So I have been looking around the Internet for a good portable laptop device that could help me blogging on the go without any problems. Ever since I got Internet sharing installed on my HTC Herald I definitely needed some kind of a good portable device. And luckily it seems that a lot of companies are Introducing there portable devices. Companies like: Apple, they introduced the Mac Book Air. which is a nice small laptop. But not exactly wallet friendly or isn’t that small as the other 3 portables I am going to mention.

The first small wonder machine is from a company called Asus. They introduced and released the EEE PC. EEE stand for: Easy to learn, Easy to work, Easy to play. They come in various editions like the 8,9 Inch version called EEE PC 900 which is the highest available, loaded with:

• Intel CPU Celeron M & chipset
• Supporting Linux and/or Windows XP
• Color: Pearl white / Galaxy Black
• Ethernet communication
• Wireless lan
• S.S.D. Storage (Solid-state Disk): 12GB under Windows XP and 20GB under Linux
• Build in camera
• Hi-Definition audio Stereo speaker, Microphone
• Battery 4 Cells, 2.8~3.5hrs*
• Weight is about 1 KG
• SD Card Reader

Als I mentioned this is the HIGHEST edition out there. So can you imagine the lower ones? With the 7Inch screen…I cannot imagine who wants to buy such a portable lower then the one mentioned in the featured list. The lower ones are called SURF edition and they really can’t do more then surfing. They don’t even have a Webcam or a good SSD. It go’s down to 2GB. So take your pick. The most expensive one cost about €350,- that is about 550 USD.

Overall The Asus is a good portable for a on-the-go blogger with a small budget. But if you are looking for a more powerful portable one that has more abilitys towards a traditional laptop. You should go for the HP mini a.k.a. HP 2133 Mini-Note. This is a much more powerful portable then the ASUS and it has a almost full sized Querty Keyboard. Unlike the little chicklet keys from the Asus. Although the HP also has a 8,9inch screen. Here are some of the specs:

• C7-M 1,6 Ghz with ULV Technology (Ultra Low Voltage)
• 2GB ram
• Standard 120GB 7200RPM Hard disk
• Windows Vista Business edition
• Ethernet, Wireless, Bluetooth
• Express Card and SD Card slots
• Multiple USB (1 of them is Powered)
• 3-6 Hours battery life

I must say that the HP wins this one I mean come on! whats better then a Plastic chasis versus a aluminium chassis +design from HP.
Most of all HP is a striped down Laptop but then again. Not that stripped. Unlike the Asus.

And I am also getting information about the new MSI Wind laptop they introduced a couple of days ago. I am certainly going to post the review here. And my conclusion and decision of which Portable blogging device I will purchase to serve for Tech2do.

If you have any question feel free to post your comment or just E-mail me at ayerthon(at)tech2do(dot)com

Ayerthon Sadikrama

After having several sources I was able to make a “sort of” discussion in the chatbox.
I recorded the whole thing. Please keep in mind that the information on the video may not be the same as you would see when you do a short search on GOOGLE.
But the information I got was from a official website review from Nvidia.

And I don’t think that it is going to be a permanent info source. Because I already got some people saying that the information was incorrect. But hey! That’s up to you. I believe for what I got and I don’t defend it against flags from other people.

You just better start a comment discussion below Or just join the chatbox in the Live Internet Broadcast.

As a life time windows user I was always glad to have Updates that would make my pc faster then it already is. But unlike vista. They released Service Pack 1 today. And I must say. It has a little bit improvement. But they did not get the “WOW” out of me.

They said that this Vista pack as a lot of fixes. Which is true but they also said that there were several problems with some drivers for soundcards and even several monitors. But I think thats a fact you should not worry about.

Well below was the discussion session while live broadcasting.

Well Asus was releasing a Eee “Laptop” and there idea was to create a portable standard for small individuals. And to be honest: “It worked well for the ladies”

But the truth is that the small product was not that popular for to be used on the regular daily basis. It is more like a annoying little Linux Operating Thingy. And I am not saying that I hate Linux but the hardware is really disappointing! Not the kind of idea I would expect from Asus.

But honestly. Doesn’t it seems like some sort of MAC Mini Ripoff kinda thing? for REAL!? It has the same Core2Duo. (only the mac mini has a higher version upgrade available and it has about the same shape but the Asus is bigger. And instead of WHITE yes you would have guessed it the, the exact opposite BLACK and the same aluminum color on the sides)\

And there is one thing that totally shocked me! well look at the the bigger picture over here. Look what it says behind: Performance” yes you are seeing it! “good enough performance” and keep in mind that it was kinda big expo where they demonstrated it!

Anyways the mac mini is way more of a better alternative. And you might say:”yeah but it is a completely different platform” Well so? And Linux isn’t? Think about it! google it! Do your Homework! lol

Altough I don’t own a single mac product. Still I’m a fan of apple and despite the Windows Vista side. Can you even imagine what a good company Apple is!?

But I got to tell you. The previous product of Asus in the Eee series was a pretty cool device. As long you keep it shut. When I first got the hands on it. I saw a portable fliptop thingy that set on the bottom of the box. And my first tought were….. That’s it? cool? I think? Then I started to open die little booger. And maybe after 3 minutes I shut it down and return it to the retailer to ask the money back. It cost me around 300 Eur?

