• Thor
• The Hulk
• Storm
• Wolverine
• Ghost Rider
• Phoenix
• Rouge
• Silver Surfer

The skins would make a great holiday gift for that comic fan on your list. To see the full image selection head on over to Gelaskins.com. Also, pricing of skins depend on the gadget that you are buying the skin for.

Some of the key features of the bag are:

• 2-dozen pockets and other storage spaces
• A cavernous main compartment, large enough to hold two days of casual clothing and travel necessities.
• Two huge side cargo pockets hold shoes, toiletries or other bulky items.
• Inside the main compartment is a padded laptop sleeve that fastens to the side wall and has security strap to hold the laptop in place.
• The duffel is available with either small (15-16” laptop) or large (17”) sleeve included,
• The sleeve—with its own stowaway flap cover—can be removed and used on its own or in another bag or backpack.
• Front organizer compartment with storage for every portable gadget and accessory imaginable.
• Stretchy pockets protect and secures phones, chargers, adapters, cables and more.
• There’s even a special, labeled slot for a USB thumb drive.
• The Weekend Warrior weights at only 49 ounces.

The duffle bag is priced at 119.95 for the small bag and 124.99 for the large. It can be purchased at Skooba.com

Today’s article is something completely different then what I had imagined in terms of tech help. I thought that I would begin small, for example organizing your email, or something of the nature. That changed pretty quickly when my laptop cord was snapped in two and my battery in the laptop no longer changed.  I was without a laptop, without a computer. I had to begin sharing my parents personal computer while I am home on vacation.  I missed my old lappy, and decided that after my four year run, it was time to replace.  Hence the reason for this version of Tech Angels.

First thing you need to know is a laptop is not a desktop. The difference between the two are very stark. One, A laptop is designed to be portable, while a desktop is not. Second, a desktop can be upgraded with new parts, while to upgrade the parts of a laptop becomes a challenge. Other then these two concepts, they both do the same things, be it surf the web, work on a spreadsheet, photo viewing, videos and much much more.  Now, that I have been frank, I believe we shall get on with these helpful steps on purchasing a new laptop for yourself.

1) Identify Price and Purpose

Before you even begin searching online, or heading out to the stores, you need to ask yourself two questions.

First questions is, “What is my price limit, including taxes?” The reason I add including taxes is because sometimes people will head into their purchase with a price limit and once they have hit the check out, they are slammed with the taxes. So make sure your price limit includes your taxes before you head out, in order to avoid any shock.  Also, if you are ordering online make sure you include the price of shipping into your order. Sometimes shipping can be very expensive since it is normally justified on the weight of the item.

Second question is “What is the purpose of the laptop?” By purpose, I mean, what do you want the laptop to do. Are you looking for a laptop you wish to game on? Are you looking for a laptop  just to work on projects, produce presentations and write reports? Are you looking for a laptop to edit photos, and movies?  Try to get a clear picture in your mind of exactly what you want the laptop to do, and if you really going to need any extra bells and whistles.

Now that you have thought about these two questions, write it down. No, seriously, write it down. The reasoning for this is by the time you begin the shopping and purchasing process, you might become swept up in the glow of a new system with so many options and do-dads that you might loose sight of why you are buying a laptop in the first place.

2) Ask for Advice

By advice, I mean actually asking your friends, family, co-workers, and sales associates. Don’t limit your discussions to what they think of the laptop, but ask them what they have, whether they had problems with it and if there is anything they do not like about it.

As a warning of getting advice from others, their will always be brand fans. No matter who you talk to, they might hold a little soft spot in their heart for a particular company, or brand. When I spoke to three different individuals about a new laptop I got,  “I love Dell”, “I love Apple” and “I love Toshiba” , I also got “I prefer Linux sooo…..”, “Apple are too expensive” “Dells fall apart”. I just listened to them and weighted the pros and cons. Most of them told me that they were a fans of some kind of brand up front.  Also, if one of your friends is a computer support specialist, it is useful to ask them what laptops they find have major problems, breakdown the most, and if you are building a laptop from a company such as Dell, what should be avoided when you picking video cards, ram or hard drive size.

