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Interested in buying a new notebook? This guide will help you decide what to go for what to go for from the wide range of options on the market. |
Index
Introduction to Buying a Notebook
Size & Weight
Processors
Memory
Screen Size
Video Card
Hard Drives
Optical Drives
External Drives
PC and Express Card Slots
Networking
Bluetooth
Multimedia Card Slots
Ports
Keyboard and Pointing Device
Webcam
Battery/Battery Life
Notebook Use
Multimedia and Gaming Notebooks
Mainstream and Business Notebooks
Ultraportable Notebooks
Tablet Computers
Accessories
Warranty
My Personal Choice
Notebook Brands
Top Notebook Searches
Useful Sites
Introduction to Buying a Notebook
As technology has advanced, laptops are no longer the monochrome-display briefcases they were 15 years ago, but rather capable computers that can do anything a desktop can. Hence the name 'notebook', which evolved from the earlier 'laptop', though both are still in use today. Not only have they gotten smaller- the prices are constantly dropping as well. It is definitely a buyer's market, with many manufacturers competing fiercely to gain a foothold in the field.
Furthermore, laptops have become personalized products too. Besides the variety of models available, almost every model comes with a wide range of options to choose from, allowing the consumer to design his or her own personal machine. This is especially important for people looking to get the best computer at an affordable price.
This buying guide will help you sort through the many different types of notebook computers on the market and decide what options you should go for.
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Size & Weight
In the world of laptop computers, often enough the size does count. Though laptops fifteen years ago were the size of briefcases, today one can be picky about the size and weight. In fact, some consumers choose a notebook model with the size and weight being the most important factors in making their decision.
There are four general sizes of laptop computers- Desktop Replacement, Midsize, Thin-and-Light and Ultraportable.
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Processors
As the processor is the central nervous system of the computer, its performance directly affects all the different aspects of the computer's operations. Today's processors allow the computer to perform more tasks simultaneously without compromising on speed, and they're constantly getting better.
Newer processors on the market, such as the Intel Core 2 Duo and the AMD Turion 64 X2, have two processors working in one chip. They also are more power-efficient and run at cooler temperatures than older models.
It is rare to find a new notebook with a processor slower than 1 GHz. Indeed, many models come with a 2 GHz processor or faster, which is important for running Windows Vista properly.
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Memory
Every computer has internal memory, which is where the computer stores current running applications and data. More memory means more space to store current data, enabling the computer to run more applications simultaneously. Memory is important enough that it might actually affect the computer's efficiency more than the processor's speed rating.
Before deciding how much memory you need, you should first consider what operating system you will be using. 1GB of memory is recommended for Windows Vista or Mac OS X, while 512MB should suffice for other systems. If you plan on running multiple programs simultaneously you should always go for more memory, especially since it is not very expensive to add, and there is no such thing as wasted memory, unlike processor speed.
Also check if the computer can have memory added through memory slots; this is easily done and will enhance your laptop's longevity.
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Screen Size
Screens are measured diagonally in inches on all appliances. The type of screen on a laptop is Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), which is thinner, lighter and more power efficient than the older Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs).
Laptop screen sizes range from 10.6 to 20 inches. Lighter laptops generally have smaller screens, as the display size is a key factor in determining the overall weight. Any display smaller than 14 inches is considered small and is not ideal for watching video or playing games.
Some newer notebooks have LED displays, which are brighter, thinner, more power-conserving and expensive than LCDs.
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Video Card
Larger laptops have room for a dedicated video card with its own memory, rather than a video chip on the motherboard, which shares the computer's memory. The card enables fast-moving video look natural and smooth, which is especially useful for videos and video games.
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Hard Drives
The hard drive is the storage space on your computer. Obviously bigger is better, but size does come at a price. A standard size hard disk is 60GB or 80GB, and should have a rated speed of 7200rpm.
There are also single 120GB or dual 120GB (240GB) drives available, although these drives cost hundreds of dollars more and operate at slower speeds than the smaller ones. A big drive will probably run at 5400rpm, which will significantly decrease the overall speed of the computer.
Manufacturers usually allow the customer to choose from a number of hard-drive options, so unless you absolutely require a bigger drive- go with a smaller one. You can always buy a large external hard disc in the future, so don't sweat over this decision too much.
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Optical Drives
Almost all notebooks today come with a CD/DVD drive. On the smaller models it may be an external drive that connects to the computer through a cord; on the larger ones it might be a swappable drive bay, to connect different types of drives or even an extra battery. These drives are useful for running programs off of discs, and especially for playing movies or music on the road.
Many DVD drives are also DVD burners, allowing you to store data or copy videos on to discs. Expect the burners to be more expensive, though, so you might consider going for a regular DVD drive instead.
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External Drives
There are many different types and sizes of external drives available on the market today. The main idea behind the technology is to provide extra storage space or an easy means for transferring files between computers.
Besides the external CD/DVD drives we already mentioned, there are also portable hard drives and thumbdrives. The hard drives are optimal for backup or storage of files, while the thumbdrives are great for transferring files between computers, because they are small and don't require a connecting cable (they plug directly into a USB port).
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PC and Express Card Slots
The PC Card is similar to a credit card in size, and it can provide a multitude of connections for your notebook. Some cards have extra USB ports for your computer; others might have modem, Ethernet or wireless connections. Almost all computers have at least one PC Card port, while some even have two.
