Mobile Computing Tips: FireWire vs. USB FAQ

Notebooks

News: Remote Access Service for Corporate Users

Expertcity's GoToMyPC service allows you to retrieve files from one computer using a Web browser on another, such as a notebook. The new GoToMyPC Corporate 3.0, an updated version of the software aimed especially at businesspeople and IS administrators, allows you to transfer files by dragging and dropping them, initiate a remote access session with a desktop shortcut, and more. Rates for GoToMyPC service begin at $14.95 per month for a one-PC personal plan.

Review: Multimedia Magic From Hewlett-Packard

The HP Pavilion ZT1000 is an attractive, well-equipped consumer notebook of particular interest to multimedia lovers.

The 15-inch screen's native resolution of 1400 by 1050 produces detailed photos with rich color. Two robust speakers on the front are complemented by a set of dedicated, front-mounted audio buttons and a status display that shows music track information, making the notebook a good stand-alone CD player.

Other slick features include built-in wireless antennas for hopping onto Wi-Fi (802.11b) services and an on/off button that controls wireless scanning--a big plus, given the way that wireless networking can drain batteries. Speaking of batteries, the power charge lasted 2 hours, 20 minutes, a bit shy of other Pentium 4-M notebooks.

The model we tested included a 1.9-GHz/1.2-GHz Pentium 4-M, 512MB of DDR266 SDRAM, 512KB of L2 cache, Windows XP Home, a 40GB hard drive, an 8X DVD-ROM and 8X/8X/24X CD-RW combination drive, and more for $2499.

Review: Acer TravelMate Travels Lightly

We found the Acer TravelMate 632XCi to be particularly suitable for business travelers. The notebook is fairly lightweight (6.1 pounds), offers built-in Wi-Fi wireless networking, and is capable of securely accommodating multiple users with a built-in Smart Card reader and a swappable hard drive. Another advantage: The notebook uses Intel's power-draining Pentium 4-M processor without sacrificing much battery life.

Our review unit included a 1.6-GHz/1.2-GHz Pentium 4-M chip, 256MB of DDR266 SDRAM, 512KB of L2 cache, Windows XP Professional, a 14.1-inch active matrix screen, a 20GB hard drive, an 8X DVD-ROM and 8X/8X/24X CD-RW combination drive, a built-in V.90 modem and a network interface, and more for $1499.