We really need more capacity?

The cynics among us can say that it is just another way for computer and electronics industry to sell us all something new. While there is an element of truth in this, as not everyone needs the additional capacity but computers, software and applications do not continue to be increasingly data hungry.

Many users will welcome the additional amount of storage that have both formats, as they are always at full speed with DVD. The new formats will be the equivalent of five and ten times the size of a DVD. Besides this, the fastest speed of broadband are allowing users to download more and more data.

The fast transfer rate of blue laser disc – coupled with the greater capacity of a disc – also makes it ideal for storing applications, medical records and activities in high resolution that need instant access or retrieval.

First of all, let’s take a quick look at the differences between the two formats that both use a blue laser disc recording:

Blu-ray

Blu-ray is supported by over 100 companies that are members of the Blu-ray Disc Association (http://www.blu-raydisc.com). Key members include: Sony, Pioneer, HP, Dell, Philips, Mitsubishi Chemical, Walt Disney, TDK, Hitachi, 20th Century Fox and Apple.

initial storage capacity of a Blu-ray will be 25 GB (or 135 minutes of high definition film and two hours of bonus standard definition quality) for a single layer and 50GB double layer (or three hours of film and nine hours of bonus materials). The prototypes have been developed by TDK that will take this to 100GB on a single side. The Blu-ray group estimate the technology will be viable as a format standard for 10-15 years.

Similar to CD and DVD, Blu-ray will be available as recordable once (BD-R), rewritable (BD-E) and a pre-recorded disc format (BD-ROM). There are also two other types of Blu-ray discs that are contained in cartridges for use in the transmission and data storage industries. These are called PD and PDD, respectively.

Blu-ray disc products will be launched to cover three main areas of application:

1. Use of computer desktop applications and home video.

2. Professional broadcasting.

3. Professional data backup applications.

Blu-ray discs are manufactured using a single substrate disc with the recording layer very near the surface of the disc. This should result in less potential distortion, higher precision and shorter production times and costs.

In terms of compatibility, it is likely that the Blu-ray disc products will play both DVD and CD formats. It is also expected that the PC Blu-ray recorders and Mac will also be able to record onto CD and DVD. Sony recently announced that their next generation console PlayStation 3 will have capacity of Blu-ray.

High Density DVD

There are fewer companies in the HD-DVD Promotion Group (http://www.hddvdprg.com), but still no less significant ones. The companies include NEC, Toshiba, Sanyo, Thomson and Universal Pictures. The format is also supported by the DVD Forum.

Initial storage capacity is about 15/20GB, 30/32GB and more than 45 GB dual layer. In its current form, the capacity can go beyond that because of the position of the recording level, which is farther from the disc surface.

Disc manufacturers will be able to transition to HD-DVD more easily as it is a disc similar to DVD. However, the limited capacity could see it ending up as a temporary solution and manufacturers will inevitably need to invest in production lines Blu-ray.

Like DVD, HD-DVD is produced by bonding two surfaces (substrates) together. E ‘likely that the HD-DVD devices will also be able to play your DVDs and CDs. The discs will be available in a DVD (HD-DVD-R), rewritable version (HD-DVD-RW) and pre-recorded (HD-DVD-ROM).

Because you can expand the capacity blue laser?

With the same size as the surface of the disc is a CD and DVD blue laser disc can record and store more information using a laser beam with a much smaller focus of CD or DVD. This laser can record smaller and higher density pits, allowing more room for data storage.

A closer look at Blu-ray

Within the family there are three Blu-ray discs available that are optimized for specific applications. The main question and its use will be produced for the standard Blu-ray, but there are also two other types of Blu-ray discs available that have been specifically developed for the transmission and storage of market data:

Professional Disc (PD)

PD has been developed specifically for the markets on news gathering and broadcast.
The products are already introduced by Sony. These include: a recording and editing system – ENG (Electronic News Gathering) – as well as the XDCAM series of professional camcorders.

PD has a faster data transfer rate, 72 Mbps compared to 36Mbps, compared to the standard Blu-ray and is seen as a substitute for traditional tape loaded broadcast cameras.
The disc is rewritable and contained in a cartridge for greater protection in field use. PD disk media is manufactured by both Sony and TDK.

Professional Disc for Data (PDD)

PDD was developed as a substitute for traditional magneto-optical (MO) applications, such as juke boxes for online access or data archive and storage. PDD is physically almost identical to the Professional Disc (PD) and is available as recordable and rewritable. The disc is contained in a cartridge for protection and ease of use by the robot at any juke box or library system. Typical users are doctors, banks, government and telecommunications companies who need fast Internet access to large amounts of data or information.

