While this subject has already been discussed on PCMech.com, I saw a recent article which completely breaks down laptops. Before saying anything more, I want to make sure this post doesn’t turn into a ‘hatefest’ for either machine. This tip is intended for those who may be wanting to purchase a new laptop and are looking for objective information on making a decision.

That said, this article titled “Is the New MacBook Expensive?” is a great read. The article compares the Mac to similar (as close as you can reasonably get) Dell, IBM and Sony varieties and breaks down every component and option available. In short, the author concludes:

The MacBook is close in price to the laptops I looked at which it resembles most closely, all of which target what I think of as the low end of the high end of the notebook market; if there’s a Mac Tax here, it’s not worth worrying about. That said, it’s possible to get a somewhat more utilitarian 13-inch notebook–one that’s better-equipped than the MacBook in some respects, even–for a lot less.

If you are looking to purchase a new laptop and are considering a MacBook, this is an absolutely fantastic article to read.

NewEgg (a favorite online computer retailer for many PCMech readers) is one of the best places to save a buck when buying computer hardware and get access to the stuff that’s not on the shelf at major retail.

Each month NewEgg updates its Customer Choice Awards that show off some of the best-rated hardware – by customers. If you were looking to upgrade some of your computer hardware you might want to check this out. Even if you decide not to buy from NewEgg you’ll still get to see what people think of specific hardware and why people rate it so highly (in the form of customer reviews).

For the month of July ‘08, some of the winners include a 22-inch monitor by Samsung, OCZ memory, a Canon PowerShot camera and several others. Be sure to check it out.

Any computer user worth their salt will stress the importance of data backup. Too many people either don’t think about it or put it off into the “someday” category, leaving open the possibility that you’ll get burned. Anybody, though, who has been caught with a hosed system and inadequate backups realizes the cold, hard importance of it.

So, it is a given you need to back up your data. The question is: how?

Continued

One thing to keep in mind when reading user reviews on any retailer site is the reported ratings are not necessarily an accurate indication of the product as a whole.

Typically, user reviews can be posted by anyone regardless of whether or not they own the product they are reviewing. Additionally, everyone who purchases a product (obviously) does not review it, so you are not getting an accurate sample of reviewers. For example, if only the people happy with a product review an overall terrible product then the reviews will not be indicative of the product as a whole.

Overall, user reviews are great and can be very helpful. Just make sure they are not used solely when making your decision.

Lapworks is a big name in the field of ergonomic laptop desks and desk stands. I have been a long-time user of the Futura laptop stand from Lapworks. It is simple and is great for using the laptop on my lap. It helps with cooling and it saves the family jewels.

The Attache is a new addition to the Lapworks lineup. They sent me a unit to review and I thought I would make it my first review recorded on PCMech LIVE. So, the recorded video is below.

The Attache is a beefier laptop desk than the Futura. It is made in a more solid aluminum with a plastic bottom. It has 2 cooling fans embedded into it and it does seem to help with cooling of my DV6000 (a laptop that gets super hot underneath). The stand also has a 4-port USB hub built right into it. This is super convenient.

The power fans both draw their power right from the USB port on my laptop, using the provided USB cable. This would obviously be enough to run simple USB devices over the hub (like a mouse or keyboard). Since the hub is not independently powered by an AC adapter, you would not be able to run devices which requires more power yield.

If you use your laptop as a desktop replacement, the Attache laptop stand is a pretty good way to go. I like it much better than the Aluminum Desktop stand I reviewed for them a few months ago. They charged the same amount of money for that stand, and I thought it was overpriced. The Attache is offered at the same price, yet I see much more value here with the included USB hub and the cooling fans. Besides, I can actually figure out the Attache! The other aluminum stand was confusing at first. Looked like a big hunk of metal hinges!

All in all, I give the Attache Laptop stand high marks.