Sony VAIO BZ560P22 - Core 2 Duo P8400 2.26 GHz - 15.4" TFT

Product ID
CDW Part:
1530823
Mfg. Part:
VGNBZ560P22
UNSPSC:
43211503
Availability:In stock and ready for shipment . Ships same day if ordered before 4 p.m. CT

Main Features
•
Core 2 Duo P8400 / 2.26 GHz
•
Centrino 2
•
RAM 1 GB
•
HDD 120 GB
•
DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM
•
GMA 4500MHD
•
Gigabit Ethernet
•
WLAN : Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
•
802.11 a/b/g/n (draft)
•
TPM
•
fingerprint reader
•
Windows® XP Pro downgrade installed
•
15.4"
Specifications are provided by the manufacturer. Refer to the manufacturer for an explanation of the print speed and other ratings.
Built for business, the lightweight VAIO BZ notebook boasts the productivity and compatibility features required by IT professionals and business customers. Magnesium casing and a spill-resistant keyboard panel help protect against the accidents common to travel while next-gen Intel Centrino 2 processor technology provides the power necessary for heavy day-in day-out computing.

Technical Specs
Expand All
Show Key Specs
Specifications are provided by the manufacturer. Refer to the manufacturer for an explanation of the print speed and other ratings.
Processor
64-bit Computing
Yes
Clock Speed
2.26 GHz
Manufacturer
Intel
Multi-Core Technology
Dual-Core
Processor Number
P8400
Type
Core 2 Duo
Networking
Compliant Standards
Bluetooth 2.0, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
Data Link Protocol
Bluetooth 2.0 EDR, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
Type
Network adapter
Wireless NIC
Intel PRO/Wireless 5100AGN
Wireless Protocol
802.11 a/b/g/n (draft), Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
Storage Hard Drive
Capacity
120 GB
Serial ATA Interface
Serial ATA-150
Spindle Speed
5400 rpm
Type
Portable
OS Provided
Type
Microsoft Windows Vista Business / XP Professional downgrade
Input Device
Type
Keyboard, Touchpad
Interface Provided
Connector Type
Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm
Interface
Output
Qty
1
Type
Headphones
Connector Type
4 pin FireWire
Type
IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
Connector Type
4 pin USB Type A
Qty
3
Type
Hi-Speed USB
Connector Type
15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)
Interface
VGA
Type
Display / video
Connector Type
RJ-45
Interface
Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T
Type
Network
Connector Type
RJ-11
Interface
Phone line
Type
Modem
Connector Type
Mini-phone 3.5 mm
Interface
Input
Type
Microphone
RAM
Configuration Features
1 x 1 GB
Installed Size
1 GB
Max Supported Size
4 GB
Memory Specification Compliance
PC2-6400
Memory Speed
800 MHz
Technology
DDR2 SDRAM
Software
Type
AOL Online (90 days trial), Microsoft Office 2007 Small Business Edition (Trial), Microsoft Windows Live OneCare (Trial), Microsoft Works 9 SE
Audio Input
Type
Microphone
Audio Output
Compliant Standards
Microsoft WSS 1.0/2.0
Type
Sound card
Battery
Installed Qty
1
Run Time (Up To)
5 hour(s)
Technology
Lithium ion
Cabinet (Chassis)
Built-in Devices (AB)
Bluetooth antenna, Stereo speakers, Wireless LAN antenna
Card Reader
Supported Flash Memory Cards (AB)
Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick PRO Duo, SD Memory Card
Type
Card reader
Display
Projector Monitor Features
LED-backlit, X BRITE-ECO
Header
Compatibility
PC
Manufacturer
Sony Notebook Systems
Model
BZ560P22
Packaged Quantity
1
Product Line
Sony VAIO
Mainboard
Chipset Type
Mobile Intel GM45 Express
Data Bus Speed
1066 MHz
Modem
Max Transfer Rate
56 Kbps
Protocols & Specifications
ITU V.90, ITU V.92
Type
Fax / modem
Power Device
Form Factor
External
Service
Support Details Full Contract Period
1 year
Support Details Type
Limited warranty
Support Details Service Included
Phone consulting
Support Details Type
Technical support
Slot Provided
Free Qty
0
Total Qty
2
Type
Memory
Form Factor
Type I/II
Free Qty
1
Total Qty
1
Type
PC Card
Optical Storage (2nd)
Type
None
Storage Controller
Serial ATA Interface
Serial ATA-150
Type
Serial ATA
Storage Floppy Drive
Type
None
Storage Removable
Type
None
System
Embedded Security
Trusted Platform Module (TPM 1.2) Security Chip
Hard Drive(-s) Total Capacity
120 GB
Notebook Type
Notebook
Platform Technology
Intel Centrino 2
Security Devices
Fingerprint reader
Video Output
Graphics Processor Vendor
Intel GMA 4500MHD
Notebook Camera
Camera Type
Integrated
Sensor Resolution
1.3 Megapixel
Dimensions & Weight
Depth
10.6 in
Height
1.6 in
Weight
5.7 lbs, 5.8 lbs
Width
14.3 in
Optical Storage
Enclosure Type
Integrated
Read Speed
24x (CD) / 8x (DVD)
Rewrite Speed
24x (CD) / 6x (DVD-RW) / 8x (DVD+RW) / 5x (DVD-RAM)
Type
DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM
Write Speed
24x (CD) / 8x (DVD±R) / 6x (DVD±R DL)
Service & Support
Type
1 year warranty
Display (Projector)
Diagonal Size
15.4 in
Display Feature (for SD)
XBRITE
Display Resolution Abbreviation
WXGA
Max Resolution
1200 x 800
Technology
TFT active matrix
Widescreen Display
Yes
Cache Memory
Installed Size
3 MB
Type
L2 cache
Video Memory
Total Available Graphics Memory
320 MB

