FeaturedSystems.com

One thing has always been true about computers: as soon as you buy the latest model, it’s obsolete. There’s a constant stream of product marketing constantly telling us our processor is old or that the newest operating system (ahem, Windows Vista) won’t run without a large amount of RAM. Since performance usually relies much more on RAM (memory) than anything else, that’s how I buy a computer: by the price, loaded with RAM. In this case, I’m in the market for a new laptop.

What are the available laptops with 4GB of system RAM pre-installed? Here’s a quick list of the best priced alternatives from multiple manufacturers:

Sony comes out strong with the Sony VAIO VGN-Z591U – a 13.1″ ultra-portable that prices around $3000.00 ouch.

Lenovo (formerly known as Thinkpad) usually comes out with at least 2GB of RAM on each of their new laptops. The Lenovo ThinkPad X300 6477 is available for just under $3000. It too is a 13.1″ ultra portable loaded with features.

HP enters the fray with two entries from the Pavilion family: the beefy HDX 20″ Entertainment Laptop and the HP Pavilion DV6700T Entertainment Notebook. At $2300 and $1200 each, respectively, these are high value options. I do have a personal prejudice against HPs with large displays, though; they tend to produce a lot of heat.

Finally, Toshiba Qosmio enters the picture with what I feel is the best choice from our inventory. The Toshiba Qosmio F55-Q503 has a 15.4″ screen, a healthy 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 Processor, a 320 GB hard drive, Vista Premium and, of course, 4 GB RAM. Take a look.

Hope this helps someone in the market for a high-power, low cost laptop with at least 4 GB of RAM.

Thanks,
FeaturedSystems.com

There are only 500 of these available, but buy the Microsoft XBox 360 Arcade and receive $40.00 off with this coupon. If you don’t already have one, you need one! The great thing about the Arcade package is that it ships complete,

Xbox 360 Arcade console is everything you need to begin playing right out of the box… Comes with a wireless controller, five arcade games, and a memory unit. This console includes an HDMI output, so you can experience your games in the highest definition possible, up to 1080p (HDMI cable sold separately).

Remember – there are only 500 of these Xbox coupons available!

Save $40 off XBOX 360 ARCADE with coupon code CV37GD?SCXD7W5.

Happy 4th of July! While there are good things going on at the MSN adLabs, while I was on there today, I spotted an ad for Microsoft Silverlight. In their words:

Microsoft® Silverlight™ is a cross-browser, cross-platform, and cross-device plug-in for delivering the next generation of media experiences

I didn’t even bother to install it to find out more on their site. Someone let me know if it’s worth a darn.

Technorati Tags: Silverlight

Tech guys and girls are always on the lookout for cool, cheap new computer systems to play with. As with the $299 Asus Laptop, manufacturers are finding one of the easiest ways to decrease the cost of a PC is to unbundle the windows operating system or strip other features. After all, you don’t think M’Soft lets the OEM manufacturers distribute the OS for free, do you?

Enter the $99.99 Shuttle KPC K45 barebones computer…
*yours may not look exactly like this

At just 190 x 280 x 170 mm, it’s just a bit bigger than the Mac Mini. The system does not ship with an operating system, hard drive, processor, RAM, keyboard or mouse. (It’s a “barebones” system) Buyers will likely plug in their own processor, RAM and hard drive, then install some flavor of Linux or Windows. Beyond that, it’s all “pros” when it comes to features:

• Processors Supported (not included): Intel Core 2 Duo; Intel Celeron D 4XX; Intel Pentium Dual Core
• 2, 1GB RAM slots (2GB max RAM, not included)
• 4 USB 2.0 ports
• Includes Audio (Realtek ALC662), Video (Intel GMA 950), Gigabit LAN
• Claimed 1/3 power consumption from its 100 watt power supply
• Under 4kg (8.7 lbs)
• Produces less than 28dBs
• Using the system’s MyKover app, it takes just 1-minute to get started

For a more information on the KPC K45’s fully-appointed counterpart, the KPC K4500, you can take a look at the recent CNET review. But if you’ve got $99 to burn and a desire to fiddle with a barebones box, the Shuttle KPC K45 is one of a new breed of ultra low cost options the buyer should consider.

More info: Shuttle Computers

We’ve found another hidden gem – the refurbished HP D530. At just $172.79, this is a perfect kids’ computer. Sure, it’s a refurb but take a look at the features:

• Microsoft Windows XP pre-installed w/COA
• Pentium 4 2.66 GHz processor
• 512 MB RAM
• 40 GB Hard Drive
• CD-ROM & 1.44 MB floppy drive

A little work “on the Google machine” yields the official HP info page on the D530. It seems as if drivers are readily available, if needed. Some models of the original d530 shipped with a monitor (which was problematic) but this one is just the box.