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Five Factors You Must Check
Before Buying a Computer Notebook

Compiled and Written by Titus Hoskins

It is estimated that over 42 million computer notebooks will be produced this year (2005). The market for laptop and notebook computers is growing at a rate of 20% each year according to Taiwanese notebook makers.

And they should know - they make 70% of these notebooks or their components for such major players as Dell, Hewlett-Packard and Gateway. The popularity of notebook computers seems to be increasing; they are popping up everywhere on TV News Desks, in sitcoms, in movies, or in your friend's lap!

They may get even popular as hundred of millions of old desktop PCs are retired in the coming years - one can only guess how many of these old bulky machines will be replaced by these sleek, sexy up-starts.

So if you are planning to replace your dusty old PC with one of these very capable compact notebook computers - do yourself a favor - consider these five major factors BEFORE you buy your Notebook:

1. Size - This is one case where size does matter! It's the main reason you're considering buying a notebook or laptop in the first place. You want something that's light-weight, portable and versatile. To carry on your next business trip, to take to class, or to move from room to room in your home with ease.

As technical specs and capabilities of notebooks improve and even out in the coming years - it may be the only main consideration you will have to consider before you buy your notebook. Innovations keep improving the computing power of little notebook while reducing its weight and dimensions. Most will be able to do most applications without too much trouble.

However, there's a wide variation in the models, sizes, and capabilities of present day notebooks so you do have to figure out which notebook is best suited for your needs.

Computer Notebooks are classified into different groups; here's a brief summation of each group:

Tablet PC - If size and weight is a problem for you - you just won't or can't carry around anything weighting over 2 or 3 pounds then you should consider the extremely lightweight Tablet PC. It's the lightest PC you will find.

These have a niche all their own and is very suited for "road warriors" and "corridor warriors". You get a fully equipped PC in the form of a letter sized notepad that you can carry to meetings. Some have special digital pens that you can write with - very practical for students, salespeople, teachers, researchers, engineers, health related workers, and other people who find a notebook too cumbersome in a meeting or office setting.

Tablet PC can come in two designs - 'Convertible' and 'Slate' Models.

In the 'convertible' model - a small tablet-sized screen folds over like a notebook with an integrated keyboard and in the 'slate' model - the screen can be removed from the keyboard. Most models carry Windows XP Tablet PC Edition.

All the major companies such as Hewlett Packard, Fujitsu, Toshiba and Acer...produce Tablet PC's.

Pros - Very lightweight, easy to carry anywhere and great for PowerPoint presentations! Cons - Don't have all the features of a larger notebook, hard to read outdoors in bright light.

Ultraportable Notebooks

Just as the name implies, these notebooks are very portable. Designed to be easily carried anywhere - airports, meetings, hotels, etc. -- its light weight makes it a favorite of the business traveler. Even though it doesn't have the full functionality of the larger notebooks.

If you do a lot of traveling and don't want to lug around a heavier notebook - the UltraPortable is for you.

Pros - It's Portability, easy to conceal (theft is a problem with most notebooks), excellent for the business traveller.

Cons - Many don't have an internal optical drive or floppy drives so you many have to carry these external drives or a docking bay - add 2 or 3 pounds for these extra devices. Don't have all the functions of larger notebooks.

Thin and light Notebooks

Thin and Light Notebooks offers more features or functions than the Utraportables. Thus, they are somewhat heavier and bulkier. If size and weight is not a consideration for your needs - you should try a Thin and Light Notebook.

Most of the better models comes with a Intel Pentium 4 or 4-M. Battery life should be a consideration and the new Pentium 4-M uses less power and gives longer life to your batteries.

Keep in mind the traveling weight of these notebooks, if you have to carry external drives, docking ports, etc. will add 2 or 3 pounds to your weight.

Pros: Lightweight and portable, more functions than an UtraPortable.

