While it may not be the cheapest machine in stores, this notebook has a major advantage in the form of the Nvidia Optimus platform. Previous implementations of auto graphics switching was based on whether the laptop is on battery or AC power.

The Portégé T210 laptops are dressed in Toshiba(Toshiba PA3399U-1BRS)'s dual-tone Metallic Contrast Finish, sporting a patterned lid design on the outside in Luxe White Pearl with Fusion Chrome Finish, coupled with a silver interior with blended matte textured finish and chrome trim....

Graphically, things are more impressive. In our 3DMark06 benchmark test, the A665-11Z scored 8,338 at a resolution of 1,280x768, and 8,196 at the maximum supported resolution of 1,366x768. Turning on the 3D did drag those scores down -- with the test running at default and maximum native resolutions, PA3385U-1BRS,the machine scored 5,039 and 4,892 respectively. Although, again, not the best we've ever seen, these scores should make the A665 capable of handling most current-generation games....

If the T235D was more expensive, we could levy some other complaints, but for the price it's a nice package. You don't get record setting performance or Laptop Batteries life, but there are no major shortcomings either. If Atom is too slow, CULV IGPs were lacking, and Arrandale ULV is too expensive, this is the ultraportable/thin-and-light laptop you've been waiting for. And if you act fast, Office Depot has a sale this week where the T235D is going for just $500 instead of the normal $580 to $600. At the sale price, this is an amazing bargain!...

If you absolutely need to have an optical drive, the HP 4425s has a built-in dual-layer DVD burner, as does the Lenovo T410s, Dell(Dell XPS M140 Battery) E5510, and Toshiba R705-P25. Question is, when was the last time you used one? I'm a big proponent of getting rid of the internal optical drive in an effort to trim the bulk, which is exactly what the HP 5310m did.

Continuing with the last aspect, the upcoming tablet with the Chrome as the OS will be a nice break from the surge of Android powered tablets. And if you are not sure what the two operating systems from Google stand for, ...

Taken further, MicroGen’s technology could be used to make a battery that charges itself. Last month, MicroGen and Cornell Energy Materials Center agreed to work together to develop one. That creates a conduit for financial support from the state-designated Center for Future Energy Systems in Troy; the energy materials center; and the Cornell NanoScale Science and Technology Facility (CNF), in whose cleanroom Andosca’s team is building prototypes of the energy-harvesting MEMS.

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