How to Operate Multiple Computers With One Keyboard and Monitor

Operate two (or more) computers from one location without the need for duplicating a keyboard, mouse and monitor.

1. Determine which method works best for you. Hardware and software based solutions are available. Read on to help figure out which is best for your personal situation.
2. A software based solution will require that each computer under control has a network connection. The network can be a LAN if it will be controlled locally only, or an internet connection if it will need to be controlled from any computer in the world with an internet connection.
3. Obtain software and service for your computers. One such provider is LogMeIn. They have several levels of service ranging from free for "simple remote control" (LogMeInFree) to the more robust "full service" offerings (such as LogMeInPro) but has a monthly fee of about US$20 per computer. The LogMeIn service in general works very well, but like any network based solution, is best when connected by high speed LAN or broadband internet between the computers. Select the service level that best meets your needs, create an account and download / install the software.
   

   

   Screen shot of "My Computers" on LogMeIn after setting up computers for use with the service.
4. A second software based option is the open source solution called "synergy" this works across operating systems, when simply trying to control several computers locally with one keyboard and mouse, a "soft" KVM switch if you will.
5. A hardware based solution can be achieved with a "KVM Switch" KVM is an acronym for "Keyboard, Video, Mouse". These devices typically have connections for multiple Video inputs from the computers and a single output to connect to a monitor. There are also multiple PS/2 Mouse and Keyboard outputs to connect to the computers and two inputs for connecting both a keyboard and a mouse. Newer KVM switches have transitioned from PS/2 and round Keyboard connectors to the popular USB ports instead. Be sure to obtain a KVM that supports the style Keyboard and Mouse connectors the computer uses or obtain adapters. Due to limitations on the length of cable that KVM (and USB for that matter) signals can travel, all the computers will probably have to be located fairly close (within 10 feet or so of the KVM hardware) unless some other repeater or extender hardware is employed.
   

   

   Belkin F1DS104T KVM Switch front view with cover removed. It is possible to select computers via the four switches on the front. A status light is adjacent to each switch button.
   

   

   A Belkin F1DS104T KVM Switch. Connector view with cover removed. This premium KVM switches K,V, M,USB, Audio Out and Microphone In. It is also possible to "flash" new firmware via CAT5 jack on lower right.
6. Purchase any additional cables needed to complete connections between the KVM and the computers and I/O devices.
   

   

   Belkin PS/2 Adapter Connect a PS/2 mouse or Keyboard through a USB port.
7. Select the product that has computer and operating system(s) support for your setup. Many KVM's install device drivers and use a small program to switch between computers. This means if multiple OS's are involved, drivers will be required for each in order to work properly.
8. Install the KVM and software as specified in the manufacturer's instructions.

Compaq Presario SG3470IL Desktop PC

HP has announced Compaq Presario SG3470IL Desktop PC which is powered by Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E4700 and it features 320-GB SATA hard drive, 17-inch Color CRT monitor, and a 16X DVD Writer and comes with freeDOS OS preinstalled.

The new Compaq Presario SG3470IL desktop PC is powered by 2.6 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E4700 with Enhanced Speedstep Technology and Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology EM64T and the desktop PC features Intel 945GC chipset with Socket 775 motherboard with 2MB L2 cache and 800 MHz FSB.

With FreeDOS preinstalled, Compaq Presario SG3470IL desktop PC comes with 1-GB PC2-6400 DDR2 (800 MHz) RAM which is expandable to max 4-GB, a 320-GB 7200 rpm (300 MB/Sec speed) SATA II Hard drive and a 16X DVD Super Multi Drive Dual Layer (8.5 GB) DVD Writer with LightScribe Technology.

Desktop Computer Specifications

Keep in mind that any new computer on the market will have sufficient power to run office applications, e-mail, and surf the Web. The most important requirements are an Ethernet adapter (network interface card) if you will live on-campus, and a backup device such as a CDRW or DVD-RW drive. Most new computers include a built-in 10/100 or 10/100/1000 Ethernet adapter, as well as a 56k modem for dial-up connections if you live off-campus.

The specifications below are just an example of what to shop for. Shop for the best balance between performance and value. The latest and fastest processor is usually overpriced when compared to the processor that is only a few hundred MHz slower.

