Articles

I was looking into the next wave of processors for computers and found this. I cant wait to see what happens if this goes beyond the Core Duo Family.

“Waiting for a Core i7 laptop? While Intel is slated to release its first mobile “Nehalem” Core i7 processor in the coming months, the desktop counterpart has already spawned a cottage industry of benchmark-busting laptops.
“It’s completely revitalized the desktop replacement laptop,” said Kelt Reeves, president of enthusiast PC maker Falcon Northwest, referring to designs that have shoehorned a desktop Core i7 processor into a laptop enclosure.
At the very high end of Falcon Northwest’s lineup, interest has shifted to models with the Core i7 processor and away from models oriented around extreme-performance graphics cards, Reeves said.

Falcon Northwest laptop can use Core i7 processors running at speeds up to 3.33GHz
(Credit: Falcon Northwest)
For instance, the Falcon Northwest FragBook DRX Core i7-based models come with Nvidia’s lower-performance GeForce GTX 280M graphics processor instead of the higher-end Scalable Link Interface (SLI) technology, which uses two graphics chips. But performance has actually improved in many cases, Reeves said.
“It’s a much better balance of a very-high-powered CPU and a very-high-powered graphics card,” he said.
Only at the highest settings in popular games like Crysis and World in Conflict did laptops using older Intel Core 2 processors with SLI graphics offer any competition to the Core i7 models, according to Reeves.

AVADirect Clevo D900F Core i7 laptop: a lot of processing power means a lot of fans (count ‘em: 4)
(Credit: CNET Reviews)
But it may be too charitable to call these laptops. Sheer size and heat dissipation requirements almost defy laptop categorization. “There’s a huge set of heat pipes and copper cooling fins and fans needed to duct out all that power,” Reeves said.
Falcon Northwest is not the only company selling large luggable, heat-spewing laptops. CNET Reviews looked at the AVADirect Clevo D900F Core i7 laptop with the same Nvidia graphics processor and said that “the D900F handily topped all of the other performance laptops we’ve tested. Its processing results were more on par with the Alienware Area-51 X58 gaming desktop (using a 3.2GHz Intel Core i7 chip).”
Smooth Creations and CyberPower, among others, also offer laptops based on the Core i7 processor.
So when will the real deal appear? The first processor designated officially as a Nehalem mobile processor from Intel is expected to emerge by October. Code-named Clarksfield, it will be a quad-core processor, like the current desktop i7, but not impose the kind of thermal stress on the laptop enclosure that the current i7 does. Clarksfield is expected to have a thermal envelope (referred to as Thermal Design Power) that is below half of the current i7, which is rated at 130 watts for the highest-end processor.
Benchmark results for the Falcon Northwest Core i7 laptop are here.”

Credits to CNET.com for this Article

Saying current operating systems were designed for a time when there was no World Wide Web, Google Inc. said Wednesday it will develop a new one based on its Chrome browser.

The new operating system puts Google more squarely in competition with Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT), which relies on its Windows operating system for more than half its revenue.

“Google Chrome OS is being created for people who spend most of their time on the Web, and is being designed to power computers ranging from small netbooks to full-size desktop systems,” the Mountain View search giant (NASDAQ:GOOG) said on its official blog.

The new operating system is separate from Google’s Android OS that is designed for smartphones, netbooks and set-top boxes.

The company described the Chrome OS as an open source, lightweight operating system that will initially be targeted at netbooks but will later be running on full-size desktop computers, too. The first of the netbook computers are projected to be available to consumers in the second half of 2010.

Google said it plans to open source the code for the operating system later this year and it is already talking to partners about the project, which is why it has gone public about it at this time.

“We hear a lot from our users, and their message is clear: computers need to get better,” the company said in its blog.

-credits to washington business journal for this article

Here are five common-sense techniques and strategies to solve common computer hardware problems.

(1) Trial-and-error

Personal computers are highly modular by design. The most powerful trouble-shooting technique is to isolate the problem to a specific component by trial-and-error. Swap compatible components and see if the system still works. Try different peripherals on different machines and see if the same problem occurs. Make one change at a time.

