A Review of the Apple MacBook MB402LLA 13.3″ Notebook
It seems like only yesterday that the most expensive back to school purchases were school books and certain types of art supplies. Today, those simple items are replaced with high tech gadgets and tools; a reflection of the ever growing age of technology.
Let's examine some of the hot electronic items for back to school, 2007.
The Calculators of yesteryear was a number two pencil and the human brain. However, today kids do their math with an electronic calculator in hand. One of the best on the market is Texas Instrument's TI-84 Graphing Handheld Calculator, a good choice for around $120. It does simple math, calculates fractions and square roots, graphs, and more; virtually any kind of math problem a student might encounter.
Digital Voice Recorders like the Olympus VN 4100PC holds hours of high-quality audio inside a compact, ergonomically designed body. Its multiple recording modes, large LCD screen and functional design make this recorder ideal for just about any class. Its PC Link allows transfer of audio files to almost any PC through a standard USB cable with speed and ease. The cost is just under $50.
Digital Cameras like the Olympus Stylus 770 SW are durable enough for even the roughest teen. But this camera offers more than durability. It also has a Hypercrystal LCD that allows perfect viewing even in the harshest direct light. Additionally, its digital image stabilization makes certain you get sharp pictures every single time. It retails for around $300.
Camcorders like Canon's DC 210 lets your student access the latest in DVD technology. For less than $300, this camcorder offers a lot of the same features found on the more expensive models, as well as the brilliance and power of a Genuine Canon 35x Optical Zoom.
The Firefly Cell Phone is popular among youth that pretty much like anything that sparkles. Parents like it as well because they can control incoming and outgoing calls. It activates easily and quickly and has nationwide wireless service. Kids also like that it comes in various colors with animations and customized ring tones. The cost is around $60.
Although certainly not a necessity, many are saying that the Digi Makeover Interactive Makeup Kit . This plug and play software displays a variety of wonderful makeup ideas and effects as well as cool suggestions for hair, clothing, and accessories. The cost is under $60.
The Apple iPod Shuffle is the smallest and arguably the most stylish MP3 player on the market today. It easily holds up to 240 songs or 12 hours of uninterrupted playback. You can also use the unit as a portable flash storage drive, making it unnecessary to purchase a separate one. It's not too expensive either, at just over $50. This one recharges quickly in just four hours.
Laptop Computers are important in some high schools and at most universities these days. HP Pavilion's dv9500t Laptop is an excellent choice for the serious student. This notebook comes with an ample memory but can be easily upgraded at any time. While it isn't one of the speediest performers available today, its sleek design, beautiful screen, and wealth of component options make it popular at around $1200.
To go with the laptop, consider the HP LaserJet 3050 All-In-One Printer and fax machine. For under $250, this handy piece of equipment has a laser printer than produces 19 pages a minute and faxes just as quickly.
The LeapFrog Leapster Learning System is a handheld computerized learning system with various skill levels that allow a child to learn the way that that they play. The interactive system has tutorial software in a variety of subjects, making it a bargain at under $60.
The Lingo Voyager 12 Language Talking Translator will display and pronounce more than 240,000 words and 27,000 typical phrases in 12 different languages, including English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Greek, Hebrew and Arabic. It also features a comprehensive dictionary; phonebook; calculator; calendar; metric and currency converters as well as an international clothing/shoe size converter. It also translates the time in 200 different locations throughout the world. The cost is just under $200.
Webcamslike the Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000 deliver exceptional video quality. It features a built-in noise-canceling microphone to ensure clear, vibrant sound every single time. It integrates with the Microsoft Windows Live Messenger and the universal attachment base allows easy and secure attachment to any monitor. The cost is around $36.
High schoolers and up will definitely be seeking the Palm Zire 21 Personal Digital Assistant. It was one of last year's most requested electronic items. This handy-dandy gadget will help your student keep track of his or her busy schedule as well as their important information. For around $100, this tool must just solve a myriad of academic needs.
