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Granted, the notebook computer may just be the sexiest accessory
this side of a Baywatch Extra! But are they worth the extra money?
Should your next PC be a notebook or laptop computer?
What are the pros and cons of owning a notebook computer? More
importantly, which notebook is best for you?
There's no denying it -- notebook computers are sexy! Slim, svelte
and lightweight; they always come across as looking sexy, the
ultimate in high fashion accessories.
Maybe sexy isn't the most appropriate word -- we are talking about
chips, hard drives and bits of metal. But you have to admit; they do
look good on just about anybody!
However; don't let the good looks fool you! And don't get blinded by
all that sleek metal and flashy designs.
The
notebook is one little workhorse whose time may just have come.
Growing in popularity as prices decline, it's definitely worth
considering when you make your next PC purchase.
All
kidding aside, finding the right notebook that has your name on it
can be a daunting task!
Basically, you have to narrow it down to a few simple steps. Then
consider all your options before you make your decision.
First, ask yourself -- what types of tasks, jobs, do you want the
computer to perform? Do you want it for traveling, business, or for
use in the home?
Do
you want it for simple tasks like email, web browsing or to use as a
word processor? Do you want it for gaming, web authoring, heavy
graphic work, dvd or MP3 downloading?
Next, consider all these options and find the notebook that best
suits your needs. Remember, it's your needs that have to be
fulfilled. Don't let a pushy salesperson talk you into buying
something you will never need or use.
At
the same time, make sure you buy a notebook that has all the
features that will complete all the tasks you throw at it. In other
words, make sure it can do the job!
Keep that question in the back of your head as you read the rest of
this article. Especially, keep it in mind, as you browse thru all
these sleek models and makes of notebooks. Don't be dazzled by all
that sexiness!
Keep your eyes on the cursor!
Keep asking yourself -- what does my new notebook computer need in
order for it to get the job done?
Lets take a closer look at all the options.
First, like anything sexy; notebooks come in all shapes and sizes.
SMALL: How small can they be?
They can be as tiny as well -- the small traditional paper notebooks
-- with 10-inch displays. There is even a sub category known as
Tablet PCs; these are very small tablets where you enter the data
using a stylus. Common in certain fields, like health care or real
estate.
Up
a step from there -- are the 'Ultraportables'. You can easily take
these anywhere as they fit nicely in a handbag or carry on bag.
These are used by fliers and travelers, they are light and small
with 12 inch screens without internal CD or DVD drives. They don't
match the performance of other larger notebooks.
LARGE: How large can they be?
They can be as big as 6 or 7 pounds or more. Over an inch thick and
come with 15 or 17-inch displays these are often referred to as
'Desktop Replacements'
And
just as their name states -- these can replace your old desktop
computer. For most purposes, these notebooks can perform all the
tasks of a regular pc, have large screens, big keyboards, combo
drives and very large hard drives. But you have the handy option of
moving these from room to room for wireless networking, or even for
traveling.
MID-SIZE
In
between these two groups; we have the business class notebooks.
These are often referred to as 'Thin-and-lights' -- they offer the
best all around convenience of performance, portability and the
different features.
Mostly preferred by the business travelers. They have 14-inch
screens, CD-RW/DVD drives, wireless networking, because they are so
versatile, these 'do-it-all' notebooks or laptops are becoming
really popular.
Basic Rundown
That's a basic overview or rundown on the different types of
notebooks. But you have to compare and contrast the different
features in a little more detail if you want to figure out the best
notebook that's suited for your needs.
Since there are so many types and varieties of notebooks; not to
mention so many technical requirements... buying a notebook can
sometimes be confusing. And for some people downright worrisome!
Will the notebook you choose get the job done? Will it be able to do
the applications, or tasks you want it to perform?
Ease your Burden -- Make a Checklist!
If
you don't want to be disappointed, here's a quick 'CheckList' of the
features you want to check before you buy your notebook computer.
*
Processor: The heart of your notebook or computer. It does the
processing and applications. Most people prefer Intel Pentium
Processors; the higher the number the faster it will process! Go
with Pentium 4 if you can. Intel Celeron is another choice.
*
Speed: This is how fast your computer can process data and perform
your tasks. The faster the better! Latest models get up to a blazing
3.6 GHz.
Tip: You might also want to check the rotational speed of your
notebook's hard disk as it can affect performance a 5,400rpm
notebook disk is much faster than a 4,200rpm model. How fast the
disk spins, will also determine the performance level of your
notebook.
