Crave

Scott playing Left 4 Dead 2 on the Asus 3D laptop.

(Credit: Dan Ackerman/CNET)

Earlier this week, Asus unveiled a 15-inch laptop with Nvidia's 3D Vision technology built in. The $1,699 Asus G51J 3D has a 120Hz LCD panel, an Intel Core i7 CPU, and a high-end Nvidia GeForce GTX 260M GPU, and comes bundled with a pair of Nvidia's active glasses and the USB-powered IR emitter required to make the glasses work.

We've just had a chance to take the system for a test drive, and came away largely impressed with the results, especially compared with Acer's Aspire 5738DG, a 3D laptop that uses a pair of passive polarized glasses and a special screen coating to create a 3D effect.

That Acer model was unfortunately underpowered for gaming, especially with the added overhead of running its 3D software in the background. The Asus G51J, on the other hand, with a high-end processor and video card, seemed well-suited for mid-to-high-end gaming. Of course, it lacked dual SLI video cards and the 1,366x768 15-inch display is no match for some of the nicer 17-inch 1080p displays we've seen.

The Asus G51J with Nvidia's 3D glasses and IR emitter.

(Credit: Dan Ackerman/CNET)

While playing Left 4 Dead 2, the 3D effects appeared crisp and appealing, and didn't seem to distract from the speed of gameplay or the screen brightness. There appeared to be no real hardware burden in generating the 3D in terms of frame rate or graphics detail, either. On the other hand, the 15-inch screen is a little small as compared to a nice big gaming monitor, and that mitigated the overall immersion of the 3D effects.

The bigger problem is that 3D gaming is still a novelty. It's not actually needed to appreciate any game at this point, and it has an expensive and often clunky set-up for users to navigate through.

Many people haven't even seen 3D of the caliber that Nvidia is currently offering, and so they have no idea how smooth and crisp it is compared to the fuzzy double-vision experience of years past. What's particularly great about Asus' solution is that it's already integrated into a reasonably priced Core i7 gaming laptop, so the set-up and research into compatible hardware components is almost entirely eliminated.

This is an interesting trend to watch for in gaming laptops, and it should be included in more Core i7 laptops aimed at gamers, especially if Nvidia is serious about getting a larger adoption. We expect to see more 3D Vision capable laptops from major PC makers by early next year.

(Credit: Asus)

Hot on the heels of the well-regarded HP Mini 311, Asus has moved the Netbook bar forward by taking a 12-inch Netbook chassis and including both Nvidia's Ion graphics and a dual-core version of Intel's Atom processor (called the Atom 330). We've previously seen dual-core Atoms only in a handful of Nettop desktops, because of heat issues, and it's unlikely we'd see one in anything smaller than a 12-inch laptop body.

While still small, the 1201N fits in a full-size keyboard and a 250GB hard drive (plus access to 500GB of online storage space). The system comes with Windows 7 Starter and 2GB of RAM. Asus claims the 6-cell battery should last up to five hours, similar to what we've seen in other Eee PC models.

In a brief hands-on demo, we noted that the Asus Eee PC 1201N looks very similar to the current Eee PC line, including the popular 1005HA, with a black glossy finish and textured touch pad.

Combined with a 1,366x768 HD display, the Nvidia Ion GPU makes for a great video watching experience, once you download the new Flash 10.1 beta, which allows the Ion to accelerate streaming Flash video.

When it's available later this year, the Eee PC 1201N should retail for $499, which is a $100 premium over the HP Mini 311 (with Windows XP and 1GB of RAM).

As most laptops are essentially commodity products comprised of the same stock list of components and parts, one might assume that all laptop brands are the same, at least as far as the general reliability of the hardware itself.

Warranty firm SquareTrade has just released a research paper analyzing the failure rate for 30,000 laptops comparing brands and hardware categories--and the results might surprise you.

The headline news is that over three years, one out of three laptops will fail, and that Asus and Toshiba laptops have the lowest failure rates, while Acer, Gateway, and HP have higher than average failure rates. Additionally, two-thirds of those problems are hardware malfunctions, while the final third are classified as accidental damage.

Netbooks, in particular, didn't fare as well--as one might expect from low-cost machines. They failed at a rate 20 percent higher than mainstream laptops. But keep in mind, since Netbooks are a relatively new category, this is based on only one year of data.

The full report can be found at the SquareTrade Web site, and we've excerpted some of the most interesting charts and graphs below (and note that some of the numbers presented below are projections based on previous data).

The key takeaway is that laptops in general fail much more often than many other types of consumer electronics--in part because they're among the most complex devices one can buy, and perhaps because pricing pressure has led to lapses in quality control in the design and manufacture of many of these systems.

