First impressions: Dell Studio 17 PC

When Windows 7 was released on October 22, many computer models were discontinued and replaced by new ones equipped with the new operating system. We’re now testing a sizable group of desktops, laptops, and netbooks for inclusion in our upcoming computer Ratings (available to subscribers only).

For now, we can report findings for some models that are still being tested, starting with the Dell Studio 17, a 17-inch laptop.

The Dell Studio 17 retails at Best Buy for $780. With a Core 2 Duo processor and 4GB of memory, and a 500GB hard drive, performance was very good. It should be able to handle just about any task, although we don’t recommend it for 3D gaming. Battery life was better than average for a 17-inch laptop, at 4.25 hours. At 7.2 lbs., it’s not very heavy for its size.

You’d expect a generous keyboard on a 17-inch laptop, and that’s what you get. But there’s some give when you type, resulting in a squishy feel. The touchpad is large and easy to maneuver on, and it supports multitouch technology so you can use hand gestures to scroll and zoom, among other things.

A look at Apple’s new MacBook and Mac mini

The new Macbook 13-inch laptop

Continuing my look at Apple’s newest computers, here’s my take on the new Macbook 13-inch and Mac mini.

MacBook 13-inch

Apple’s replacement for the 13” plastic-case MacBook keeps the price at an entry-level (for Apple) $1,000. They’ve given it the large glass-surface, multi-touch, gesture-enabled trackpad of its bigger siblings. They’ve also rounded the case’s edges, switched to an LED-backlit screen, and installed a non-user-replaceable, 10 percent higher-capacity battery with twice the claimed service life (1000 charges) and two hours longer claimed charge life (7 hours).

A couple things were dropped from the previous model: the external battery-charge indicator, the FireWire port, and the remote-control pickup. I guess Apple doesn’t consider this a media-centric laptop.

Under the hood, Apple has bumped up the processor from 2.13 GHz to a 2.26 GHz Core-2 Duo. The hard drive went up from 160 GB to 250 GB. The weight has gone down about 5 ounces to 4.7 lbs.

Some nice touches: The cover snaps closed magnetically, and has a thin, soft-plastic gasket around the edge that might help keep moisture from reaching the keyboard in transit. The seamless bottom panel is actually plastic-coated aluminum, which should help spread out the heat and reduce hot spots on your lap. The top surface of the wrist-rest area stayed cool in our tests.

All in all, this MacBook is a better value than the prior one: a little faster, a little lighter, a little longer running, and able to hold more stuff.

The new Mac mini

Mac mini

Apple’s latest entry in the compact desktop arena hasn’t changed on the outside, but has the expected configuration improvements inside. The Mac mini $600 model goes up from the previous 2 GHz to a 2.26 GHz Core-2 Duo processor, doubles the memory to 2 GB, and expands the hard drive from 120GB to 160GB. It keeps the FireWire 800 port, the generous 5 USB ports (though two are taken if you use a wired keyboard and mouse), and the mini-DVI port along with the adapter needed to connect a DVI display (you can buy a $19 adaptor for a VGA display.) Apple has added a mini-DisplayPort connector, now standard on Apple PCs, for Apple displays and the few non-Apple displays that can fit it.

For $200 more, the sibling model has a 10 percent faster processor (2.53 GHz), doubles the hard drive to 320GB, and doubles the memory to 4 GB.

The Mac mini remains an enigma, being shipped without a keyboard and mouse, presumably to keep the price low. If you add Apple’s wired ones, the price goes up $100, or you can go wireless for $40 more. You’ll also want speakers if you plan to play music, since the mini’s internal speaker is insipid.

In my next post, I’ll take a further look at the design and style of Apple’s new computers. —Dean Gallea

Walmart joins the "Why wait for Black Friday" club

Joining the likes of Sears, which jump-started the traditional Black Friday holiday shopping period with pre-sales that started last weekend, this Saturday Walmart kicks off one week of special savings on everything from a $5 turkey to a $500 TV.

Starting on Saturday November 7th at 8 a.m., Walmart stores will offer a variety of deals, including its first one-week electronics savings event. Items include Sharp LCD TVs ($498 for 42-inch set, $698 for a 120Hz 46-inch model, and $898 for a 120Hz 52-inch set), a 46-inch 1080p Panasonic plasma TV, and a $148 Sony BDP-S360 BD-Live-ready Blu-ray player. Other deals include $200 Microsoft's Xbox Arcade systems, which come with a $100 Walmart gift card, and a $298 HP notebook computer with Windows 7.

For those looking for more elemental fare, Walmart is offering a complete Thanksgiving meal, including a 12-pound turkey, for $20. For complete information about special deals and price roll-backs, plus store locations, visit Walmart's Christmas Shop Web site. —James K. Willcox

5 hot electronics gifts flagged by Consumer Reports Holiday Shopping Poll

Electronics are again at the top of a lot of gift lists for the coming holiday season, according to the results of a Consumer Reports Holiday Shopping Poll released this week.

