When you think about how much laptops have evolved over the past couple of years, it’s staggering. You can now get screaming-fast quad-core power inside a machine that weighs less than 4 pounds. Many notebooks can switch between integrated and Graphics chips are responsible for processing all images sent to your computer?s display. Learn Morediscrete graphics on the fly. You’ll even find some models with 3D displays or tech that lets you stream video wirelessly to your HDTV. Yet even with all of these advancements, notebooks have taken serious steps back in some ways. The “evolution” of the touchpad seems to have moved from a utilitarian pointing device to a mere decoration.
In the interest of full transparency, I’m a pointing stick snob. I love the precision offered by the ThinkPad that I use as my primary notebook. It’s always pinpoint accurate, no tweaking required. But I’ve also used plenty of touchpads that work well, and it’s easy to tell the good ones from those that make you want to throw the laptop down a flight of stairs. My biggest pet peeve is touchpads that integrate mouse buttons. Let me clarify: Windows notebooks featuring touchpads with integrated buttons.
HP has been one of the biggest offenders with its Pavilion and Envy lines. One system I reviewed recently had a touchpad so wonky that the slightest brush against the surface while typing moved the cursor. Other times the notebook would shrink or enlarge webpages or documents, registering an errant second finger as a pinch gesture. A subsequent driver update made the laptop more usable, but we still docked a half star from an otherwise great system because of subpar ergonomics.
Other Windows notebook vendors continue to experiment with touchpads, sacrificing style for substance. Take the Gateway ID49—the first notebook we’ve tested with a glowing touchpad. The effect is kind of cool, but the whole device depresses when you click the touchpad, making you use more force and wait longer for your next move.
In general, I also dislike touchpads with glossy or mirrored surfaces. Take the Acer Aspire 8943G. It’s neat that the touchpad houses hidden touch media controls, but the glossiness causes unnecessary friction when all you want to do is move the cursor from point A to point B. The fingerprint smudges don’t help, either.
Palm rejection is another issue. As touchpads enlarge to enable multitouch gestures, so does the risk of making unintended movements. I especially notice this problem on laptops whose touchpads sit very closely to the keyboard, such as the Toshiba Portege R700. For the most part, Windows notebooks aren’t smart enough to know when you’re typing. Yes, you can dig into the settings in some cases to dial up Palm Check sensitivity, but you shouldn’t have to.
When notebook makers do see fit to include dedicated mouse buttons, they often skip discrete left and right buttons in favor of a single bar. I’m not a fan of this approach at all because, in a lot of cases, there’s not a clear delineation between left and right; or the bar might be too stiff, narrow, or both. Using any notebook takes some adjustment, but the best laptops don’t have a steep learning curve. They just work the way you expect, pretty much right out of the box.
For some reason, Apple’s MacBook and MacBook Pro touchpads are miles better than anything in the Windows camp. They’re silky smooth, offer multitouch gestures that don’t take any practice or patience, and have buttons that click when you actually want them to. The experience is so good, in fact, that Apple saw fit this week to release an external Magic Trackpad, which some say puts the mighty mouse on notice. (Note to Apple: please make a Windows version.)
Will I ever give up my precious pointing stick? Maybe. Leading touchpad maker Synaptics says it hears my complaints loud and clear and is revamping its ClickPad. It boasts a new mechanical design, as well as Image Sensing Technology that offers more multifinger capabilities usually reserved for touchscreens. More important, new SmartSense technology should prevent accidental palm activation of the cursor. These advancements can’t come soon enough.
At the end of the day, I’m psyched by many of the innovations and cutting edge components today’s laptops possess. But in too many cases these whiz-bang features get cancelled out by lackluster ergonomics. Consumers deserve a notebook that’s both powerful and easy to use. And only those systems will earn our Editors’ Choice.
Editor-in-chief Mark Spoonauer directs LAPTOP’s online and print editorial content and has been covering mobile and wireless technology for over a decade. Each week Mark’s SpoonFed column provides his insights and analysis of the biggest mobile trends and news. You can also follow him on Twitter.