(Credit: SquareTrade )

(Credit: SquareTrade )

(Credit: SquareTrade )

(Credit: Asus)

We're fans of Nvidia's 3D Vision technology, which uses a collection of hardware and software to create 3D versions of PC games. Our main knock against the concept has been that it requires several highly specific hardware purchases to work. In a recent article comparing Nvidia's 3D Vision technology to a new 3D laptop from Acer, we said:

Nvidia's 3D Vision requires a bundle of specialized hardware. At a minimum, the active glasses plus the USB emitter cost $199. But since 120Hz LCD monitors are still not common (and Nvidia only lists two officially compatible models, along with some DLP TVs and projectors), it's practically a requirement to purchase a bundle including the 22-inch Samsung SyncMaster 2233RZ for $598. On top of that, a desktop (not laptop) GPU--generally GeForce 8000 series or newer--is also required.

That's why we're pleased to see that Asus is announcing an all-in-one solution in the form of a new 15.6-inch laptop with Nvidia's 3D Vision technology built in. The $1,699 G51J 3D has a 120Hz LCD panel, an Intel Core i7 CPU, a high-end Nvidia GeForce GTX 260M GPU, and comes bundled with a pair of Nvidia's active glasses and the USB-powered IR emitter required to make the glasses work.

This is still an expensive proposition, and one that requires you to charge up and wear a pair of battery powered 3D glasses--but flipping open a laptop will certainly be easier for most than setting up a separate 120Hz LCD monitor and connecting to your desktop gaming rig via a dual-link DVI connection.

We have yet to put the Asus G51J 3D through its paces, but the components seem well-suited for mid-high-end PC gaming, and the Nvidia 3D Vision technology itself goes from pretty interesting to mind-blowing depending on the game. Acer's Aspire 5738DG, in contrast, uses a different passive 3D technology that was not nearly as impressive, and was hampered by components that were not up to speed for 3D gaming.

The Asus G51J 3D system is available starting Tuesday from online retailers including Amazon and Newegg.

Episode 58 of the Digital City, where we wrangle with the legal arguments over Apple vs. Psystar; show off the latest super-fancy laptop to hit our desks, the $2,000 HP Envy 15; and find the world's best laptop backpack in the Booq Boa.

Both Modern Warfare 2 and New Super Mario Bros. Wii get some praise, while PSP Go sales seem to hit a wall; and we compare the original God of War games to the new polished-up versions in the God of War collection for PS3.

Related links:
>>Booq Boa Squeeze review
>>Spend some time with New Super Mario Bros. Wii
>>Modern Warfare 2 arrives

>>Watch the Digital City live every Monday at 3pm EST on CNET Live!
>>Subscribe to Digital City on iTunes
>>Join the Digital City Facebook fan page
>>Need more? Follow Dan on Twitter!

The all-important holiday season is here, and with it the inevitable confusion about how to find the best deals on desktops and laptops. In order to help cut through the clutter, we are once again scouring the shelves of big retail stores to find boxed versions of popular PCs, from entry-level systems starting at $349 to Core i7 powerhouses.

The difference from our normal lineup of reviews is that this roundup is concerned with the specific retail models offered by brick-and-mortar stores. These are similar to those you'd be able to configure online from companies such as Dell and HP, but may have slightly different names and features. Even better, thanks to deep holiday discounts, they can sometimes be a better deal than buying direct from a PC maker.

One way to use this guide is to pick up a Sunday newspaper sales circular (which will list the retail-specific models names of computers on sale), and check here for a review before heading out to the store.

We've got all the entire list of models in our retail review roundup below, and we'll update this page with ratings and live links as the systems get reviewed over the next several weeks.

(Note: Apple's desktops and laptops, while popular holiday items, are the same whether purchased direct from Apple or in a store. You can find recent Apple products reviewed or profiled here: latest Apple MacBooks; latest Apple iMacs; latest Apple Mac Minis.)

See more news, reviews, and recommendations in our Laptops and Desktops sections.

Now that we're past the official release of Windows 7, most new PCs should come with it pre-installed. But if you purchased a new computer with Windows Vista recently, or for whatever reason end up with a Vista system in the near future, there's a very good chance you're eligible for a free Windows 7 upgrade.

From the period of June 26, 2009 through January 31, 2010, many major PC makers are offering free upgrades to Windows 7 for those who buy a Vista-powered laptop or desktop. The deals are all essentially the same, and, as expected, have some exceptions and asterisks.

Click the gallery link below and we'll show you the details for PC brands including Dell, HP, Gateway, Acer, Asus, Lenovo, and Sony -- complete with upgrade terms and instructions, and links to each PC maker's free Windows 7 upgrade request forms.