Acer Aspire One

By Cisco Cheng
Acer has developed a reputation for selling inexpensive systems worldwide, so it's only natural that it would come up with its own affordable netbook (or UMPC). Pressure from the ASUS EeePC and the HP 2133 Mini-Note made the company realize that it had to be on the same gravy train. The Acer Aspire One ($319 street) enters a quickly expanding field of miniature laptops, in a race to see who can out-shrink one another while staying within a strict budget. It has the performance potential to surpass the competition and a $319 entry point is just as cheap as the Asus EeePC, but the typing and navigating experience is not on a par with its competitors.
Read the Acer Aspire One full review

Acer Inc.
http://www.acer.com
Price as Tested: $380.00 Street
Type: General Purpose, Ultraportable, Tablet
Operating System: Linpus Linux Lite
Processor Name: Intel Atom N270
Processor Speed: 1.6 GHz
RAM: 512 MB
Weight: 2.1 lb
Screen Size: 8.9 inches
Screen Size Type: widescreen
Graphics Card: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
Storage Capacity: 8 GB
Networking Options: 802.11a/g
Primary Optical Drive: External

Sony VAIO VGN-Z590

No other ultraportable line captures the essence of thinking outside the box like Sony's. It was the first to introduce a sub-4-pound ultraportable with an optical drive and discrete graphics. Its keyboard, first seen on the VAIO VGN-X505ZP, was mimicked on Apple's MacBook, and the VAIO VGN-SZ170P was switching between two different graphics solutions long before anyone had heard of switchable graphics. Their latest ultraportable, the Sony VAIO VGN-Z590, breaks new ground once again. The dual SSDs, a Blu-ray drive, and switching graphics are features commonly found on an 8-pound media center, not a 3.2-pound ultraportable. It's amazing that Sony was able to fit the amount of technology it did into such a small frame. With the Z590, therefore, Sony retains the Editors' Choice in the ultraportable category.
Read the Sony VAIO VGN-Z590 full review

Sony Corporation
http://www.sonystyle.com
Price as Tested: $4,199.00 Direct
Type: Media, Ultraportable, Business, Small Business
Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo P9500
Processor Speed: 2.53 GHz
RAM: 4 GB
Weight: 3.2 lb
Screen Size: 13.1 inches
Screen Size Type: widescreen
Graphics Card: nVidia GeForce 9300 M GS
Storage Capacity: 256 GB
Networking Options: 802.11n
Primary Optical Drive: DVD+/-RW DL with Blu-Ray

Antwerp diamonds history

WHEN Napoleon Bonaparte visited Antwerp in 1803, he did not mince his words with his opinion of the city as “the most backward provincial nest I have ever seen”. The story goes that he slept on this thought overnight, and the next day – with the invasion of England at the back of his mind – ordered docks to be built. To him the Scheldt, on the banks of which the city stands, looked like a gun barrel aiming at his biggest enemy. London....
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India`s craze for buying gold jewellery is legendary. Even as affluence improves amongst jewellery buyers and as the price of gold touches new highs, there has been an increasing trend to go in for diamond jewellery. And here, the latest fashion of course is buying diamond solitaires.
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Christie’s concludes a remarkable New York Sale

 Christies Jewels Auction is Canceled. However, Christie's fetches $49.8 million in 'traditional' jewelry auctionTen jewels sold over $1m with diamonds being the main crowd pullers

cancelled christies diamond auction Put a Diamond Under Stress, and You Might Crack

 a 14-carat pink diamond ring can start looking tarnished if it is immersed in muck. That rose-gold ring, worth up to $15 million by one estimate, was to be the centerpiece of a Christie’s auction last week, until legal actions in Manhattan scuttled the sale minutes before it was to start — on two successive evenings....read cancel christies diamond auction 

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Canada's Diamond Jackpot

 aerial view of an open pit mine is seen at the DiavikCanada diamond mine, south of the Arctic Circle in Canada's Northwest Territories, February 13, 2008. Once a hotbed of gold mining, Canada's far north is now unearthing riches from a different precious commodity - diamonds. Picture taken February 13, 2008. REUTERS/Cameron French

Diamonds Stars, Diamond Rings, And Dazzle At the Screen Actors Guild.

 the Golden Globes running via press conference this year and the Oscars broadcast still in question, Hollywood's A-list swarmed the 14th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards last night, dressed to impress in dazzling diamond "power" earrings, bracelets and right-hand rings.found at diamondvues.com januari 30, 2008Diamond power earrings, defined as large diamond studs, diamond drops and diamond chandelier earrings, were seen on numerous starlets, including actress Kate Beckinsale, in diamond stud earrings by Van Cleef and Arpels, The Sopranos' Edie Falco, in triple-drop diamond earrings by Kwiat valued at more than $250,000, and Desperate Housewives' Teri Hatcher, in diamond flower-pendant earrings by Neil Lane.