Not that the concept doesn’t make sense, but I did not really see this one coming. In an epic move to push its legendary brand to the masses, Playboy launched a website last week that is totally safe for work and apparently boobie-free. Well, fully nude boobies, anyway. Enter TheSmokingJacket.com, a Playboy-branded site that features many elements you might find in the physical magazine itself if you bothered to read the articles. That’s why you renewed your last subscription in the first place, right? Then you’re in luck!
According to Jimm Jellinek, Playboy’s editorial director, in an interview with FoxNews.com, this site purports to pander to the 25- to 34-year-old male demographic, and is “basically a juke box of cool.”
With the blessing of my fellow editors here at LAPTOP, I took it upon myself to check out the site and see what all the hullabaloo is about.
My first stop when I get to the home page is an introductory video straight from the man himself, Hugh Heffner! Oh, this should be good. Nothing would be endorsed by my man Hef if it weren’t up to snuff, and you can take that to the bank. “The smoking jacket isn’t just something I like to wear around the mansion,” Hugh coos. “It’s Playboy’s new safe for work website. Next to the mansion, it’s the best hangout on the planet.” And…that’s it. Including the opening and closing music, this damn thing only lasted 21 seconds. A real ringing endorsement, old man.
Speaking from the perspective of a 26-year-old dude, I’d say The Smoking Jacket hits the mark when it comes to entertainment value. There are five main areas to navigate to at the top of the page: Girls, Entertainment, Sex, Videos, and Lifestyle. Each section has its own merits, and there’s plenty of naughty chuckles to be had.
Looking for an article that makes fun of people who have ill-advised ideas for fixing the oil spill? Bam. How about a trailer for a fake movie that literally celebrates the presence of explosions and good ol’ TNA in this summer’s blockbusters? Yeah, you’re welcome. There’s sex advice, viral videos, cartoons, the whole deal: everything a man might need if he doesn’t plan on growing up until he’s at least 35. Or 45.
But wait a second, Playboy, what was that gibberish you were saying about this site being safe for work? With all these risque goodies to be had, it almost seems to good to be true. Hmm, let’s take a look at a few screenshots:
All right, Smoking Jacket, I’m not sure who exactly Kelly Brook is, but if my bosses came up behind me observing how her behind is “unstoppable,” I can assure you they might raise an eyebrow. Oh, what’s that up in the corner? A link entitled, “How to Use Your Two-Year-Old Child As a Drug Mule,” you say? I’ll…get back to you on that one. OK, one more:
Dammit, Smoking Jacket! I thought you said all this business was safe for work. Now, my superiors might have been willing to let the whole “Kelly Brook’s bum” thing up there slide, but if they catch me taking a leisurely lunch, chomping down on chicken salad while also researching the best ways to seduce my fellow employees, my career is going to take a turn for the worse. And not in the sexy sort of way your online publication would have me believe, either.
OK, bottom line: I’m going to go ahead and endorse this site, but just barely. It’s entertaining, it’s somewhat smart, and it hits the nail on the head for the demographic it’s aiming for. But beware of the partial nudity, because it’s everywhere; I’d take that whole “safe for work” thing with a grain of salt unless you work from home.
Flash fans, rev up your engines. Sprint says it will start to roll out Android 2.2 (Froyo) starting August 3 for its Evo 4G superphone. This update will bring not only Flash video playback, but Bluetooth voice dialing, the ability to store apps to the memory card. Other enhancements will include camera 4-way rotation (so icons can rotate with the camera) and vastly improved browser performance. Froyo will bring a much zippier Javascript engine.
Here’s how it will go down. Starting August 3, Sprint will start sending update notifications to users, and the upgrade should be available to all Evo 4G users by the middle of the month. For those users who don’t want to wait for notifications, yuo’ll be able to request an update by just going into the settings menu, clicking System Updates and then Software Update.
We can’t wait to see how much better our favorite Sprint phone can get.
Today, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer told a group of financial analysts that his company is hard at work “turning” Windows 7 for a massive new raft of consumer tablets. “We’re coming full guns,” he told the group. “The operating system is called Windows.”