Photos: How do I get my free Windows 7 upgrade?

Getting your free Windows 7 upgrade is handled through the company you bought your PC from, not by Microsoft, and in most cases you'll have to register and fill out some online forms. Now that we're past the October 22 launch date for Windows 7, you'll receive a physical copy of Windows 7 via snail mail once your submit the proper documentation. The upgrade path looks like this:

Windows Vista Home Premium→Windows 7 Home Premium
Windows Vista Business→Windows 7 Professional
Windows Vista Ultimate→Windows 7 Ultimate

Using Vista basic? Tough luck! Also worth noting, upgrades are arriving via DVD, so you'll have to have a DVD drive available (although there is a USB drive workaround). Also royally screwed are Netbook buyers who have Windows XP, and are not eligible for the free upgrade.

> See CNET's full Windows 7 review here.
> Missed the big gallery link above? Brand by brand details on getting your free Windows 7 upgrade are here.
> This article updates our earlier pre-Win7-launch feature: Ask the editor: Should I buy a new laptop now, or wait for Windows 7?

The HP Mini 311

The low-cost, low-power family of laptop computers known as Netbooks have become a tempting choice, offering access to basic PC tasks for a fraction of the price of traditional laptops or desktops. But wading into the Netbook waters is not as simple as it looks. These once-uniform machines have splintered into different subcategories, each offering different features at different prices.

Our handy Netbook guide offers tips and advice for picking the perfect Netbook. Things to keep in mind include how much you want to spend, how long the battery needs to last, and if mobile broadband access is a necessity. Above all, we frequently remind shoppers that Netbooks are a useful addition to your tech collection, as long as one's expectations are kept realistic.

A new wrinkle to consider is that post-October 22, most new Netbooks will include Windows 7 as their operating system. Previously, Windows XP was the default choice for Netbooks, as it worked fairly well with low-power Intel Atom CPUs. Because XP users weren't included in the various free Windows 7 upgrade offers that was a strong incentive for potential buyers to hold off on a Netbook purchase. A small percentage of Netbooks still include various versions of Linux (and that was the only option for the very first Netbooks), and there's considerable interest in upcoming products using Google's Androidand Chromeoperating systems.

Who Needs a Netbook?

The student
Students typically require low prices and portability above all. A laptop that can easily go from class-to-class is key, so many students turn to Netbooks. The downside is that these have small screens, which can make online research and paper writing a chore.

The business traveler
Those who work on the road often need a small, lightweight system that can comfortably open in an airline seat and still run a PowerPoint presentation. At the same time, business users often require access to security and management tools to satisfy the requirements of their IT departments--so a Netbook will likely not be your only PC.

The first-time buyer
If this is your first laptop--or more likely, you're buying a laptop for a parent or grandparent who has never had one before--a Netbook is an inexpensive way to get a digital newcomer introduced to the Internet.

The blogger
Whether you're documenting your afternoons at the local coffee shop or live blogging a news conference, Netbooks are practically required equipment for writers on the go. Keyboards on most Netbooks have evolved to usable sizes, and, while they add significant cost, 3G mobile broadband connections are common.

The Samsung Go N310

Types of Netbooks

Standard Netbooks
The industry has found a natural price floor about $299. For that price, you can expect a basic, if no-frills, Netbook that works fine for Web surfing, e-mail, working on office documents, and maybe some light multimedia playback.

Netbook features tend to be nearly identical across brands, and on sub-$300 models you'll generally find cheaper-feeling construction and cramped keyboards and touch pads compared with premium Netbooks, which can cost $100-$200 more, even though they generally have the same internal components. Key specifications include:

• Intel Atom N270 CPU (higher-end, N280)
• 1GB RAM
• 120GB-160GB HDD
• 10-inch display at 1,024x600 pixels
• Windows XP or Windows 7 Starter
• 802.11g Wi-Fi

High-definition Netbooks
One of the more welcome trends in Netbooks has been the appearance of higher-resolution screens. Typically, 10-inch Netbooks (and 9-inch models before them) had 1,024x600-pixel resolution displays, which could feel cramped when working on Word documents or scrolling through long Web pages. Additionally, many software applications were not optimized for nontraditional resolutions.

With the introduction of 11.6-inch Netbook screens, we're now seeing 1,366x768-pixel screens that provide a much more familiar working environment and more desktop real estate (and can properly display 720p HD video content). We're also seeing this higher resolution migrate to premium 10-inch Netbooks, although that can make text and icons appeal small.

That catch is that most manufacturers are using these high-definition screens to boost prices out of the $299-$399 category. Many high-definition laptops cost $499 or more, although we have seen models available for as little as $399.