Desktop Computers Using Microsoft Windows

* Intel and AMD Processors- Look for a minimum of 1.8 gigahertz. Less expensive processors running at slower speeds will get the job done for most people. Look for the best performance to price ratio.
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Windows Vista Home Premium, Business or Ultimate Editions - These are all acceptable options, as is Windows XP if you can find it. Windows Vista Home Basic is not recommended as it is missing some key networking and multimedia features.
*
Microsoft Office 2007 Student and Teacher Edition - This software is available through the Office of Information Technology for faculty and staff. Students should purchase Office with their new computers to get the best price. Office is also available through the Campus Store. For more information see Supported Software for Students, Faculty, and Staff.
* 2 gigabyte (GB) random access memory (RAM)
* 120 gigabyte or larger hard disk - 7200RPM drives perform much better than the slower drives found in some entry-level PCs. Upgrading to the 7200RPM drive usually costs only a few dollars. 60GB is considered small by today's standards, but will be more space than many people will use. However: if you plan to store a lot of video, digital photos, and music on your computer; buy a larger drive.
* CD or DVD Recorder Most computers will come with a drive that can record CDs and play DVDs. Consider upgrading to a drive that can record DVDs as well. The exta capacity on a recordable DVD disc is useful for backing up large multimedia files.
* Flat Panel Display - Flat Panel displays work well in dorm rooms, and even a 15-inch Flat Panel (LCD) has almost as much viewable area as a 17-inch conventional (CRT) monitor (which will typically have 15.5 or 16 viewable inches). CRT or cathode ray tube monitors are rarely sold and are not recommended for space and quality reasons.
* Built-in Ethernet adapter (network interface)
* Built-in 56k modem
* Inkjet or laser printer - You can print from a machine in the computer lab, but most students find it convenient to have their own printer in their room.


What's the difference between a $500 PC and a $2500 PC if they both have the same monitors?

Most people will find that spending somewhere in between will buy the most features and performance for the money. Even the $500 PC will perform well when it comes to running office applications and surfing the Web, but it may not include Microsoft Office, or much of a warranty. A $2500 PC will include features many people will not need, such as a high-end 3D gaming graphics card, surround-sound audio and speakers, and more RAM and storage space than they will ever use. Keep in mind that the difference between 2GHz and 3GHz isn't perceptible in many applications. Gamers and graphic artists are among those who will see the performance gains from a high end machine.

Most new systems will be able to run the majority of software in 3 or 4 years (many businesses buy new computers on a three year cycle), but buying a system that is easy to upgrade will ensure the longest life. On the one hand, larger cases will be easier to upgrade, but smaller cases take up less space. Low profile, small form factor, or mini-ATX cases fit nicely in dorms but may limit your future options. Fortunately computer prices have fallen and technology is no longer growing in the great leaps it was a few years ago.

The following Websites offer up to date reviews on various systems; including the Dell, IBM, and HP/Compaq computers available at discounted prices when logged into the my.american.edu portal. Click the TECHNOLOGY link to see these specials.

Latest HCL Desktop Model

Description

We have 18 HCL branded desktop computers including 15” LCD monitor ready for immediate sale due to excess inventory. All PCs were bought on February, 2006 from HCL directly and running in excellent conditions. PCs have the following configuration.

Intel Premium 4, 3.06 GHz Processor,

Intel 915 Chipset

256MB RAM

80GB Hard Disk, 7200 rpm

On board Giga Lan Card

HCL 2 Button Scroll mouse

104 Keys Internet keyboard

Preloaded Windows XP with recovery CD

15” HCL LCD TFT Monitor with built-in speakers

All PCs are still under 36 months warranty from HCL

Tips on buying a Desktop Computer

Purchasing a home or business computer can be a big and sometimes costly decision. Below is a listing of helpful suggestions for what to look for and ask when purchasing a home or business computer new or used.

Before purchasing a computer, consider if you should purchase a new or used computer. Many individuals who sell computers before they are out of date allow you to purchase a relatively decent computer. Before purchasing a new computer from a computer manufacturer, look at what is available and review the below precautions when purchasing a computer.

• Ensure that the computer has no physical damage by inspecting the ports as well as the inside and the outside of the case.

• Ensure what you are getting what you pay for. This is explained in more detail later on this page.

• If the individual selling the computer indicates that the computer comes with a manufacturer warranty that has not been completely utilized, for example, the computer has a standard 3 year warranty and the user is selling it after 1 year, ensure the warranty is transferable by the computer manufacturer. Many manufacturers will not transfer the computer warranty.

