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Dell Computer Corp. has introduced a combination ink-jet printer/scanner/copier manufactured by Lexmark and called the Dell A940. The printer, which is sold only online or over the phone, is Dell's attempt at competing with H-P's 2110 combination machine. The A940 is faster than the H-P, easy to use, much better at scanning and costs $139 with a $30 rebate offer that expires Apr. 30, 2003. One drawback is the pricey ink cartridges the Dell machine requires which are also sold only on the phone or online. H-P's 2110 sells for $169 and is faster at graphics printing and prints much superior documents on its default settings.

Four laptops that use Intel's new Pentium M processor were tested, with most displying better-than-average battery life. Windows laptop buyers should get one with the Pentium M, but do not need a Centrino machine or Intel radio for wireless networking. Coming in first was the very costly Toshiba Tecra M1, with the longest battery life and good Wi-Fi reception. The expensive IBM Thinkpad T40 was the lightest, had the second-best battery life and the best Wi-Fi reception by far. The Gateway 450 was the least expensive, the heaviest (in part due to its 15-inch screen), had adequate battery life and Wi-Fi reception. The Dell Latitude D600 had poor battery life, good Wi-Fi reception and a nice screen.