3G Netbooks
The earliest Netbooks allowed 3G mobile broadband access only if you hooked up your own external USB modem. Eventually, the idea of getting online anywhere with a Netbook was too good to resist and PC makers such as Dell and HP added built-in mobile broadband options to their systems.

Unfortunately, this typically added $100 to $150 to the cost--not an insignificant amount for a sub-$400 device. Too offset this, some cell phone carriers are offering subsidized Netbook hardware in return for a two-year data plan contract (usually about $60 per month). Examples include AT&T with Nokia's Booklet Netbook and Verizon's deal with HP's Mini 311.

If you know you're going to use a particular system for mobile broadband for the next two years, getting $100-$200 off the initial purchase price is a plus, but, as with smartphones, these two-year $60 per month deals should really net you a free (or at most, $99) system to truly be a great deal.

Multimedia Netbooks
If Netbooks have an Achilles' heel that keeps them from being more universally useful, it's the lack of capability to handle many gaming and video playback chores.

Nvidia's first graphics option for Netbooks, the Ion, is based in part on the integrated GeForce 9400M GPU in Apple's MacBooks. The added graphics power can help Atom-based Netbooks play back HD video smoothly, and even handle some basic gaming.

The Asus Eee PC 1005HA

What to avoid

While the internal components of most Netbooks vary only slightly, there are a few things we advise potential buys to keep an eye out for. These features may not be deal-breakers for you--depending on your needs--but for most people, they should be a clue to look elsewhere.

Intel's Atom Z-series CPUs
Even though they generally have better battery life and similar clock speeds as the more common N-series Atom processors, the Intel Z520 and Z530 CPUs lose just enough performance to make using a Netbook a truly frustrating experience. With little performance headroom to spare already, low-power Netbooks can't afford further compromises to the user experience.

Awkward touch pad buttons
Some Netbooks have touch pad buttons awkwardly pushed to the sides of the touch pad. This makes them harder, but not impossible, to use, and should be generally avoided. Another thing to look out for is a slim rocker bar taking the place of two distinct buttons--go for separate left and right mouse buttons whenever possible.

Tiny solid-state hard drives
The earliest Netbooks came with tiny 16GB or smaller SSD drives. These are great for heat, power consumption, and weight, but they are not so good for installing full operating systems and important applications. You can still find older Netbook hardware on sale with these tiny hard drives, but avoid them. The standard today is a 160GB traditional platter hard drive, which should have plenty of room for apps, videos, photos, and more.

Compromised keyboards
Netbook makers have finally figured out how to squeeze the most keyboard into the least space. Current models are generally easy to use, even for touch typists, but beware cheaper or older models that have shortened shift and control keys, unusual key placement swaps, or are even missing the entire row of Function keys.

Gigantic batteries
With Netbooks, your choices are typically a three-cell or six-cell battery. As a general rule, three-cell batteries will fit flush with the Netbook's body, and provide around three hours of battery life. A six-cell battery will often stick out from the rear of the system, but can last up to six hours.

Some brands, such as Asus, have succeeded in working larger six-cell batteries into their already slim chassis designs, with no noticeable increase in size.

For more on Netbooks

> Check out the latest CNET Netbook and laptop reviews.
> See our favorite current Netbooks.
> Netbook and laptop news and discussion every week on the Digital City podcast.

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

Whether CULV thin-and-light laptops will ever fully find a spot between the Netbook world and the full-featured laptop world, they are most definitely a category that's growing every day. Dropping an optical drive and throwing a low-voltage processor alongside a long-lasting battery is the trend of 2009, although the low-voltage laptops we've seen so far have often sacrificed either build quality, performance, or value-for-dollar.

It's relieving to say, therefore, that the 13-inch Asus UL30A-A1 is a thin-and-light that we'd gladly carry around in our bag for a long time to come. With a sturdy frame, a decently-performing new Core 2 Duo CULV processor as opposed to the disappointing single-core Core 2 Solo CULVs we've seen, and really good battery life, it's close to a complete package for a sub-$1,000 laptop that doesn't resort to an Atom processor.

While we've seen similar-looking products here before, including the Lenovo IdeaPad U350 and the MSI X340, we liked the overall performance on the UL30A-A1 better.

And as far as its closest competitor goes, the Acer Aspire Timeline 3810T, the Asus UL30A-A1 had equal or better performance, better battery life, and costs $100 less than the 3810T did at launch. This is a thin-and-light that does everything we had hoped thin-and-lights would do, and it costs nowhere near what a MacBook Air or a Dell Adamo does.

Read the full review of the Asus UL30A-A1.