the initial shock of sitting infront of what can only be described as a wall of light, you begin to realise just how fantastic the cinema display is.
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It is the biggest one that Apple have to offer, at 30 inches, and can play high definition movies in a window whilst still having enough room for your email and internet too. It may be more productive and useful than dual monitors (unless of couse you opt for two 30 inch displays) and as its from Apple its design and build quality sit perfectly next to the only machine you could ever want powering such a screen, the glorious Mac Pro.
Currently the Mac Pro comes with either 4 or 8 processors and up to 16Gb or Ram. Unless you work for Pixar it is unlikely you will need more. And in case you, do then you can always link up a whole batch together to do more work. If you like to dabble in video or photo editing at home then this really is the setup for you, its argueable that the Mac Pro might be overkill for most non-professional applications, but in all honesty its not about having what you need, its about having what you want - you would have to me mad not to want one of these.
The Mac Pro runs silently whilst the monitor and sleek keyboard occupy your desk space, as you push the button on the front of the silver case the light fades in and the screen jumps into action. After a few seconds you will find what is still the most useful and beautiful operating system to date, with everything pre-installed and ready to roll. Just set up the programs you normally use (Microsoft Office, Photoshop, etc) and in a flash you are ready to take on any task, 4 times faster and 5 times bigger than anything you could have previously imagined.
Ive seen frighteningly similar laptops to the Samsung Q30. I dont know who made it first, but out of all the types (including the SonyVaio equivalent - T2XP) the Samsung Q30 is by far the best. Laptops have been getting a little out of hand recently, bigger screens, more options, more memory, desktop processors and TV tuners! Up until about 6 months ago I used to have a laptop as my only computer, in hindsight that was stupid, and it fast became frustrating.
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I urge you all; follow me in my infinite wisdom and experience. Let us create a movement to get super powerful, all functioning desktop computers, and combine them with sleek, ultra portable laptops for on the go business.
If you agree then I sincerely believe that the Q30s the way forward. The screen is ultra sharp and ultra hi resolution making it perfect for any purpose. Its powerful enough to run any application and some simpler games, and its small and sleek enough to hold and carry around anywhere.
There is one downside though, and depending on how you use computers could be potentially fatal to the Q30. It does not come with a built in CD drive.
I assume the reason for this is to keep the Q30 ultra slim, and it does come with an external CDRW drive that is about 1/3 the thickness of the laptop, thus dinky enough to take with you if you have too. It really depends on how you use your laptop, but if youre searching for an ultra portable laptop, then make sure you pay attention to the Samsung Q30.
You wouldnt fit a supercar with budget tyres, and the same principal should apply for your home computer or media centre pc.
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No matter how well specced you think your media center PC might be, unless the gizmo you hold in your hand is as cool and well thought out as the Logitech DiNovo Edge (pictured below) then youre missing out.
Designed especially with the two handed grip in mind, the circular trackpad on the right of the keyboard fits perfectly under your right thumb, and the left mouse button is duplicated on the exact opposite side, under your left thumb, offering an unparalleled sofa-bound surfing experience.
Pop the keyboard on the side of the sofa or your lap and the two buttons below the trackpad serve as the left and mouse buttons as featured on all laptops, the keyboard offers the same typing experience and key feel of the original DiNovo keyboard (and the current Apple laptop ranges).
The function keys (activated by the FN button illuminate to assist any mid-movie shortcuts, the volume slider is ingenious, but doesnt perform as well as the other keys, something perhaps a little more tactile would have performed better.
An ingenious vertical and horizontal scroll system has been devised for the circular track pad, depending on where you begin, a simple clockwise or counter clockwise motion on the trackpad will scroll easily through sites and documents.
And finally, but by no means least, the keyboard comes with integrated batteries, and a dock, allowing you to stow the keyboard away once every few weeks to replenish the batteries, something that all wireless devices should be forced to have.
The DiNovo Edge is a must-have for any media centre computer.
The good old days of wandering down to Boots or Snappy Snaps with a 35mm film cartridge are behind us. The digital revolution has made taking photos, editing then printing a part of modern life. The consumer now has one of two main options. Go online and order prints, which generally takes a day or two. Or purchase a photo printer.
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HP have just launched a new printer and what a damn fine machine it is. The C5280 is 4 machines in one. It prints photos up to A4, it prints normal documents and files in full colour, it scans and it photocopies. All in an aesthetically pleasing box with just one power lead and one USB lead to the computer. Gone are the days of having multiple machines cluttering up the office.
Having used the printer for a few days now at Lusso HQ, I can safely say that for the very modest 149 retail price, you are getting a cracking piece of kit. The photos produced are both quick to print and are of a very high standard. You can use the printer without a PC, by using the 2.4in image display to view and edit photos. The printer has a full array of slots for memory cards too. You can even print directly onto Cds and DVDs. Included in the box you get a CD full of user-friendly HP software. Overall, we at Lusso recommend the C5280 and you have the reassurance of knowing youve bought a Hewlett Packard; one of the best brands in the industry.
Panerai expand to New York City
Luxury watch manufacturer Officine Panerai is just about to open a boutique store in New York City, to add to their American presence in Los Angeles.
Ferrari to launch convertible 430 Scuderia the 16M
It's been rumoured for a while now, but it seems Ferrari are to release a Spyder version of their hardcore 430, the Scuderia. This will be called the 16M and limited to 499 vehicles. The car is to commemorate the company's 16th F1 constructor's title.
Issue 15, Available December 2008.
Travel Special
The ultimate in peace and quite. Lusso Magazine investigates the best island resorts in the world - it's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it.
Ultimate Toys
Super yacht tenders, powerboats, motorbikes and super cars, we serve up the usual dose of high octane machinery.
And the regulars...
Brian Ebbesen, Arash Farboud, Nick English and others all share their views
Moving Fast Under Sail
“It′s nice to read about something you probably will never experience in your lifetime. I try...” By James Brown 26 November 2008
The Value for Luxury Market
“No really Doug, More ego please. LOL. Sorry, but it′s a great joke to aggravate you about b...” By James Brown 26 November 2008
The Value for Luxury Market
“Doug Richard said:"Which brings me to my first nomination for the “Value Luxury Market” wh...” By James Brown 26 November 2008
