Posted by laptopdude on August 27, 2011 under 1 - Laptops Mainstream, 2 - Laptops CULVs, 4 - Hardware | 
With the ongoing rave on mini-notebooks, led by the Mac Air, is category for mini-laptops seems to still be a thriving sector. As more and more people go to the tablets for the most convenient mobile computing experience, I feel that the need for portable computing devices for real office work still falls under the broad shoulders of the mini-notebooks. That said, I feel HP has a winner in its hands here, with the HP Probook 4230s.
The Probook almost looks like a Mac Air, but this is definitely much thicker than the Air, approximately over an inch thick. And it feels very solid, which I like a lot. It feels like a slap of metal. It’s actually wrapped around with a brushed aluminum chassis. It is much heavier than most 12 inch notebooks in its class, but I don’t mind. Sturdy laptops are a must in the work environment.
Here’s a quick rundown on its specs:
Price: The one I have costs P36,990. Very competitive pricing that is at par with the Sony Vaio Y that has the Core i3 380um mobile cpu. The Probook is even better since it runs on a mainstream Core i3 2310 2.1Ghz Sandy Bridge cpu. And this is much cheaper than the Mac Air 11-incher that just runs on an older Core 2 Duo 1.4Ghz cpu.
The unit I have runs on Windows 7 Basic 32-bit. I don’t get this. HP should’ve gone with a 64-bit OS so one could maximize the ram capacity. It comes with 2 gb ram module, but I immediately upgraded to a 4gb ram stick. The memory bay has 2 slots for ram sticks. I guess they put in a 32-bit OS to bring down the price a bit.
As stated earlier, the Probook carries an Intel® Core™ i3-2310M (2.10 GHz, 3 MB L3 cache) processor. This is much better than the Sony Vaio Y that either has a mobile Core i3 cpu or an even much clower AMD dual core cpu. This is a fast mainstream cpu that the Probook uses, which incidentally sports the faster second generation integrated Intel graphics chip. This is the graphics chip that is built into the processor already and supposedly delivers better system efficiency. Let’s take a quick look at the Windows Experience Index of this machine and see how it stacks up:
Take special note of the cpu rating. At 6.3 it’s pretty good. The Core i3 Sandy Bridge cpu packs a lot already. Gaming graphics also delivers a punch at 6.1, which shows this can handle some mid-range gaming. The hard drive scores a perfect 7.9, thanks to the OCZ Agility 3 solid state drive!
The weight of the unit is a bit substantial, coming in at a hefty 1.6kgs. This is heavier than most laptops in this category, but I don’t mind. It feels very robust. Its dimensions are 28.8 x 21.2 x 2.52 cm, very close to the size of the Alenware M11x.
The Probook comes originally with a stock 2gb ram, but it can carry ram modules up to: 8 GB 1333 MHz DDR3 SDRAM. I immediately swapped mine with a 4gb module. I would’ve gone higher if I had a 64-bit OS on this thing. But unfortunately the 32-bit OS can only read upto 3gb’s of the installed ram.
It carries no dvd-rom, but HP bundles in a free external dvd drive. HP even went as far as throwing in a free 3-user MS Office Student Edition Suite!!! This I especially appreciated. You total this overall value in, and it comes out way cheaper than the Mac Air and the Sony Vaio Y Intel Core i3 version.
The Probook also runs on a 5400rpm 500gb hard drive. If you want blazing speed, do what I did, and swap it out with crazy-fast solid state drive! The one I went with was an OCZ Agility 3 ssd that uses the Sandforce controller, which delivers amazing speed. I like the OCZ since it’s both a fast and yet affordable ssd, coming in at less than P12k for 120gb of storage.
The Probook sports a 12.1″ LED-backlit HD BrightView (1280 x 800) screen. It is very crisp and bright. I tried playing Torchlight on it and it came out pretty good.