Here, are the five hottest electronics gifts, listed in order of respondents’ intentions to give them. I’ve added some reasons why they’re hot at the moment and, for some, details on the kind of people who are buying them:

• Video games and accessories. Planned as gifts by 28 percent of respondents. In a year where many people plan to cut back, as other survey data underlines, these are gifts that cost a lot less than most hardware. Nearly half of households with kids under 12 are planning such purchases, but so are nearly a quarter of homes with no such youngsters—underlining that games and extra Wii nunchucks aren’t just being bought for kids anymore. It helps that some of the hottest game titles of the year appeal equally to young and old players—notably Beatles Rock Band.

• Video-game consoles. Planned as gifts by 14 percent of respondents, including 25 percent of homes with kids under 12. With no new versions of consoles out this year, and the economy softening, prices have dropped for most brands. Also, after two seasons in which getting a Nintendo Wii consoles required military-level planning, the promise of its wider availability may be prompting some Wii holdouts to plan a purchase. (See our video buying guide for game consoles.)

PC Shopping? Beware False Bargains

Walk into just about any computer store or log onto most Web sites that sell computers, and you’re sure to find a good number of laptops and desktops at rock-bottom prices. But those deals may not be as good as they seem on the surface, our lab tests show.

Take a close look at these “bargains” before you buy, because some computer manufacturers are replacing dual-core processors with single-core Pentium and Celeron processors to reduce costs. Others are using less-powerful Atom processors in systems that otherwise look like full-blown laptops and desktops. The result, our tests show, is more sluggish performance when you try to surf media-rich Web sites, watch videos, or play 3D games.

The bottom line when shopping: If you’re looking for a primary PC for general-purpose computing, avoid computers with single-core processors, such as some Atoms and Celerons. Also make sure you get more than 1GB of memory. Of course, if all you need is a low-cost netbook for general Web surfing and e-mail, with perhaps some word processing thrown into the mix, then an Atom-based netbook with a gigabyte or two of memory and at least a 160GB hard drive should serve you well.

Take a look at our laptop and desktop Ratings (available to subscribers only) to see how Atom and other low-end processors affect systems like all-in-ones and other full-blown computers. —Donna Tapellini

From the Windows 7 launch: Touch technology is a prominent feature

VP Brad Brooks showcasing content running on 17 devices from one Windows 7 PC. (Click to enlarge.)

After starting the Windows 7 launch here in New York with a cutesy moment—Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer presenting Kylie, of Win7 TV-commercial fame, with a pink laptop—Ballmer and company moved right into a demonstration of the new OS’s top features. (See our related post: "Windows 7: To upgrade or not to upgrade")

Touch technology plays a big role in Windows 7, and is likely to result in a wide range of new products from manufacturers. For example, Microsoft this morning announced a new app from Amazon that will let you read your Kindle content on a Windows 7 computer. Thanks to touchscreen capabilities, you can scroll through e-books using multitouch finger gestures.

With Windows 7, Windows Media Center also gains touch-based features. Microsoft’s vice president of consumer marketing, Brad Brooks, demoed the results of a deal with CBS that will let you watch any show from the TV network on your PC. Scroll through and choose the shows using, you guessed it, your computer’s touchscreen.

In one of the launch’s “that‘s kinda cool” moments, Brooks fed music, photos, and video to 17 different pieces of equipment—several TVs, an Onkyo receiver, a digital picture frame, and an xBox 360-connected TV—all from one Windows 7 PC, all at the same time. (See image above.)

Keep an eye on our blog over the next days and weeks as we bring you news on product launches surrounding Windows 7. If you're interested in buying it, see how to buy it (legally) for under $120.
—Donna Tapellini

Apple updates iMac, MacBook, and mini: Coincidence or challenge?

Just about 48 hours before Microsoft is set to release Windows 7, its new operating system, Apple grabs the spotlight with the launch of new iMac desktops, new versions of the Mac mini, and an updated MacBook laptop.

The new iMacs start at $1,199 with a 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, but are also available with i5 or i7 processors. New display sizes are 21.5 inches and 27 inches. The base model also comes with 4GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive.

The popular 13-inch MacBook now uses an LED-backlit display like that on the MacBook Pro, as well as a unibody design for lighter weight. It’s $999 with a 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of memory, and a 250GB hard drive.

The Mac mini has also been updated, with two models available. One includes a 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo processor,  2GB of memory, and a 160GB hard drive for $599. The higher-end version is $799 and has a 2.53GHz Core 2 Duo, 4GB of memory, and a 320GB hard drive. Don’t forget that you’ll need to add your own monitor, keyboard, mouse, and external speakers. —Donna Tapellini

Windows 7: To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade

Launch day for Windows 7 is just a few days away. So you might be wondering whether you need to plop down between $120 and $220 for the new OS, buy a new computer, or maintain your status quo.

