Highlights of Feb 7 -13: Optimus Technology, Extreme Battery Life, and More

Reviews & Hands-On

• Gateway NV7915u (4 Stars – Editor’s Choice) — This budget big-screen notebook looks and performs like a much more expensive system. “If Acer stands for value, the Gateway brand that the company acquired back in August of 2007 has evolved into its more stylish cousin—the one that shops at H&M.”
• ASUS UL50VF (3.5 Stars) — Thanks to Nvidia’s innovative Optimus technology, this 15-inch notebook combines good graphics power with nearly 8 hours of battery life. (Don’t forget to check out our Optimus hands-on, too.)
• Fujitsu LifeBook MH380 (3 Stars) — Although this netbook offers a new way to scroll and a high-def display, its high price and small touchpad will turn off some buyers. Then again, you could always get one of these external mice to go along with it.
• Barnes & Noble Nook (3.5 Stars) — This eReader has a unique dual-screen design and a broad selection of content, but we wish it had snappier performance.
• LG eXpo (AT&T) (3.5 Stars) — This attractive Windows phone features an innovative projector you can attach for impromptu presentations.
• Nikon D3000 (4 Stars – Editor’s Choice) — Nikon’s inexpensive DSLR delivers all the ease-of-use, speed, and excellent image quality a beginner could want. Also check out our reviews of the Pentax K-x and Sony Alpha DSLR-A380.

The Latest From LAPTOP University (Or, This Week’s How-Tos)

• How to Replace Your CPU — It’s not as hard as you think.
• How To Maximize Your Notebook’s Battery Life: An Extremist’s Guide — Squeeze every drop of power.

Coming Up

This week we’re covering Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and ToyFair in New York, so keep an eye on the blog for the latest news and coolest products from those shows.