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OCZ Dual Channel 2.0 GB DDR3 1333 MHz Memory (2 x 1.0 GB)

A big chunk of memory helps your computer run faster, by allowing frequently used information to be stored in high-speed RAM as opposed to the relatively slow hard drive. Windows XP required at least 512 MB to perform decently and Vista needs 1.0 GB or more.

2.0 GB gives more than enough for efficient running of Vista. The difference should be noticeable if upgrading from 512 MB or even from 1.0 GB. This is surely not the cheapest RAM on the market, but it is a quality product. At $120 it is a fair bit of cash to spend on an upgrade. However, the benefits would far outweigh those of a newer processor.

So far, DDR3 is only supported on Intel’s P35 motherboards, so you will most probably get these along with a motherboard upgrade.

Here are some of the basic specs:

  • 2 x 1.0 GB
  • 1333 MHz
  • 9-9-9-26 timings
  • DDR3
  • 240-pins

I really can’t overstate the importance of memory in making your computer run smoothly. This pair make a great choice for memory and most likely won’t need an upgrade for quite a while to come.

HP Pavilion AMD Turion 64 X2 Notebook PC

HP Pavilion dv9410us AMD Turion 64 X2 Notebook ComputerA desktop replacement laptop computer with a 17 inch screen and graphics that leave little to be desired. This notebook computer review looks at a high-powered laptop computer with some hard hitting performance. Let’s start the laptop computer review.

AMD have had a tough time with Intel’s release of their dual- and quad-core processors. But despite this I still have a little soft spot for the underdog of the processor industry.

The HP Pavilion is based on an AMD chipset, offering fast performance from their tried and tested Turion X2 processor. With a direct connection to the memory from the processor, AMD processors get a boost in performance because the memory can operate at the same frequency as the processor.

Here are some of the main features:

  • 1.8 GHz AMD Turion X2 processor
  • 17 inch monitor
  • 7.8 lbs
  • Built-in webcam
  • 1 GB of memory
  • 160 GB hard drive
  • USB
  • Firewire
  • LAN port
  • VGA
  • ExpressCard slot

Lets have an overview of the different specifications. As mentioned all ready, the processor gives good performance and does well for power savings, meaning longer battery life.

A 17 inch monitor is fine for anyone that intends to use their laptop computer exclusively. For modern computing this is about the least necessary for continuous use of the computer. Widescreen monitors give that little bit extra width, which is more useful that pure size, but this size is still fine.

Built-in features are very necessary for keeping the size of a laptop down. It is easy to have a small laptop, but which requires a handful of USB devices to accomplish very simple tasks like reading from a CD or DVD. The DVD writer is a bonus which allows DVD to burnt without an external device.

System expansion is handled by three external USB ports, a firewire port and an ExpressCard slot.

Video performance is good, thanks to the onboard video chipset. A built-in webcam allows video conferencing on the increasingly popular Skype of other VoIP networks, or just for taking still pictures.

The mouse pad is placed well, being by the center of the spacebar. Often it is placed at the center of the computer, which means it gets knocked by the ball of the right hand when typing.

Overall, a full set of features, with enough power to do any office work and play some games. There is no need for extra bits, which means the laptop bag, although a little heavy, doesn’t need to be weighed down by other goodies.

Samsung SH-S182M 18x DVD Burner with Light Scribe

Samsung SH-S182M 18x DVD Burner with Light ScribeBurn DVDs easily and with high speed, with the added advantage of burning images onto the top of the DVD.

There’s not too much difference between DVD burners, usually they just work or they don’t. DVD burners have hit the peak of their speeds and 18x or 20x is the most that you find around nowadays.

The Samsung DVD burner offers up to 18x burning speed, which allows full movies to be burnt in a few minutes and offers burning to all the popular DVD formats. Here are some of the features:

  • 2 MB of cache
  • DVD+R max write speed: 18x
  • DVD+RW max write speed: 8x
  • DVD-R max write speed: 8x
  • DVD-RW max write speed: 6x
  • DVD max read speed: 6x
  • CD max write speed: 48x
  • CD max read speed: 40x

The biggest plus is to the drive is being able to flip the disc over and burning a cover onto the DVD, handy for getting a nice looking image on the front rather than just a permanent marker.