Sometimes just called a "power supply", a power supply unit (PSU) converts AC (alternating current) power to DC (direct current) power in desktop computers and distributes that power to the internal components. While power supply units are present in laptop computers, the power conversion is usually handled by an external transformer (usually called an "adapter") between a laptop and a power cord while the PSU simply handles the distribution. Of course, that's only when the laptop battery isn't being used.

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According to Google, netbooks sporting the new Google Chrome OS are supposed to hit the shelves at major stores before the end of the first quarter of 2011. It sounds quite ho-hum to me, considering the plethora of netbooks already available.

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Although it's designed by Intel, the new convertible Classmate PC (odd name for a "netbook") will be sold under other brand names, just like the previous incarnations. The latest model is not for sale yet, but it's expected to be distributed in the second quarter of 2010. Despite the fact that it looks cool, I wouldn't buy one and the primary reason is that it's too expensive as a netbook. The predecessor sells for between $400 and $500, depending on specifications, and this version is supposed to be even costlier.

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