Diamonds lift game to beat England

Australia have brushed aside a near last-start loss to score a comfortable 43-33 win over England in the second netball Test.
Pushed all the way by the improved English in the first Test before going down 42-39, the Diamonds shone a little brighter on Wednesday night, holding the lead in the first quarter and never relinquishing it.
It was the tourists' 37th consecutive loss to the Australians, having lost 48 of 49 clashes overall.
Susan Pratley led allcomers with 27 points for Australia while Louisa Brownfield bagged 19 for the visitors.
England had promised to cut down on errors and turnovers but couldn't do either as both sides struggled to get their scoring statistics above 80 per cent.
Australia held a five goal lead during the first quarter, the tourists failing to cut the deficit as inaccurate shooting began to mount.
The gap only widened as England made several changes to their line up.
England's goal attack Tamsin Greenway came on in the second quarter, but failed to put a point on the board and was replaced by Joanne Harten at halftime.
Teammate Geva Mentor, who starred for Adelaide in the inaugural trans Tasman Championship, rivalled fellow Thunderbird and Australian goal attack Natalie Medhurst in the shooting circle and enabled the world No.3 team to benefit from a number of rebounds.
Australian coach Norma Plummer, who reached her 50th game as national coach on Wednesday night, said she was pleased with the way many of the new combinations performed despite training difficulties associated with interstate travel.
"We're spreading wide and getting players from all states, so we're seeing some interesting and new combinations," she said.
"I was pleased with the way Pratley finished the game.
With the likes of veteran players such as Sharelle McMahon and Cath Cox forced to take time off due to injury, Plummer said the more experienced players needed to be cared for to ensure their availability next season.
"Or else some of these injuries could start finishing these older girls off," she said.
With the Diamonds due to face New Zealand later this month, Plummer said she was hopeful her team would keep going from strength to strength.
"It's tough when you've only got (the team) for four days beforehand," Plummer said.
"And New Zealand is still a big threat ... but we've really got to stand up and face it."

Diamond in the rough sparkles on market

Stone found by Vancouver's Rockwell Diamonds fetches $10 million
Mary Frances Hill, Vancouver SunPublished: Thursday, October 09, 2008
If you have to ask how much it costs, you probably can't afford it.
That's true for diamonds, and one in particular.
By the time the most recent rock recovered by Vancouver-based Rockwell Diamonds hits the market, it could come with a price tag of $15 million USThe 189.68-carat stone was found two weeks ago in Rockwell's Klipdam mining operation in South Africa's Northern Cape province.
Rockwell, which owns 74 per cent of the mine, sold the stone this week to one of the world's top diamantaires -- a craftsperson who selects, cuts and polishes diamonds -- for $10,291,050 US, or $54,255 a carat.
Rockwell's president and CEO John Bristow wouldn't reveal the buyer's identity, though he admitted Wednesday that "it's gone to one of the big international diamantaire groups."
The mystery buyer purchased the gemstone in its rough form. By the time it's finished, which could be a year from now, it could be marked up by 50 per cent of its original rough sales value, Bristow said.
Measuring 32 millimetres long and more than 20 millimetres wide, the white stone is classified as D-colour, the whitest on a scale that measures from D to the yellower spectrum starting at G.
"It's got a blue-white shimmer to it -- it's a remarkable piece of diamond, and it has an intense life to it," Bristow said in a phone interview from Kimberley, the capital of Northern Cape.
The buyer will make resin models of the stone and use it as a surrogate of sorts, to map out the potential impurities and examine angles to create a plan of how to cut and polish it precisely.
After months of planning, the stone will be placed on a wheel that impregnates it with a diamond powder.
It's such slow work that polishing only a small angle of a diamond can take days, according to Jeffrey Berner, manager of sales and marketing for Rockwell. Once complete, it's sent to the New York-based Gemological Institute of America to be graded. It could go back and forth between gemologists before it's finally certified.
The sale may appear unusual in a week that has seen markets fall drastically, investors fearful and predictions of a global financial crisis in the wake of a Wall Street bailout.
"Diamonds of this level are investor pieces," said Berner.
"In this market today, you want to leave your money in the bank or put it in a diamond or piece of gold. People are choosing what they can touch or see."
Characterizing their clientele as "high net-worth individuals," Bristow said a gem of this calibre and cost would most likely end up in the portfolio of Middle-Eastern oil barons or Russian oligarchs.
Klipdam mine has run since 1993 as a family business.
By the time Rockwell Diamonds, a shell company under West Pender Street's Hunter Dickinson stable, bought its percentage in late 2006, the mine was an established business, rich with alluvial deposits that turn up large stones regularly, Bristow said.
The mine employs more than 600 employees, all of whom are unionized and receive health benefits, according to Berner.
This week, Pala Investments submitted a hostile takeover bid for Rockwell at 36 cents a share, or a premium at the time of 85 per cent. The offer values the company at $85.7 million.In October 2007, a flawless blue diamond, touted as the world's most expensive diamond, was sold for $7.98 million US, or about $1.32 million US per carat.
A buyer who purchases a rough diamond for $10 million probably expects to keep about 50 per cent of it by the time it's cut and polished, according to Donna Hawrelko, director of education for the Canadian Gemmological Association.
Hawrelko, who is also the president of the U.S.-based Accredited Gemologists Association, and program coordinator of gemology and jewelry at Vancouver Community College, said there may be a dozen or so diamantaires concentrated in Antwerp, Switzerland, or New York who are capable of handling such a rock. would probably think they would send it to [Antwerp-based] Gabi Tolkowski, the world's premiere diamond cutter," she said.
"When you have this quality of diamond, you don't want anybody messing with it."
mfhill@vancouversun.com

Diamonds just keep England at bay

Australia's new-look netball team held off a tenacious England outfit to maintain their 28-year unbeaten run over the visitors with a 42-39 victory in the first Test on Saturday night.
It was Australia's 36th straight win over England and their 47th in 48 clashes overall.
The record was under threat at the last change when Australia held a slender 33-32 advantage after being outscored 13-10 in the third quarter.
England levelled the scores with the opening goal of the quarter, but Australia forged ahead and held on down the stretch.
With injuries to shooters Sharelle McMahon and Catherine Cox and the retirements of defenders Liz Ellis, Selina Gilsenan and Laura von Bertouch, skipper Natalie von Bertouch and goal defence Mo'onia Gerrard were the only starters from Australia's world championship-winning team.

