Photo: Buffalo

While Blu-ray continues to gather momentum in home theatres, PC and laptop adoption has been haphazard, at best. Buffalo has a solution for this rather annoying problem with the Buffalo external blu-ray burner.

Performance

The included software package is the now-dated Power DVD 8, whereas Power DVD 10 is already included. Write speed is solid, with the standard USB setting giving a Blu-ray writing speed of 4-6, and the hardware’s included TurboUSB providing a stable write speed of 6x for BD-Rs – the most common Blu-ray disc format. The other writable Blu-ray disc formats the Buffalo external supports are BD-RE, BD-RE DL and BD-R DL, which have write speeds of 2x, 2x, and 4x respectively.

Aesthetics

The drive is sleek out of necessity, weighing in a manageable 320g and with dimensions of 136×18x142. It has a very high gloss finish that adds to the ‘wow factor’ when first removing it out of its case. About 10 minutes after first handling it, seeing the intense fingerprints and smudges you leave, you begin to have second thoughts. After a week of use, when the fine surface scratches begin appearing, you might start lamenting the Buffalo Blu-ray  burner’s unnecessary glossy finish.

The pros

From a ‘pros’ perspective, this is a very competent, capable Buffalo Blu-ray writer, with support for a wide range of disc types, both single and dual layer. The fact that it’s external and portable, meaning you can plug it up to any Windows PC, is a definite plus.

The cons

Strangely, the fact that it’s external and portable is also the biggest strike against the Buffalo external Blu-ray writer. External drives are more expensive and given Blu-ray already costs a premium, the rather steep price may be hard to swallow. Also, the strange design decision to give it an easy-to-scratch glossy finish when Buffalo knows it’s going to be lugged around is bizarre to us. Additionally, this external Blu-ray burner doesn’t support Mac, leaving out a growing segment of computer users.

The verdict

Outside of these two admittedly minor strikes against the Buffalo Blu-ray writer, it’s very difficult to not recommend this as a solution for those looking for a way to consume hi-definition films or playback discs used as storage on multiple computers. Buffalo have long made good Blu-ray drives and they are onto something here, and the hope is they can leverage this, improve on the device’s aesthetics and add Mac support to make this drive irresistible.

Photo: /pitzyper!

Since its introduction into the consumer market in 2006, the Blu-ray optical disc format is becoming increasingly popular. Seven out of the eight major motion picture studios in Hollywood have agreed to market their releases in Blu-ray, alongside traditional DVDs.

Blu-ray explained

The Blu-ray format combines high-tech laser innovation and advanced disc technology to create discs that have more than five times the capacity of DVDs. Named after the blue-violet laser used to read the discs (as opposed to red lasers used to read DVDs), Blu-ray discs currently offer up to 25 GB of storage on single-layer discs and up to 50 GB (or up to nine hours of HD video) on dual-layer discs – while sharing all other physical characteristics with DVDs and CDs. The use of the powerful blue-violet laser enables more information to be embedded onto the same disc area. Because the data layer of Blu-ray discs is closer to the disc surface than that of traditional DVDs and CDs, Blu-ray discs are equipped with strong scratch-protected surfaces – ensuring disc lifespan that far surpasses that of DVDs.

Death of DVD

Photo: Sony

As high-definition (HD) broadcasts, films, video games, televisions and computer screens become more ubiquitous, experts predict that Blu-ray discs will eventually supersede DVDs in use and production. This is because Blu-ray discs are more capable of storing HD video, which often requires many gigabytes of available storage space. When used in conjunction with an HD screen of some kind, Blu-ray discs convey the true fidelity of HD recording and consistently outperform DVDs in terms of visual clarity.

Blu-ray laptops

Many laptops available today which offer HD displays – including popular brands Acer, Dell, Sony, and HP – also offer optional Blu-ray drives. This makes the magic of HD video personal and portable. While this has serious and immediate benefits for serious movie watchers, the use of Blu-ray compatible drives in these systems will carry users into the future of portable data storage with ease. Blu-ray discs will undoubtedly be used for inexpensive backup solutions for many users.

