Mobile Computing News » laptop battery

HP recalls 162,000 laptop batteries

Jenny — Tue, 31 May 2011 14:29:38 +0000

: Photo: HP

Just as I began thinking all was well in the tech world since we’d gone a lengthy period without a large scale product recall, Hewlett-Packard goes and breaks the trend. ITNews reported an HP recall for 162,000 lithium-ion batteries upon discovering a product model series which was missed in their big recall last year.

Product safety

The batteries, which shipped worldwide between July 2007 and May 2008 – ages ago in PC terms – ‘can overheat and rupture, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers,’ warned the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. That’s not the only model series discovered, with the new model series including the HP Compaq 6520s and of HP’s many Pavilion series.

The HP recall will total 162,600 lithium-ion batteries under both the HP and Compaq brands. This alone is more than the 54,000 units recalled in 2010 and 70,000 units recalled in 2011 combined. At the time, the recalled laptops were from HP Pavilions, Compaq Presarios and other HP and Compaq notebooks. The list is sprawling, though, so you should check the affected series of laptops on HP’s site if you fear your computer might be at risk, too.

Immediate safety precautions

As an immediate safety precaution, the safety commission advises you immediately remove batteries from your notebook and contact HP’s customer care. They also advise you double-check your computer was not on the affected list, even if you were previously told you were safe.

Stress, stress

Hewlett-Packard failed to explain how they missed this whole series and were forced to issue the latest HP recall, but the company did say: ‘further investigations with our suppliers that identified additional battery packs, including certain battery packs used in one additional commercial product model series.’

At the volume these companies produce at, the occasional recall of faulty technology is inevitable. The problem is it doesn’t make it okay, nor does it inspire much consumer confidence. Buy laptops with care, and always cross-reference that company’s track record.

Dell Studio XPS 16: Customise this Beautiful Glossy Black Laptop to your Exact Needs

Wilson — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:33:40 +0000

The Dell Studio XPS 16 is specially designed for those who want a power laptop that is fitted with cutting edge features. Furthermore, it is a very stylish laptop tat is available in a unique design and very attractive glossy black colour. It has a very sleek design which gives it a catchy look as well. It is a product of the very famous and attractive Dell Studio XPS series. It has a 16 inch display that offers superior quality pictures that will take your breath away. The device from Dell Inc. is very efficient for playing PC games as it is installed with a graphic card.

The Dell Studio XPS 16 is fitted with an Intel Core i7 Mobile Processor that offers a swift functionality. The device is very good for multitasking which makes it a very efficient device. It is fitted with a full 1080p full HD support that further enhances the overall performance. The genuine leather accents of the device give it a very stylish look. The Dell Studio XPS 16 has a backlit keyboard that gives it a unique look. The display of the device is the best part because it offers superior quality images. It is equipped with an amazing rechargeable battery that offers a long battery back up.

The Dell Studio XPS 16 is provided with various accessories that further enhances the performance. It is also fitted with USB ports so that you can connect various USB devices with it. The Dell laptop is pretty stylish and is available at an affordable price as well.

Toshiba Satellite A500-17X: Reliable 16 inch Widescreen Entertainment Laptop

Alexis — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:27:14 +0000

The Toshiba Satellite A500-17X is the latest 16-inch widescreen laptop from the Japanese electronics manufacturer, Toshiba. It is powered by the Intel® Core™2 Duo Mobile Processor P7450 which has a clock speed of 2.13 GHz. The total Cache memory of the Toshiba laptop is 3MB and has the 64-bit Windows 7 Home Premium operating system pre-installed in it.

The huge 500 GB hard drive memory of the Toshiba Satellite A500-17X provides plenty of space for your multimedia files, applications and documents. Moreover, the impressive 4GB DDR2 RAM provided in the laptop ensures that all the applications run at a smooth and efficient rate. With the 3 USB 2.0, VGA and HDMI ports included in the Toshiba Satellite A500-17X, you can seamlessly link a number of peripherals and devices. Apart from the ones mentioned above, the notebook also contains a USB/eSATA port, an RJ-45 Ethernet port, and headphones and microphone jacks. You can enjoy an ultra fast internet connection with 802.11 b/g/n wireless LAN technology incorporated into the Toshiba notebook. Additionally, you can also enjoy hours of video-chatting with your friends and colleagues all over the world with the integrated webcam.