(2) “It’s the cable, s—–.”

More than 70% of all computer problems are related to cabling and connections. Ensure all cables are connected firmly. IDE and floppy ribbon cables and power cables can often go loose. Ensure microprocessor, memory modules, and adapters such as video card and sound card are inserted correctly and didn’t “pop-up” during transportation.

(3) Don’t be frustrated!

Don’t be afraid of computer problems. It is often the best opportunity to learn. Trouble-shooting is part of the fun of owning a computer. Imagine the satisfaction you could get by solving a problem yourself.

Of course the fun could ran out quickly once you are frustrated and have spent too much time on the same problem. If you feel frustrated, it’s time to leave it for a while and go back with some new ideas or call someone who can help. Rule of thumb: You shouldn’t spend more than three hours on the same problem at one time.

(4) Take notes!

Take notes of what you have done and all the error messages. You may need to use them later. For instance, when you see an unusual blue screen with an error message, copy the entire message onto a piece of paper. In many situations, that message may point to the right direction in getting the problem solved quickly.

(5) Take a look?

It’s OK to open a computer case and take a look inside. There is only 5V and 12V DC voltage supplied to the components outside the power supply. Those who have never seen the inside of a computer are often amazed by how simple it looks. Of course, still always power down and unplug the power cord first.

With Independence day fast approaching, most people are running out and buying up fireworks, getting plans together for cookouts, spending time together with family and friends. Why not rent a projector and share with your family and friends a display of past celebrations? It’s a perfect way to spend time together while waiting for the sun to go down to watch the fireworks.

We offer affordable projector rentals that can be delivered and set up as needed. We can also supply a laptop if you would like to run your photo display as a power point presentation.  Combining a Toshiba TLP-470 Portable projector with a Dell D600 laptop is a GREAT way to share your memories.

For more information, or a quote on the perfect party pleaser contact

marcia@pcretrorentals.com or visit our contact page.

Tablet PC’s are not new technology, but recently they have become a very popular technology. Tablet PCs have become an integral part of companies with field employee’s such as  insurance, manufacturing, sales, marketing and so on. The primary need for field employee’s is mobility and with tablet PC’s that is possible. Newer model tablet PC’s can run into the thousands of dollars, such as the Lenovo Thinkpad X200, which starts at $2,420. The high price tag of the top-rated tablets might discourage some businesses from adopting the new device broadly. However, even tight-fisted purchasing managers realize that some employees have special requirements that can’t be filled by standard notebooks. This is where rentals come in. In an effort to save a company from purchasing thousands of dollars worth of tablet PC’s, we offer the rental of tablets such as the HP 2710P.  Starting price for this model is over $2,000. Renting a powerful tablet such as this, to decide if a tablet PC is what your mobile field employees need, saves you money and gives you an opportunity to get feedback before making such a large purchase.  Feel free to contact us for further info concerning the rental of one of our tablet PC’s or any of our other products in stock.

I was reading my daily update of  the Washington Business news and saw this article..  Keep in mind that this brings another outlet for trade shows and I believe it is a good move all around… 

Read article here

These days, newer generations of software applications demand more and more robust hardware forcing us to replace our computers frequently. Although they may still be in working order, repairing or upgrading them is not cost effective or practical. Between 1997 and 2007, 500 million PCs were estimated to become obsolete. In one year, the overall electronic waste or “e-waste” volume was estimated at five to seven million tons. Old computers, printers, TVs, VCRs, boomboxes, etc., create a huge storage, recycling, and disposal problem throughout the world. E-waste has become a serious environmental problem. A few ways to help to try and eliminate the growing issue of  e-waste are as follows:

1. Rent! Renting the hardware needed instead of buying it saves you time, money and saves you the hassle of “what to do” when it comes to the hardware becoming obsolete. 