Standard Blu-ray

Standard Blu-ray will be the main Blu-ray product for mass use in consumer recorders and players, drives for PCs and game consoles such as PlayStation 3. The support of the disc can be provided “naked” and is not contained in a cartridge as a result of manufacturing a hard layer protective layer. The first manufacturer to introduce this is TDK with their technology ‘Durabis’ coating.

Blu-ray discs are equipped with encryption and copy protection within the hardware and media production level to minimize piracy and illegal copying.

Why the need for a protective layer?

An immediate reason for the protective layer that is packing more data on the surface of the disc format of the recorded data can be more sensitive to reproductive problems caused by damage from handling, scratches and static. Furthermore, in order to obtain the maximum capacity of Blu-ray Disc and ensure accuracy, the level of registration of a Blu-ray is produced closer to the surface of the disc is DVD and HD-DVD. This means that the Blu-ray has a much higher capacity than other blue laser discs such as HD-DVD, but this does not mean that the disk needs to be encased in a caddy like PD and PDD or protected by a additional layer of coating. Being able to produce a disc that can be used in its ‘naked’, without a caddy it will ensure a wider use and adoption of the Blu-ray. This is because the disk is used in a number of different drives and consumer electronic products. Disposing of the caddy also drastically reduce the production cost per unit and the end users.

Structure comparison disk

With the need to have a protective coating on a disc ‘naked’ Blu-ray Disc, TDK were the first manufacturer to introduce an average finish of ‘scratch’. This has been available for some time as an option on their DVD product range, but recently have taken this technology even further with the latest coating technology called ‘Urbis’. The advantages of the lining of the ‘Urbis’ means that the discs can be used without a caddy and are much less likely to be damaged by scratches, UV rays, fingerprints and dust attracted by static electricity.

And finally …. When everything becomes available?

Toshiba Corp. has announced a 2006 commercial launch date of March for the first HD DVD player in the United States.

Blu-ray disc recorders were launched in Japan in 2003. Blu-ray is available in Japan in caddy format and should be available in the U.S. by 2006 summer.

Professional Disc (PD) for the transmission has limited availability. E ‘especially during testing and experience in high-definition TV projects from large TV production companies and authorities.

Professional Disc for Data (PDD), which is used for archiving and backup has limited availability.

Both the Blu-ray group and HD-DVD group are talking together on a single format to avoid a collision format. However, as the proposal for each of the parties seems to be that the other down to their size, it seems unlikely that it will lead to ‘peace in our time’.

Incoming search terms:

• blu ray
• hd dvd
• blu ray disc
• Blu-Ray
• dvd blu ray
• blu ray vs hd dvd 2011
• blu ray vs hd dvd
• Blu-ray Disc
• dvd bluray
• dvd-r vs dvd r
• DVD/BluRay

When it comes to performance, there are few laptops that can match Dell laptops. This brand of laptops has changed the way one can optimise a computing system. Because of their enhanced performances, Dell laptops are no doubt preferred by businessmen and IT professionals. Dell laptops also come in a variety of series which are tailor-made for different people with different preferences. The Dell XPS series are popular among game enthusiasts the Dell Inspiron series is a combination of style, functionality and portability and are most popular among mid-range users; the Dell Vostro series is a workhorse suitable for heavy use.

Its robust performance is well supplemented by rich multimedia features. Dell’s focus on high-end design, the Adamo XPS is an innovative take on the super-thin laptop, it a good in term of keywords and get good rating. Compare Dell laptops in term of key-feature which one model is best at affordable price from various online retailers.

Dell Studio 17 (Windows 7, touch screen) Likeable machine, but a couple of issues prevent it from really impressing. Well – implemented multi-touch display, impressive performance, good audio capabilities but too costly.

In each of the series, you will find a range of configuration and features available. These laptops use both Intel as well as AMD processing systems. You can also choose from a range of screen sizes and colours. They comes with the all the latest features including inbuilt modem, web cam, face recognition, finger print recognition, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth etc.

