Notebooks & Accessories

News: Use Your Notebook as a Phone

One of VoIP's benefits for business travelers is that you can take the VoIP telephone adapter on a trip, plug it into an available broadband network connection, and use your VoIP phone service just as you would at the office. Even better, Vonage recently announced Vonage SoftPhone, software that lets you use your Vonage phone service on your notebook (or desktop).

Vonage SoftPhone works like a telephone keypad, according to the company. You can make and receive calls on your Vonage service and listen to voice mail by using the software and a microphone/headset connected to a notebook or desktop PC. The service adds $10 a month to your Vonage service plan.

Tip: Use Your Notebook as a TV

What to do with your notebook when you're not working? Why, turn it into a television, of course. Michael Desmond, in a recent PC World article, tells you what you'll need and walks you through the necessary steps. For example, he explains that USB TV tuner box is the only way most notebook users can get a TV signal into their computer.

News: Notebook Storage to Hit 100GB

Most notebook hard drives hover in the 40 to 60GB range, with a few topping out at 80GB. But later this year, notebooks featuring a new 100GB hard drive manufactured by Toshiba should become available.