E3 2009 Predictions

Next week is the Electronics Entertainment Expo, also known as E3! From June 2 – 4, we’ll be hit with a series of exciting announcements and first looks of upcoming gadgets and software. Just days before the show, several predictions are already spreading like wildfire.

For PCs, the highest expectation is for video game developer, Valve, to finally address Half-Life 2: Episode 3. Half-Life 2: Episode One first hit the scene five years ago with the promise that the game would continue with regular episodic installments. Yet, gamers have been patiently waiting for the next chapter since Half-Life 2: Episode Two was released in 2007. This year’s E3 may hold the answer to their prayers. Maybe with a sequel to Portal...?

Despite its Games For Windows campaign attempting to rekindle the struggling PC game industry, Microsoft isn’t expected to have much to offer this year. Many are eager to see more announcements on the upcoming release of Windows 7, expected to be available this fall.

Most of this year’s focus will be on console and handheld gaming. For Microsoft’s Xbox 360, there’s been much speculation over a motion capture camera that will enable motion-controlled games, similar to those found on the Nintendo Wii.

Speaking of Nintendo, no one knows what to expect from them this year. Last year’s keynote by Nintendo was absolutely horrible, with embarrassing demonstrations by clueless representatives. This year will hopefully be better, with announcements that will truly excite gamers. If nothing else, perhaps a new Legend of Zelda title and a sneak preview of DSi exclusives.

The lion’s share of anticipation goes to Sony, whose been fighting off rumors left and right as to what they have coming later this year. A new model of PSP (named the PSP-Go!) has been all but officially confirmed by Sony, and everyone believes it will be Sony’s big reveal this E3.

This new model is rumored to have no UMD drive, following Sony’s intention to more fully embrace digital distribution through their PlayStation Network. Also rumored that there will be two versions, each with different sizes of internal flash memory to store games and media files. Many further predict that it will have a much larger screen that will slide upward to uncover the devices control buttons.

For the PlayStation 3 console, several rumors are swirling about; the most significant being a possible “slim” redesign and/or price break. Photos were leaked earlier this month, supposedly from a factory in China that is well under way for mass-producing this new model of PS3. Experts predict that if these photos are legit, Sony still won’t unveil the redesign at E3 in the hopes that current supplies of older models of PS3s will dry up from retail shelves first.


That’s all for predictions! Check back next week when we cover which ones came true and what showed up to surprise us!

Laptop Travel Tips for Your Summer Vacation

Summer is upon us! Kids are getting out of school and it’s time to think about how we’re going to spend our vacation time.

Of course, we can’t escape completely—we live in an age where we can still bring our computers with us wherever we go to stay current with work and keep in touch with friends. Better still: Blog about your adventures! Portable laptops and netbook PCs have made it too convenient (though not necessarily in a bad way) to bring our desktop environment with us on summer trips.

That being a given, there are some important things to keep in mind in order to keep your laptop and precious data safe while traveling. Here are some summer laptop tips:


TAKE A SPARE BATTERY AND AC ADAPTER

There’s nothing more essential to a laptop than keeping it powered up. Remember to bring along your laptop’s AC adapter so that you can plug into any nearby outlet, wherever you might be staying. Also be sure that you have the right power cords and international power adapters if you’re vacationing to countries with different power plugs. It’s also a clever idea to keep a spare AC adapter around: One for home and one for travel.

Of course, for true portability, the laptop battery frees us from the tether of a power cord. Especially if you’re booting up inside planes, trains, and automobiles. The average battery is built to last just a few hours. For extra long trips and emergencies, keep an extra battery handy!


USE A TRAVEL BAG

You’ll need a place to store your laptop, adapter, batteries, and whatever other gadgets you carry with you. A laptop travel bag holds your laptop accessories all in one convenient place, wrapped in protective padding to prevent damage.

However, most experts will agree that it’s wise to use travel bags other than a traditional laptop bag. When a thief sees a laptop bag, they know exactly what’s inside; almost as if you’ve stuck a “Steal me!” sign on your computer. Instead, use a well padded backpack or messenger bag. Since they’re more common, they’re less likely to be stolen.