Test Drive: 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid

Don't Overlook This Spirited, High-Tech Gas-Sipper
By: Joanne Helperin , Senior Features Editor

Vehicle Tested:
2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Pros:
Very good acceleration and handling, true comfort for five, stylish inside and out, plethora of technology options.
Cons:
Options grouped in pricey bundles, limited trunk space, only available in eight states.
As gas prices accelerate hybrids' conversion from quirky subculture icons to mainstream must-haves, cars like the 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid are getting more attention. The front-wheel-drive sedan has flown under the radar since its launch in 2007, largely because it's available only in the eight states that abide by strict California emissions standards. That's too bad, because the Altima Hybrid offers one of the best combinations of performance, fuel economy, comfort and design that exist in a family sedan. Just as important to some, the Altima Hybrid is, as one Edmunds staffer put it, "a real car. It doesn't look like the electric car from Woody Allen's Sleeper."
Now, if you want all the bells and whistles that make a fuel-sipping vehicle into an indulgent toy, it'll cost you some, because Nissan bundles its options in pricey packages. But in an era when choosing a car often means sacrificing your wants for your needs, the Altima Hybrid lets you have your cake and eat up the road, too.

Performance
The 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid shares its 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with the Altima S. In the hybrid, the engine produces 158 horsepower at 5,200 rpm. Torque is 162 pound-feet and is delivered at a mercifully low 2,800 rpm. Nissan uses Toyota-licensed technology to add a 40-hp electric motor assist, bringing that horsepower number up to an effective net (combined) of 198, making highway merging and passing a cinch.
Coupled with a specialized continuously variable transmission, the Altima turns in an admirable 0-60-mph time of 7.6 seconds. In our earlier comparison test, the Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid took 8.4 and 11 seconds, respectively, to reach that benchmark.
The Altima doesn't just pack more oomph than the competition; it also performs better than expected for a midsize hybrid. Excellent steering feedback, a responsive throttle and tight handling make it, in the words of one tester, "by far the most responsive and rewarding hybrid sedan available."
Four-wheel disc brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution work in the Altima's favor, but are countered by long-wearing tires. Stopping distances are average, and brake feel, while better than some regenerative braking systems, still takes some getting used to.
Other than having to part with more cash, though, buyers don't sacrifice much performance in upgrading to the Hybrid's EPA estimated 34 combined mpg — that's a whopping 31 percent higher than the non-hybrid Altima 2.5S. But for hybrid drivers, it's real-world mileage that counts. Our engineers' observed fuel economy was 31.5 mpg — below either of the 2008 EPA estimates of 35 city/33 highway. But the range of achievable mpg is huge, depending on traffic conditions and driving habits. Frequent short trips combined with heavy traffic net us only 27.5 mpg; driving with cruise control on the open highway earned us 38.5 mpg.
Comfort
Thanks to the 2008 Altima Hybrid's standard eight-way power driver seat, tilt-telescoping steering column and driver-side lumbar support, it's easy for the driver to find a comfortable seating position. The backseat can fit three people across, though those who repeatedly drive with five in the car might be better with the Toyota Camry Hybrid instead. Nissan scooped out the back of the front seats, assuring most rear-seat riders of plentiful legroom even when the front seats are slid far back. Installing a large child safety seat was simple (both forward- and rear-facing) and didn't require contortionist training.
Road and dispersed wind noise damping are better than the average midsize sedan, and engine sounds are mild. Due to the Altima's sportier intentions, you'll feel the road surface if it gets rough — the car's suspension has less cush than its competitors, but speed bumps won't toss you around too much. At low speeds, it's easy to feel and hear when the gas engine kicks in to accompany the electric motor, but once the vehicle picks up speed, the transition is more seamless.
Function
As you'd hope for from a family sedan, visibility in the 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid is good all around, made more so by the rearview camera included with optional navigation. The instrument panel is logical and straightforward, and illumination adjusts instantly when the vehicle passes into shadow. Nissan has forgone a tachometer and instead installed a less interesting kilowatt gauge. We found our eyes constantly drawn instead to the instantaneous fuel economy display below the speedometer. The horizontal bar gauge provides (among other functions) a quick lesson in how throttle affects mpg.
The center console, door and seat pockets, and various cubbies are sufficient to swallow electronic gear and (fortunately for many families) a tissue box. In addition to hefty manuals, the cavernous glovebox can stow a large, collapsible sunshade — a rarity we found very handy in la tierra del sol. Climate and audio controls are intuitive and extremely easy to use, and steering-wheel-mounted audio and phone controls help you keep your eyes on the road. The optional voice-activated Bluetooth system connects to your cell phone as soon as you push the electronic start button, and drivers can clearly hear callers through the car's speakers. But because of ambient noise and/or a weak microphone, you'll still need a headset if you want more than a one-way conversation. The optional nav system's controls aren't that intuitive, but it offers a plethora of readouts and customization options once you figure it out. A nine-speaker Bose AM/FM stereo with XM Satellite Radio and an MP3 jack works fine but doesn't stand out in any way.
Though much is made of hybrids' sacrifice in trunk space, the Altima's 9.1-cubic-foot trunk is surprisingly useful because it's mostly squared off. A week's worth of groceries, two sets of golf clubs and a baby stroller were all able to fit — just not at the same time. We managed to fit luggage for a family of four for a two-night vacation, but you won't find this hybrid in the warehouse store parking lot or schlepping twins anywhere. That's why they make minivans.
Design/Fit and Finish
One of the Altima's strongest points is its design, which does a lot to separate it from other (more boring) family sedans. With its sloping roof line, character lines, dual exhausts and optional spoiler, the Altima is a family car whose style won't embarrass your teenagers.
Our tester's interior was uniformly bathed in black from stem to stern with high-quality, soft-touch materials. That's all good, though we wished for the lighter interior when it got dark outside, and gathering our belongings or finding the trunk release became a game of blind man's bluff. There were no squeaks or rattles, and fit and finish was generally very good, so we were genuinely surprised to notice that the headliner in our tester had started to fall down from the roof on the rear passenger side.
Who Should Buy This Vehicle
The Altima Hybrid's fuel economy, sporty design and handling, and available technology should appeal to anyone shopping for a fuel-efficient midsize sedan. If you want a comfortable midsize car that scores well on both the mpg and the fun-to-drive meter, the 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid is the one to get.