The Probook runs on an Intel HD Graphics 3000 integrated gpu. Obviously this machine was not designed for heavy gaming, but it can ably play less graphics intensive games. And Torchlight is one such game that played very well on this rig. I’m loading up Dungeon Siege 3 on this, and let’s see how it plays. I’ll update everyone on how that goes later on.
The ports carried by the Probook are the following:
1 VGA
1 HDMI
1 stereo headphone/line-out
1 stereo microphone in
1 AC power
1 RJ-11 (select models)
1 RJ-45
3 USB 2.0 (I’m a bit peeved it doesn’t come with USB 3.0 or eSata ports.)
1 sd card
The Audio is surprisingly good for such a small unit; SRS Premium Sound; Integrated stereo speakers; stereo headphone/line out; stereo microphone in; Integrated microphone.
It has a respectable 720p HD webcam. Since this is a road-warrior’s tool, this good-quality cam will come in handy for video-conferencing and talking with loved ones via Skype.
The keyboard is excellent! It’s a spill-resistant keyboard with drains. And the keys are rock-solid. Typing on it is such a pleasure. No flex, no softness … rock solid.
The touchpad is also another strong suit of the probook. I must say, HP was never the best at touchpads, but with the Probook they got it perfectly. The sensitivity is just right. The texture of the pad is perfect. And the left and right clickers are solid and responsive. This touchpad has gestures support, two-way scroll and two pick buttons.
It’s got a host of security applications that are quite cool as well:
HP ProtectTools Security Manager
Enhanced Pre-Boot Security
HP SpareKey
One-Step Logon
Security lock slot
Support for Intel AT
HP Fingerprint Sensor
HP Privacy Filter
The Probook also has a quick launch / quick web function that lets you gain access to the web without the need of loading into the Win7 OS. But if you already have a fast ssd, this becomes moot.
I really like this mini-laptop. I came from using Vaio F and HP DV6 multi-media machines, and the trimmed down weight, yet surprisingly capable specs give me a lot of reason to switch to this as a business tool. The value for money is just spot on. Good job HP!
Posted by laptopdude on under 4 - Hardware |
2.5″ Solid State Drives / SATA III / MLC / Midrange Performance / 60GB-240GB
—————————————————————————
OCZ Agility 3 SATA III Solid State Drives are designed and built to provide an exceptional balance of performance and value. The Agility 3 Series implements the cutting-edge SATA 6Gbps interface to deliver excellent sequential and random data transfer rates, significantly improving your computing experience over hard drives.
In addition to enhanced performance, an Agility 3 upgrade promotes cooler, quieter, and more energy efficient conditions compared to traditional mechanical hard drives. With no moving parts, SSDs provide peace of mind with their superior durability and reliability. Unique and innovative, Agility 3 SSDs deliver a one-of-a-kind storage solution.
The Agility 3 also uses the Sandforce controller for ssd’s, and seems to be one of the best in its class. Given the specs below, this really is one of the better ssd’s in the affordable category. From my experience, this is faster than even the Intel X-25M ssd:
Specifications:
Available in 60GB, 120GB, and 240GB Capacities
MLC NAND Flash
Interface: SATA 6Gbps / Backwards Compatible 3Gbps
Native TRIM support
Seek Time: .1ms
Slim 2.5″ Design
99.8 x 69.63 x 9.3mm
Lightweight: 77g
Operating Temp: 0°C ~ 70°C
Ambient Temp: 0°C ~ 55°C
Storage Temp: -45°C ~ 85°C
Low Power Consumption: 2.7W Active, 1.5W Idle
Shock Resistant up to 1500G
RAID Support
Compatible with Windows 7, Vista, XP 32-bit/64-bit, Mac OSX, Linux
MTBF: 2 million hours
3-Year Warranty
60GB Max Performance*
==================
Max Read: up to 525MB/s
Max Write: up to 475MB/s
Random Write 4KB: 50,000 IOPS
Maximum 4K Random Write: 80,000 IOPS
120GB Max Performance*
===================
Max Read: up to 525MB/s
Max Write: up to 500MB/s
Random Write 4KB: 50,000 IOPS
Maximum 4K Random Write: 85,000 IOPS
240GB Max Performance*
===================
Max Read: up to 525MB/s
Max Write: up to 500MB/s
Random Write 4KB: 45,000 IOPS
Maximum 4K Random Write: 85,000 IOPS
Here’s some real setting ratings of the Agility 3, benched by CrystalDiskMark. The succeeding pic is the stock 5400.6 rpm 500 gb hdd that came with the laptop. The one right after is the Agility 3 rating. You can see the stark speed difference. The Agility 3 is a really super fast ssd. And what’s even better is, even though ssd’s are still relatively expensive, this OCZ line has managed to creep into the “affordable” category. The 120gb version (which is what this review unit is) costs about P11,500, just about at similar price ranges with Intel’s X-25M 2nd generation ssd. Definitely a must have for computing enthusiasts.