USB Flash Drives have quickly taken the place of old fashioned floppy disks, allowing students to take their files with them wherever they go. They come in handy for bringing homework home from school computers or storing data researched at the library. It doesn't hurt that the prices on flash drives have nose-dived this year, making them more affordable than ever before. Some, like the Relay 512, even include data-security software. And they're small enough to fit on a key chain that can be looped on a belt or attached to a backpack. The average cost for one of these is around $50.
The V-Tech Nitro Notebook is perfect for the student who loves to read. It has tutorials to help with language skills as well as social studies, math, and art studies. That makes it a real bargain at around $49.99.
Certainly, schools or universities do not require most of these items. Most are just helpful tools to make a student's life easier. Pick and choose carefully those that best suit your student and your family budget.
from: Lorainas Weblog
Recalls This Week: laptop batteries, vacuums
NEW YORK — Hewlett-Packard notebook computer batteries that can overheat, Hoover upright vacuums with faulty cords, and generators that may leak fuel are among the products recalled this week.
Also on the list are a magnet game that has an inappropriate age-designation label, tea glasses that could expose users to lead contamination and basketball-shaped chair sets that may have lead paint.
Here are the recalled items this week:
_________
HP NOTEBOOK BATTERIES
DETAILS: Hewlett-Packard has expanded a recall of the lithium-ion batteries used in HP and Compaq notebook computers from last May. New model numbers have been added.
The batteries were made in China and used in HP Pavilion, Compaq Presario, HP Compaq and other HP laptops. They were sold at computer and electronics stores nationwide, on hp.com and hpshopping.com from August 2007 through July 2008 for between $500 and $3,000. Battery packs were also sold separately for between $100 and $160.
WHY: The batteries can overheat and potentially catch fire, creating a burn hazard.
HOW MANY: About 54,000, in addition to 70,000 previously recalled.
INCIDENTS: Since the May 2009 recall there have been 38 additional reports of overheating and rupturing, with 11 minor injuries and 31 cases of minor property damage.
FOR MORE: Call (888) 202-4320; visit www.hp.com/support/BatteryReplacement
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HOOVER WINDTUNNEL VACUUMS
DETAILS: Hoover has recalled its WindTunnel T-Series bagless upright vacuum cleaners that have a cord rewind feature. The feature enables the cord to wind inside the vacuum for storage. The recall involves five model numbers. The vacuums were made in Mexico for Hoover Inc., of Glenwillow, Ohio, and sold by major retailers and independent stores nationwide and online from August 2009 through May 2010 for between $100 and $160.
Vacuums with the manufacturing code KO9A followed by a green dot are not included in this recall.
WHY: The power cord could be pulled loose because is not properly routed or securely in the cord rewind assembly. This poses fire and shock hazards.
HOW MANY: About 108,000
INCIDENTS: There have been three reports of minor burns to carpet and furniture, and one report of a burn to someone's hand.
FOR MORE: Call 888-891-2054; visit www.hoover.com/tseriesrewindrecall or www.cpsc.gov.
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CUMMINS PORTABLE GENERATORS
DETAILS: Cummins Power Generation recalled five models of its Onan portable generators made in China by Loncin Industries Ltd. Only generators manufactured on or after June 2009 and before December 2009 are included. The generators were sold by Cummins dealers nationwide from June 2009 through February 2010 for between $700 and $1,100.
WHY: Fuel can leak through the carburetor when the generator is being used, posing a fire hazard.
HOW MANY: About 550
INCIDENTS: There have been 25 reports of fuel leaking. None have involved injuries or property damage.
FOR MORE: Call 800-344-0039; visit www.cumminsonan.com/portable/ or www.cpsc.gov.
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BUCKYBALLS HIGH POWERED MAGNET SETS
DETAILS: Buckyballs High Powered Magnets Sets contain 216 powerful rare earth magnets that can be used to build various shapes and patterns.