Cons: Theft may be a problem (keep an eye on it, make sure it's insured, stencil your ID on it!), less functions than a full desktop replacement.

Desktop Replacement Notebooks

Growing in popularity as these desktop replacement computers now offer most if not all the functions of your regular desktop PC plus with the addition of portability.

Worth considering before you purchase your next PC. Especially if you just want a portable PC to move around in your home - from room to room. Or the cottage!!

Multimedia seems to be a hot trend in personal computers. Notebooks are starting to integrate Microsoft's XP Media Center into their systems. Just look at the new HP Pavilion zd8060us with it's 17 inch monitor - it's a TV set, PVR, DVD player, stereo, and last but not least a computer!

However; the major drawback - these systems are not suitable for extensive traveling. Since most weight in at over 10 - 12 pounds; sitting with these in your lap for any extended period of time will be slightly uncomfortable!

Pros: Full functions, large screens, and portable. Cons: Not really suitable for traveling.

Additionally, screen size should be looked at, depending on the main purpose of your notebook - 17 inch display is best for watching dvd and tv. 14 inch or 12 inch would do for most business and traveling situations. You can also check the display quality - resolutions can run from

2. Hard Drive and Ram - What size hard drive do you need? Drives are increasing as notebooks become more compact and more powerful. You'll need only a 20GB or 30GB for most tasks on your notebook. If you handle large graphics or large amount of files (dvds, M3Ps, etc.) you need more - 50 to 60GB or higher.

Tip -- Many notebooks come pre-loaded with software programs installed, which is great, but these programs take up space on your hard drive -- so check to see the size of your 'actual' hard drive you have for your own storage space!

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.

Speed - This is how fast your computer can process data and perform your tasks. The faster the better! Latest models get up to 3.6 GHz.

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.

Video RAM or memory - if game playing or heavy graphic work is the main purpose of your notebook, check the video RAM.

3. Connections - Until all major connections on notebooks become standard, and they will over time - you have to check the connections of the notebook you're buying. If traveling and portability is the main reason for buying your notebook - make sure it has the connections you need.

A fully loaded notebook may come with these kinds of connections: 56k Modem, up to 4 USB 2.0 ports, Internal Gigabit LAN, 15-Pin VGA, S- Video, 25-Pin EPP/ECP, Internal 802.11g Internal Wireless LAN , Bluetooth Module and FireWire (for tv).

4. Battery Life - Check to see what the battery life of your notebook computer will be - check the cost of an extra battery or a docking station. Many notebooks come with different batteries, four cell, 6 cell, 8 cell, etc. - if battery life is important to your needs, get the largest battery. In most cases, it's best to buy an extra battery if you will doing a lot of traveling or 'in-the-field' work.

5. Price - Shop around before you buy! Old cliches are cliches for a good reason - they hold a lot of truth. Shop around. Check out the reviews and prices at many stores. Do your homework, read reviews, check out online forums - these places will turn any problems or cons of a particular model.

Unless, you have a local reputable dealer that gives great service and support and will back any warranties and guarantees, it may be best to buy directly from the manufacturer or notebook company. Why? Usually, factory outlet prices sometimes the lowest you will find. The dealer also has his/her reputation on the line, if you can't get quality service from the primary dealer or maker -- you may have a recourse or action to take than if you're dealing with a reseller out in the boondocks.

The primary producer or maker will have more to lose! So go direct - if you can and buy from the maker's factory or online site.

However, don't always be concerned about getting the best deal or bargain. As well as the price, support and customer service is also extremely important - especially if you're considering buying a notebook online. Check out the warranty, Mr. Murphy. Things do go wrong - just make sure your have a recourse that delivers satisfaction.

So remember these five factors when buying a computer notebook. If you have to - list them by using your fingers - Size, Hard Drive, Connections, Battery Life, and Price. Just be careful how you point those fingers as you list off the different factors before your dealer; armed with the knowledge above there shouldn't be any need for rudeness or surprises! ........

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