PC Card — A removable I/O card adhering to the PCMCIA standard. Modems and network adapters are common types of PC Cards.

PCI — peripheral component interconnect — PCI is a local bus that supports 32-and 64-bit data paths, providing a high-speed data path between the processor and devices such as video, drives, and networks.

PCI Express — A modification to the PCI interface that boosts the data transfer rate between the processor and the devices attached to it. PCI Express can transfer data at speeds from 250 MB/sec to 4 GB/sec. If the PCI Express chip set and the device are capable of different speeds, they will operate at the slower speed.

PCMCIA — Personal Computer Memory Card International Association — The organization that establishes standards for PC Cards.

PIO — programmed input/output — A method of transferring data between two devices through the processor as part of the data path.

pixel — A single point on a display screen. Pixels are arranged in rows and columns to create an image. A video resolution, such as 800 x 600, is expressed as the number of pixels across by the number of pixels up and down.

Plug-and-Play — The ability of the computer to automatically configure devices. Plug and Play provides automatic installation, configuration, and compatibility with existing hardware if the BIOS, operating system, and all devices are Plug and Play compliant.

POST — power-on self-test — Diagnostics programs, loaded automatically by the BIOS, that perform basic tests on the major computer components, such as memory, hard drives, and video. If no problems are detected during POST, the computer continues the start-up.

processor — A computer chip that interprets and executes program instructions. Sometimes the processor is referred to as the CPU (central processing unit).

PS/2 — personal system/2 — A type of connector for attaching a PS/2-compatible keyboard, mouse, or keypad.

PXE — pre-boot execution environment — A WfM (Wired for Management) standard that allows networked computers that do not have an operating system to be configured and started remotely.

R

RAID — redundant array of independent disks — A method of providing data redundancy. Some common implementations of RAID include RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, and RAID 50.

Glossary

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M1330 specifications

The Dell XPS M1330 is a highly regarded laptop that gained popularity for its combination of portability, performance, and style. Released in the late 2000s, it became a favorite among students and professionals alike. With a sleek and compact design, the M1330 features a 13.3-inch display, which strikes a balance between size and usability, making it easy to carry yet large enough for productive tasks.

One of the standout characteristics of the M1330 is its lightweight frame, weighing in at just about 3.5 pounds. This portability is complemented by its robust build quality, featuring a high-quality aluminum chassis that provides both aesthetics and durability. The laptop is available in a variety of colors, allowing users to express their personal style.

In terms of performance, the M1330 can be configured with various Intel Core 2 Duo processors, ranging from the T5250 to the more powerful T8300. This flexibility in processing power allows users to choose a model that best fits their needs, whether for basic tasks or more demanding applications. The laptop also supports up to 4GB of RAM, making multitasking smoother.

The M1330 is equipped with NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS graphics, offering an improved visual experience for casual gaming and multimedia. This helps enhance the user experience for watching videos and playing games while maintaining a decent battery life.

Connectivity options are robust for its time, featuring multiple USB ports, an HDMI output for external displays, and a built-in webcam for video conferencing. The wireless capabilities are supported by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, ensuring users stay connected to the internet and their devices.

Dell paid considerable attention to the M1330’s keyboard and trackpad design, both of which are comfortable and responsive. The keyboard layout is well-spaced, contributing to a pleasant typing experience.

Additionally, the M1330 introduced the innovative Dell Media Direct feature, which allows users quick access to multimedia functions without booting into the full operating system, making it convenient for quick media playback.

In conclusion, the Dell XPS M1330 is a versatile laptop that effectively blends style, performance, and portability. Its combination of features makes it a timeless choice for those in need of a reliable and attractive laptop for everyday use, even in today’s fast-paced technological landscape.