Posted by laptopdude on December 28, 2010 under 2 - Laptops CULVs |
I just saw this yesterday at Shang Mall, Sony Center, the Sony Vaio Y, 11 incher, core i3 culv notebook. It is small and thin, and very light. This new Y Series is a mobile PC with 11.6-inch high-resolution screen and Intel® Core™ i3 Processor to provide comfortable business use. And it’s light and compact enough to take with you, for on-site jobs or off hours. In stately Black, it really looks great, both for office or outside use.
Here’s the skinny on the new core i3 culv:
Intel Core i3 380UM
The Intel Core i3-380UM is a Ultra Low Voltage dual-core processor for small and light laptops. It is clocked with 1.3 GHz and does not feature Turbo Boost to overclock the CPU cores. Another feature missing compared to the i5 and i7 lineup is the AES function block. Each core is based on the Nehalem (Westemere) micro-architecture. Hyperthreading enables the Dual Core CPU to handle 4 threads at once (for a better usage of the pipeline).
The similar Core i5-470UM, i5-560UM, and i7-660UM are also clocked at a base speed of 1.3 GHz, but feature Turbo Boost and are therefore faster.
A feature of the new Core i3-380UM is the integrated graphics card (called Intel HD Graphics) and memory controller. Both are on a separate die that is still manufactured in 45nm whereas the CPU die is already manufactured in the new 32nm process. This version of the GMA HD is able to use Turbo Boost to overclock from 133 to 500 MHz.
Due to the integrated memory controller and hyper-threading, the Core i3-380UM is faster than a similar clocked Core 2 Duo (1.3 GHz) in all applications and benchmarks. Therefore it beats the 1.3 GHz Pentium SU7300 and performs in some areas even as fast as a 2 GHz Core 2 Duo. Still the gaming performance can suffer from the low clock speed.
Detailed specs of the Vaio Y are as follows:
Operating System: Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit (English Version)
Processor Name: Intel® Core™ i3-380UM Processor 1.33 GHz*1
Chipset: Intel® HM55 Express Chipset
Cache Memory: 3 MB (L3 Cache)
Main Memory: Pre-installed 2 GB (2 GB x 1) DDR3 SDRAM*2 (upgradeable up to 8 GB*3)
SO-DIMM Slots: DDR3 SO-DIMM slots (Unused Memory slot 1)
Memory Speed: 800 MT/s
Hard Disk Drive: 320 GB*4 (Serial ATA, 5400 rpm)
Graphics: Intel® HD Graphics
Display Type: 11.6 inch wide (WXGA: 1366×768) TFT colour display (VAIO Display, LED backlight)
Interface: USB Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) Type A connector x 3, Network (RJ-45)Connector, 1000BASE-T/100BASE-TX/10BASE-T x 1
Display Output Connector, Analogue RGB, Mini D-Sub 15 pin x 1, Headphone Stereo Mini Jack x 1, Microphone Stereo Mini
Jack x 1, HDMI In/Out Connector HDMI Out x 1
Memory Stick Slot: Memory Stick Duo (Memory Stick PRO compatible)
SD Memory Card Slot: SD memory card (SDHC compatible)
Wireless LAN Type: IEEE 802.11b/g/n*6
Bluetooth: Bluetooth® standard Ver. 2.1 + EDR
Camera: Front Side Camera, Resolution 640 x 480, Effective Pixels 0.3 Mega pixels
Audio: Sound Chip Intel® High Definition Audio, Speaker Internal, Stereo speakers, Microphone Internal, Monaural microphone
Keyboard: Keyboard 18.43 mm key pitch/1.6 mm keystroke, 83 keys