Dell Studio 14z Specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 (2.4GHz, 1066MHz FSB, 3MB L2 cache)
• OS: Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 (64 bit)
• Memory: 3GB Shared DDR3 at 1066MHz
• Storage: 320GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 9400M G
• Screen: 14.0” High Definition (1600 x 900) LED Display with TrueLife
• Software: 15-month McAfee SecurityCenter subscription, Microsoft Works
• Other: Ruby Red lid, LED Backlit keyboard
• Wireless: Dell 1515 Wireless N
• Battery: 8-cell 74Whr Li Ion Battery
• Dimensions: 0.79″-1.2″ x 13.2″ x 9.0″ (H x W x D)
• Weight: 4 lbs, 9 oz
• Retail Price as configured: $979

Build and Design
The design of the Studio 14z looks extremely similar to the Studio 15, but Dell managed to make this notebook much thinner and lighter … thanks in no small part to the removal of the optical drive. At first glance, the lack of a built-in optical drive might seem to be a disadvantage, but most students and mobile users will confess that they rarely use an optical drive when away from a desk. You can, of course, purchase a matching external optical drive (DVD burner or DVD burner/Blu-ray player) … just in case you need it when you’re working at the office.

The notebook chassis is constructed from a combination of plastics and magnesium alloy for a balance of light weight and durability, and I have no doubt the Studio 14z can survive several years of use and abuse by college students, although I’d feel better about the build quality if the plastic palmrests where made of magnesium alloy instead.

When closed the Studio 14z feels nice and thin, but the weight of the 8-cell battery in our review unit makes the notebook feel like it’s a little too heavy in the rear. The Ruby Red screen lid features a nice thick matte paint with a rubberized texture that should hold up over the years of travel to and from classes. The screen lid shows signs of obvious flex under strong pressure, but I wasn’t able to create any screen ripples when pressing on the back.

The Dell Studio 14z is currently available with your choice of colors including, Black Chain Link, Midnight Blue, Promise Pink, Spring Green, Plum Purple, and Ruby Red. Dell will also donate $5 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure from the purchase of each Promise Pink laptop. Starting in September the Dell Design Studio will offer the Studio 14z in your choice of more than 120 different designs, so you won’t have to worry about owning a laptop that looks identical to a classmate’s notebook.

The bottom of the notebook features the battery and a single access plates that must be removed in order to upgrade the RAM. My only frustration here is that you have no easy access to the hard drive, so be prepared to completely disassemble the notebook if you want to upgrade the hard drive on your own.

Screen and Speakers
The 14-inch high-definition panel on the Dell Studio 14z easily rates as one of the better screens we’ve seen with vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and good viewing angles. The LED backlighting in our review unit is pretty even and offers a range of brightness settings. Yes, it is a 16:9 screen ratio, but this is starting to become standard for all notebooks and Dell was wise enough to offer the Studio 14z with a higher resolution 1600×900 display like the one in our review unit. Horizontal viewing angles are extremely good, so you won’t have any trouble sharing a movie with a friend or two. Upper vertical viewing angles are a little better than average since the colors don’t wash out too much when viewed from above, but colors begin to distort and invert as you move the screen back.

At first glance the two tiny speakers located above and to either side of the keyboard on the Studio 14z look weak and pathetic. Most people would expect speakers like these to produce weak, tinny sound … but we’ll forgive those people for jumping to conclusions. In fact, the Dell Studio 14z includes four stereo speakers: the two tiny speakers located above the keyboard that direct sound up and two larger speakers located beneath the palmrests that direct sound down. The two smaller speakers focus on the high frequencies while the two larger speakers are tuned for the midtones and bass. The sound isn’t quite as impressive as what you’ll hear from two large speakers and a dedicated subwoofer, but this is easily the best sound quality we’ve heard on any 14-inch notebook. Bottom line, if you don’t need to fill an entire room with sound for a party then external speakers are NOT needed with this notebook. The built-in speakers perform surprisingly well.

Keyboard and Touchpad
The keyboard on our review unit has full-sized keys with good key spacing and an excellent depth to the key throw. Each key has a textured black finish and a relatively flat surface. More importantly, the keyboard is available with optional backlighting for easy typing in a dark classroom or dorm room. The only complaint that I have with the keyboard on the Studio 14z is the surprising amount of flex across the entire width of the board. Even when typing with minimal pressure the keyboard bounces and flexes as you type. If you apply heavy pressure then the keyboard almost feels like a trampoline. Considering that the Studio 14z doesn’t have an optical drive to create an empty cavity beneath the keyboard we were very surprised to find this much keyboard flex while typing.

On the other hand, if you can overlook the keyboard flex this really is a very nice keyboard.

The multi-touch, gesture-based touchpad is reasonably large for a thin and light 14-inch notebook and the dual touchpad buttons have deep feedback with quiet clicks. The touchpad itself is an ALPS model that uses Dell proprietary touchpad drivers. I’m not a fan of the Dell touchpad drivers, but the touchpad was reasonably responsive with good sensitivity and very little lag.