Now if you can, also venture out into the wild world of stores in order to talk to a sales associate. I like to lay my cards out on the table; if I’m not ready to buy on that visit, I tell them. I let them know I am looking to have a comparison between different models of laptops, and would like their advice. (Side Warning: Sometimes sales associates work on commission. They might try to sell you that laptop with all the bells and whistles you may not need in order to get the commission. So look at that note I suggest you write about what you need, and try to get the sales associate to show you laptops that fit your requirements.) I found that even those sales reps working on commission, were still very friendly, willing to help and answered all the questions I had. The nice associate at Future Shop went out of his way to print off of the specs of the laptops I was interested in purchasing, so that I could take them home and compare. He also left an work email address so that I could contact him if I had anymore questions.

3) Research

There is nothing wrong with doing a little research. I know you thought that you left that behind in either High School, or Post Secondary, but trust me, just like that ‘A’ in school, the little extra time you research will be well worth the effort.  There are a number of wonderful web sites online that are dedicated to reviewing, or collecting a number of reviews to present to the reader. For example, I found that the website NotebookReview.com is a useful review site. There are a number of other sites such as CNet.com where you can compare laptops side by side, or search through laptops by type, price range, and rating.

4) Shop Around!

Once you have narrowed down your laptop, you should begin the actual leg work. That means shopping around for a good price on that specific laptop.  So pick a good day and head to your local or big box stores to see what you can find. I say go out and shop because a number of stores, mainly your big box stores, will feature a computer on their website and they might not actually have it in stock at their location.  So, if you are a person that wants to get you computer ASAP, then you might have to find something else.  If you can wait, see if the store can order the computer or check to see if another location has the model of laptop that you want. I suggest going on either a weekday or early in the morning on a weekend; you might be able to get more face time with a sales associates and spend less time waiting around.

5) Discounts and Price Match Anyone?

As a shopper, I love getting the best deal possible on items. I mean, you are looking at a lady that got a 50 dollar purse for 13 dollars because I shopped around. The concept should apply to your technology finds as well.  You should not settle for the stated price; especially in this economy. Unless you are an heiress, you might have a few reservations about dropping the cash.

First of all, let’s talk about a number of shops, mainly your big named business, are willing to match the price of their competitor. So, if you find a laptop that is on sale in the flyer, head to the shop, find out that only the floor model is left, you can then head to their competitor and ask if they are willing to price match. Most stores will so they receive the sale, as long as they both carry the same models or brands. Many stores offer web only prices on stock that may not be in stores but remain to be in warehouses.  Check to see if your computer is there and check to see if the price is in relation to the store, or cheaper. If so, order it online and have it either shipped to you or to the store.

Second, there are discounts. These are special offers that a number of companies offer when you by their product. For example, currently over on the Apple website, they are offering Eduction pricing. As a teacher, student, administrator, secondary professor or even board personal, you are able to receive the educational discount on the items. Of course, there are limitations of the discounts mainly on how many of each item you are allowed to purchase during the year, but when you could get a price reduction of about 200 dollars on some items, I believe you can live with the limitations. Also, it is smart to check to see if there are other discounts at other online stores such as Dell or Gateway.

6) Decide

Now, that you have completed all these steps, buy your laptop. Take out the wad of cash or your plastic card, and pick up the new, shiny laptop.  As a warning, whenever you buy a new laptop, you will always have that little sting of buyers remorse. ( Normally this happens when you actually pay for the laptop) Yet, you will feel better about your purchase, after you have gotten home, step up the new laptop and have begun working or gaming.

Happy Shopping!

If you have a question for our Tech Angel section, please email me, Netzach at netzach@gamingangels.com

Dell’s Alienware line of gaming PC’s have made an announcement about a partnership with Steam. Gaming Desktops and laptops such as the Area-51, Aurora, M17X and M15X will now have Steam pre-installed on each system. On top of that  that that ever so popular physics puzzle game Portal. You remember portal right? I mean how can you not!?

What does that mean for PC gamers? Well according to the press release,

With Steam pre-installed on all these PCs, Alienware gamers can expect a higher level of service from their gaming experience right out of the box as existing Steam gamers may simply sign into their account to access all their purchased products. Customers new to Steam will find over 950 games at their finger tips, all supported by automatic updates, the Steam Friends Community of networking services, and more.