SECURE YOUR LAPTOP

While you and your family are out seeing the sights, you should secure your laptop in case of a break in. A laptop security lock and cable will fasten your notebook so that the bad guys can’t make off with it.

In the event that your laptop still gets stolen, you’ll also need to protect your data. A laptop only costs a few hundred dollars to replace; the private data that criminals can pull from your laptop can cost you thousands! Password protect as much software as you can. It may be a hassle at times, but it could very well save you.

There’s also the option of using a USB security key. These devices look similar to USB thumb drives and are very reasonably priced. Most of these security keys use software that will keep your laptop’s data encrypted or limit access unless they’re connected to the laptop while running. Fancy ones have features like thumb print scanners to insure that you and only you are the one accessing your personal computer.


REMEMBER ALL CABLES AND ADAPTERS

If you plan on looking over the photos on your digital camera while on your trip, you’ll need to be able to get those files from your camera to your laptop. To pull the files from the camera’s memory card, there are a wide variety of flash card readers that will do the trick, but that’s unnecessary weight to be carrying around. The most convenient method is connecting the digital camera directly to the laptop and reading the files from there. Most digital cameras are equipped with a mini-USB port to connect to any PC.

Keep a couple mini-USB cables stashed in your laptop travel bag, depending on how many gadgets you bring along with you. Mini-USB is a near-universal connection for plugging portable electronic devices to a PC. You can even use them to charge your cell phone or video games, like the Sony PSP, in case you’d like to leave their bulky AC adapters at home!


USE A WIRELESS PLAN FROM YOUR MOBILE PROVIDER

It’s possible to find free wireless hotspots while you’re on vacation, but who wants to drive around searching for one when you could be relaxing by the pool? You can sign up for a data plan through your mobile phone service for your own secured connection. Most services are able to provide connection speeds as fast as broadband!


PORTABLE PC ON A USB DRIVE

There’s always the crazy alternative: Leave the laptop at home! If you’re visiting family or anywhere else that already has an accessible computer with an internet connection, you can still carry your own software, settings, and files with the use of a simple USB flash drive.

There are hundreds of free portable applications that can easily be installed on a USB flash drive that will allow you to check your email, edit pictures, and even balance your check book wherever you go! They’re very effective for their size and you should be able to pack all you need in a USB drive no larger than 2GB.

It’s easy to find portable, stand-alone applications online, but the easiest way is to install the PortableApps Suite onto the USB drive. It comes with several popular applications and you can add as many as you want from their software library. Best of all, they’re all free!


With these tips, you'll earn yourself some peace of mind with your laptop by your side. After all, you should relax...you're on vacation!

Connect Your Laptop To Your TV With Ease!

With streaming video services like NetFlix and Hulu, watching high quality movies and television shows on-demand are just a click away. But how comfortable can it be to watch them sitting in your desk chair on a cramped computer screen? Nothing beats snuggling up with your loved ones on a couch across from a large, high-def screen.

So how do we bring the convenience of internet broadcasting together with the comfort of the living room theater? It’s easier than you think, and in fact there are dozens of ways to do it!

A lot of people will build a dedicated media center PC that stays connected to their entertainment center. This is a great option, but that kind of hardware can be bulky and incredibly expensive.

We recommend taking advantage of a laptop for this setup. They’re compact and mobile, so they won’t take up too much space in your entertainment center. If you already have a laptop, you’ll save money by getting extra use out of something you already own. And if you don’t have a laptop, they’re fairly inexpensive and you get the dual benefit of having an excellent media device and a portable computer!

Now it’s time to hook it up! The first question is how to connect the video. Laptops typically have a video output of some kind built into them. Older laptops may have a Composite or S-video connection. Newer laptops are readily equipped with DVI or even HDMI (which is the best option). Just about all will have a VGA output. If your laptop doesn’t have DVI or HDMI, then VGA is possibly your best option since it’s still able to support higher screen resolutions.

If you have a high-definition television, you’re in luck because most new HDTVs have input connections for just about all forms of video input. In some cases you may need to get an adapter. For example, if your HDTV doesn’t support VGA, you can get a VGA-to-DVI or VGA-to-Component adapter. For older TVs, you may have to get an S-video-to-Composite adapter.

