Tips for Buying a Budget Laptop for College

One thing every student is going to need is a notebook. The main benefits include size and portability over desktop computers. If it is going to be his first notebook, we suggest getting a cheaper one to learn all its features before moving to a higher end model. Here are some tips to keep in mind before you shell out money on a budget notebook.

1) Size: Notebooks come in a variety of sizes. You might find the 16 inch laptops a joy to use but they are not that practical to lug around all day. That is why, we recommend trying out netbooks like Asus Eee PC X101 and Lenovo X120e which weigh less than 2 pounds and are much easier to carry around. X101 runs Meego operating system that boots in less than 5 seconds. Thanks to its aggressive power saving techniques, you will easily be able to get around 4 hours from its small 3 cell battery.

2) Storage and RAM: There are two kinds of memories inside a computer - hard disk and RAM. RAM is volatile storage which means that all data is erased after you turn off the computer. On the other hand, data stored on the hard disk or a solid state drives is persistent. Photoshop, operating system and Office apps require a lot of space and that is why, we recommend getting at least 160GB hard disk and a minimum of 1GB RAM. If you are planning to do a lot of multitasking, consider getting a notebook with 2GB RAM.

3) Processor: Most of the mini notebooks come with Intel Atom processors. They are very power frugal and deliver excellent battery life. For college work, an Atom processor is more than enough. However, if you are planning to do a bit of gaming as well, get one with an Intel Core i7 processor.

4) Operating system: Most of the notebooks, other than Apple, come with Windows 7. Apple computers run Mac OS X and are not compatible with the plethora of PC applications. Some PC manufactures also sell laptops with Meego or Ubuntu OS pre-loaded to save costs. Almost all of them come with windows drivers.

5) Warranty: Most electronic stores and outlets often offer extended warranties that cover small or big damage for few years. However, we recommend getting extended warranties from the actual computer manufacture itself as they have ready supply of parts that would be required for repairing. All the notebooks come with 1 year warranty as standard that cover most of the hardware damages.

Find out more meego laptop news and reviews to acquaint yourself about the Meego OS. Eee PC X101 is the first meego notebook. You can find more about it in this Asus x101 review.

 

How to Refill Printer Cartridges

Buying a fresh cartridge for your printer every time you run out of ink can burn a hole in your pocket. A much better option is to refill your cartridges at a printer refill shop, or at home using an ink refill kit. Not only is this cheap, but it also prevents your cartridge chips, sponge and plastic frames from getting wasted.

Basically, all inkjet printer cartridges are filled following the same instructions with slight variations based on the manufacturer and model number of the printer. You can use the help of the internet to identify the individual location in cartridges for different ink colors.

If you use a black cartridge, it usually has only one hole for filling while most color cartridges have 3 or more holes. Moreover, as different cartridges use unique types of ink, make sure you buy and use the right ink that is specific for your inkjet cartridge.

If required, drill a hole. Now that you have your ink and know where the holes are in the cartridge, you first have to remove the cartridge from the printer. While doing so, make sure you don't dirty the electrical parts of the printer with your fingerprints or ink.

Set the cartridge on a work area that takes spills and remove the label from the top of the cartridge. You now have to locate the hole in the cartridge for filling black ink. If there is no hole, drill a new one using a finger drill.

Next, fill a syringe with black ink and insert its needle into the hole while pressing into the spongy material found inside it. Slowly inject the ink into the cartridge until excess ink comes out of the hole. Your cartridge instruction booklet should mention how much ink you should inject into your cartridge.

Repeat with color cartridges. After cleaning the cartridge top with a rag, replace its top label and if necessary tape down its edges. Without contaminating the electrical contacts of the printer, slowly clean the bottom of the cartridge using a rag.

You next have to reinstall the cartridge into the printer, and repeat the same steps with your color cartridge. Just make sure you identify the right holes to inject the respective ink colors. Once you have refilled your color cartridges, reinstall them in the printer as well.

Run a few test pages. Make sure you clean all your syringes with water or the solvent that accompanies the refill kit once you are done refilling your printer cartridges. Run a test page, or perhaps several cleaning cycles to ensure there is no spreading of ink from the cartridges.