2009 Acura TL Review

Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Acura addressed customer requests in its full redesign of the 2009 TL; it's now bigger, quicker and easier to maneuver at slow speeds. However, its controversial styling could be a hit or miss with consumers.
Pros
Tons of user-friendly high-tech features, spacious cabin, smart all-wheel-drive system, superb available surround-sound stereo.
Cons
Interior lacks panache, lifeless steering in base model, polarizing styling.
What's New for 2009
The 2009 Acura TL has been completely redesigned. It's bigger than last year's model and boasts a more powerful V6, available all-wheel drive and new technology features.
2009 Acura TL Vehicle Overview
Introduction
From now on, there will be no more chicken-(expletive) designs from Acura. At least, that's what one company official tells us. Acura's new goal is to be bold and brash, with aggressive lines and audacious details. The 2009 Acura TL accomplishes just that. Gone is the previous TL's wedge shape with side cut lines, replaced by prominent wheel arches and a new-look front end dominated by a shiny alloy grille. Some say the grille resembles a guillotine, or a vegetable slicer. Folks have gotten creative in their derision, but as BMW has proven, changing the status quo with a bold new styling direction can pay dividends. Acura is hoping to follow in those footsteps.
Underneath the midsize TL's radical new styling is a car that addresses many key customer complaints and requests. There's more interior room, a more powerful V6 engine, new technology features and lighter steering weighting to help with parking lot maneuvers. There are also two TL models available: the base car and the more athletic SH-AWD model. The latter's name indicates the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that manages the model's 306 horsepower (the base car makes 280) by eliminating torque steer and providing impressive cornering abilities. Though last year's TL Type-S and its available manual transmission are no more, the SH-AWD carries on most of that car's finely tuned performance characteristics.
Like all Acuras, the TL is a showcase for the latest automotive gadgets. The base car comes standard with iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, and the optional Technology Package is a cornucopia of electronics goodies. An excellent hard-drive navigation system, real-time traffic and weather forecasts, adaptive climate control and a superb surround sound system will have technophiles playing around in their car while it's parked. Given the TL's price, it all comes at quite the bargain and Acura predicts most TLs will be so equipped.
Our opinion of the 2009 Acura TL varies depending on the model. The base TL with no options is really nothing more than a dressed-up Honda Accord V6, and as such, it's not the best choice. The Technology Package makes it slightly more persuasive, but we really think the SH-AWD model with its more powerful V6, better handling and all-wheel-drive traction is the one to get. But there are many other choices in the entry-level luxury sedan game such as the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, along with non-luxury choices like the Hyundai Genesis, Nissan Maxima and Volkswagen CC. Acura's new TL stands out thanks to its roomy interior, competitive price, high-tech features and reputation for reliability, but we certainly suggest taking a good look around as each vehicle here has its own area of appeal.
For Pricing information, see our Pricing page.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2009 Acura TL is a midsize luxury sedan available in base and sport-oriented SH-AWD trim levels. The base TL comes equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, a sunroof, heated side mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear ventilation controls, eight-way power front seats with heating and driver memory functions, a tilt-telescoping steering column, leather upholstery and Bluetooth phone connectivity. Also standard is an eight-speaker stereo with in-dash six-CD changer, satellite radio, Bluetooth audio connectivity, auxiliary audio jack, USB port and dedicated iPod interface.
The TL SH-AWD adds all-wheel drive, a more powerful engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, upgraded brakes, more aggressively bolstered front seats, upgraded metallic trim and upgraded leather upholstery with contrasting stitching.
The Technology Package available on both trims adds a hard-drive-based navigation system with voice recognition, real-time traffic, real-time weather forecasts, GPS-linked and solar-sensing adaptive climate control system, keyless ignition/entry, a rear spoiler, rearview camera and a 10-speaker Panasonic/ELS surround-sound system with DVD audio and 12.7 GB of digital music storage. All TLs can be equipped with more aggressive tires, while the SH-AWD can be equipped with 19-inch wheels.
For more Style information, see our Compare Styles page.
Powertrains and Performance
The base model 2009 Acura TL is front-wheel drive and is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 280 hp and 254 pound-feet of torque. The all-wheel-drive 2009 TL SH-AWD gets a 3.7-liter V6 that makes 306 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. The all-wheel-drive system is capable of transferring different levels of power to individual wheels to maximize traction and grip through turns and in inclement weather. Both TL models come standard with a five-speed automatic that includes automanual steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Fuel economy for the 3.5-liter TL is 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, while the SH-AWD returns 17 city and 24 highway.
For more Performance Data, see our Specifications page.
Safety
All 2009 Acura TL models come with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front restraints.
For more Safety information, see our Safety page.
Interior Design and Special Features
Along with the litany of standard and optional high-tech features, the 2009 Acura TL features a thoroughly high-tech design. The center stack juts out in a waterfall fashion toward the driver, which puts climate, audio and navigation controls right at hand. The steering wheel also features a number of buttons for audio, cruise control, the trip computer, Bluetooth and the Technology Package's large number of voice commands. With either trim (and its subsequent LCD display), a direct iPod interface is standard and one of the best available.
Interior quality and craftsmanship are quite good, but some may feel that it lacks the luxurious, glossy wood ambiance of competitors like the Lexus ES 350, Cadillac CTS and Hyundai Genesis. In particular, TLs without the Technology Package feature cheaper-looking metallic trim and audio switchgear, which gives the cabin the impression of belonging to a snazzied-up Honda Accord. On the flip side, the SH-AWD model's available two-tone color scheme, higher-quality alloy trim and contrasting stitching are a nice touch.
The TL's cabin is quite roomy, and drivers will appreciate the wide adjustment range for the well-bolstered driver seat. The rear seat is spacious and offers enough headroom for passengers more than 6 feet tall. Large flip-up headrests provide protection for occupants, while clearing rear vision when nobody's back there. The trunk holds 13.1 cubic feet of luggage, a bit less than typical for this class of car.
For more Interior Features information, see our Specifications page.
Driving Impressions
Since both 2009 Acura TL models feature different engines, different drive wheels, different wheel sizes and different electronic steering calibrations, they are very different to drive. The base TL is more for comfort-minded buyers who should find the 280-hp V6 more than ample for commuting. The steering's low-effort response, however, feels decidedly artificial, and the car lacks the previous TL's nimble nature.
The SH-AWD is a different story, as the "Super Handling" part of its acronym proves to be more than just hyperbole. By apportioning more power to the outside wheels during cornering (it's the same principle that makes a tank turn), the TL exhibits excellent grip and control. The SH-AWD TL's electric steering also exhibits more weighting and feedback, resulting in a more natural feel. It's not as communicative as the old TL's power hydraulic steering and the car doesn't feel as agile, but the newfound maneuverability at lower speeds is a trade-off most consumers should be happy to make. In addition to the inclement weather benefits of all-wheel drive, SH-AWD also allows for the model's 306 hp to offer lively thrust without the torque steer.
For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from our Editors, see our Road Tests page.