The Full HD display of the Toshiba Satellite A500-17X notebook is further complemented by the Nvidia GeForce GT 230M graphics card and the dedicated 1GB graphics memory which allows the display of graphic applications, videos and images in brilliant clarity and depth and rich and vibrant colours. You can easily take and use this laptop while travelling as the battery included provides a back up of up to 2.5 hours.

Best Laptop August 2009: Plenty of Highlights to choose from

Jenny — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:22:02 +0000

Steve Jobs’ Apple is one of the biggest companies that are engaged in manufacturing a wide range of laptops. The company uses some of the best technology and quality assured components that provides optimum results to the user. The laptop is fitted with some of the best features that provide high speed and long functional life. The laptop is very compact and is very easy to carry and transport. It also has a very clear display that provides breathtaking images.

The Apple Macbook Pro (MC026B/A) is the best laptop August 2009. The device is fitted with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor that provides amazing results. As far as Apple laptops go, the MC026B/A MacBook Pro is clearly one of the best. It possesses a clock speed of around 2,660 Mhz. It is fitted with 4,096 MB that provides superb speed to the processing of the device. The hard disk memory of the device is about 320 GB that enables you to store all the data. It is equipped with a 15 inch wide display that provides amazing picture quality. The resolution of the display is about WXGA+ (1440 x 900). The laptop is also fitted with an nVidia GeForce 9600M GT graphics card that enables you to play all types of PC games. It is installed with Apple MAC OS X 10.5 Leopard operating system.

The laptop is fitted with an inbuilt webcam that enable you to video chat. It also has a Kensington Lock Support that provides total security. The laptop is fitted with an amazing rechargeable battery that provides a long battery back up and a hassle free functional life.

HP Compaq 6735s (FU416ET#ABU): Midrange Notebooks can pack a Punch

Wilson — Fri, 29 May 2009 09:58:13 +0000

A notebook weighing 2.49kg, HP Compaq 6735s has a AMD Turion X2 Ultra mobile technology ZM-86 Dual-Core processor which runs at 2.4 GHz. Its fast and efficient processor is capable of handling multiple programmes at once and smoothly too. It has a 15.4 inch TFT display screen with a resolution of 1680×1050 which offers sharp and crisp images. ATI Radeon HD 3200 is the graphics chipset while the graphics memory is shared video memory. A hard drive of 250GB offers ample storage space for all you media, photos, files, music and other stuff. A highly functional laptop from HP, it combines the best of both worlds. It is flexible, lightweight and high on performance. With a webcam as its input device, it has a lithium-ion battery.

Lightweight and ultra portable, this Hewlett Packard laptop is easy to carry to from one office to another. It has 4 USB 2.0 ports, a modem with 56kbps speed. With an internal installed memory of 3GB, it has DVD±RW (+R double layer) optical drive and DVD-RAM with internal with LightScribe Technology. A card reader, sound card for audio, stereo speakers and wireless are some of the other features included in this Hewlett-Packard HP Compaq 6735s (FU416ET#ABU) notebook. Microsoft Windows Vista Business with an option of XP Professional downgrade is its operating system while the laptop comes with a 1 year warranty. Graphic Controller ATI Radeon HD 3200 takes care of graphics while high definition audio and integrated speakers are other features. As for expansion ports, there is one Video VGA port, audio stereo microphone in and stereo headphone/line out port, one RJ11 1 and one RJ45 1 port besides 4 USB ports. A full-sized keyboard and a responsive touchpad with scroll zone are its input devices.

Samsung R510 (NP-R510-FAACUK): No Frills Budget Laptop

Dean — Wed, 27 May 2009 09:05:59 +0000

A powerful machine, Samsung R510 is energy efficient and offers advanced connectivity to its users. It comes with 12 Months Samsung Collect and Return Warranty and weighs 2.72kg. A thin and light laptop from Korean manufacturer Samsung, it will certainly appeal to the most budget-conscious user as it offers great value for money. It is loaded with state-of-the-art Intel Celeron M 575 2 GHz processor which gives good performance. A balanced combination of look and performance, this machine has an ultra clear 15.4-inch widescreen display with a resolution of 1280×800 which provides up to 30% more viewing area as compared to traditional screens. It has an anti-bacterial keyboard with Silver Nano technology. An integrated webcam with 1.3 mega pixels, integrated speakers and many ports, the laptop is high on connectivity.