Sometimes, your computer's printer utility may register that your cartridge is still empty even after refilling it. Don't worry in such situations - all you have to do is read the instructions that accompany your inkjet cartridge to find out how to reset it so that your computer recognizes it as filled.

If you are looking for compatible inkjet cartridges, laser toners, fax toners and a whole range of printer supplies for most types of printers, just make a visit to http://www.77ink.com/. Special offer for Canon pg-40 cl-41 cartridges.

 

How to Buy Computer Hardware?

How to buy computer hardware? Buying computer hardware can be quite difficult. There is such a wide range, that it can be bewildering to choose the right parts. However, it is important to have a look around at the different places so that you can buy the best piece of computer hardware for the best and most affordable price.

I have listed five options below, of places where I would consider buying computer hardware. I give the positives and negatives, and also my personal view. This doesn't mean you have to buy your computer hardware from this place or not, it is just my opinion. Hopefully you will know how to buy computer hardware by the end of this article.

1. Local Computer Shop 
   The local PC shop is a fairly good option for computer hardware. The little computer stores sometimes have good deals, but you have to be careful because quite often the computer hardware is over priced.
2. 
   
   The reason for this is because the computer hardware has to go through so many people's hands before it actually gets to that store, so the price is significantly increased and they often sell to those that are not that familiar with current prices.
   
   However it is possible to get a good deal at these small shops, you just need to be careful.
3. Large Retailer
   The large retailers such as Harvery Norman (Aus), or Dell, or JB-HI5 are another possible option for buying computer hardware. If you just want your hardware now and are not too fussed about the price and you want good quality assistance, then these retailers are the place to go. They will generally give quite a decent warranty and are willing to take your product back if it is faulty, while a small computer shop may be not be as willing.
   
   
   Personally I steer away from these stores, because of the overpriced tags. However, if you would like a good warranty and good customer service then its not too bad a choice.
4. Small Computer Retailer
   These small computer retailers are known for there excellent prices, poor customer service and for the messy looks of the shop and the difficult locations etc.
   
   
   However, these small retailers are actually very busy with people (usually computer nerds). The prices are what draw people to these shops. These retailers generally can get their computer hardware directly imported from overseas or directly from the manufacturers. There is no middle man, this means that they can sell their computer hardware for an extremely low price.
   
   
   You would not go to these small retailers if you didn't have any experience with choosing computer hardware, because they are usually full of people that know what they want. The staff are usually busy with selling computer stuff, or fixing computers, and may have very minimal english. This can make it difficult for those who don't know what they are doing.
   
   However, if you know what you are doing and are happy to look at cardboard boxes then this is the place for you!
   
5. Online Stores
   Online stores are another option for places to buy computer hardware. The prices are generally quite good, because they have so many other stores to compete with, and they don't have the extra costs of having a shop front, with rent, and staff etc.
   
   I am usually quite willing to buy from these stores. You have to be careful of prices, and also delivery times, and how long you will have to wait for it to arrive. I would not get too worried about online security, I bank online and have bought numerous items online without trouble. 
   
   However, it is important to make sure that the shop you go to is secure and you can generally tell that they are by a little lock symbol on your browser. 
   
   Possible online stores that I would recommend are:
   
   
   • Tiger Direct
   • TheNerds.Net
   • AllPCDeals Inc.
   • PC Universe, Inc.
6. Ebay
   Ebay is the last option in this article on how to buy computer hardware. On Ebay computer hardware has decreased significantly. Ebay is not a bad option for buying brand new or second hand computer bits. The prices are usually exceptionally good and you can pick up quite good bargains.
   
   There are big stores and retailers that now use Ebay as there major selling place and you can also pick up second hand computer bits that can be quite good for the price.
   
   When buying on Ebay it is important to check the Sellers feedback rating, to make sure that person is a reliable seller. Also you need to be careful when buying parts such as hard drives, and other fragile items because these type of items can break in the post (although unlikely).
   
   Personally I would recommend Ebay as an online store. I have bought and sold items on Ebay and haven't had any troubles. The items I have bought have been cheaper than the market and were good quality.