2. Donate! Donate your working but out of date hardware to schools, libraries, and non-profit organizations who place computers in the hands of low income families that would not normally have the chance to own one. 

3. Recycle! These days there are more and more locations that offer recycling programs for your e-waste. Locate them, and discuss with them the options they offer.

 We ALL need to be aware of this growing issue, part of that is taking steps to prevent it yourself.  If you would like more information on any of the above options please contact us and we can help you create a greener world.

Businesses of all sizes rent office technology. Small and home-based businesses often have budgetary concerns that rentals can help them address. Larger businesses may wish to avoid buying hardware and then being stuck with surplus equipment. Non-profit organizations may also rent  so they can reduce the initial cost of acquiring new equipment.

There are many reasons why businesses choose to rent instead of purchasing, but the main reason is to fill their “technology gaps”. Companies that hire staff on a seasonal or project basis may want to rent equipment instead of buying so they can return it when the project ends. Organizations conducting short-term research may want laptops or other portable computing equipment for their research teams. Occasional business travelers with a desktop computer in their office may rent a laptop for the few times they venture out of town.

Another type of technology gap occurs with equipment that has limited and very specific purposes. For example, most businesses do not need their own video wall or large-size plasma screen, but they may want a large display for a conference. By renting, they can get the specialized equipment they need without having to buy it.

In closing, the main reasons to rent is lower company cost, less e-waste, and less hassle for your company in the long run. 

For a quote contact us today!

Why rent a printer? Printer Rentals make perfect sense when you need them for corporate events, company marketing projects, year end financial reports, temporary offices, convention services, and special projects. Our Printers are available for rent for as short or long as you want!

Renting a laserjet printer such as an HP 4000n or HP4100n for black and white printing is a great way to increase your productivity during peak work loads or corporate projects. A Printer Rental is also great for when you need to take one on the road with you, but you do not want to deal with the hassle of transporting it. We can make it so that when you arrive at your new work place we will already have one set up and ready to go.

We have several in stock, from smaller laserjets all the way up to larger, multi-function business class models. So whether you need Black and white or color, networked or duplexing, we have what you need. 

Contact us for a quote today!

I found this little article while searching the web at www.freepressrelease.com. I think that there are several key reasons why businesses choose to rent as opposed to buying new equipment as a short term solution. Below are great reasons as to why it can be a more economical choice for not only large corporations but for small businesses as well.

United States of America (Press Release) March 4, 2009 –

Laptop computer rental are considered as the best solution for meeting challenges in business world. This strategy of renting the laptop or computer helps the people to controls their expenses. Apart from laptop rentals, people can rent garden tools, washing machines, designer handbags, big-screen TVs etc. Usually, people get confuse with computer renting and leasing. Renting is for short term and flexible in nature while leasing is buying for fixed arrangement. Depending upon the need and requirement, the company can either extend their rental term or cancel the rental terms at any time with no penalty. On other hand, leases can’t be cancelled without a severe penalty.

laptop computer rentals have been available for many years in the corporate world. In comparison with the personal items, they offer same benefits. Here are a few reasons for renting a laptop computer such as:

• It is considered as the best solution for short-term access to the latest brand-name technology
• It can be accomplished with a company credit card
• No capital expenses are required
• Offers convenience of returning the equipment
• It is availed for short notice or special occasion
• Eliminates the hassle of carrying
• Eliminates wear and tear

Source: FPR

With the growing trend of renting, now there are many rental companies who have experts or computer technicians to deliver and test laptops, right at your office or location. There are many situations when renting is considered as the alternative than buying or leasing such as:

• School – When you want to offer a short computer training program at your school or in college premises then renting a setup would save your money.

• Travel – During traveling carrying computer is sometimes difficult, particularly if you do not have a laptop. At that moment, renting a computer is considered as a wise solution. You can have configured computer, waiting for you at your destination.

• Temporary moves – In the temporary business moves, short-term settings, setting-up and quickly taking down an entire technology infrastructure is highly not easy. Therefore, renting for short period of time can eliminate your problem.