If you are selling a computer, ensure that the computer's hard disk drive is erased to help prevent users from looking at potential personal data.

This is always going to be a heavily discussed and debated topic, the Apple Macintosh vs. Standard PC Clone. Both options have good and bad reasoning behind them and it used to be a very important choice. However, because of advancements in both the Mac and the PC, both are a good option overall. We feel that this option is best left to the individual purchasing the computer.

If you find yourself working with a PC/Mac computer at work and/or home or family members have a PC/Mac and you need the capability of transferring files or programs from your PC/Mac to a new computer, consider purchasing a PC/Mac as it will be something that will be more familiar. It is important to note that the Macintosh can run Windows as a clone, and therefore, most programs and data that can be used on a PC can also be opened in a Macintosh. In addition, the PC computers have the capability of opening Macintosh files.

When purchasing a computer it is likely that you will have a general idea of what you may like in the computer or how you would like to configure the computer. Below is a listing of the various components likely to be found in a computer and recommendations and tips when considering any of the below components.

Device:-

Short recommendation:-

Case While the case may not be important to some computer users, it is a consideration to be thought about before purchasing a desktop computer.

1. What type of case should be purchased or is needed? Do you want a desktop or tower case?
2. Does the case support the standards of motherboards, for example, the ATX motherboard standard?
3. Will the case fit on top of or below your desk.
4. Will the drives be accessible or will they be positioned the way you wish them to be positioned?

CD Media The type of CD drive in the computer is becoming an important consideration when purchasing a computer. When looking to buy a new or used computer, inspect the type of drive included.

1. Is it a standard drive? If so what speed?
2. Or is it a DVD / CD-R / CD-RW drive?
3. If the drive is a DVD, is it hardware or software decoding?
4. If the drive is a CD-R / CD-RW drive, does it include software?

These are just a very brief listing of questions and considerations to think about when purchasing a computer. Buying tips for all of these drives can be found on the below links:

Hard Drive Hard drives have and always will be an important consideration to think about when purchasing a new computer or used computer. The hard drive will be the destination of all your files and information, and if that drive is to become full, that drive will need to be replaced or another drive will need to be added to the computer. When looking at the space of the hard drive, always get the maximum size hard drive, considering you will eventually always run out of space.

Memory Memory is and has always been an important consideration when looking at purchasing a computer. Determine the amount of memory included in the computer as well as verify if that memory can be upgraded in the future. The more memory in the computer, the more efficient the computer will run.

Modem The modem is becoming not as important as it has been in the past with the upcoming spread of broad band. When looking to purchase a computer, a modem should not be an important consideration unless broad band is not available in your area. Today, all new and most used computers are equipped with at least a 56k modem, which should be the only speed looked at with the demand of bandwidth with Internet use.

Network Card With the increase with more than one computer in the house and with broad band solutions sometimes requiring a network card, a network card is becoming an important consideration when purchasing a computer. Network cards allow users to connect to other computers and have small networks in their home or office. This allows for data transfer, file sharing, Internet connection sharing, printer sharing, and various other helpful uses.

Processor The computer processor is and will always be an important consideration when purchasing a computer. Today, with multiple CPU/Processor manufacturers, it may be more confusing as well as more cost efficient to look at the different processor manufactures as well as the type of computer processors.

Sound Card Sound cards are important when looking at purchasing a computer; however, the majority of all computer users will find that most standard sound cards will suite their needs. However, some users may enjoy purchasing more advanced sounds cards that will increase the amount of speakers that can be used, and in some games and programs, the sound quality and capabilities.

Video Card Video cards are becoming an extremely important factor when purchasing a computer. While this may surprise some, a video card can make or break a computer when it comes to playing games on the computer. Most games today require additional video memory as well as special video modes such as OpenGL. With a video card with little video memory or without these modes, the computer will be unable to play these games. In addition, the advances in video cards can dramatically increase the user enjoyment of the game being played.

Brand of Computer

When looking at purchasing different types of computers, you will likely hear different stories, some good and some bad. Regardless if the story is good or bad, these stories are always based off of the experience of that user. While it may be true that the user had a bad or terrible experience with that computer, all computer manufacturers have had users who have had a bad experience and there is no such thing as a bad or perfect computer manufacturer. Below is a listing of various things to consider when purchasing a computer and in some cases how to tell the good from the bad.