Of course, one of the best options is to use a laptop docking station or port replicator for your laptop. A laptop port replicator expands the capabilities of your laptop, giving it the full array of connections found in a full-sized PC. For example, the Dell Precision E/Port Plus port replicator has two DVI outputs, allowing for a simultaneous dual-screen setup with high-definition displays.

A laptop port replicator will also give you more audio options. Most laptops will only be equipped with the standard 3.5mm headphone jack. Laptop docking stations can have better audio options, including optical connections for the best quality digital sound. In some cases, the headphone jack of a laptop is rigged to double as a digital coaxial output, so you may need a 3.5mm-to-RCA digital coaxial adapter. Or, there are external USB soundcards that will come with the connectors you need.

Once you have the hardware together, it’s time to boot up! If the picture doesn’t show up on your TV right away, you may need to adjust the video software settings on the laptop. For machines running Windows, simply right-click on the desktop and click on the Properties option. In the Display Properties, click on the Settings tab on the right. From there, you can either set the TV as an extension of the laptop’s screen, or set it as the single primary display.

All that’s left is to pull up your favorite video, full-screen it, and hit Play! With this set up, you can also play your favorite games, give presentations, or watch photo slideshows.

HP Recalls 70,000 Laptop Batteries Due To Fire Hazard

On May 14th, Hewlett-Packard announced a recall for nearly 70,000 laptop batteries in response to reports of dangerous defects. In these reports, the batteries overheated and then ruptured into flames. Thankfully, no one was injured in these reports and the losses were limited to minor property damage.

HP quickly worked in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to initiate this recall of these Chinese-made Lithium Ion batteries. While HP is to be commended for their swift action, they have yet to officially comment on the recall or divulge the name of the Chinese manufacturer that these batteries came from.

The laptop batteries in question where made and primarily sold between August 2007 and March 2008. They were sold along with several models of HP and Compaq laptops, as well as being sold separately. If you'd like to see if your HP laptop battery may be at risk, the CPSC has posted an official release on the recall, including the models of laptops and batteries that are likely to be affected.

If you find that your HP laptop battery is among those listed in the recall, HP recommends that you contact them as soon as possible for a free replacement battery. In the meantime, laptop users are advised to use their HP laptop AC adapter as a power source until their new battery arrives.

Energy Star Revises Computer Monitor Requirements

Energy consumption is a serious concern for both the environment and the economy. Energy resources are a precious commodity; one not to be wasted.

With the advancement of flat panel technology, the Environmental Protection Agency is adjusting its requirements for its Energy Star program, tightening energy consumption standards for computer monitors by October, 2009.

The Energy Star program is a combined effort of both the EPA and the United States Department of Energy founded in the early 1990s to reduce energy waste. The Energy Star program is completely voluntary for companies looking to make their products more energy-efficient, though it is required for any products sold to the United States government. Products that meet with the Energy Star standards will display the Energy Star logo, as well as a yellow EnergyGuide label featuring the product’s estimated annual energy cost.

Approximately 45% of computer monitors in production meet with the current Energy Star standards. With the upcoming Version 5.0 of the program (which require LCD displays to consume 20% less energy than under the current version), it’s expected that the number will drop to 25%. Advancement in the use of LED backlights is the inspiration for the EPA’s decision to revise its criteria, in the hopes that more companies will cultivate this energy-efficient technology.

Along with more efficiently managing energy resources, the Energy Star program also benefits the consumer. In the current economy, more consumers are trying to either reduce their energy costs or maximize the rewards for what they already pay. The new Energy Star requirements will make it more affordable for those looking to either upgrade to a larger computer monitor or take advantage of a dual-screen setup.

For more information about the Energy Star program and its benefits, please visit the Energy Star homepage. Triangle Laptops, LLC is a “green” company that cares about the environment. We currently sell energy-saving CFL lightbulbs, which is another great way to save on your energy bill and help out the environment!

Replacing Hard-To-Find Dell Laptop AC Adapters

You may find that a replacement for your Dell laptop AC adapter is hard to find. A few models of Dell AC adapters are slowly being phased out to make way for newer, slimmer model.

