Dell Introduced Color Notebook Blitz

Dell has introduced new Inspiron notebook systems available in eight colors, plus a slim XPS 1330 notebook, new flat-panel displays, and new Inspiron desktops.

Aiming to recapture the top spot in the U.S. and world PC markets, computer maker Dell today launched series of new products designed to refresh the company's consumer offerings, unveiled its new Yours is Here marketing campaign…and at the same time, retired one of its most venerable brands.

Making a colorful splash, Dell's new Inspiron notebook series are available in eight colors (jet black, alpine white, espresso brown, ruby red, midnight blue, spring green, sunshine yellow, and (yes) flamingo pink) with screen sizes ranging from 14.1 inches to 17 inches. All offer Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, optional mobile broadband options, and high-definition video options like Blu-ray drives and integrated Webcams. The Inspiron notebooks are driven by Intel Core 2 Duo processors (the 14.1 and 15-inch models) or AMD Turion Dual-Core processors (for the 17-inch model) running at speeds up to 2.2 GHz, support up to 4 GB of memory, and are available with a variety of screen resolutions (and LED backlighting), storage, graphics, drive, and OS options—although none are available with Linux pre-installed . The new Inspiron systems are available today, and prices start as low as $749.

Dell also took the wraps of its XPS 1330 notebook, which the company is touting as the world's thinnest 13.3-inch notebook, being just 0.9 inches thick and weighing a scant 3.97 pounds. The system features an aluminum alloy chassis, an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, optional Nvidia GeForce Go 8400M graphics, and an optional 32 GB solid state drive instead of a traditional hard drive—although the system is also available with a 7200 RPM 200 GB drive. The XPS 1330 will be available in three colors (red, blue, and black) with prices starting at $1,299.

"Getting to know customers is what we do best," said Zita Cassizzi, Dell's VP of Dell's consumer marketing, in a statement. "Taking their feedback, putting it to work, and delivering the devices consumers want most is reflected in these new products."

Dell also introduced Inspiron 530, 530s and 531, 531s desktops, where "s" stands for "slimline." These systems start as low as $349 with Intel Pentium Dual-Core processors, 512 MB of RAM, a 160 GB hard drive, and Windows Vista Home Basic, but optional upgrades can add an INtel Core 2 Duo processor running as fast as 1.13 GHz, up to 40 GB of RAM, 1 TB of storage, and either Nvidia or ATI graphics controllers. Not to forget about its LCD display business, Dell also introdued the 19-inch SE198WFP LCD monitor for $189, and $669 will now buy the 2407WFP 24-inch widescreen LCD monitor.

Dell also announced it plans to retire its venerable "Dimension" brand for desktop PCs. Dell fans may have noticed in the releases above that the company has extended its Inspiron brand—which use to be exclusive to notebooks—to budget-conscious desktop systems, replacing Dell's long-standing Dimension branding. Dell has been selling Dimensions since 1992—and, in an ironic move, recently announced plans to move into traditional retail channels by offering Dimension-branded PCs at Wal-Mart. Looks like Dell's first desktop products to be offered via the mega-retailer may have a short lifespan.
[DigitalTrends

How Not to Pack A Laptop When You Travel By A Plane

So why shouldn't you pack your notebook in a checked suitcase when you travel by plane? Here are three excellent reasons.

1. Your Notebook Could Be Damaged

You may have taken the utmost care in packing your notebook. However, what happens to your suitcase and its contents once you check it is out of your control.

"Airlines often load bags on top of one another in the cargo hold of your flight," warns the Transportation Security Administration on its Web site. "Your baggage may be loaded with hundreds of other bags, with possibly several on top of yours. Hundreds of pounds of pressure in conjunction with high altitude and the resulting low temperatures" while the plane is in flight "create an ideal environment for damaged laptops," according to the site. "These conditions crack cases and damage screens among other things. For these reasons, we recommend that you keep your laptop in your carry-on bag when traveling."

2. Your Notebook Could Be Stolen

While I'm sure the vast majority of baggage handlers and airport screeners are honest, all you need is one dishonest opportunist who spots your laptop in an X-ray screening.

For instance, on two different trips, I packed low-cost electronic items in my checked baggage--mainly iPod accessories--and found them missing when I unpacked. (Needless to say, I no longer pack any electronics in my checked suitcase.)

Also, keep in mind some thieves are more interested in a laptop's hard drive data than the computer itself. The drive may include information, such as social security numbers, that can be sold or exploited for identity theft. Do you really want to risk having data like that fall into the wrong hands?

3. Your Notebook Could Get Lost

If you've packed a notebook in your checked bag and the airline loses that bag, you're out of luck. Oh, and do you think the airlines will reimburse you for that laptop? They probably won't.

On U.S. domestic flights, there's a $2800 compensation limit per person total (not per bag) for lost or damaged baggage. And so, in theory, if you've packed a $3000 laptop in your checked bag and the bag goes missing in action, you're out at least $200. For international trips, airline liability is capped at $1500 per passenger.

However, many airlines specifically exclude computer equipment from their liability--meaning they don't have to pay you anything if your laptop is lost, stolen, or broken during a flight.

For example, go to Delta's Declaring Baggage Value page and you'll read this policy: "Delta is not responsible or liable for cash, camera equipment, commercial effects, computer software and equipment, electronic equipment, fragile articles, jewelry, lifesaving medication, negotiable papers, irreplaceable business documents, works of art or other similar valuable items contained in checked or unchecked baggage."

Other airlines have similar policies, including American Airlines, Continental Airlines, United, and US Airways.

What Are Your Options?

If you must pack your notebook in a checked suitcase--as some travelers were forced to do last summer, following an alleged terrorist threat--then you'll need to take precautions.

* Back up your data before you begin your trip, and make sure it's password protected at a minimum. Consider removing your laptop's hard drive and packing it (carefully) in your carry-on bag.
* Pack the notebook in a shock-resistant case, such as an Otterbox, or buy a ruggedized notebook.
* Put a TSA-approved lock on your checked bag to reduce the chances that an unscrupulous baggage handler will steal your laptop.
* Look into buying insurance for your notebook from the likes of Safeware.
* Consider using a service that tracks, locates, and recovers stolen laptops, such as LoJack for Laptops ($50 a year).
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Panasonic W5 (CF-W5M)

Panasonic’s Toughbook CF-W5M is an ultraportable 3.1-pound notebook designed for both work and play. For $2086.71, the CF-W5 configuration features very nice performance that comes courtesy of a 1.06-GHz Intel Core Duo processor, 512MB/1GB of DDR2 memory, a 60GB SATA HDD, and a 12.1-inch display. Video after the break.

Cario, Notebook On The Go

A slim line, lightweight concept Notebook for the mobile worker. This notebook gives the user possibility to use it without a notebook bag. As Adjusted for use in car whilst stationary to enable a work space for the business commuter. Inside the car the notebook is designed to fit the interior, Once connected into the cars system, through the notebook the user has easy access to personalize the vehicles environment and settings to their preferences. The Notebook would only work in the car while driving as a HUD (head up display) with the projector, for a safe driving. And turn into workmode while stationary and adjusted on the drivers steering wheel.
[Source]