The recalled magnets were imported from China by Maxfield and Oberton LLC, of New York, N.Y. and sold at toy stores, stationery and office supply stores and online March 2009 through March 2010
WHY: The sets were labeled “Ages 13+” but do not meet the mandatory toy standard which requires that such powerful magnets are not sold for children under 14. Magnets found by young children can be swallowed or aspirated. If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforations or blockages, which can be fatal.
Sets sold since March 2010 were labeled “Keep Away From All Children” and are not being recalled.
HOW MANY: About 175,000
INCIDENTS: There have been two reports of children swallowing one or more magnets. No injuries were reported.
FOR MORE: Call 888-847-8716; visit www.maxfieldandobertonsafety.com or www.cpsc.gov.
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MOROCCAN TEA GLASSES
DETAILS: The Moroccan tea glasses have an etched graphic design on the outside of the glass and were sold in assorted colors including blue, green and red at Cost Plus/World Market stores nationwide from June 2009 through November 2009.
The 7-ounce glasses were about $5, and 11.25-ounce size was about $6. They were made in Morocco and imported by Cost Plus Inc., of Oakland, Calif.
WHY: The glasses contain excessive levels of lead in the exterior coloring. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause long-term health problems.
HOW MANY: About 14,000.
INCIDENTS: None reported.
FOR MORE: Call 877-967-5362; visit www.worldmarket.com.
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CHILDREN'S HOODED SWEATSHIRTS
DETAILS: This recall involves certain boys Rim Rocka hooded sweatshirts and Pelle Pelle Girls' hooded jackets imported by Lollytogs Ltd., of New York, N.Y. They were sold at Burlington Coat Factory stores and at various small retailers nationwide from February 2008 through September 2009 for about $14.
The boys sweatshirts are black or navy blue, with red and white trim or gray and white trim, and have a large number embroidered on the front. The drawstrings are attached at the hood. They have an emblem on the left shoulder that reads “RR” and a tag at the back of the neck that reads “Rim Rocka official sports apparel.”
The girls' hooded jackets have a zipper that zips to the top of the hood. They are either pink or white, with pictures of bottle caps printed on the hood and sleeves. They have “Soda Club pelle pelle” on the top right of the sweatshirt. The tag at the back of the neck reads “pelle pelle.” The drawstrings are attached at the waist. The sweatshirts were sold in sizes 2T-14.
WHY: The jackets have a drawstring through the hood and the vests have a drawstring through the waist which create a danger of strangulation and entanglement for young children.
HOW MANY: About 23,000
INCIDENTS: None reported.
FOR MORE: Call 800-637-9035; visit www.ltapparel.com or www.cpsc.gov.
HP RU350AA Backpack Case for 17.0-Inch Notebooks Description:
The HP RU350AA HP Notebook Backpack is designed for protecting a 17-inch notebook computer. The bag is made of durable heavy duty nylon with lightweight padding that makes it both strong and comfortable to wear and carry. There are numerous pockets and compartments to store your gear. The backpack is carried by dual padded shoulder straps /which evenly distribute your load/ or by a carry handle.
- Brand: Hewlett-Packard
- Model: RU350AA
- Original language: English
- Dimensions: 13.00″ h x 2.38″ w x 15.00″ l, 1.98 pounds
Features
- Backpack case holds laptops with displays up to 17 inches in size; great for commuting to office or school
- Cushioned computer compartment for optimal protection
- Store AC adapter, an extra battery, or a mouse in the removable mesh pouch
- Mesh water bottle pocket on the side; headphone jacket
- Made of durable, heavy-duty nylon with plenty of light-weight padding
Customer Reviews:
Great bag!!
I purchased this bag because my current bag could not handle a Calculus book, a JAVA book, and a laptop. But this bag can hold it all!
–Now to let you know I usually hold the JAVA book, because it puts a strain on your back with this much weight.