Add-ons	Some computer manufacturers may try to sell additional add-ons when purchasing a computer. Unless you have done your research on the additional add-on, do not consider the add-on. While in some cases it may be beneficial to get a printer, scanner or maybe a camera with a computer, you may be paying premium for the additional add-on, or in the case of the printer you may have to pay premium on the ink in the future. Do your research; ensure that if you get an additional hardware / add-ons that the hardware will suite your needs and that it does not end up being something that is not going to be used. Free add-ons? Some computer companies may entice you into purchasing a computer by giving you free add-ons. These add-ons may be advertised as free, but ensure or ask if the add-on price is not just being added to the overall computer price. Add-ons that should not be of concern are hardware peripherals such as a mouse or keyboard. These are almost always included with a computer package and are really of no additional cost to the user.
Documentation	While most manufacturers today are reducing the amount of documentation included with their computer, an excellent question, especially if the computer is being purchased by a new computer user, is "what type of documentation is included with the computer?" All computer manufacturers will include some type of paper documentation or paper inserts; however, does this information include documentation about upgrading the computer in the future? How to connect the cables to the computer? Documentation on how to use the software, such as the additional included software? Note: It is important to distinguish between paper documentation and on-line documentation. On-line documentation that is being found more today is information that is either locally on the computer or can be accessed via the Internet. If the information is available over the Internet, see how that information looks and if it suites your needs before purchasing the computer.
Hardware	Hardware is sometimes overlooked when purchasing a computer, especially at a local computer retail store, as the hardware is not always visible, which causes it not to be inspected or reviewed before purchasing the computer. As mentioned above, ensure you are getting the hardware that you believe you will need. If you are a game player, is the computer hardware going to be capable of playing the games you would like to play?
Internet discount	A new method of selling a computer to decrease the overall cost of the computer. While this method sounds good for many users, this may be a misfortune in the future. The general idea: If you purchase a computer and sign up for an Internet service for x amount of days / months or years, you will only have to pay x amount for the computer. Reasons why for most users this is not a good idea: Generally, if you work out the monthly fee of the Internet service for the x amount of time that is required to sign up to the Internet provider, it will work out to be more than the original price of the computer. These services are generally always modem services. If you want to upgrade to broadband, you may either not be able to without voiding the contract or have to pay the additional, sometimes premium, price of broadband through that provider. If the contract becomes void you may have to pay the additional money of the computer as well as the time spent with the Internet service provider. Many services will require that you pay the full amount of the computer and then once the contract is fulfilled with the Internet Service provider then a refund will be sent from the computer manufacturer (or may not).
Location	We use location as a description to describe several different topics. First, what is the location of where the computer is purchased: If the computer is purchased at a local retail store, can the computer be returned if unsatisfactory to that store? If the computer is purchased through mail order or directly through the computer manufacturer or reseller, where can the computer be returned if unsatisfactory? Second, can the store location of where the computer was purchased service the computer? If not, where is the closest location to where the computer can be serviced? Third, if the computer is purchased directly from the computer manufacturer and is shipped through mail, how is it shipped? What is the time period for the computer to arrive to your destination? What happens if the computer is damaged during shipping?
Refurbished	Refurbished is a term used to describe a computer or a hardware device or component in a computer that has been used, looked at and determined to be in working order. However, because the product has been used or purchased, it cannot be sold as new. Refurbished computers will have a lower price and are generally a good deal for users who may not have a lot of money to spend on a new computer. It is important, however, to compare the price of the refurbished computer to a new computer as well as to review all of the tips on this page as all the same rules, tricks and tips still apply.
Return	Verify with the computer manufacturer if it is possible to return or have a money refund for the computer. Many computer manufacturers will not refund your money but instead may offer an exchange for another computer. Verify with the manufacturer of the computer or the reseller what their return / refund / exchange policy is.
Service	Service is an important consideration to look at when looking to purchase a computer, new or used. The service is how many companies describe the repair of a computer if it or a component within it is to become broken. Below is a listing of what type of service to look for: What type of service is offered? Is the service onsite, meaning a technician will come to your location to replace or fix a bad component. If the service is onsite, is it for the complete time of the warranty? If onsite is not offered, what is and for how long? Can the computer be taken to a local service center? If yes, what is the closest authorized service center? What is the time frame the service takes to occur? For example, if the computer has a bad component, what is the time it will take for a technician to come onsite and replace that component, or what is the time it will take to have the computer sent in to be fixed? Finally, if that time frame is not accomplished, what is the company willing to do, for example, are they willing to provide you with a loaned computer.
Software	Software for many computer users, especially new users, is thought to be an important consideration when purchasing a new computer. Granted there is software that we highly recommend looking for when purchasing a computer, such as word processor or spread sheet program, some computer companies may over hype the software package. Below is a listing of what to look for when looking at the software included with a computer. Does the software include Microsoft Office or Corel Suite? These packages allow you to have a word processor and/or a spread sheet. For the majority of all users, this should be an important consideration. Is the software full versions of the software or is the software demo programs or shareware programs?
Support	While you can always contact computer hope for support, manufacturer support for most users will be a very important consideration as if an issue arises with the computer you must be able to contact a support representative. Things to consider when looking at the support options of a computer are: Is support open 24 hours, 7 days a week? If not, what are the hours? Is support open on holidays? If not, what days are it closed? What support options are available? Phone? E-mail? Web? Chat?
Upgrade ability	While this option may not be considered at first when purchasing a computer, it is an important consideration. Below is a listing of different options to look for when looking to upgrade a computer. What can be upgraded in the computer? RAM? CPU? Hard Drive? Video Card? If available to upgrade, what are the maximum amounts or is it specified within documentation provided with the computer? Does the computer have on-board hardware, such as an on-board video card? If yes, can these be disabled with a jumper or through CMOS. This is a very important as many computers will disable the device when a new device is added. However, this does not always work and may cause future issues. Ensure it can be disabled and that it is not a device that auto-disables. Is the case a standard case? Some computer manufacturers have proprietary cases, causing difficulty when trying to add new hardware. Most commonly this occurs with the video card. What motherboard form factors is the case? The most common motherboard form factor today is ATX; does the case support this factor so the motherboard could be swapped in the future?
Warranty	Finally, what warranty is offered by the computer manufacturer? How long is the warranty? Does the warranty cover both hardware and software issues? Warranty can cause frustrations for most users; we highly recommend that a computer only be considered if it has at least a one-year warranty. Many cheap computers will only come with a 90 day warranty. Meaning if a part goes bad, you will have to pay for the part as well as the service. This may not be an issue for users who just need a cheap computer and are willing to replace parts and service the computer.