When considering a Blu-ray laptop, shoppers should be sure to look for a machine that enables full enjoyment of Blu-ray discs with a full-HD screen (one with a resolution 1920×1080 and aspect ratio 16:9). To maximise the investment in a new Blu-ray laptop, it’s also wise to keep an eye out for the release of laptops that offer Blu-ray recording. For serious gamers, a Blu-ray laptop will be essential in keeping a competitive edge in tomorrow’s gaming world.

Photo: Samsung

In the high-tech world of today, where the only constant is change, a switch from DVD and VHS to Blu-Ray has become necessary. Movie lovers will find the experience provided by this technology worthwhile taking the time to invest in new entertainment equipment.

Technical Attributes

This format was created and developed to allow consumers to record, rewrite and play high-definition video, as well as store large amounts of data. The format has more than five times the storage capacity of DVDs and can hold up to 25GB on a single-layer disc and 50GB on a dual-layer disc.

Other disc technology in current circulation uses a red laser to read and write data, this format uses a blue-violet laser instead, which the tecnology´s name is derived from. Despite the different type of lasers used, Blu-ray products can easily be made compatible with CDs and DVDs through the use of BD/DVD/CD compatible units.The quality of a Blu-Ray disc is better than that of a DVD or VHS tape. It was developed by Sony and is backed by many studios in the movie industry Due to its revolutionary high quality.

General Information

People who have bought a Sony Playstation 3 have an integrated Blu-ray player and each layer on a disc the capacity to hold up to ten gigabytes more than the HD DVD equivalent. Many movies produced today are released in this format and are purported to provide better viewing pleasure than any other format on the market. Some video stores have opted to only stock Blu-Ray movies.

There is no better way for one to get quality for money spent other than through purchasing this creative and wonderful piece of technology which makes one feel a part of the movie. Don’t get caught in the past, invest in this new technology and stay ahead of the pack.

Sony Vaio VGN-FW51MF/H is one of the most demanded laptops all across the world. It is equipped with all latest features and offers a hassle free performance for a number of years to come. The Sony device has a wide screen and offers superior quality pictures that will amaze you. The device is very low in weight and can be easily carried and transported as well. It is a product of the very famous Sony Vaio FW series. It is available in a stylish and sleek design which gives it a trendy and sophisticated look.

The Sony Vaio VGN-FW51MF/H is fitted with an Intel Core 2 Duo P8700 processor which ensures swift functionality of the device. The clock speed of the device is around 1530 MHz and it is fitted with 6144 MB of RAM which further enhances the overall speed. The hard disk memory of the laptop is a whopping 500 GB which is much more in comparison with any other laptop. The Sony Vaio VGN-FW51MF/H is also equipped with a 16.4 inch display which provides a resolution of 1920 X 1080. This laptop is also fitted with ATI Mobility Radeon HD4650 graphics card which enables you to play all sorts of PC games on your laptop.

The best feature of Sony Vaio VGN-FW51MF/H is that it is fitted with Blu-ray ROM optical drive which enables you to play all sorts of Blu-ray discs. It is fitted with Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system which further enhances the performance. It is one of the best widescreen laptops available in the market.

Sony Vaio is one of the most famous series of laptops available in the market. The device is fitted with all latest features and provides a hassle free performance for a number of years to come. The Sony Vaio VGN-NW21ZF/T is one of the most portable laptops available and it is in great demand as well. The device weighs around 2.7 kg and can be easily carried and transported. It provides swift functionality as it is installed with Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system.

The Sony Vaio VGN-NW21ZF/T is fitted with an Intel Core 2 Duo P7450 processor which ensures efficient performance. The clock speed of this device is around 2,130 MHz. It is fitted with 4096 MB of RAM which further enhances the functionality speed. The RAM can be expanded up to 8 GB as well. The hard disk memory of the device is around 500 GB which enables you to store all sorts of songs, movies and all types of other documents as well. The display of the Sony Vaio VGN-NW21ZF/T laptop is around 15.5 Inch which provides a resolution of 1366 X 768. The device is also equipped with an ATI Mobility Radeon HD4570 graphics card that allows you to play all sorts of computer games on your laptop.

