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Buying a Notebook Computer

Shopping for a notebook computer is similar to shopping for a desktop, but there are some key points to watch out for. The most critical thing in a notebook is battery life - after all, without the battery, it’s just a tiny desktop computer plugged into the wall. With this said, keep in mind that heat, and heat producing components mean devices are running more frequent, which require constant cooling (fans) - and this can kick the life out of a battery.

Processor - There are a few different processors to choose from when selecting a notebook. When you are shopping you should be absolutely sure about the role your notebook will be playing - your happiness or disappointment could hinge solely on the CPU.

Centrino - This is actually a technology, more than a type of CPU. An Intel Pentium M CPU, along with mobile chipsets and mobile wireless technology is known as Centrino. Centrino uses many power saving features to reduce CPU and notebook power consumption, which in turn means a longer battery life.
Pentium M - Pentium M, without Centrino technology is the next best selection. Even without the designate Centrino, the Pentium M still utilizes power-saving features on its own.
AMD Turion - Next in line would be the Turion breed of CPU. Although the processor may lack in areas, it is designed to be mobile-friendly compared to the AMD desktop processors used in some notebooks.
Intel Celeron M - if price is the only factor in your buying decision - this is the processor for you. The Celeron M, as with the AMD require huge amounts of power to operate, and in turn, your notebook’s battery life is the victim.
Sempron - Honestly, don't even waste your time or money. The Sempron desktop CPU is nightmare, the notebook version is equally as bad or worse.

Installed Memory - The next important consideration is the memory installed in the notebook. Most notebooks are being sold with 512 MB installed memory. For most purposes this is adequate. If you will require extensive number crunching or dedicated video/graphics work, you should probably look at moving the RAM up to at least 1 GB. Only low-end computers will be sold with 256 MB RAM, and if price is the only consideration, you will get what you pay for here.

Display - You will find screen sizes to be 15 inch or 17 inch these days. This is the one case that bigger isn’t better. If your notebook will be used for nothing more than watching movies, the 17 inch is the best suited. Notebooks with 17 inch screens can tend to be huge, and not ideal for lugging around. Notebook computers are made to be portable, and a 15 inch screen will allow great portability, and still give you plenty of room on your screen.

Optical and Other Drives - Most notebooks are being sold with either DVD+/-RW drives, or DVD/CDRW Combo drives. The first one mentioned above will allow you to read and write CD and DVD, while the second only allows CD writing and CD/DVD playback options. If you have a need for saving volumes of data, or simply want the option to burn a DVD, spend the extra $50 and bump this up to DVD+/-RW. You will search for a long time before you can find a notebook with a floppy drive installed, but some people do still use them. It is easier and less expensive to pick up a USB floppy drive if you require floppy use. On that note, keep in mind that most people are using USB Memory keys for data portability.

Hard Drive - A typical notebook will have a 60GB or 80GB hard drive installed in them. Either one of these should really be adequate for most use. If you want to spend a bit more money you can take this up to the 100GB or 160GB range, but you could be spending money here that could be used elsewhere. Notebook hard drives are easy to install/remove and relatively priced, so this should not be the sole consideration when buying a notebook.

Communications and Ports - Very few (if any) notebooks come with a full set of legacy ports anymore. Serial ports are rare, and PS/2 ports (for a mouse or keyboard) and infrared ports are becoming extinct, as well. Some notebooks still have a parallel port, and most have at least one PC Card slot. Some full-size models now include a DVI port for connecting to an external digital display.
Most notebooks have at least two USB 2.0 ports; many now offer four, and some even offer up to six. A majority of notebooks include a FireWire (IEEE 1394) port.
Built-in ethernet now comes standard on all portables, with many models including gigabit ethernet. Notebooks using the Intel Centrino processor include Intel's 802.11b/g networking built in; those using AMD's processors have the option of 802.11b/g. Bluetooth is also catching on, but unless you have a specific need for it, don't splurge for built-in Bluetooth.

Here is a chart that summarizes what we've covered, along with a recommendation:

Feature	Low End	Recommended	High End
Processor	1.4 Ghz Celeron M 360 or 1.6 Ghz Pentium M 725	1.73 GHz Pentium M 740, 2.0 GHz Pentium M 760, 2.4 Ghz Pentium M 780	2.0 GHz Pentium M - 3.0 GHz Mobile Pentium 4 (Centrino) Core-duo, 3.0GHz +
	An important consideration. The CPU determines how quickly a notebook runs applications and performs on-screen tasks.
Installed Memory	256 MB	512 MB	512MB to 1.0GB
	The more installed memory your notebook has, the more applications you can run at once, and the better your notebook will perform. Ease of access aside, upgrading memory in a notebook is a bit trickier than with a desktop, so buy as much memory preinstalled as you can afford.
LCD Size	14 inches	15 inches	17 inches
	The size of a notebook's LCD screen is quoted as a diagonal measurement. The larger the screen, the higher the maximum resolution and the more information you can view at once. At this point, most notebooks are wide-screens; if you want a notebook with a standard-aspect screen you'll have to search a bit, but those models are still available.
Hard Drive	40 GB	80 to 100 GB	120 to 160 GB
	The larger the hard drive, the more data you can keep on your notebook. Most people don't need more than 60GB. Those who work with databases, spreadsheets, or digital photo or video files should opt for a large drive.
Optical Drives	DVD or CD-Rom	DVD/CD-Rom Combo or DVD+/-RW	DVD+/-RW
	CD-RW drives are a cost-effective and flexible removable-storage option, while DVD-ROM drives allow you to watch DVDs on your laptop. A combination drive gives you the best of both worlds. Most manufacturers also offer laptops with rewritable DVD drives, which give you the most flexibility.

Last updated by Administrator (admin) on Jan 17 2007 at 10:23

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