2009 HUMMER H2 Review

Summary
What Edmunds.com says
In terms of image and off-road ability, the 2009 Hummer H2 is still top dog, but it's the top dog of a waning segment. Anyone looking for decent fuel economy or an urban-friendly footprint won't be happy with the H2.
Pros
Distinctive styling, exceptional off-road ability, beefy V8 power.
Cons
Unwieldy size, limited outward visibility, modest cargo space, voracious appetite for fuel.
What's New for 2009
The 2009 Hummer H2 returns with added features and a few cosmetic options. Inside, there are second-row captain's chairs, a new third-row-seat storage option that frees up more interior space, Bluetooth, OnStar integration into the navigation system, real-time traffic updates, a heated and power tilt steering wheel and a revised stand-alone rearview camera. A new Black Chrome limited edition will also be available later in the model year. Mechanically, the V8 engine is now FlexFuel E85 capable.
2009 HUMMER H2 Vehicle Overview
Introduction
Few vehicles on the road make a statement quite like the Hummer H2. Patterned after the stalwart military transport Humvee, the H2's dimensions and Tonka-like profile give it the aura of a playground bully. But as with many goliath/bully narratives, the mighty are being challenged by the meek, becoming victims of their own audacity. An uncertain future looms for the Hummer brand due to rising fuel costs, changing public opinion and dwindling sales. Despite all of this, the 2009 Hummer H2 remains the iconic, in-your-face leader of the pack. The off-road capabilities of the H2 are legendary, while its brash reputation appeals to image-conscious urbanites.
As with most of the GM lineup, the Hummer H2 shares much of its underpinnings with other models. Its rugged frame is similar to that of the previous-generation Chevrolet Tahoe, though the H2 boasts short overhangs and massive ground clearance that help bolster its off-road credentials. Underneath the hood is a robust 6.2-liter V8 that's powerful enough to motivate all of the H2's 6,600-plus pounds. Meanwhile, it's all wrapped up with bold exterior styling that still makes the H2 one of the most distinctive-looking vehicles on the road.
While these brash qualities are certainly admirable in today's politically correct world, there's no getting around the H2's obvious faults. Its bulky exterior dimensions are at odds with the cramped rear seating and limited cargo room, and its dismal fuel economy will put greedy smiles on the faces of oil execs. For daily use, SUVs like the Land Rover Range Rover, Lincoln Navigator and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class will be much more pleasing to own and offer additional cachet and prestige as well. Unless you're truly in need of something that can traverse 2-foot-deep streams, the 2009 Hummer H2 is probably one full-size luxury SUV you can pass on.
For Pricing information, see our Pricing page.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2009 Hummer H2 is a full-size luxury SUV. Besides the generously appointed standard H2, two options packages are offered -- the H2 Adventure and H2 Luxury. Standard H2 equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, auxiliary rear climate control, leather seating, power front seats with driver memory, heated front and second-row seats, remote engine start, OnStar, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker Bose audio system with in-dash six-disc changer, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.
The H2 Adventure package includes all standard equipment and adds more off-road might with a front brush guard, self-leveling rear air suspension, first aid kit, portable lamp and toolkit. The H2 Luxury package is geared decidedly for on-road splendor, opting for opulence over utility by foregoing the rough-and-tumble Adventure gear for 20-inch chrome wheels, chrome accents, third-row seating, a premium Bose surround-sound audio system, a navigation system with real-time traffic and a rearview camera, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. Those who would rather pick and choose are in luck, since most of these add-ons are available as individual options. Second-row captain's chairs are also an available option across all variants.
New for 2009 is the Black Chrome package. Limited to a production run of only 1,300, the package substitutes the bright chrome trim with black chrome as well as body color-matching wheel flares, rocker moldings and hood louver. Exclusive to the Black Chrome package is the Sedona Metallic body color and matching interior.
For more Style information, see our Compare Styles page.
Powertrains and Performance
