Originally posted on July 20, 2007 @ 8:02 am

I’ve been using laptops for the last few years. For me, the one big benefit of using a laptop is that it has unshackled us from our desks. We can now work anywhere we want, communicate with coworkers and loved ones wherever we are and have a convenient and deep storage for the various files that are important to us.

I have to admit though that sometimes I wish I can just bring a notebook and pen with me for the simple reason that laptops are quite heavy. Yes, over the years laptops have continuously shaved off the unwanted poundage but they can still give you a good workout. Ultraportables are now quite fashionable for those who want svelte and ultra lightweight computers but what they lost in weight, they gain in currency. These are very expensive gadgets and only those with very deep pockets can really take advantage of them. People like me, who are not necessarily swimming in money, are left out of this exclusive club.

Thus, it is with great anticipation that I am looking forward to Asus‘ newest entry in the ultraportable market. The Asus Eee PC 701 is one of the newest entrants in the ultraportable market. But it’s trump card is its price. At just $200 for the entry level 4GB version, this 7-inch marvel can revolutionize the whole market by bringing the benefits of having a super compact computer within reach of everyone.

Tomorrow I’ll be talking more about the specs of the Asus Eee. I have to say that at this point I am already eager to get my hands on one.

Originally posted on July 23, 2007 @ 7:44 pm

The worldwide prices for laptops have been steadily going down the last few years with no sacrifice in features and quality. In fact, the features that are being packed into laptops are actually making laptops more value-laden. For example, even mid-range and value-range laptops are being fitted with powerful onboard video that now allow users to play the latest games on their laptops. This was a feature that was only found in top of the line models a few years back.

One laptop that I was recently looking at is the Gemstone series from Acer. This range of low to mid range laptops are some of the most feature laden that I have seen in years. And at a price that is just within the $1,000 range for the AMD Turion-powered 4520 series, laptops have now entered the impulse-buy territory (I almost bought the laptop last weekend!).

As for features, aside from the aformentioned nifty onboard video (an Nvidia GeForce 8400 for the 4520G) , it has a built in 5 in 1 card reader, generous memory, built-in webcam for making video calls, and CrystalBrite LCD. Being a music lover, I particularly love the fact that the Gemstone Series has build int Dolby Digital Surround Sound. A fellow audio nut I know who recently bought this laptop claims that mp3s played on the Acer Gemstone sounds infinitely better compared to his iPod. He even said he’ll be ditching his headphone amp because he won’t need it anymore.

I hope I can find an Acer Gemstone under my Christmas tree this December.