Nathan Bird

  1. Understanding CPU Cores vs Clock Speed for CAD: What Really Matters for Performance

    Understanding CPU Cores vs Clock Speed for CAD: What Really Matters for Performance

    Understanding CPU Cores vs Clock Speed for CAD: What Really Matters for Performance

    When shopping for a CAD laptop, you'll encounter specifications listing processor cores, threads, and clock speeds measured in gigahertz. But what do these numbers actually mean for your CAD workflow? More importantly, which specification matters most for the software you use every day?

    Understanding the relationship between CPU cores and clock speed is crucial for making informed hardware decisions that will support your professional work for years to come. This guide breaks down these technical specifications into practical knowledge you can use when selecting your next mobile workstation.

    CPU Basics: Cores and Clock Speed Explained

    What Are CPU Cores?

    Think of CPU cores as individual workers in a team. A processor with four cores is like having four workers who can handle separate tasks simultaneously. Modern processors range from dual-core chips in budget laptops to 16-core or higher processors in high-end

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  2. ScanSnap ix2500 vs ix1500: Is It Time to Upgrade Your Scanner?

    ScanSnap ix2500 vs ix1500: Is It Time to Upgrade Your Scanner?

    ScanSnap ix2500 vs ix1500: Is It Time to Upgrade Your Scanner?

    If you purchased a Fujitsu ScanSnap ix1500 between 2017 and 2022, you invested in what was genuinely the best-selling document scanner on the market. Medical practices, accounting firms, and small businesses across Australia trusted the ix1500 for its reliability and ease of use. Now, with the scanner discontinued since 2022 and the new Ricoh ScanSnap ix2500 setting fresh benchmarks for performance, many ix1500 owners are wondering whether it's time for an upgrade.

    This comprehensive comparison examines the real-world differences between these two scanners, helping you decide whether the ix2500's improvements justify replacing your trusty ix1500.

    Understanding the Legacy: Why the ix1500 Was Special

    When Fujitsu launched the ix1500 in 2017, it represented a significant evolution from its predecessor, the ix500. The introduction of a 4.3-inch touchscreen transformed how users interacted with their scanner, eliminating the need

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  3. ScanSnap ix1600 Discontinued: Why the Ricoh ix2500 is the Superior Replacement

    ScanSnap ix1600 Discontinued: Why the Ricoh ix2500 is the Superior Replacement

    ScanSnap ix1600 Discontinued: Why the Ricoh ix2500 is the Superior Replacement

    Looking for the Fujitsu ScanSnap ix1600 in Australia? You're not alone - it was Australia's best selling document scanner and the most popular choice among small businesses. However, the ix1600 is no longer available, having been officially discontinued. The good news? The Ricoh ScanSnap ix2500 isn't just a replacement - it's a genuine upgrade that offers more features while being competitively priced. Here's everything you need to know about the transition.

    What Happened to the ScanSnap ix1600?

    When Ricoh acquired a majority stake in PFU Limited in September 2022, followed by acquiring the remainder in March 2025, they inherited one of the most respected names in document scanning. The rebranding of PFU's scanner products, including the ScanSnap line, began in April 2023.

    The ScanSnap ix1600 wasn't just popular - it was Australia's best-selling document scanner and by far the most popular choice among small

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  4. How to Choose the Right Monitor: Your Complete 2025 Buying Guide

    How to Choose the Right Monitor: Your Complete 2025 Buying Guide

    How to Choose the Right Monitor: Your Complete 2025 Buying Guide

    Choosing the perfect monitor can transform your computing experience, whether you are editing photos, designing CAD models, gaming after hours, or simply working from home. With the explosion of new technologies like OLED panels, Mini-LED backlighting, and AI-enhanced features in 2025, finding the right display has never been more exciting or more complex. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the monitor market and find the perfect screen for your needs and budget.

    G'day! After helping thousands of customers find their ideal displays over the years at Landmark Computers, I have seen firsthand how the right monitor can dramatically improve productivity, reduce eye strain, and even spark joy in daily computer use. But I have also watched plenty of people struggle with buyer's remorse after choosing a monitor based solely on size or price.

