Continue reading »]]> Toshiba laptops aren’t like most laptops where you can remove the BIOS battery and let it sit for a few hours to reset the BIOS. So what do you do? There are three forms of BIOS password removal being used currently by Toshiba:
1. Parallel port wraparound connector
2. Shorting a jumper, with power and with no power
3. Challenge/Response code

Method 1. Printer Dongle Method:

Works with Portege, Satellite, Satellite Pro, Tecra and Libretto Laptops of the following model numbers :

100(1xx) 200(2xx) 300(3xx) 400(4xx) 500(5xx) 600(6xx) 700(7xx)
1000(1xxx) 2000(2xxx) 3000(3xxx) 4000(4xxx) 7000(7xxx) 8000(8xxx)
(A15-S 127) (1415-S 173) SERIES & Some DVD Models
The “xxx” above means that each x can be any number, i.e. 1xx could be 101, 103, 111, 112 etc.

* First cut a plug from an old DB25 printer cable, and open the casing of the plug. This is how the pins look: (Image 1)

* Now connect: (image 2)
o Pin 1 to Pin 5 and to Pin 10 ( go from 1 to 5 and from 5 to 10)
o Pin 2 to 11
o Pin 3 to 17
o Pin 4 to 12
o Pin 6 to 16
o Pin 7 to 13
o Pin 8 to 14
o Pin 9 to 15
o Pin 18 to 25

It should look something like this: (image 3,4)

Plug it in and bootup

METHOD 2. Shorting a jumper:

(image 5)

In order to clear a BIOS of Compal manufactured units you need to use the NO POWER method, units manufactured by Inventec need to be to be POWERED ON to rest the BIOS.

To reset Compal units:

1. Turn off the POWER
2. Remove the battery and power cord
3. Peel back any black mylar (if any) covering the jumper
4. Using a flat screwdriver, short the jumper by connecting the two jumper points
5. Reset the computer and verify the BIOS has been reset, if not then repeat steps

Inventec units can skip steps 1 and 2

METHOD 3. Challenge/Response Code:

(image 6)

The challenge/response code method consists of matching a Challenge code ( power the machine up,press ctrl,then tab,then ctrl, then enter) generated on your machine and matching a Response code generated by Toshiba and calling a Toshiba Tech Support Agent.

Continue reading »]]> We have gone past the PC era. The folks expect the new lifestyle devices to be more portable and flexible – laptops you say. The expectations are ever-increasing with students, businessmen, gamers or journalists using laptops. With growing age even those not facile with technical specifications of laptops might fetch one. Do you know given the technical upgrades, the non-technical appeal is also adding to the charisma. Today’s most desired laptops are a sum of these two traits.  Here’s are those notebooks that combine the best of both.

1. Acer Aspire One (Netbook)

Acer one is more pronounced as an netbook or Internet device than laptop. Better to call it a mini laptop – neatly designed and lightweight. although a late entry in the queue of laptops Acer One includes most commendable features to rank as the Laptop leader. Not to boast, you need to wait less – just 17 secs to boot and 10 sec to launch the common applications like Firefox or OpenOffice.

With so much on the turf you can’t complain once you glance at the starting price. check out.

Specifications

• Linux and Windows XP versions
• 1.6GHz N270 Intel Atom Processor
• 1 GB DDR2 533MHz
• Windows XP Home SP3
• 8.9? 1024 x 600 WSVGA glossy LED backlit display
• 120GB 2.5? 5400RPM Hitachi Hard Drive (with SDHC storage expansion slot)
• 802.11b/g Atheros Wireless
• 3-Cell 23Wh battery
• Size: 9.75? x 6.625? x 1.28?
• Weight: 2lb 5.0oz

2. Dell Inspiron Mini 9

Joining the line of budget ultra portable genre Dell Inspiron Mini 9 has what it takes to be a good friend to a mobile worker. What makes it count big is the build quality – solid piece to build have your hand. It’s less on bulk and consumes lesser power unlike full sized notebooks. This could be a wealth for students frequently jotting notes or surfing web.
160GB SATA Hard Drive

• 1.6GHz N270 Intel Atom Processor
• 1GB DDR2 533MHz (1 DIMM)
• Ubuntu 8.04 Linux with Custom Dell Interface (Includes Open Office)
• 8.9? 1024 x 600 WSVGA glossy LED backlit display
• 8GB miniPCI SSD card
• Intel GMA 950 Integrated Graphics
• 802.11b/g Wi-Fi
• 4-in-1 Media card reader
• 1.3 Megapixel webcam, Dell Video Chat application, Dell Support Center
• 4-Cell 32Wh Li-ion battery (14.8V)
• Size: 9.2? x 6.8? x 1.3? (including feet)
• Weight: 2lb 5.5oz (with 4-cell battery), 2lb 11.6oz (with battery and AC adapter)
• Price: $434 ($474 with Windows XP)

3. Asus Eee PC

This is an ideal notebook for your living room. Incorporating all the basic components of a smart notebook Asus Eee PC is enclosed in a slim, stylish chasis. This is a great system if you are comfortable with XP and not willing to mess up with Vista. Low on multimedia it’s not designed for the gaming-freaks.