It has so many compartments for all your laptop accessories, and protects the laptop amazingly, extremely well insulated and cushioned. Now, to let you know I have a 15″ notebook and use it for it and not a 17″. With my laptop it still has room for a 2″ Calculus book and a .5″ notebook (or a JAVA book [about 2"])
The laptop part of the bag has zippers with the ability to accommodate a lock for added security. I am very much enjoying my bag, and plan to get a great use out of it for years to come!
Great backpack for the 17″ screen
I did a lot of research on a lot of bags, backpacks and messenger bags. For the price this is a great bag. My Toshiba 355 with the 17″ screen fit perfect in the padded slot that has a velcro strap to keep it in place. This backpack also has two other compartments for books and ect. Plenty of pockets, compartments and extras. Lot of backpack for a small price.
Just the right size
This bag is just what I needed! I have a 17in widescreen HP and it fits perfectly! Lots of room to spare in the other compartments and very easy on the back with lots of padding. The price was great! I also love the fact that unlike most backpacks the harness is all one piece and not sewn on! Very sturdy!
Amazon.com Product Description
With its sleek lines and ample storage features, the HP Backpack (model RU350AA) is great for carrying your laptop and all your work or school gear for a full day on the go. This all-purpose backpack is made of durable, heavy-duty nylon with plenty of light-weight padding, and it protects laptops with displays up to 17 inches in size within a padded, Velcro-secured inner compartment.
This is what it gave me. This is the card I'm working with if that helps http://www.dynexsupport.com/product/?pid=DX-EBNBC
pete@linux-nb88:~> /sbin/lspci -nnk
00:00.0 Host bridge : Intel Corporation 82855PM Processor to I/O Controller (rev 03)
Subsystem: Hewlett-Packard Company NC8000 laptop
Kernel driver in use: agpgart-intel
00:01.0 PCI bridge : Intel Corporation 82855PM Processor to AGP Controller (rev 03)
00:1d.0 USB Controller : Intel Corporation 82801DB/DBL/DBM (ICH4/ICH4-L/ICH4-M) USB UHCI Controller #1 (rev 03)
Subsystem: Hewlett-Packard Company NC8000 laptop
Kernel driver in use: uhci_hcd
00:1d.1 USB Controller : Intel Corporation 82801DB/DBL/DBM (ICH4/ICH4-L/ICH4-M) USB UHCI Controller #2 (rev 03)
Subsystem: Hewlett-Packard Company NC8000 laptop
Kernel driver in use: uhci_hcd
00:1d.2 USB Controller : Intel Corporation 82801DB/DBL/DBM (ICH4/ICH4-L/ICH4-M) USB UHCI Controller #3 (rev 03)
Subsystem: Hewlett-Packard Company NC8000 laptop
Kernel driver in use: uhci_hcd
00:1d.7 USB Controller : Intel Corporation 82801DB/DBM (ICH4/ICH4-M) USB2 EHCI Controller (rev 03)
Subsystem: Hewlett-Packard Company NC8000 laptop
Kernel driver in use: ehci_hcd
00:1e.0 PCI bridge : Intel Corporation 82801 Mobile PCI Bridge (rev 83)
00:1f.0 ISA bridge : Intel Corporation 82801DBM (ICH4-M) LPC Interface Bridge (rev 03)
00:1f.1 IDE interface : Intel Corporation 82801DBM (ICH4-M) IDE Controller (rev 03)
Subsystem: Hewlett-Packard Company NC8000 laptop
Kernel driver in use: ata_piix
00:1f.3 SMBus : Intel Corporation 82801DB/DBL/DBM (ICH4/ICH4-L/ICH4-M) SMBus Controller (rev 03)
Subsystem: Hewlett-Packard Company NC8000 laptop
00:1f.5 Multimedia audio controller : Intel Corporation 82801DB/DBL/DBM (ICH4/ICH4-L/ICH4-M) AC'97 Audio Controller (rev 03)
Subsystem: Hewlett-Packard Company NC8000 laptop
Kernel driver in use: Intel ICH
00:1f.6 Modem : Intel Corporation 82801DB/DBL/DBM (ICH4/ICH4-L/ICH4-M) AC'97 Modem Controller (rev 03)
Subsystem: Hewlett-Packard Company NC8000 laptop
