Computers that are the best of the big, small and sleek

[DUB]

If there's a phrase that characterizes the latest crop of desktops and laptops, it's "going to extremes." Consumer Reports recently tested the thinnest, smallest and largest laptops it has ever tested, along with laptops and desktops of unprecedented processing speed.

According to CR's editors, even component integration is getting extreme, as more manufacturers stuff computer circuitry into monitors to create sleek, one-piece desktops. Yet CR also found basic budget computers and more powerful workhorse and high-end models that would be fine choices for most people.
Excerpt
http://www.star-telegram.com/408/v-print/story/644064.html

[frodo82801]

Extreme sports. Extreme Gatorade. Extreme vacations. Why not extreme computers?

We're getting bored with life, aren't we?

[RememberTheName]

If you saw the size of my build, I'm pretty sure you'd call it 'extreme'. When (and if) I get the money, I'm building a new one that's smaller, but it'll have a good... I think ten to twelve fans, not including the aftermarket coolers I'm getting for the processor and video cards.

Like I said, if I get the money. xD

Many times these types of PC's are made to accommodate people that have special needs from their computers. Like mine that I want, with the fans. It's all obviously for cooling, because between the gaming and video editing all my components get pretty hot! Take the Toughbook laptops and tablets. They're built to withstand environments that nobody would in their right mind put a computer in. Ultraportables are for people that need all the functionality of a PC, but on the go. Like a laptop, only more extreme.

Crazy thing that most people don't get is that you don't need to be super crazy intelligent to build your own system. It's as simple as matching connectors and plugging everything in. If you take the time, learning to build your own PC's will save you a TON of money in the long run.

[starwars1948]

Crazy thing that most people don't get is that you don't need to be super crazy intelligent to build your own system. It's as simple as matching connectors and plugging everything in. If you take the time, learning to build your own PC's will save you a TON of money in the long run.

Very true. I've built my own computer back in 2006 and it still has enough horsepower to keep up with what I need it for.

I also agree that computers are going to the extremes lately. The new HP Dragon Laptop is just plain crazy, but cool. :todd

[The Red Aaron]

I want the macbook air. LOL

http://crave.cnet.com/i/ss/2008/0115_Apple_Air_Slideshow/MacBook_Air_back_440.jpg

[starwars1948]

I want the macbook air. LOL

http://crave.cnet.com/i/ss/2008/0115_Apple_Air_Slideshow/MacBook_Air_back_440.jpg

:aha Imagine if they ever made a computer that big! Now that would be extreme.

[The Red Aaron]

lol. you'd have to jump back and forth across the keyboard.

http://nexus404.com/Blog/wp-content/uploads2/2008/01/apple-macbook-air-laptop-top-and-front.jpg

must say, it's drool worthy.

[RememberTheName]

I want the macbook air. LOL

http://crave.cnet.com/i/ss/2008/0115_Apple_Air_Slideshow/MacBook_Air_back_440.jpg

TONS of overheating problems.

[cryo]

TONS of overheating problems.

Apple released a firmware upgrade in March that has fixed the overheating issue. Some people are now complaining about very long battery charging times. Apple is usually good about releasing firmware fixes for major problems, but that's one reason why I tend to stay away from first gen computer hardware, until the kinks can be worked out.

[RememberTheName]

Only REAL fix for overheating is better cooling. You'll sacrifice performance because apple wants to shove a bunch of high-end parts in a low-end case.