That’s not too shaddy for those of us you enjoy our PC games. If anyone is a little vague on that Steam provides on their service of games, you should check out http://store.steampowered.com/.

Last week it got to where I just couldn’t tolerate the inconvenience any longer. A quick trip to Fry’s Electronics and my days of overheating are over.

Since I have a 17 inch laptop, my choices were pretty limited with what they had in stock. There was a giant bulky Targus cooling pad and the Logitech Cooling Pad N 100. Between the two, I chose the slightly cheaper and more ergonomic designed pad. The N 100 sits comfortably in my lap, has an extremely quiet fan and does not kill my battery when I bring my laptop to the kitchen or bedroom. It uses one USB port to draw all the power it needs to keep me connected and cool.

Since I’ve been using the N 100, I have been able to play Plants vs Zombies for over an hour, while continuing my multitasking ways, and there is minimal heat emanating from my battery.  For $29.99, the Logitech Cooling Pad N 100 is definitely money well spent.

The “A’s” have it, because the winners of the contest, and proud owners of brand new laptops  are : Arphaxaad!! and Aoife!!

Jealous though you may be, I hope everyone will join me and all the ladies at GamingAngels.com in congratulating them on their big win!

We’d also like to take a moment to thank the nice crew at WebWars that created Weblings for providing the opportunity for us to share this contest with all of you!!

Breaking NEWS: Aoife has not stepped forward to claim the laptop prize.  So, I’ll be picking a new winner Thursday morning (10/15) if I haven’t heard from Aoife by midnight 10/14.

ETA: Apparently, random.org (what I use to choose winners) is determined to stick with the “A” winners.  So, I’d like to congratulate our new second laptop winner: Ambrolia!!

To help celebrate the launch of the game, our good friends at WebWars are giving you the chance to help the Weblings and win yourself a *Toshiba laptop at the same time.

From Webwars:

Weblings are fantastical creatures that live all over the Internet and keep it running. Evil bugs have captured them and scattered their shards all over the Internet, and now we need your help to find and rescue each one! To find the Webling shards, you’ll need an Internet connection and a computer. Will you help us?

WebWars, the creators of Weblings, wants to help you accomplish this task! Let us know which Web site you would visit to look for a Webling, and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win one of two Toshiba laptops!

Weblings is FREE to play, so once you’ve entered, try it out! Click the big “Play for free” button here to start your own Webling collection!

Good luck!

The contest will run from Sept 23rd until Oct 7th, so make sure you get your votes in by leaving a comment in the section below! You are limited to one entry per person, and only US residents over 18 are eligible for this contest.

Want to start playing Weblings yourself? It’s simple! Just create an account and download the toolbar (compatible with Internet Explorer and Firefox).

*Note: The Toshiba laptop is a Satellite model which you can view the specifications of here.

Laptop Sleeves:

10 x 8 Hello Kitty Laptop Sleeve

Some features of the sleeve is as follows:

• spill-resistant anti-collision and flexible material.
• It also has a cute Hello Kitty with ribbon image on the cover.
• Seam side zipper to prevent scratches and strap is provided for hand carrying.
• The case is in the size to fit a 10″ or smaller screen laptop. Product Size: 10 1/2 x 8 1/4 x 1 1/4 inches.
• Available in pink, purple and black

This variety of sleeve is available at amazon.com from 34.99 (Purple and Pink) to 38.95 (Black) and at Dreamkitty.com for the exact same prices. Black Unavailable at DreamKitty.
(Side Note: I am very unsure why the prices are different between the colors.)
Amazon.com
DreamKitty.com

17 3/4 x 13 inches Hello Kitty Sleeve and Carrying Case:

Some features of the product is as follows:

• divided in two parts, the cover and the bag.
• The cover is made with a red water resistant fabric and has a white Hello Kitty pattern and has 3 small pockets on the exterior of the cover.
• The bag is made with a red strong material and has a shiny gold handle. A gold print of Hello Kitty’s head is presented at the front of the bag.
• Not only can you carry your laptop with the bag but you can also use it as a purse as a piece of fashion.
• Product Size: 17 3/4 x 13 inches.