Ballmer admitted that Apple has first-mover advantage in this nascent market, but that his company will overcome iOS on tablets like it swept away Linux on netbooks. “Just like we had to make things happen on netbooks, we have to with Windows 7 on slates. We’re in the process of doing that as we speak,” he said.
Exactly what Microsoft is doing remains a mystery. We know that a number of vendors already have Windows 7 tablets on the market or coming to market, the dual-screen Toshiba Libretto W100 for example. But it sounds like Ballmer’s”full guns” initiative refers to substantive changes in the OS that will make it more tablet-friendly and usher in a new generation of devices. Could Redmond be coming out with a new version of Windows 7 just for slates or adding a few touch-friendly features via a service pack?
Though many have criticized Windows 7 as too “heavy” for slates, the operating system has a huge ecosystem of software and hardware that gives it a lot more functionality than iOS. Pointing out one strength, Ballmer said that “When you get your Windows 7 machine, it will print. Some people actually like to print every now and then.”
While he wouldn’t give precise timing on this new-generation of tablets, Ballmer did say that some will show up later this year and others will take advantage of Intel’s upcoming Oak Trail low-power processor when that CPU debuts in 2011. We’ll be waiting, fingers drawn.
Like its smaller iPhone and iPod touch siblings, the iPad has instantly become a compelling platform for gamers alike. By attracting independent developers and such heavy hitters as EA, Gameloft, Square Enix, and Ubisoft, Apple’s slick slate has seen a rapid increase in both casual and hardcore titles—even at this premature stage in its life cycle. To maximize your fun on the couch and on the go, we rounded up the best games across a broad range of categories. Not an iPad owner yet? There are plenty of reasons below to push you over the edge.
Adventure Games
Pocket Legends
This MMORPG is built from the ground up exclusively for the iPad. Great 3D graphics, three character classes (Archer, Enchantress, and Warrior each with specific abilities), and a large, immersive gaming world make this an enjoyable free ride.
The Sam and Max duo are comic book icons turned video game legends with a huge following, and their first adventure that made a splash on the PC is now available for the iPad. Sam & Max Episode 1: The Penal Zone has a touch-friendly presentation that has migrated quite well from it’s point-and-click counterpart. Even more impressive are the detailed 3D environments that today’s mainstream laptops have trouble rendering. Sam and Max have distinctive personalities, and the game’s comedic edge will keep you engaged as you solve puzzles and track down bad guys.
This critically acclaimed iPhone platformer receives a major HD facelift for the iPad, and has 66 gravity defying levels set over 7 different worlds. You control an adorable character who sets out to free his captured buddies. The more friends you rescue, the more abilities your character will possess, including faster speed and better jumping ability. Your journey may seem cute, but it won’t be easy, as some enemies can’t be defeated, and must be avoided altogether. Overall, this title is a must that gamers of all levels can get into.
Savvy eReader fanatics noticed that the Kindle 2 was listed as unavailable on Amazon’s site earlier today, leading many to surmise that a new Kindle was on the way. Not surprising since a new DX just landed with an improved screen and new features. Amazon didn’t keep us waiting for long — today they announced not only the new Kindle with 3G but also Kindle Wi-Fi, a less expensive sibling.
This is also not a complete surprise as Barnes & Noble did the same thing just a few weeks ago. And like the Nook with Wi-Fi, the Kindle Wi-Fi is the same as the 3G version in every way except for connectivity. It’s also just $139, $10 cheaper than the Nook. It’s on.
Just as with the new DX, both updated Kindles come in graphite, though consumers can still opt for white. Amazon trimmed the already svelte Kindle even more, making the device’s width 21 percent smaller. This resulted in what seems like much smaller page turning buttons (that are supposed to be quieter) and some shifting around of the Home and Menu buttons and a redesign of the joystick. The screen remains the same size — 6 inches — and the bookseller claims that not only does it have 50 percent more contrast, but is “optimized with Amazon’s proprietary waveform and font technology to make pages turn faster and fonts sharper.”
Additionally, both Kindles now have double the internal storage (up to 3,500 books) and a whopping one month of battery life. Amazon has improved the PDF reader, which now allows notes, highlights, and dictionary lookup, plus support for password-protected files. Text-to-speech is still hanging on, but now also has the ability to read menus, the Home screen, and item descriptions. I’m wondering if this will allow customers with vision impairments to use the device — I suppose it depends on how well it works.