So I went to the Apple Store in Amsterdam. And I requested the cheapest version of the mac mini which is the 1,8Ghz Core2duo. And I even had the option to use the Student discount! I came around 560 EUR and I did not purchased it yet and searched around the Internet for some cheaper offers. And finally found one for 300EUR. I will be purchasing one soon en put a unboxing/review video about it.

By the way. If you are curious about the Hardware plans for tech2do’s Live Internet Broadcasting setup you can have a peak here

(by: Ayerthon Sadikrama)

Video version:

enough said…

For all the Digital DJ’s out there. Incl Me As most of us know. There are two massive DJ USB controllers coming soon!

And those are:

Vestax VCI-300

Reloop Digital Jockey –Interface-Edition–

The thing about these to for beeing so “massive” is because they have everything a controller should have! Like: Jogwheel sensors and a BUILD IN SOUNDCARD Well just for a quick decision. I would go for the Reloop… It is going to be cheaper I think, plus it has a Pioneer CDJ kinda Jogwheel. And the Vestax, well it is a strange Jogwheel. Hahaha But let’s check the specs:

Vestax VCI-300 (Coming around April 2008 and it will cost around €699,-) The VCI-300 has excellent compatibility with the new SERATO DJ software and comes with a built-in audio interface with standard 4in/4out and headphone connection, larger & lighter JOG wheels, JOG torque adjustment and other new features!

features:

- HIGH RESOLUTION CONTROL The VCI-300 can control more than 90 parameters and functions of the included Serato software with high resolution MIDI signals sent via USB. The pulse resolution of the JOG wheel and pitch control fader is 4 times higher than the VCI-100 and provides precise control of each function. The pitch control fader also shares the same high quality fader parts of the input fader for advanced operability.

- SUPERB AUDIO CHARACTERISTIC The built-in audio interface carries a Audio Codec IC with superb audio characteristic, generated by a deltasigma modulation 24 bit stereo D/AÅEA/D converter. Audio connection includes 1 stereo input, 1 MIC input and 2 stereo output (Master L/R, Monitor L/R).

- LEVEL INDICATION A 12 level LED L/R indicator is set in the center of the top panel to monitor sound levels.

- FILE CONTROL Audio files in the software library can be easily selected and controlled with the CRATES / FILES / BROWSE key and the cursor switch inherited from the VCM-100.

- EMERGENCY THRU SWITCH The Emergency Thru Switch located on the rear panel is a countermeasure feature to avoid sound from stopping when the computer freezes. It instantly switches the output source from the computer to other audio players connected to the VCI-300.

- ADJUSTABLE JOG WHEEL TORQUE The torque of each JOG wheel can be adjusted to prevent them from moving from low frequency feedback and altering the pitch when using the VCI-300 in such places like clubs.

- FADER CURVE CONTROL The fader curve of each fader can be adjusted to the preferred characteristics for long mixes, scratching and any other style. (source: www.djdeals.com) ————————————————————————————————————–

Reloop Digital Jockey –Interface-Edition– Well the Reloop comes with 2 versions: Digital Jockey and Digital Jockey –Interface-Edition– And I think most of us will go for the Interface Edition since it has a build-in Soundcard features:

• Professional USB/MIDI controller for DJs
• Integrated 4 channel 16 bit/48 kHz USB audio interface
• Stereo RCA input and output, 6,3 mm jacks for headphones and microphone
• Flexible channel routing for integration of a CD player or a turntable
• ASIO drivers for lowest latency and best audio quality
• Supplied with 2 professional mixing softwares: Reloop Attack and Native Instruments Traktor 3 LE (both are pre-mapped. No special assignment required)
• All controllers are in full-size
• A total of 69 MIDI controllers (42 buttons, 5 faders, 9 encoders, 6 push rotaries, 5 rotaries, 2 jog wheels)
• All MIDI controllers can be edited and freely assigned
• USB bus powered: power supply possible via USB
• Anti-theft system: Kensington security slot
• Mac OSX and Windows XP/Vista compatible
• Well-sorted mixer/CD player design for quick and easy handling:Mixer section
• Classic 2 channel layout
• 1 x PRO longlife crossfader
• 2 x volume control with PRO longlife linefaders
• 2 x 3-band equalizer with Push2Kill knobs
• 2 x gain control knobsPlayer section
• 2 x extra large, high resolution jog wheels for scratching, effect modulation, etc.
• 2 x PRO longlife pitchfaders
• 4 x assignable encoders and 4 x buttons for effect and sample control
• A total of 42 backlit buttons for all playback operations (also play, pause, cue, keylock and sync)Master section
• Cue mix, volume and master controls
• Extra large Trax encoder for fast and easy browsing through music libraries (with preview and A/B load buttons)

technical data:

• Dimensions: 370 x 38 x 295 mm
• Including control overlay adapted for Reloop Attack and Traktor 3 LE, power supply and USB cord

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I think that there is not really a question about it. The Reloop is more DJ like to put it that way then the Vestax. I will post the release date and prices soon voor the Reloop