Pushing the 2009 Hummer H2 down the road is a 6.2-liter V8 producing 393 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Power passes through a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control on its way to turning all four wheels. When the pavement runs out, the H2 conquers the wilderness with the help of a dual-range transfer case, electronically controlled throttle calibrated for the low range and driver-selectable rear differential locker. For those expecting to haul more than the Hummer can store internally, towing capacity maxes out at 8,200 pounds.
Because the H2 has a GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of more than 8,500 pounds, the EPA does not provide fuel economy estimates. Obviously, your fuel card is going to take a hit when it comes time to fill up the 32-gallon tank.
For more Performance Data, see our Specifications page.
Safety
Standard H2 safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control with rollover prevention, traction control and full-length side curtain airbags. OnStar is also included with emergency communications and turn-by-turn navigation.
For more Safety information, see our Safety page.
Interior Design and Special Features
The H2's interior, updated last model year, is furnished with surfaces that are soft to the touch and clearly superior to the hard plastics found in lesser cabins. The H2's passenger capacity now ranges from four to seven thanks to this year's newly optional second-row captain's chairs. Rear-seat accommodations include climate control and an optional entertainment system to keep passengers cool, comfortable and occupied. Despite an exterior that gives the impression of an echo-inducing cabin, interior space is surprisingly modest. Rear legroom is limited for taller passengers and the optional third-row seat is less roomy than a Toyota RAV4's. Meanwhile, the 86.6 cubic feet of cargo space is smaller than other full-size luxury SUVs.
For more Interior Features information, see our Specifications page.
Driving Impressions
The 2009 Hummer H2 excels off-road with its lofty ground clearance, steep angles of approach and departure, long suspension travel and tenacious tire grip. Among luxury SUVs the H2 is quite literally the off-road king of the hill. Back on city pavement, however, the H2's demeanor is a bit like an overloaded rolling suitcase in a crowded hallway being pushed by an NFL linebacker -- unwieldy and awkward, but its massive proportions are enough to intimidate its way past nearly anything else. Despite its size and mass of 6,614 pounds, it should reach 60 mph in less than 10 seconds. It's no sloth, and like the aforementioned linebacker, it's doubtful anyone would be challenging the hefty H2.
For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from our Editors, see our Road Tests page.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
There are no Consumer Reviews for the 2009 HUMMER H2.Be the first to rate it

The Wall Hall country house development

Once home to financier JP Morgan Jr, this mansion has been divided into flats. Does it add up?

Lucy Denyer

In these dark times of financial turmoil, a connection with JP Morgan – one of the biggest names in banking – might not seem the most obvious selling point.

Nevertheless, the developers behind Wall Hall, a country house just outside Aldenham, in Hertfordshire, are making much of the fact that it was once the home of John Pierpont Morgan Jr, son of the founder of the financial dynasty. They hope to attract buyers keen to acquire their own slice of architectural – and financial – history.

The gothic-revival mansion was built in the early 19th century for George Woodford Thel-lusson, a prosperous City banker noteworthy enough to be mentioned in Charles Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities. Morgan Jr – like his father, part financier and part philanthropist – bought it in 1910. He spent three months each year at the estate, shooting and entertaining parties that included George VI and the late Queen Mother.

During the second world war, Wall Hall was the residence of Joseph Kennedy, the American ambassador, and later became a training centre for various European underground activities. Rudolf Hess, Hitler’s deputy, was rumoured to have been imprisoned and interrogated there. Subsequently, it became the University of Hertfordshire, before Octagon, a developer, bought it in 2001.

BACKGROUND

• Developers cut price of new homes by up to 40%

• The adult-only housing development in Berkshire

• Is this the end of housing developers offering incentives?

BACKGROUND

• Homes within the gated community

• London Festival of Architecture

• Everything but the kitchen Aga

• High-profile property in Bayswater

The Grade II-listed mansion has been divided into seven two, three- and four-bedroom flats, and a further 112 properties have been built within its 55 landscaped acres. Prices range from £700,000 to £3.6m. Facilities on the grounds include a gym and a communal tennis court.

From the front, Wall Hall looks as if it has come straight out of Legoland. It is castellated and has recently been rendered in an unpalatable shade of brown, as required by English Heritage.