Ports and Features
The port selection on the Studio 14z is a bit of a mixed bag. Dell included three USB ports, one of which is a combo USB/eSATA port, as well as FireWire and an ExpressCard/34 expansion slot. If you have a new external monitor or HDTV then you’ll also be pleased to hear that the Studio 14z includes both HDMI and DisplayPort for digital video and audio output. Unfortunately, Dell made three sacrifices with the Studio 14z that might be problematic depending on what your needs happen to be. As previously mentioned, there’s no built-in optical drive, so forget about watching DVDs or installing software from a installation disk unless you’re using an external optical drive. Second, Dell forgot to include a built-in SD card reader with the Studio 14z. Dell does offer an optional SD card reader that fits inside the ExpressCard slot, but it’s 2009 … every laptop should have a built-in SD card slot. The last thing you might find missing on the Studio 14z is the lack of a standard VGA port. Granted, most new monitors and HDTVs use either HDMI or DisplayPort, but there are still many projectors that require a VGA port. Considering that many students might need to use this notebook to show a presentation in class it seems odd that there’s no VGA port for a classroom projector.

Performance
The performance of the Studio 14zwith an Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 processor and Nvidia GeForce 9400M G graphics is quite good for a mobile multimedia notebook. It’s worth mentioning that our review configuration of the Dell Studio 14z has very similar specs to the 13-inch Apple MacBook Pro but our performance benchmarks suggest the Dell has better performance for less than the price of the MacBook Pro.

System performance is excellent considering the sub-$1,000 price. The Nvidia 9400M graphics offer superior video playback and gaming when compared to Intel integrated graphis. With an average 3DMark06 score of more than 2,200 3DMarks, it is comparable to low-end dedicated options and can handle previous generation games with some tweaking of the resolution and detail settings. In our test of the game Portal, the Studio 14z delivered 39-45 frames per second (FPS) at 1280×800 resolution on high settings looking through a single portal. Looking through no portals the framerate would be as high as 60FPS, and if you were looking through two it would drop down to about 23-25FPS.

Indeed, the $649 starting price of the Studio 14z starts to look even better when you consider the Nvidia graphics performance and large storage drive options. Unlike netbooks that usually feature no more than a 160GB hard drive, the Studio 14z is available with up to a 500GB hard drive that can store a full music library of up to 125,000 songs, 142,000 photos or 133 DVD quality movies. The 320GB hard drive in our review unit offers a good balance of performance, storage capacity, and price.

Battery
With the screen brightness set to 70%, wireless active, and the Vista power profile set to “Balanced” the Studio 14z stayed on for 4 hours and 58 minutes. For use in the classroom or on your lap in front of the TV this amount of battery life was fine, but it may be cutting it close for all-day traveling. The 8-cell 5400mAh 74Wh battery seems to do a pretty acceptable job for 14-inch laptop, but this isn’t even close to Dell’s claim of “more than 6 hours of battery life.”

Heat and Noise
The cooling system does a reasonably impressive job keeping the external temperatures down. After extended periods of use the right palmrest gets quite warm and the bottom of the notebook near the hard drive and RAM get warm, but temperatures remain well below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature readings below were taken after stressing the system with performance benchmarks for 30 minutes and should reflect typical external temperatures after more than an hour of serious use.

Noise levels are fairly quiet when running on battery as the fan produces a constant weak “hum” as hot air is pushed out. The fan gets louder when the laptop is set to the “high performance” power profile under Microsoft Vista and was plugged into the AC adapter, but the fan should only be noticeable by others in a very, VERY quiet room.

Conclusion
The Dell Studio 14z is an impressive 14-inch notebook that arrives just in time to give students (and parents) something to consider for back-to-school season. If your child or your family is looking for a convenient laptop for general use then the Studio 14z can handle just about anything you throw at it. The overall price/performance ratio makes the Studio 14z one of the more impressive notebooks on the market if you’re looking for something with a 14-inch screen. The nice design, great sounding speakers and a gorgeous screen make the Studio 14z a touch act to follow.

That said, the Studio 14z has some strong competition from notebooks like the Lenovo IdeaPad Y450 and the popular HP Pavilion dv4t. The fact that the Studio 14z lacks an optical drive, SD card slot, and standard VGA port means that some potential buyers will need to look elsewhere. Likewise, the keyboard flex was more than a little disappointing. Still, if you want an alternative to the MacBook Pro that is both attractive and reasonably powerful then the Studio 14z makes a solid choice.

Pros:

• Attractive design
• Good overall performance for the price
• Great screen and speakers

Cons:

• No optical drive
• No standard VGA port
• No standard SD card slot