Touchpad: Touchpad (Gesture supported)
Battery Life: Bundled Battery, VGP-BPS21B Lithium-ion battery: up to 4.0 hours of use*8
Size: Dimensions (WxHxD), 290 x 25-31.5 x 202.8 mm
Weight: 1.46 kg (including the supplied battery)
Included Software: AV Entertainment, Media Gallery, Windows® Media Center, Content Creation/Editing PMB VAIO Edition, Home Network,
VAIO Media plus, Word Processor/Spreadsheet, Microsoft® Office Starter 2010, Evernote for VAIO, Adobe® Reader® 9,
VAIO Control Center, VAIO Gate, WebCam Companion, Magic-i™ Visual Effects, McAfee PC SecurityCenter 30-day Free
Trial, Webroot® Spy Sweeper® 90-day Free Trial, VAIO Care, VAIO Care Rescue, VAIO Update, VAIO Transfer Support,
Norton™ Online Backup 60-day Free Trial
Supplied Accessories: AC Adaptor VGP-AC19V39 or VGP-AC19V47
All this for a very affordable cost of P35,999 (cash or straight payment via credit card).
Product shots:
Posted by laptopdude on under Photography Hobby |
I recently picked up a new Sony Alpha Lens, 18-250mm Zoom. It serves as an all-purpose lens for me, not having to need the 18-55mm kit lens and my other 55-200mm zoom lens. Now I have to sell those 2 lenses 
I like this 18-250 as it gives me enough shooting flexibility, with decent wide-angle leg-room, and an ever-useful zoom of 250, where reach is spectacular, even at handheld levels. It is not as heavy as one would expect. And given that my Sony A33 is pretty light, this is very comfortable to lug around. The barrel does extend pretty far out, but is expected for a zoom this large. Again, it is not as heavy as one would expect. It’s got a f3.5/6.3 setting so it is much better than the f4 my previous 55-200mm would allow. But i does cost a whole lot more at P28,500 (from Sony Store).
Here are some product shots:
Here are some initial test shots:
Fully zoomed out.
Fully zoomed in.
Fully zoomed out.
Fully zoomed in.
Posted by laptopdude on December 15, 2010 under 1 - Laptops Mainstream |
I was lucky enough to be able to see and feel and HP Envy 14 first hand. And the one I saw was that of the high end variant. It had a 14 inch screen, core i7 quad core cpu, 8gb of ddr3 ram, 256 ssd hard drive, 1gb ATI gpu. It has a nice subtle back-lit keyboard which was very smooth and soft to the touch. Its touchpad was a single-platform pad where the clickers are integrated to the whole pad. And where this was the weakness of the DM3′s and DM4′s in terms of sensitivity and erratic click behavior, the Envy was flawless in touchpad operation. The chassis seemed like a titanium-ish feel, very solid and sturdy. And the Envy’s hinges (which was a terrible sore point with the 11-inch Alienware) was rock solid! When you’d open the lid up and down, you could not feel any unwanted rough rubbing. It was totally smooth. This is in every sense of the word, an ultra-high-end laptop. The unit I was trying out was close to $3,000 street value.
My friend also demo’d Dragon Age on it and it ran very smoothly with no lag what so ever, even when opening other apps as the game was running. The combo of the core i7 cpu, high ddr3 ram, and ssd were matches made in computing heaven! I have never seen a faster laptop, and it even trumps the Vaio F core i7 machine I’ve been testing so far too.