This product is avaiable at amazon.com and Dreamkitty. At Amazon.com the price is 36.99 while at Dream Kitty the product is 36.96.
Amazon.com
DreamKitty.com

Laptop Bags:

Sanrio Lace Hello Kitty Black Laptop Bag

The features of this Laptop bag are:

• 2-1/4 inch X 3-1/2 inch X 15 inch
• canvas finished with PVC leather
• lined with printed nylon, with a heart zipper charm.
• Inside: 1 regular pocket, cell phone pocket; Outside — 1 zipper pocket

This bag is avaiable on amazon.com and shop sanrio.com. It retails for 37.99 and 33.00 respectfully.
Amazon.com
Shop.Sanrio.com

Sanrio Hello Kitty Herringbone Laptop Messenger Bag

The features of this Laptop bag are:

• Polyester
• Adjustable shoulder strap
• Double carry handles
• 2 zip and 3 velcro pockets outside
• 1 PC pocket, 2 mesh and 2 velcro pockets inside
• Can attach to matching rolling travel bag (sold separately)
• 12.25″ x 16.5″ x 4.5″

This bag is avaiable at the Sanrio shop for a retail value of 65.00
Sanrio Shop.com

There have been many more sleeves and bags with Hello Kitty on them but currently there are the one avaiable for retail, and I rather show you what is still avaiable then not. If you want to search for other bags and sleeves on ebay.com. (Which you might be able to be get around the same retail price.) by all means do so. There are so many varieties avaiable for the buyers.  What do you think? Would you want to show yours Hello Kitty pride via your sleeve? Are they to pricey? Which do you like best?

There is nothing worse then having to deal with electronics at an airport. After doing a fair bit of traveling myself I find the pain of taking out my laptop out of it sleeve, my DS, Ipod, Xbox 360 Hard drive and other items that I deemed useful.  There is where Skooba’s Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bags come into play. They are designed with material which can pass through airport screening.  According to the press release

its Checkthrough bags—developed in close coordination with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)—are the best-selling items in Skooba’s 10-year history, and the new styles are in response to significant customer demand for additional versions of the product. The company has multiple patents pending on both current and future Checkthrough products, and also offers a broad range of checkpoint-friendly laptop skins.

The new Checkpoint Friendly bags are avaiable in backpack and roller varieties. Each design is very high end business design and it opens and hinges in the middle to separate and isolate the laptop compartment from the rest of the bag. Inspectors can see the laptop through a clear plastic window and then it can be sent through for screening with the hinge open. No holding up lines or trying to put the laptop back in while trying to run to catch your flight.

Some features of the bags are as follows:

• Durable, weather-repellant ballistic exterior fabric
• Nickel-finished hardware
• Doc Pocket™ organizers for airline tickets and passport,
• Clear zippered pouches for allowable liquids, and many other travel-friendly features.
• Plenty of pockets—20 in the backpack and 18 in the Roller—organize gadgets, accessories and other small items.

Checkthrough Backpack and Roller are avaiable for purchase now, at suggested retail prices of $129.95 and $189.95, respectively.

For more information visit Skooba.
For Gaming Angels.com readers: By entering in the discount code Angel20, you can get 20% off a purchase over $50 at Skooba.  Hit the link on the front page.

Our good friends at LapWorks are offering the GamingAngels community two great opportunities. The first offer is a 20% off coupon for any of the Gamer’s Desk configurations from the LapWorks website, which works in conjunction with any promotions they are currently running on the site. The code is GamingAngels-GamersDesk and is good until June 30th.

The second offer is the chance to win one of three Futura Gamer’s Desk with Regular MouzPad and Max MouzPad (SRP $54.95US).

For your chance to win, all you need to do is email us the answer to the following question:

Which website had this to say about the Gamer’s Desk: “…keeps a keyboard and mouse in reach of couch-based gamers…” ?

Email your answer to pr@gamingangels.com with “Laptop Desk Contest” in the subject line. This contest runs until June 13th. Limit one entry per person. Please include your GamingAngels username.

(Note: The contest is for the Laptop Desk, and does not include the laptop. The image is just to show you how a laptop sits on the desk.)