The Sony Vaio VGN-NW21ZF/T is also fitted with 3 X USB 2.0 ports which enables you to connect various other devices with the laptop. It is also fitted with a 5 in 1 card reader so that you can connect various types of memory cards with the laptop.

Dell Inc. is a celebrated brand known for manufacturing personal computers, laptops and other computing solutions both for consumer and business needs. Dell has revolutionised the customer experience starting from computing solutions to desktop PCs to servers and storage devices. The product range spans servers, printers, desktop computers, notebooks, electronics and related accessories. But Dell has created niche in the laptop market and one such top products is the Dell Studio 1555.

The Dell Studio 1555 is an exceptional notebook with 15.6 inch screen display with new features and hardware options. It has lot to offer to become the most preferred brand. This HD ready notebook offers a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels with memory expansion up to 4GB. With built-in webcam, it offers a great clarity and resolution.

This notebook is specifically designed to suit everyone’s budget with some great and impressive features including HD display, a backlit keyboard and a Blu ray Re-writer. It features up to 8GB RAM. The Dell Studio 1555 comes with wireless LAN and offers 8GB RAM memory and 500GB hard drive to store maximum amount of data. It also features ATI Mobility Radeon HD4570 graphics card and 512MB Graphics Memory. This high end graphic card ensures excellent graphics and enhances the user’s experience.

The Dell Studio 1555 features wireless – LAN, USB ports and video outputs including HDMI, S-Video TV-Output, 5in1 integrated digital card reader and an express card. Apart from the express card, it also comes with an additional multi-format card reader. This Dell studio laptop has lot to offer at reasonable price, sleek look and glossy finish.

Many companies are engaged in manufacturing a wide range of laptops all over the world. Some of the biggest companies engaged in manufacturing media laptops include Sony, Acer, Hewlett Packard and Dell. These are fabricated using quality components and cutting edge technology that provide swift functionality and hassle free long functioning life. These are available in various designs and features and you can choose as per the requirement. These laptops are priced as per the features provided on each of them.

Some of the best media laptops include the Acer Aspire 8930G-644G50Bn (LX.ADT0X.282), Hewlett-Packard HP HDX X16-1315EA (NW732EA#ABU), Sony Vaio VGN-FW41ZJ/H, Acer Aspire 8930G-644G32Bn (LX.ADT0X.041) and Hewlett-Packard HP HDX X16-1310EA (NW739EA#ABU). The Hewlett-Packard HP HDX X16-1310EA (NW739EA#ABU) is equipped with an Intel Core 2 Duo P7350 processor that provides amazing speed. The clock speed of the device is about 2,000 Mhz. Additionally it is fitted with 4,096 MB RAM and hard disk memory of 320 GB, which places it comfortably among other high performance laptops. Moreover, it is also fitted with a 16 inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. Acer Aspire 8935G-904G50Bn (LX.PDD0X.003) is fitted with an Intel Core 2 Quad Q9000 processor. It provides a clock speed of 2,000 Mhz. It has a huge display of 18.4 inch and the resolution is around 1920 x 1080.

The Acer Aspire 8935G-864G50Bn (LX.PDA0X.001) is fitted with an Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 processor. Additionally it is fitted with 4,096 MB RAM and 500 GB of hard disk memory. A wide range of media laptops are available in the market and you can choose as per your specifications.

Tags for this article: Laptops, best laptops 2009, best media laptop

Enhance your computing experience with the head-turning Vaio VGN-NW11Z/T. Its unique design is a combination of contemporary textures and soothing colours. It is powered by the Intel Core Duo 2 processor and the pre-installed operating system is Windows Vista Home Premium. The 500 GB hard drive provides a plenty of room for your music tracks, digital photos and videos. It also consists of a 4GB RAM that allows you to do a lot more.

