The Basics
Medion may not be the most celebrated manufacturer of computers on this side of the Atlantic, but it's been heavily involved in the European high-tech world for the better part of two decades. And that experience shows through clearly with this product, the Medion MD95154 15" Notebook PC. Not spectacular for its power or 3D graphics capabilities -- which are both quite pedestrian -- the MD95154 instead dazzles with its price point. Featuring goodies such as CD and DVD burning, wireless communication and a comfortably portable profile, the unit will set you back far less than what you might expect. For budget conscious consumers who need entry-level portable computing, the Medion MD95154 is a smart option. Processor
At the heart of any computer lies the CPU (or processor), a massive collection of miniature transistors that governs the speed and power of the entire unit. Some of today's notebooks are equipped with high-end CPU's on par with those found in top-of-the-line desktop PCs, while others are quick enough only for basic duties such as word processing, email and the like. The Medion MD95154 is equipped with an Intel Celeron M 330 processor operating at 1.4 GHz. Not to be confused with the original, now discontinued version of the Celeron, the Celeron M is more efficient and faster. Yet the Celeron remains Intel's entry-level CPU, delivering adequate power for the essentials but not enough for comparatively advanced tasks such as graphic design, high-end business applications or the latest games.
Memory
Computers typically store information on their hard drive, but they keep frequently and recently accessed data in Random Access Memory (RAM) for faster retrieval. More RAM means more efficient computing, superior multitasking and less strain on your hard drive. The Medion MD95154 incorporates 256 MB of RAM. This is the minimum recommended allotment for a modern notebook PC, and is not enough for those who indulge in frequent multitasking or complex applications.
Video
CPU's are usually so busy doing basic calculations that they need assistance translating visual output to the viewing screen. This is the duty of the graphics card (or graphics controller). The best notebooks offer graphics cards with built-in "dedicated" memory as opposed to integrated graphics controllers that "share" the system's main memory. This unit features an integrated controller with shared memory and therefore will not smoothly display visually taxing applications such as high-end 3D games and animation packages.
Display
Many entry-level notebooks are equipped with comparatively diminutive 12-inch display screens. Not so with the Medion MD95154, which features a spacious 15-inch display (similar screen size to a typical desktop monitor).
Hard Disk
The Medion MD95154 features a 40 GB hard disk. Some of today's most advanced notebook hard drives are now approaching the 100 GB mark, yet 40 GB is adequate storage for those who utilize a typical number of basic applications and do not need to keep a burgeoning library of media files.
Optical Drive
An optical drive is essential in today's computing environment. A "CD-ROM" drive allows you to install CD-based applications and play music CDs. A "CD-RW" drive adds CD "burning", so you can also backup your important files to long-lasting discs and create personalized music CDs. With a DVD-ROM drive you can watch DVD movies. And with a DVD-RW drive, you can "write" home movies to durable discs and archive files to DVD (DVDs boast more than seven times the storage capacity of a CD). Some drives allow you to do a combination of all of these tasks. This system features a DVD+/-RW/CD-RW drive through which you can do all of the above.
Audio
The unit delivers satisfactory sound through its miniature stereo speakers and somewhat antiquated 16-bit audio chipset.
Keyboard and Controls
You'll control your notebook via a standard keyboard and touch pad.
Connectivity and Expansion
Though not ideally setup for interaction with today's broad range of futuristic peripherals, the Medion MD95154 is certainly equipped for the basics. Communication facilities include a 56K modem for low-speed dial-up Internet and email access, a 10/100 Mbit Ethernet port for high-speed wired network and Internet, and built-in wireless 802.11g LAN for fast cord-free e-communication at home, at the office or on the road via a public hotspot. Other key amenities include four high-speed USB 2.0 ports for plug and play devices such as external drives and digital cameras and an S-Video for high quality feeds to a television set or external monitor. Medion has not included an IEEE 1394 FireWire port (commonly used for quick data uploads from digital camcorders) or memory card reader (great for exchanging images and information with digital cameras, media players, and the like).
Operating System and Software
Microsoft's Windows XP Home Edition operating system heads up the bundled software package, which also includes Microsoft's Works 7.0 productivity suite.
Dimensions and Weight
Notebook computers are manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and weights. Many of today's most powerful notebooks are also the largest, weighing ten or twelve lbs or more and therefore too big and cumbersome for extensive, continuous traveling. These are often referred to as "desktop replacements". On the other extreme are "thin and lights" or "ultra-portables", super-miniaturized units that typically aren't as powerful as their larger brethren but weigh as little as two lbs and will often fit comfortably inside a large purse. The Medion MD95154 is slightly below average at 7.1 lbs and 12.8 by 11 by 1.5 inches.
Power
The unit is equipped with a standard Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery.
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