SCAMS

Unfortunately, like anything, it is possible to be tricked or for computer companies to scam you. Below is a listing of what to look for when purchasing a computer.

• Get what you pay for - Ensure that the product you are purchasing is what you are paying for. It has been known that computer companies may list a processor being a specific speed, however, actually have a totally different speed of processor in the computer. This unfortunately can be very easy as any user can 'over clock' a processor making it appear as one speed but in reality being a completely different speed. For example, you may buy a 733MHz processor but instead get a 500MHz.
  
  To determine the processor speed, open the computer and look at the processor itself. Do not look at the processor through a software program or through BIOS as these values can be changed or tricked.
  
  

• Legal software - When purchasing a computer, ensure it comes with legal software. Many end-users or small computer companies who build or sell computers may not provide you with legal copies of the software that is illegal. Verify that the software that came with your computer is on a standard CD and not a burnt CD. A burnt or home-made CD will generally be a different looking CD and have a gold or green bottom. Ensure that if the software requires a license or registration number that it was included with the computer. An example of software that includes these certificates is Microsoft Office and Windows.

AMD ARRIVES TO THE PARTY WITH TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE

Guys, you hurt me. I've been batting for the green team for years. The notebook I had before my current one was AMD. The desktop I had before my current one ran through two different AMD processors. If all things are equal, I buy AMD.

I said that the Turion 64 X2 had a real chance to get a foothold in the mobile market as the first 64-bit dual core notebook processor.

Now, I've read that AMD's shrewd purchase of ATI is going to mean ATI has to stop paper launching hardware and start putting it on the shelves when they say they're going to. That's wonderful. Who's going to hold AMD to that?

The Turion 64 X2 arrived so late to the party that the word "Merom" was already on everyone's lips by the time it made it to shelves. Worse still, the Turion 64 X2 frankly...sucks. Maybe that's too harsh, but performance wise it isn't measuring up to Intel's mobile offerings.

The 64 X2 is available in 1.6 GHz, 1.8 GHz, and 2 GHz flavors. The problem is that Intel's low end on Core Duo's release was 1.66 GHz, their high end was 2.16 GHz, and the Core Duo is generally a more efficient architecture than the 64 X2. Ouch.