If you're Dell laptop uses the PA-12 AC adapter and you have difficulty finding a replacement, the newer compatible model is the PA-2E AC adapter. The 65 watt PA-2E's part number is RX929 and is compatible with all Dell notebooks requiring 19.5 volts and 3.34 amps, with a round connector.

The following models of Dell laptops will be able to use the new PA-2E family of AC adapters:

• Dell Inspiron 300m
• Dell Inspiron 500m
• Dell Inspiron 505m
• Dell Inspiron 600m
• Dell Inspiron 610m
• Dell Inspiron 630m
• Dell Inspiron 700m
• Dell Inspiron 710m
• Dell Inspiron 1150
• Dell Inspiron 6000
• Dell Inspiron 8500
• Dell Inspiron 600

The second model of laptop power adapter to be replaced is the PA-10 AC adapter, with the new PA-3E. This slimmer model should fit just about all Dell Latitude, Inspiron, Precision, etc, laptop models as the PA-10, as well as the Latitude D/Port Advanced Port Replicator. The 90 watt PA-3E is also known as part number WK890 or model number DA90PE1-00.

The PA-3E is guaranteed to fit the following models of Dell laptops:

• Dell Latitude E5400
• Dell Latitude E5500
• Dell Latitude 6400
• Dell Latitude E6500

Lastly, the older Dell PA-13 AC adapter can be replaced by the newer PA-4E AC adapter. It has a much slimmer design, so it's more portable than the PA-13 “power brick”.

The 130 watt PA-4E is also compatible with most Dell laptops that currently use the above 90 watt PA-10 and 65 watt PA-12 AC adapters, though it's suggested to continue using those older models or their newer equivalents.

For a complete list of compatible laptop models for the Dell PA-4E, check out the PA-4E product page from our online store.

Dell E-Series Port Replicators and Monitor Stands

Laptop computers are a modern miracle. They allow us to work and access the internet from just about anywhere we travel with all the functionality of a desktop PC. Well...almost all, anyway.

The truth is, there just some features that a desktop computer has that a laptop can't support, like larger monitors or extra expansion ports. And in this rough economy, it's expensive to invest in a home desktop, a mobile laptop, and maybe a third computer for the office. Why can’t we have one single computer that satisfies all of our needs?

Thankfully, most laptop manufacturers also offer laptop docking stations, sometimes referred as port replicators. These docking stations connect to your laptop and expand its capabilities so that it can perform more like a desktop computer. One of the leading computer manufacturers, Dell, designed two laptop port replicators for their Latitude and Precision series of laptops.

The Dell PR03X E/Port Replicator connects with the Dell Latitude E-Series laptops, including the Latitude E5500, E6400 ATG, and more. The PR03X also has keyboard & mouse ports, additional USB ports, expansion drive port (eSATA), and extra audio/video outputs.

Another Dell laptop port replicator is the PR02X E/Port Plus Port Replicator. How is it “Plus”? The Dell PR02X has two DVI video ports, which means you can connect your Dell laptop to two digital monitors or high definition screens up to 30" in size and at a resolution of up to 2560x1600.

In addition to laptop docking stations, Dell has designed three types of laptop stands for making your computer work as comfortable as possible.


Dell E-View Laptop Stand

This is the most basic setup, in case you don’t have an external monitor to connect to your Dell Latitude or Precision laptop. The laptop and docking station hook up to the top platform and you can adjust the height until you find the best eye-level position.


Dell E-Monitor Flat Panel Laptop Stand

This Dell laptop docking station connects to the base of this laptop stand while a Dell flat panel monitor can be installed on top. It has a simple, space-saving design and can be adjusted to the most comfortable height or position. Unfortunately, this stand is only compatible with newer Dell flat panel LCD monitors. Older models, such as the Dell 2001FP, will not be able to connect.


Dell E-Family CRT Monitor Stand

There are those who still use the older style CRT monitors. Dell’s E-Family CRT monitor stand is large enough to handle just about any CRT computer monitor and can also be adjusted for your preferred height or position.


This is just a spotlight on the Dell laptop docking stations, but most other brands have similar docking stations and port replicators available. Please take a look through our online store to find the docking station that best suits your model of laptop.