Before you make any decisions, you should check your computer’s compatibility, as well as that of your peripherals, with Microsoft’s Upgrade Advisor.

Then, find the description of your situation below and proceed accordingly:

You’re happy with your current system and OS. Save your money, at least for now. Sure, Windows 7 has some new interface tweaks that we think are pretty cool. But any time you upgrade, there’s a potential for unpredictable problems. So why mess with success? Meanwhile, however, always download any critical Windows updates. Make sure you’re using the latest version of your browser. And if you don’t have any security software running, install a free antivirus program. We recommend Avira AntiVir.  Alternatively, Microsoft just released its free antivirus/antispyware software, Microsoft Security Essentials.

You’re a Vista user frustrated with its performance. Get the upgrade if your system is compatible. Windows 7 is more stable than Vista and it’s got a good number of ease-of-use enhancements. And as a bonus, you’ll get a grip on those frustrating User Account Controls, since Windows 7 provides options for different levels of settings. 

You recently bought a new computer and qualify for a free upgrade. Get your upgrade. Most computer manufacturers are offering free Windows 7 upgrades to those who bought Vista-based computers from late June through this coming January. Be sure to register for the upgrade, and keep in mind that you might have to pay shipping and other costs to have the software sent to you. But keep in mind that the Windows 7 upgrade option does not apply to Vista Basic-based computers.

You’re an XP user. If your computer is no more than four years old and running Windows XP, and you want to upgrade to Windows 7, run the upgrade advisor. If you’re cleared for Windows 7, you can upgrade, but you’ll first have to either install Vista or backup and then erase the contents of your hard drive before moving to Windows 7.

Retail versions of Windows 7 cost $120 for Home Premium; $200 for Professional; and $220 for Ultimate. Eligible college students can grab an upgrade for just $30 until early January at www.win741.com. —Donna Tapellini

Extra Extra: Consumer Reports Electronics Buying Guide is on sale

(Click to enlarge.)

It may be a tad early to start your holiday shopping, but there’s a good chance you’ve at least been thinking about it. Maybe you’ve had a big-ticket gift—like a new TV or home theater—in mind for a while now, but are putting off the purchase till November or December. If it’s sales you’re waiting for, you probably know what you want and how much you’re willing to pay. On the other hand, you might just a teeny bit leery of throwing so much cash at something you know very little about. Which is better: a plasma or LCD TV? Should you upgrade to a Blu-ray player or stick with standard-def DVDs?

If you find yourself in need of expert advice, consider the newest edition of the Consumer Reports Electronics Buying Guide. Inside you’ll find a wealth of information on everything from televisions and computers to smart phones, GPS units, and much more. For each product, the Consumer Reports editors walk you through the basics, explaining what’s available, which features matter, brand profiles, and offering tried-and-true shopping tips.

In addition to product information, the guide offers advice on how to shop smarter, including:

• Netting the best deals online, and protecting yourself when you shop on the Web


• When to repair and when to replace a broken item


• How to haggle effectively


• Finding the best electronics retailer based on our comprehensive annual survey


• How to save—and what to be wary of—with refurbished or open-box products on store shelves


• Where to get free office software, free computer security programs, and more useful freeware

In the CR Test Labs: Sony Vaio with Windows 7 looking good

[LOGO: Courtesy of Microsoft]

With Windows 7’s release just a week away, here’s an advance look at how some of the new Windows 7 laptops and desktops perform. We’re testing several press samples that we purchased from manufacturers.

First up is Sony’s VAIO VGN-NW270F/T, a 15.5-inch laptop with 4GB of memory, a 320GB hard drive, and Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit. It replaces the Vista-based VAIO VGN-NW125J/T that we tested, which was similarly equipped. One notable difference: The Windows 7 model uses a slightly faster 2.2GHz Core 2 Duo processor, compared to the 2.1GHz processor used in the older VAIO.

Here’s what we found:

Very good performance. As with the Vista-based VGN-NW125J/T, performance on the Windows 7 system was very good. In fact, the new model scored about 10% higher in our application benchmark. It also performed marginally better in our gaming benchmark, but you can still expect choppy motion in 3D games. Start-up was slightly faster at 63 seconds (compared to 74 seconds); shutdown took an average of 15 seconds on both the Vista and Windows 7 laptops. On both systems, standby time was about 4 seconds and resume was about 3 seconds.

Battery life. The NW270F/T had about 3 hours in our tests. That’s 30 minutes less than on the Vista model, but on par with many other 15-inch laptops we’ve tested.

More features. The VGN-NW270F/T adds a Blu-ray drive, a nice extra for those looking to use their laptop for entertainment.

We’ll be posting full Ratings of Windows 7 computers next month, plus more first looks over the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned. You can find our current laptop Ratings and recommendations here. —Donna Tapellini