The 15.5 inch X-black LCD screen has a resolution of 1366 X 768 and an aspect ratio of WXGA 16:9. The combination of this extra wide screen and the Blu-ray Disc Combo drive will allow you to watch high definition movies in brilliant picture quality. In addition, you will also be able to burn CDs and DVDs on a regular basis. To enable you to display your contents to larger audience, the NW notebook is provided with the HDMI output that connects your NW to your big screen TV.

Thanks to the dedicated Quick Web Access button incorporated in Sony Vaio VGN-NW11Z/T, you will now be able to connect to the internet in just 15 seconds without turning on your PC. Moreover, with the in-built Wi-Fi connection you will be able to go online without wires. The 2.1 + EDR Bluetooth integrated in the Sony Vaio VGN-NW11Z/T notebook has a range of about 10 metres. To enable video chatting, the NW comes with a web cam. The audio software that comes with the notepad includes VAIO Music Box, Windows Media™ Player 11. Its Lithium-Ion battery (VGP-BPS13/Q) gives a battery life of 190 minutes.

Sony Vaio is one of the most recognisable and popular laptop brands that exist in the market. Sony Electronics has a huge reputation in the market and customer expectations to live up to and it has always successfully managed to ensure precisely that. Right from the looks to performance and utility, Sony Vaio has not only satisfied its customers but has set high standards for others to look up to.

Sony Vaio VGN-AW31ZJ/B makes biggest impact with the kind of performance it gives every time you log in. This has been made possible because of the configuration it has. The Sony Vaio VGN-AW31ZJ/B runs on an Intel Core 2 Duo T9600 processor that works with an impressive clock speed of 2,530 MHz. What strikes the biggest note is its 6 GB RAM which in any case is huge and can also be expanded to 8 GB. And with storage capacity of 500GB Sony Vaio VGN-AW31ZJ/B can comfortably beat most other systems in the world.

Another feature that helps Sony Vaio VGN-AW31ZJ/B stand out is its 18.4 inch screen which has a display resolution of WSXGA+ i.e. 1680×945. Because the screen is glare-type TFT display so you can be sure of having a trouble free and soothing movie viewing experience. Add to it the NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT graphics card and watching movies on the Sony Vaio VGN-AW31ZJ/B becomes a really an experience for life time.

Moreover, to make the laptop system impregnable to any unauthorised access Sony has provided it with a fingerprint reader. Additionally, it has all the connectivity options like HDMI, Wireless LAN, Bluetooth, etc. It also features Blu-ray writer, 5in1 card, 1.3 megapixel webcam and the like. On whole Sony Vaio VGN-AW31ZJ/B is for sure one of the laptops you can buy.

If you are looking for a laptop that has everything in it, right from high performance to large storage space, big and impressive screen, best connectivity, good webcam and the like, then HP HDX X16-1315EA is precisely what you should explore. Add to it the reliability and longer life of Hewlett Packard’s notebooks and you have got yourself a winner.

The notebook features Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 processor with clock speed of 2,000 MHz which can give you amazing performance. The HP HDX X16-1315EA laptop has 4GB of RAM which in itself is good enough and with the expandable option (up to 8GB) it comes across as a total surprise. It not only makes it one of the best machines in the market today but prepares it to take future challenges head-on too.

HP HDX X16-1315EA is a great option for those who are looking for an entertainment laptop. It has a storage space of 400 GB which is so huge that most of your favourite movies and songs can stay with you all the time. Its 16 inch Full HD screen makes watching movies as well playing games more enjoyable. Not just that, with its NVIDIA GeForce GT 130M graphics chipset you will end up enjoying your movies and games more. Where it scores heavily over other systems is the fact that in addition to the usual DVD±RW optical drive it has the latest Blu-ray too.

Through LAN, WLAN and Bluetooth you can stay connected all the time wherever you are. Additionally, it also features HDMI, 4 USBs, 5in1 card reader, and 1.3 megapixel webcam. Overall, a good buy.