Specifications

* Intel Atom 1.60GHz processor
* Integrated Intel GMA 900 GPU
* 12GB of Flash-based storage (4GB onboard SSD and 8GB PCI-E mini card SSD)
* 1GB of DDR2 RAM (667MHz)
* Windows XP Home Edition operating system
* 8.9-inch screen with 1024 x 600 resolution
* Ports: 3 USB 2.0, 1 VGA monitor out, headphone jack, microphone input, SD card reader (SDHC compatible), Kensington lock slot, Ethernet 10/100
* Webcam (1.3 MP)
* Battery: 6-cell 6600 mAh 7.4V Li-Ion
* Wireless: 802.11b/g/n
* Input: Keyboard and Multi-touch touchpad
* Dimensions: 6.87? x 8.87? x 1.63? (L x W x H)
* Weight: approximately 2.42 lbs with battery
* One-year warranty

4. HP Pavilion TX2510 Touchscreen Notebook

This is the laptop for those of you looking for high portability, flexibility and compactness. HP Pavilion TX2510 is a powerful notebook PC offering you convenience of a high-definitions touch screen. It optimizes your handwriting for a better view. It offers a 2.1 GHz AMD Turion X2 Ultra Dual Core, 2 MB RAM and 160 GB SATA hard drive. All this a more wrapped up in a single package, that’s HP Pavilion TX2510. No compromise with design and style

Specifications

* Processor: AMD Turion 64 X2 Dual Core Mobile Technology 1.6Ghz
* Memory: 1024MB DDR2 SDRAM
* Screen: 12.1? WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Convertible Display (1280×800) – Panel rotates 180 degrees and folds flat
* 120GB (5400 RPM) SATA Hard Drive
* Graphics: Nvidia GeForce Go 6150
* Optical Drive: LightScribe SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Dual Layer
* Wireless Communications: 802.11/b/g
* Weight: 4.18lb

5. Dell Studio XPS 16

This slim and light midsize machine hosts some upscale features. The stylish laptop impresses with its touch-sensitive buttons, finger print sensor and mini-remote control which can accommodate a ExpressCard slot. With a 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8600, 4GB DDR3 RAM, 320GB hard drive Studio XPS 16 is worth the price.

Specifications

* Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 (2.4GHz)
* Memory: 4GB – 2DIMM DDR3
* HDD: 320GB 7200rpm
* Graphics: ATI Mobility RADEON HD 3670 (512MB)
* Display: 16.0? 1080p Full HD RGBLED LCD with 2.0 MP Webcam
* Optical Drive: 4X Blu-ray Disc Combo Drive (DVD/CD ± RW +BD Read)
* OS: Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 (64 bit)
* Software: 15-month Trend Micro security subscription, Microsoft Works 9
* Wireless: Intel Wireless 5100
* Mediabay: 8-in-1 Media Card Reader
* Battery: 6-cell and 9-cell batteries
* Other: Facial Recognition Security; Dell Dock; Dell Video Chat; 2GB Data Safe Online
* Dimensions: 0.95?-1.34? x 15.15? x 10.02? with 6-cell battery (H x W x D)
* Weight: 6.53 lbs with 6-cell battery
* Price as configured: $1,804 (Starting price: $1,199)

6. Apple MacBook

The MacBook is perfect stuff for those looking towards a new Apple experience. The machine comes bumped up with top available CPU – 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GB 1066 MHz DDR3 System Memory and 160GB SATA Hard Drive,. With Apple’s ease of use you can get into the groove without much hassles. Not to misss, MacBook is surely a gamers bet with high performance 3D graphics from NVIDIA.

Specifications

* Intel Core 2 Duo P7350 2.0GHz CPU with 25 Watt TDP
* NVIDIA GeForce 9400m IGP with shared memory
* 13? WXGA High-Definition Display With 1280 x 800 Resolution
* 160GB SATA Hard Drive (5400 RPM)
* 2GB 1066 MHz DDR3 System Memory (dual channel mode)
* Superdrive 8X DVD±R/RW with Double Layer Support

7. Toshiba Satellite A200

It’s a fairly powerful machine setting a balance between desktop and laptop. What sets Satellite A200 apart is the upscale features at a surprisingly low price. The laptop include flashy features such as next-gen optical format – HD-DVD or Blu-ray. Equipped with NVIDIA GeForce Go 7600 it allows good 3D performance for the gamers. It’s nice little biometric fingerprint reader adds to your security and peace of mind.