Kernel driver in use: Intel ICH Modem
01:00.0 VGA compatible controller : ATI Technologies Inc RV350 [Mobility Radeon 9600 M10]
Subsystem: Hewlett-Packard Company NC8000 laptop
02:06.0 CardBus bridge : O2 Micro, Inc. OZ711M3/MC3 4-in-1 MemoryCardBus Controller
Subsystem: Hewlett-Packard Company NC8000 laptop
Kernel driver in use: yenta_cardbus
02:06.1 CardBus bridge : O2 Micro, Inc. OZ711M3/MC3 4-in-1 MemoryCardBus Controller
Subsystem: Hewlett-Packard Company NC8000 laptop
Kernel driver in use: yenta_cardbus
02:06.2 System peripheral : O2 Micro, Inc. OZ711Mx 4-in-1 MemoryCardBus Accelerator
Subsystem: Hewlett-Packard Company NC8000 laptop
02:06.3 CardBus bridge : O2 Micro, Inc. OZ711M3/MC3 4-in-1 MemoryCardBus Controller
Subsystem: Hewlett-Packard Company NC8000 laptop
Kernel driver in use: yenta_cardbus
02:0d.0 FireWire (IEEE 1394) : Texas Instruments TSB43AB22/A IEEE-1394a-2000 Controller (PHY/Link)
Subsystem: Hewlett-Packard Company NC8000 laptop
Kernel driver in use: ohci1394
02:0e.0 Ethernet controller : Broadcom Corporation NetXtreme BCM5705M_2 Gigabit Ethernet (rev 03)
Subsystem: Hewlett-Packard Company NC8000 laptop
Kernel driver in use: tg3
05:00.0 Network controller : Broadcom Corporation BCM4318 [AirForce One 54g] 802.11g Wireless LAN Controller (rev 02)
Subsystem: Belkin Device
Kernel driver in use: b43-pci-bridge
News
Overheating Batteries Lead to HP Laptop Recall
Hewlett-Packard Co. is recalling 54,000 lithium-ion batteries used in its Pavilion and Compaq laptops due to the risk of overheating, and a potential fire hazard.
Since a prior May 2009 recall of 70,000 units, HP reported that it has received 38 reports of batteries that overheated and ruptured, resulting in 11 instances of minor personal injury and 31 cases of minor property damage.
In a May 19 announcement about the voluntary recall and replacement program, HP indicated that customers are eligible to receive a replacement battery pack for each verified, recalled battery pack at no cost.
HP and the Consumer Product Safety Commission both recommended that customers who own the affected laptops should remove the batteries immediately.
"We are taking this action as part of our commitment to provide the highest quality of service to our notebook customers," HP's announcement stated. "We are proactively notifying you of this issue and are prepared to replace all verified battery packs."
The recall pertains to battery packs shipped with certain models of HP Pavilion, HP Compaq and Compaq Presario notebooks that were manufactured between August 2007 and May 2008. Product numbers are listed on HP's Web site here. HP indicated in its announcement that fewer than three percent of the notebook PC products manufactured in this timeframe contained battery packs that are affected.
The computers, which cost between cost between $500 and $3,000, were sold both through electronic retailers and HP outlets between August 2007 and July 2008. The battery packs also were sold separately for between $100 and $160.
Battery recalls are not uncommon. In 2006, Sony recalled a massive number of lithium-ion batteries that were believed to be defective and sold to computer makers, including Apple (recalled 1.8 million batteries worldwide), Dell (4.1 million recalled), Lenovo and HP.
The BBC reported that researchers at Cambridge University have identified the cause of lithium-ion batteries overheating and catching fire. In short, metal fibers in the batteries are the key, as they can cause short circuits, resulting in the battery rapidly overheating — and potentially catching fire.