Number seven, the 4,000 sq ft show flat, which is one of the larger properties, includes a barrel-vaulted reception room so large that the furniture had to be custom-made. It has the curving staircase and the splendour of the great hall, and at one end is a kitchen, with a mezzanine floor above it; at the other, floor-to-ceiling windows look out over manicured parkland.

There are three bedrooms, all ensuite, and all the furniture is included – down to the last teaspoon. The other two large flats also have grandly panelled rooms; one of them even has its own silver vault.

The conversion has been carefully done, and – from the outside at least – Wall Hall is impressive. There are, however, some drawbacks. The interior of many of the flats where there are no obvious original features are on the bland side, despite the price tag.

You can’t bank on privacy, either. The newly built development around the main house is fairly cheek-by-jowl, so you can forget entertaining in wild abandon. Then there is the constant hum of the M1 in the distance.

So, what would old JP have thought of it? Well, according to Brian Hyde, a retired police officer who has lived in Aldenham all his life, he may not have been all too happy.

“I don’t think JP Morgan ever intended any development on this place,” says Hyde, 79, who met the financier at the age of 10 and remembers Wall Hall’s heyday well. “He was obviously a country squire. He was known for his generosity – he donated land to the church, but the biggest donation of all was Aldenham social club and two acres, which he bequeathed to the local people. He joined in as a true Brit and I think, if the weather had been better, he’d have stayed here longer.”

Would any of today’s bankers and financiers want to buy into Wall Hall? Until the credit crunch, any worth their salt would have aspired to buy an entire estate or two of their own, but the climate has changed. Maybe a flat – provided it is grand enough – could provide a more appropriate refuge in today’s less ostentatious times.

Wall Hall Mansion; 01923 850680, www.wallhall.com . Or call Real Estates on 020 8446 5615

From The Sunday Times

October 19, 2008

The Wall Hall country house development

Once home to financier JP Morgan Jr, this mansion has been divided into flats. Does it add up?

Lucy Denyer

In these dark times of financial turmoil, a connection with JP Morgan – one of the biggest names in banking – might not seem the most obvious selling point.

Nevertheless, the developers behind Wall Hall, a country house just outside Aldenham, in Hertfordshire, are making much of the fact that it was once the home of John Pierpont Morgan Jr, son of the founder of the financial dynasty. They hope to attract buyers keen to acquire their own slice of architectural – and financial – history.

The gothic-revival mansion was built in the early 19th century for George Woodford Thel-lusson, a prosperous City banker noteworthy enough to be mentioned in Charles Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities. Morgan Jr – like his father, part financier and part philanthropist – bought it in 1910. He spent three months each year at the estate, shooting and entertaining parties that included George VI and the late Queen Mother.

During the second world war, Wall Hall was the residence of Joseph Kennedy, the American ambassador, and later became a training centre for various European underground activities. Rudolf Hess, Hitler’s deputy, was rumoured to have been imprisoned and interrogated there. Subsequently, it became the University of Hertfordshire, before Octagon, a developer, bought it in 2001.

BACKGROUND

• Developers cut price of new homes by up to 40%

• The adult-only housing development in Berkshire

• Is this the end of housing developers offering incentives?

BACKGROUND

• Homes within the gated community

• London Festival of Architecture

• Everything but the kitchen Aga

• High-profile property in Bayswater

The Grade II-listed mansion has been divided into seven two, three- and four-bedroom flats, and a further 112 properties have been built within its 55 landscaped acres. Prices range from £700,000 to £3.6m. Facilities on the grounds include a gym and a communal tennis court.

From the front, Wall Hall looks as if it has come straight out of Legoland. It is castellated and has recently been rendered in an unpalatable shade of brown, as required by English Heritage.

Number seven, the 4,000 sq ft show flat, which is one of the larger properties, includes a barrel-vaulted reception room so large that the furniture had to be custom-made. It has the curving staircase and the splendour of the great hall, and at one end is a kitchen, with a mezzanine floor above it; at the other, floor-to-ceiling windows look out over manicured parkland.

There are three bedrooms, all ensuite, and all the furniture is included – down to the last teaspoon. The other two large flats also have grandly panelled rooms; one of them even has its own silver vault.

The conversion has been carefully done, and – from the outside at least – Wall Hall is impressive. There are, however, some drawbacks. The interior of many of the flats where there are no obvious original features are on the bland side, despite the price tag.

You can’t bank on privacy, either. The newly built development around the main house is fairly cheek-by-jowl, so you can forget entertaining in wild abandon. Then there is the constant hum of the M1 in the distance.

So, what would old JP have thought of it? Well, according to Brian Hyde, a retired police officer who has lived in Aldenham all his life, he may not have been all too happy.

“I don’t think JP Morgan ever intended any development on this place,” says Hyde, 79, who met the financier at the age of 10 and remembers Wall Hall’s heyday well. “He was obviously a country squire. He was known for his generosity – he donated land to the church, but the biggest donation of all was Aldenham social club and two acres, which he bequeathed to the local people. He joined in as a true Brit and I think, if the weather had been better, he’d have stayed here longer.”

Would any of today’s bankers and financiers want to buy into Wall Hall? Until the credit crunch, any worth their salt would have aspired to buy an entire estate or two of their own, but the climate has changed. Maybe a flat – provided it is grand enough – could provide a more appropriate refuge in today’s less ostentatious times.

Wall Hall Mansion; 01923 850680, www.wallhall.com . Or call Real Estates on 020 8446 5615