Worse, reports surfaced that the pricing on the Turion 64 X2s wasn't even very competitive as a budget solution against the Core Duos, a market segment that AMD had traditionally excelled in tapping. It hearkens back to how frustrated I was when the Athlon 64s were released with price tags in the same brackets as Intel's Pentium 4s.

Note to AMD: there's no shame in grossly undercutting the competition on price. After all, Intel just did that to you with the desktop Core 2 Duo, forcing you to make massive cuts to the pricing of your desktop line as well as making you rely on Dell, the perennial supporter of the underpowered and overpriced. (Note how Dell was the only company to aggressively try to keep Pentium 4s afloat in their heyday.)

It isn't all bad news on AMD's front.

The purchase of ATI was an extremely odd one initially. Why not nVidia, the company that's been producing the finest AMD chipsets on the market for years now, while ATI and Intel had been cozying up? So glad you asked.

Purchasing ATI does two things for AMD: it gives them an experienced in-house chipset developer, something they haven't enjoyed for a while, and it hamstrings Intel, who had been relying on ATI to produce budget IGPs and boards (ironically better than their mainstream IGPs) for their platform. Intel and ATI had also been collectively pimping ATI's desktop Crossfire dual graphics platform.

If nothing else, AMD is learning, and they're working on a genuinely competitive PLATFORM. Not just a name for a chip, but a complete chip and chipset package to compete with Intel's market dominating Centrino initiative.

Would I buy AMD hardware? Ask me again in six months.

As a sidenote, this purchase may finally force nVidia's hand on SLI certification. If nVidia finally opens up the spec (says the guy with a P965 board with two graphics card slots), it wouldn't be very good for AMD/ATI, but it would be GREAT for the consumer and GREAT for nVidia. But for now, SLI remains limited to nVidia boards. At least, officially.

INTEL STEALS PAGES FROM AMD'S MARKETING PLAYBOOK

Intel's marketing department - the same one that kept the Pentium 4 alive well after its usefulness - seems to have shot itself in the face this year. Let me explain.

First of all, you're relying almost entirely on the model number to differentiate between a Yonah (Core Duo) and Merom (Core 2 Duo) based notebook. Apparently it would've killed Intel to term the Merom-based notebooks Centrino 2 Duo or Centrino Duo 64, or some kind of signifier that said these chips were better.

Second of all, it doesn't even actually matter that much. Merom was such an incremental upgrade to Yonah that it by and large went unnoticed. If you visit the forums here and see the initial wave of "should I upgrade my notebook Core Duo to a Core 2 Duo?" threads, you'll see that the answer was frequently "no, it's not really worth it." Because it's not: at the same clock speed you see a 10% performance increase at most. More than that, the 64-bit functionality isn't relevant and it's unlikely it will become relevant in the lifetime of that notebook.

Third of all, early announcements and all around media pimping of the Merom made the Yonah appear half-baked before it was even out of the gate; even my article from the beginning of the year hyped it as much. The question became "should I wait for Core 2 Duo?" I wish I could've known to say "no." Merom is essentially an undervolted, underclocked Conroe desktop chip. Die hard computer geeks, who does Turion 64 that remind Turion 64 you of Turion 64?

Probably one of the most disappointing points in all this is that Intel should be improving battery life with new iterations of its mobile chips, or at least stabilizing it. But the Core 2 Duo's 10% performance improvement has, for the first time in the history of the Centrino platform, put the performance ahead of battery life. If you want Core 2 Duo power, you'd better be willing to trade a bit of battery life for it. For most of us, that's just not worth it.

Intel had a really good thing going with the Centrino platform and it's disappointing to see it suddenly stagnate.

Amusingly, it was Intel's release in the desktop market that really blew away all of us tech geeks. The desktop Core 2 Duo is by all accounts an absolute monster. When I can achieve better than AMD top of the line performance from my $320 Intel processor, that's a huge deal. The desktop Core 2 Duo, codenamed Conroe, is so good and so efficient that notebook manufacturers were talking about putting them in desktop replacement notebooks around August of this year.

To wit: this is a desktop chip that is faster, cooler, and more heat efficient than the Mobile Athlon 64s AMD was putting into notebooks as recently as last year. So I guess my $20,000 question is: why can't I get this in a notebook yet? If Gateway and HP were shoehorning a freaking Prescott Pentium 4 into a 15.4" chassis, Conroe seems like an obvious choice.