A reliable and practical machine, Samsung R510 offers powerful performance and a sharp display. A true-multitasker, this laptop has good finish and designed to satisfy the most demanding executive. A lifestyle statement, the stylish sleek black chassis attracts attention while its 1GB RAM and 160GB Hard Drive has plenty of storage space for all your files, documents, photos, music and other media. The Samsung R510 (NP-R510-FAACUK) laptop has Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium as its operating system and DVDRW (R DL)/DVD-RAM as its optical drive. Intel GMA X4500 with a capacity of 128MB provides graphics while it does not have Bluetooth. A 3-in-1 card reader and 3 USB ports enhance its connectivity while Kensington lock slot is available to keep your Samsung laptop safe. Running on a Lithium-ion battery, it has a battery life of 3-4 hours.

Sony Vaio VGN-CS21S/P: Cute Pink Mid-size Laptop with Big Performance

James — Fri, 22 May 2009 08:32:35 +0000

Designed to attract attention, Sony Vaio VGN-CS21S/P is a mid-size laptop with a piano coating finish inside and out. A balanced combination between mobility and screen performance, it has an Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 processor at its heart. The powerful processor ensures that the laptop runs fast and smoothly. With a HDD of 320GB, it has enough memory for all your files, photos, documents, media and music. The efficient machine allows the user to quickly access movies, photos and music using convenient AV buttons on the front of the Sony CS laptop. Running on a lithium-ion battery, it has a maximum battery life of 2.83 hours. There is a DVD writer that allows you to write DVDs at your will and ensures that the audio visual control is in your hands. High on performance, this laptop has an integrated webcam and built-in wireless LAN. It has Bluetooth 2.1 and an ExpressCard slot.

Available in a pink colour, VGN-CS21S/P laptop from Sony has smooth rounded corners, metallic trim and a sleek piano coating. An impressive 14.1 inch display screen offers high quality images and ensures that everything you watch on this screen is a visual delight for your eyes. Fully loaded with multimedia features, the Sony Vaio VGN-CS21S/P laptop allows you to play and burn CDs and DVDs with the double layer DVD±RW/RAM drive and video-chat with the built-in ‘motion-eye’ webcam. It is easy to stay connected even when travelling with the 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN. It has Windows Vista Home Premium as its operating system and comes with a 2 year guarantee. The Windows Firewall and Defender ensure that your laptop stays secure and ensures your peace of mind. Windows DVD Maker or Movie Maker HD are other useful software that help preserve memories of family and friends. Powered by a lithium-ion battery, this machine has a maximum battery time of 2.8 hours.

Hewlett Packard HP 550 (NN313EA#ABU): High Performing Laptop with a fast charging Battery

Dean — Thu, 07 May 2009 10:18:14 +0000

Hewlett Packard’s HP 550 is Wi-Fi enabled and runs on Core 2 Duo T5670 1.8GHz processor. Available in a fresh new look, it weighs a mere 2.49kg and is the perfect travelling companion. It has a 15.4-inch diagonal widescreen HP BrightView display with improved brightness, contrast and clarity that displays more vivid images that resemble results on a plasma display. It has Windows Vista Home Premium as its operating system and is capable of running multiple applications smoothly and at once. High performing, it has set new standards in computing performance and has extended battery life that allows it to last long.