    The monitor market in 2025 offers incredible diversity from budget-friendly

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  5. Windows 10 End of Support: What This Means for Your Business and Personal Computing

    Windows 10 End of Support: What This Means for Your Business and Personal Computing
    The clock is ticking. In just a month, on October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10. If you're running a small business or managing personal computers, this isn't just another tech update—it's a critical decision point that could affect your security, productivity, and budget.

    Hi! We're Nathan and Emmanuel from Landmark Computers. Between us, we have over 38 years of experience helping Australian businesses navigate technology changes, and we can tell you that Windows support transitions are among the most important decisions you'll face. Let us break down exactly what Windows 10's end of support means in plain English, and what your options are moving forward.

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  6. HP Care Pack Guide: Essential Protection for Your Business Technology

    HP Care Pack Guide: Essential Protection for Your Business Technology

    HP Care Pack Guide: Essential Protection for Your Business Technology

    Your HP equipment is a vital business asset—shouldn't it have the protection it deserves? HP Care Packs provide comprehensive warranty coverage and support services that go far beyond standard manufacturer warranties, helping Australian small and medium businesses minimise downtime and protect their technology investments.

    When you purchase HP equipment for your business, you're making a significant investment in productivity and growth. However, technology can be unpredictable, and even the most reliable systems occasionally need support. That's where HP Care Packs come in, providing peace of mind and professional-grade protection for your critical business systems.

    What Exactly Are HP Care Packs?

    HP Care Packs are extended warranty and support service agreements designed specifically for business users. Think of them as comprehensive insurance policies for your HP computers, laptops, printers, and servers that provide

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  7. Touch vs Non-Touch Laptops: Which One Should You Buy?

    Touch vs Non-Touch Laptops: Which One Should You Buy?

    Touch vs Non-Touch Laptops: Which One Should You Buy?

    Choosing between a touchscreen and non-touchscreen laptop is one of those decisions that seems straightforward until you start weighing the pros and cons. With touchscreen laptops becoming increasingly common and affordable, many buyers wonder whether the extra functionality justifies the additional cost and potential drawbacks.

    The answer isn't universal—it depends entirely on how you plan to use your laptop. Our comprehensive guide examines the real-world advantages and disadvantages of both options, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and usage patterns.

    Understanding Touchscreen Technology in Laptops

    Modern laptop touchscreens use capacitive touch technology, the same type found in smartphones and tablets. This allows for multi-touch gestures, precise input, and responsive interaction with on-screen elements.

    Touchscreen laptops typically fall into several categories:

    • Traditional touchscreen laptops
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  8. How to Choose the Right Laptop: The Complete 2025 Buying Guide

    How to Choose the Right Laptop Guide

    Selecting the right laptop can feel overwhelming with countless models, specifications, and marketing claims competing for your attention. Whether you're browsing the web, editing videos, gaming, or running professional CAD software, the "best" laptop varies dramatically based on your specific needs and budget.

    Our (very) comprehensive laptop buying guide breaks down everything you need to know about choosing a laptop in 2025, from understanding core specifications to finding the perfect machine for your particular use case.

    What to Look for When Buying a Laptop: Understanding the Fundamentals

    Before diving into specific categories, let's establish the core components that affect every laptop's performance, regardless of its intended purpose.

    Processors (CPUs): The Brain of Your Machine

    The processor determines how quickly your laptop can handle tasks and run applications. Modern laptops typically feature processors from Intel, AMD, or Apple (for MacBooks).

    Intel Processors now use the

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  9. Mobile Workstation vs Gaming Laptop: Why CAD Users Need Professional Hardware

    Mobile Workstation vs Gaming Lapto
    Mobile Workstation vs Gaming Laptop: Why CAD Users Need Professional Hardware

    When shopping for a laptop capable of running CAD software, you might be tempted by high-end gaming laptops. After all, they boast powerful graphics cards, fast processors, and often come with attractive price tags. However, there are crucial differences between gaming laptops and mobile workstations that can significantly impact your CAD workflow and productivity.

    Understanding these differences is essential for making an informed decision that will serve your professional needs for years to come.

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