The Kindle 3G continues to have global wireless coverage and now also includes Wi-Fi. Again, just like the Nook. Users who opt for Kindle Wi-Fi can access any AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot across the U.S. to shop and download Kindle content without needing a password. This probably doesn’t cover surfing with the Kindle’s new webkit browser, but at least you’ll be able to get your eBook fix conveniently even without 3G.
I’m also excited about the new cover for the Kindle, which includes a light for reading in the dark.
The Kindle 3G and Kindle Wi-Fi will cost $189 and $139 respectively and will ship to customers starting August 27th. You can pre-order them now (just click the links) or wait until we get a chance to review them both. In the meantime, check the gallery below for more images.
You might say that Asus goes against the grain with its U33Jc. (Ahem.) It’s the company’s first notebook for the U.S. that’s decked out in smoky brown bamboo on the lid and palmrest, offset by a cool brushed aluminum deck. The eco-chic aesthetic is unlike anything we’ve seen before, but it’s far from over the top. In fact, you have to look fairly close to make out the treated wood, which is said to have the tensil strength of steel. Beyond the design, the 13-inch U33Jc impresses with its overall performance, helped by a Core i3 processor and Nvidia’s hybrid Optimus graphics. This is not a gaming rig by any stretch, but you get plenty of multimedia muscle combined with nearly 7 hours of battery life in a strikingly handsome design.
Is this bamboo notebook for you? Check out our full review of the Asus U33Jc here. Oh, and if you want to get your hands on one, Amazon will start taking pre-orders today right here.
If you downloaded any wallpapers made by Jackeey to your Android phone, you’ll want to delete it. Turns out that the apps, free wallpapers ranging from Ubuntu themes to kittens to “sex women,” collect your Android device’s phone number, subscriber identifier, and voicemail number and send it to the Chinese website www.imnet.us.
The security flaw was revealed at the BlackHat conference in Las Vegas this week and it’s believed to have affected over 1 million Android users. The security site, MyLookout.com contacted Phandroid to let them know that while collecting this information is not an outright malicious act, it’s certainly shady.
Thankfully, Google recently implemented a global kill switch that will delete apps that are found to be malicious from both their app store and from every phone that has the offending app installed.
Did anyone download one of the Jackeey wallpapers? Did Google delete it off of your phone?
For Thursday, LogicBUY’s got the 14 inch Lenovo IdeaPad U460. This laptop has specs typical of what you’d expect: 500GB The storage device that holds your OS, programs, and data. Learn Morehard drive, 4GB DDR3 RAM, LED display, and Windows 7. Lenovo makes it computer stand out, though with features like a fingerprint reader, built in light sensor, and an optional NVIDIA GeForce 305M Graphics chips are responsible for processing all images sent to your computer?s display. Learn Morediscrete graphics card.
Depending on the model you choose you can get a Core i3 or i5 processor and better graphics performance. Looking for a good idea? Lenovo and LogicBUY’s got one.
Base Specs for IdeaPad U460 Laptop (087723U): Core i3-350M 2.26GHz; 4GB DDR3; HM55 chipset; Intel HD Graphics; Fingerprint Reader; 14″ LED LCD; 500GB Hard Drive; 802.11n WiFi; 8-cell battery; BT; Windows 7
Base Specs for IdeaPad U460 Laptop (087722U): Core i5-450M 2.4GHz; 4GB DDR3; NVIDIA GeForce 305M; Fingerprint Reader; 14″ LED LCD; 500GB Hard Drive; 802.11n WiFi; 8-cell battery; BT; Windows 7
Face it– the first day of school is coming closer everyday. But, before your student hits the books with his freshly sharpened pencils, you’ll want to hit the sales to find the best deals on tech for your student. You can find everything you need for back to school here, but check out our favorite notebooks at every price range in this video. Senior Writer Dana Wollman has advice on what features to expect for each price category and shows off our favorites. For even more information on the best notebooks for class, go here.
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Savvy eReader fanatics noticed that the 