Loaded with a 4GB RAM, it has 250GB Hard Disk Drive capacity that can store all files, photos, music and media and still have plenty of space to fill. A DVD+/-RW and integrated Bluetooth technology are its other useful features. With Wi-Fi Certified WLAN, the user can send and receive e-mails or access the Internet whether at work or at home or even at hotspot. The Bluetooth feature provides wireless short-range communication and connectivity with other Bluetooth devices such as printers, mice and headsets. The Hewlett-Packard HP 550 (NN313EA#ABU) laptop also has a Device Access Manager for HP ProtectTools that helps protect your network applications and your data by controlling ports and removable storage devices on your system so as to prevent unauthorized users from fiddling with your data. It also includes an integrated Secure Digital Card reader that boosts productivity and HP DriveGuard that reduces shock to the hard drive. Its HP Fast Charge recharges the battery up to 90% in 90 minutes so you get back to work faster. Available with a 1 year warranty, this HP laptop is ideal for business use.

Hewlett Packard Compaq 6530b (GB976ET#ABU): Notebook with an Extra Long Battery Life

Wilson — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:26:24 +0000

A smart notebook, the Hewlett Packard Compaq 6530b runs on CORE2 Duo P8600 processor. It has 2GB of installed RAM and 160GB of hard disk space. With a WXGA display screen of 14.1 inches, it is a compact and sleek gadget that one can use on the go. Stylish and high on performance, it is a wise investment. Its operating system is Windows Vista Business.

Belonging to the Intel Core2 Duo family, it is a fast and efficient machine that will run multiple programmes with ease and smoothly. The Intel processor has a clock speed of 2400 MHz and the processor technology is Intel Centrino 2. With an internal memory of 2048 MB, it has 2 memory slots. The 2 SODIMM slots support dual channel memory. The video card is packed with features and is Mobile Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD. The resolution in the video mode is 1280×800 WXGA with camera. The audio system is high definition with stereo speakers and an integrated dual microphone. A full-sized keyboard helps in quick tapping and proves to be a helpful feature of the laptop.

Running on a long lasting 6-cell Lithium-Ion battery, the laptop aims at giving the user maximm efficiency. It also has optional HP Extended Life Battery (52 WHr) and optional HP Ultra-Capacity Battery (95 WHr). With normal battery, the laptop runs for over 6 hours and over 12 hours with the HP Extended Life Battery and more than 16 hours with the HP Ultra-Capacity Battery. As for connectivity, the Hewlett-Packard HP Compaq 6530b (GB976ET#ABU) notebook has 4 USB ports, VGA, S-video TV out, stereo microphone in, stereo headphone/line out, Firewire (1394a), power connector, RJ-11 and RJ-45. It comes loaded with software like Recovery Manager, WinDVD 8 (select models), HP QuickLook 2 and Roxio Creator Business 10 (select models).

Samsung N120: The Netbook with the 10.5 Hour Battery

James — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:44:22 +0000

The N120 is another latest addition to the Samsung’s netbook product line. It was announced at the same time the new N110 was revealed. The N120 offers some really nice upgrades in terms of design, battery life, functionality and performance. It offers a whopping battery life of 10.5 hrs while on the move. The N120 is a slim line model and can be easily packed and carried along anywhere. Unlike the N110, the Samsung N120 offers rich sound, better graphics and speedier processing. The built is also little bit sturdier and the device is shielded via robust Samsung Duracase. Thus you need not worry about bumps, punches and drops. The N120 has successfully passed rigorous quality tests, ranging from rapid temperature change to electrical surges.

The main attraction of the N120 is its 6 cell battery that can keep going on for extended hours; otherwise it is fairly similar to the successful Samsung NC10. T Samsung N120 netbook also promises to offer a nice multimedia experience on the go. It has got a power efficient LED display and an integrated SRS 2.1ch system which consist 2 x 1.5 Watt stereo speakers with a dedicated sub-woofer. Coming to the styling, just as the N110, the N120 also offers a large sized keyboard with groovy touch pad and optimally spaced keys. The netbook also uses the latest medical technology that prevents germs from getting on the keypad. This gives you a hygienic workplace wherever you go.

N120 Tech Specs

• Large Anti-bacterial keyboard
• Powered via Intel Atom processor
• Packs genuine Windows XP Home Edition
• Rich sound effects and vibrant graphics
• Stereo speakers with dedicated sub-woofer
• 10.5 Hrs battery backup
• Rugged casing
• 1.3 mega pixel digital motion camera
• 3-in-1 memory card reader, 3 built-in USB ports and optional Bluetooth 2.0+EDR