Specifications

* 15.4-inch WXGA (1280 x 800) CCFL glossy screen
* AMD M690V chipset
* AMD Turion 64 X2 Dual-Core Mobile Technology TL-60
* 2GB DDR2-667 SDRAM (supports up to 4GB DDR2 SDRAM)
* 120GB 5400 RPM SATA HDD
* DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) drive
* ATI X1200 Integrated Graphics
* Ethernet, Atheros 802.11b/g
* VGA, S-Video, four USB 2.0 ports, integrated media reader (MS, SD, xD)
* Windows XP Pro
* Battery: 4000mAh 4-cell, 75w AC Adapter
* Dimensions: (WxDxH): 14.3” x 10.5” x 1.32-1.55” (without feet)
* Weight starts at 5.9 pounds with 6-cell battery (5lbs 15.9oz actual)

8. HP Mini 1000

Thinner and lighter version of HP’s previous versions, HP Mini is perfect device for extreme mobility. It incorporates a fast Intel Atom (VIA C7-M ULV Processor in earlier models), 1GB RAM and Windows XP. Mini offers you the best netbooks keyboard you could ever expect.

Specifications

• Operating System: Genuine Windows Vista Business, Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic 32, FreeDOS, or SuSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10
• 8.9? diagonal WSVGA LED BrightView Widescreen Display (1024 x 600)
• Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 950 with Intel(R) Atom(TM) Processor N270 (1.60GHz)
• 1GB DDR2 System Memory, 60GB 4200RPM PATA Hard Drive, 3 Cell Lithium Polymer Battery
• HP Mini Webcam with HP Imprint Finish (Swirl), Microphone enables clear and crisp VOIP and video conferencing conversations
• Wireless-G Card, Genuine Windows XP Home, HP Color Matching Keyboard, Microsoft Works 9, Windows Internet Explorer 7, Windows Media Player 11
• Graphics: VIA Chrome 9
• Audio: High Definition Audio, stereos speakers, integrated stereo microphones, stereo headphone/line out, stereo microphone in
• Wireless support: Broadcom 802.11a/b/g, b/g, optional Bluetooth 2.0, HP Wireless Assistant
• Communications Broadcom Ethernet Integrated Controller (10/100/1000)
• Expansion slots: (1) ExpressCard/54 slot, Secure Digital (SD) slot
• Ports and connectors: (2) USB 2.0 ports, VGA, power connector, RJ-45/Ethernet, stereo headphone/line out, stereo microphone in, optional VGA webcam
• Input device: 92% full-sized keyboard, touchpad with scroll zone
• Software: HP Backup and Recovery Manager, Roxio Creator 9, Microsoft Office Ready 20078
• Security Kensington lock, Symantec Norton Internet Security
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 1.05 (at front) x 10.04 x 6.5 inches
• Weight: 2.63 lb (with 3-cell battery and 4 GB Solid State Drive, 3.23 lb with 6-cell battery and 160GB hard drive, 2.86 lb with 3-cell battery and 160GB hard drive.
• Power: 6-cell (55 WHr) or 3-cell (28 WHr) Lithium-Ion battery, 65W HP Smart AC Adapter with HP Fast Charge

9. MSI Wind (netbook)

Ranked amongst the outstanding netbooks MSI has enough specifications to give its contenders a run for money. The ultraslim netbook offers a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 CPU and 1GB of DDR2 667MHz memory(upgradable to 2GB). Look for the keyboard its a joy to use.

Specifications

• 1.6GHz Intel Atom Processor
• 10? WSVGA (1024 x 600) LCD
• Windows XP Home Operating System
• * Intel GMA 950 Integrated Graphics
• * 1GB 667MHz DDR2 Memory
• * 80GB 2.5? SATA Hard Drive
• * Wireless: 802.11b/g and Bluetooth 2.0
• * 3-Cell 11.1v 2200mAh Battery
• * Size: WxDxH 10.2? x 7? x 1.3?
• * Weight: 2lbs 8.6oz

10. Sony Vaio AR21S Laptop

Sleek and stylish, this is the first Vaio with a a Blue DVD drive. With a Core 2 Duo processor and impressive 2GB of memory the notebook  is high on performance. The 200GB of dual hard drive storage allows enough to record live TV, given an integrated hybrid TV tuner.  Its a great media centre PC.

Features

* Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 – 2.06GHz (x2), 667MHz FSB, 4MB L2 Cache
* RAM: 2048MB DDR2-667MHz
* Hard Drive: 200GB Serial ATA 5400rpm (2×100GB)
* Screen: 17” Widescreen TFT (1920×1200 – 16:10)with X-Black Technology
* Optical Drive: DVD±RW / BD-RE Blu-Ray Super Multi Double Layer
* Graphics: NVidia GeForce Go7600 256MB
* Wireless LAN: 802.11a/b/g – Call for advice on Wireless Networking
* Bluetooth: Bluetooth Enabled
* Warranty: 1 Year – Upgradeable to 3 Years!
* Operating System: Windows XP Media Center Edition
* Hybrid TV Tuner (Digital + Analogue)
* Built-In 0.37 MegaPixel Camera
* Built-In Microphone

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Having know more or less a snapshot of the top 10 notebooks look for the best bargain that suits your budget.  So which one do you own? Write to us. Your feedback is as important as handling those gadgets. Take care.