*
Hard Drive: Check if it has a fixed drive; some units have drives
you can swap. As for size; around 20GB for most notebook drives.
You'll need only a 20GB or 30GB for most tasks on your notebook. If
you handle large graphics or large amount of files (dvd, M3Ps,etc.)
you need more -- 50 to 60GB or higher.
Also, keep in mind, that you also have the external drive(s) option
for storing and media-burning.
*
Memory: How much do you need?
RAM
(random-access memory). This is what the computer uses to run
applications and data on your operating system. It's generally
agreed that you need at least 256MB for Windows XP and Mac OS X. You
will only need 128MB for other operating systems in Windows or Mac.
*
CD-RW Drive: You will need a CD-ROM for installing. And a CD-RW
drive for burning your own CDs if that's one of the tasks you want
your notebook to do.
Keep in mind another option -- many notebooks can access or use
external drives for data storage, cd burning, etc.
*
LCD Displays: Most have LCD screens; this is different from your
desktop CRT (cathode-ray tube) monitor but most people are famaliar
with this type of displays -- it's commonly found in digital camera
and video recorders.
*
Screen Size: You have to consider what size LCD display you want. If
you're going to be viewing a lot of pictures or movies on your
notebook -- a large 15 or 17 inch would be better suited for your
needs.
Usually, LCD screens range in size from 12 inches to 17 inches
(diagonal). Viewing is usually set at 1,024x768 resolution. Quality
is almost standard in all these notebooks. But check them out at
your dealers if picture quality is your main reason for buying a
notebook.
Note-- Fujitsu LifeBook P ultraportable series has the smallest
displays 10.6 inches. The Apple PowerBook has one of the largest at
17-inches.
*
Modems: Most if not all notebooks have 56Kbps-modems and Ethernet
connections. As well as connections (ports) for printers, VGA for
external monitor and there should be one or more USB ports for
keyboards, drives, MP3's and digital cameras.
*
Antennas: Most notebooks have built-in antennas for wireless
networking and portability. But check before you buy!
*
Portability: Might sound like a strange question to ask about
notebooks. Not really, most notebooks are very portable, easy to
carry -- what they were designed for. However; larger notebooks like
the 'desktop replacemets' with 17 inch screens and weighing over 7
pounds might not be the best choice for the heavy traveler. For
example the new HP Pavilion zd8000 weights a whopping 12 lbs!
*
Accessories: Lastly, you should look at some accessories that you
might need with your notebook computer. Many come with a Docking
station or port replicator -- somewhere to store and access your
computer. Check on the functions of each before you buy.
You
might consider buying an extra battery; especially if you're buying
your laptop mainly for traveling and in the field work.
Laptop bag is another accessory you should definitely consider
buying. Again, notebooks might seem lightweight and small but if you
have lug it around all day and you're going to wish you had bought
that carrying bag.
Now Access Your Computer Needs
Finally, we come to the main question that determines which notebook
is right for you. (If money is no barrier!)
WHAT DO YOU NEED THE COMPUTER FOR? WHAT JOB OR TASKS DO YOU WANT THE
COMPUTER TO PERFORM?
If
you want something small to carry on a plane, or if you travel a
lot, then go with an utralight -- often called ultraportables --
these are the lightest and smallest notebooks, about the size of
spiral-bound notebook and weighing less than four pounds.
If
you're a student and need something light weight but also a little
sturdy with a large hard drive (hold MP3s) you might want to check
out the 'thin and light' notebooks.
If
you want to replace your main desktop with something more portable
-- go with a 'mainstream' or 'desktop replacements'.
If
you want something you can use at home, work and traveling around
then you need 'thin and light.' If you want an 'all-around'
'all-in-one' 'do-it-all' notebook ... then buy a notebook of this
type.
Because it's so flexible, and covers most of your computing needs;
this is the one that's becoming the most popular.
That's it - JUDGMENT TIME!
You
have considered most of the facts about buying a notebook computer.
Now weight your options. Think about the tasks you will be doing
with your notebook. Look at the checklist and check out the specs.
Is everything covered. Will the one you choose -- have the features
to do the job?
Keep that question in your mind. It's the most important.
If
you're considered all these points; buying the notebook with your
name on it will be just a little bit easier.
In
no time at all, you may be walking around with one of those sleek,
svelte -- dare we say sexy -- accessories tucked under your arm.
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