If you seek for a laptop with an HD-DVD or Blu-ray drive, ensure that the laptop also possesses a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector, which is available in Gateway M150XL, HP Pavilion HDX, HP Pavilion dv9000, Dell XPS M1330, Toshiba Qosmio G45 (check out Qosmio G35), and Sony VAIO AR Line. A substitute for a popular for nowadays S-Video jack, HDMI allows transferring high-end audio and video data from the notebook to a dedicated screen via one cord, thus providing better connectivity in the external devices.
“The basic advantage is the simple connection to HD television set”, noted Brad Garofalo, product marketing employee at IC producer Silicon Image. “Also you receive reversed compatibility with the majority of DVI monitors available at the marketplace”.
Due to HDCP (or High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection) support, an HDMI slot also suits you for playing secured content (that is, the majority of high-definition commercial discs) on a dedicated screen from a Vista-based notebook. The majority of recently manufactured home-theatre projectors and HDTVs are compatible with HDMI connectors, similar to desktop monitors like Samsung SyncMaster 2280HD (app. $550) and Acer AL2216Wbd (app. USD 239).
One disadvantage which limits you in opportunities is that only several notebooks are supplied with HDMI ports, thus, the selection is narrow. Silicon Image hopes the situation will soon be different as the category will fall in cost, but the present moment can offer you one a couple of high-quality laptops which have an HDMI option. But possessing it is a sure advantage if your laptop is often connected to an external projector, monitor, or HDTV.