Express Cards are smaller and have better data-transfer capabilities than PC Cards, which will allow them to provide Gigabit Ethernet or HDTV connections. These cards are still very new, so there aren't many modules available yet. However, many newer laptops include Express Card slots for future use.
Since these cards provide a variety of connection options and can be purchased separately from the computer itself, they are very useful. It is definitely recommended to make sure your notebook has at least one slot, preferably an Express Card slot as well for future applications.
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Networking
Most notebooks have an older modem port, along with a newer Ethernet port and wireless antennae. Ethernet is faster and provides better connectivity than a modem, while wireless networks are becoming available in many places. The only major disadvantage of the wireless antennae is that it uses up some battery juice that the other connections don't. Otherwise, it is the easiest one to use, and let's you access a network without having to connect a cable to the wall.
In many countries it is possible to access the Internet through a cellular service provider. This is especially useful wherever a wireless network is unavailable. The easiest way to use this connection is with a built-in WWAN card, although this service tends to be expensive and the connection is usually a bit slower.
It is important to note if your notebook is lacking one of these network adapters, it is quite easy to find a PC Card that can do this instead.
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Bluetooth
A Bluetooth-enabled notebook can connect to a PDA, cell phone or printer without setting up a network or connecting cables. This adapter is available on many computers, albeit at an additional cost to the original price.
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Multimedia Card Slots
An important feature that almost all laptops have is a multimedia card slot, for downloading digital photos and videos from your camera. Most models have card slots to match different types of cards, but if it doesn’t have a slot that matches your card, you can buy an external card slot separately and connect it by USB.
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Ports
Other ports to look for are USB and FireWire. USB is needed to connect an external mouse, keyboard, hard drive MP3 player or digital camera, so having more than one port is imperative. Many laptop models have at least three, and anything beyond that is even better.
FireWire is also useful for these types of connections. It transfers files faster than a USB port, making it especially useful for large video files or photos.
For connecting a monitor, look for a VGA (analog) port, or a DVI (digital port). These ports can also be used to connect a projector for presentations, and all computer models have at least one of them.
To connect to a video device, such as a TV, VCR or camcorder, laptops have S-Video, Component, Composite, DVI or HDMI ports. These ports are needed for recording off of the television, to-or-from the VCR, and from the camcorder. DVI and HDMI are needed for transferring High Definition video.
An expansion port is needed to connect the computer to a docking station. On many models this port can also be used to connect another port through an external device, such as Composite Video or Gigabit Ethernet. Check the manual to see which ports are standard and which ones can be connected externally.
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Keyboard and Pointing Device
Something to pay attention to in notebook consumers' reports is the keyboard reviews. Although the computer size generally dictates keyboard size and comfort, this is not necessarily true in all cases. Some Ultraportable laptops have very good keyboards, while a few desktop models are rated as below-average in this department.
There are two different types of pointing devices common on notebook computers- touchpads and eraser nubs. Most computers have one or the other, though a few actually have both. There is no distinct advantage to either one of them, so go for what's more comfortable for you to use.
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Webcam
Another common feature on laptops is a built-in webcam. This is convenient, as it eliminates the logistical challenge of placing a camera on top of the computer or on the desk somewhere.
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Battery/Battery Life
The lifeline of the portable computer is its battery. Technological advances produce better batteries all the time, with newer models able to run a laptop for about 7 hours. But battery life is not important for everybody. If your computer will spend 95% of its working hours connected to a power socket, its battery quality should not concern you at all. However, if your laptop will earn frequent flyer privileges, this is most important.
There are certain ways to improve battery life. Charge the battery every time to its full capacity; power down your computer when it's not being used- especially the display, which uses up a lot of juice. And turn off your Wi-Fi antennae when you're not using it either.
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Notebook Use
Before looking at the many different notebook models available, it is imperative to decide first what you need the computer for. A person looking to replace an old desktop with a cheap notebook and a business executive who needs his computer with him at all times will be looking for completely different models.
Let's look at the different things a notebook can be used for.
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Multimedia and Gaming Notebooks
Some consumers are looking for laptops capable of matching a desktop at playing videos or 3D games, but can be moved around as needed. These are often larger, more expensive models, but they come with quite advanced capabilities that will serve you well for a long time. Recording television programs, storing your music and video files and editing any multimedia file are best-done with multimedia laptops.
Laptops that fit into this category are of the Desktop-Replacement size.
Processor- go for a strong one, preferably at least 2GHz. The newer dual-core processors are especially recommended for these models, as they excel at multi-tasking.
Screen Size- multimedia models usually have a 17 inch widescreen display. Anything less would be inadequate for watching video. There are also some 20 inch models on the market, although they are more expensive.
Size and Weight- don't expect a multimedia laptop to be very portable. The larger screen and bigger computer box will make sure the computer weighs in excess of 7 pounds.
Hard Drive- it is probably worth going for the fastest and biggest hard drive you can afford, because media and games take up a lot of space. Look for something in the 200-300GB range.
Memory- at least 2GB of memory are needed; otherwise your computer will never get off the ground. This is especially important for running Windows Vista Home Premium.
Optical Drive- a dual layer DVD burner is important to have for copying video and audio files. Dual layer DVDs have twice the capacity of regular ones (9.4GB instead of 4.7GB). Eventually it may be a good idea to get a Blu-Ray or HD-DVD external optical drive.
Graphics Card- go for an advanced graphics card with 256MB or 512MB of its own memory. Video games need this more than other applications, so this makes it more important for gamers.
Ports- FireWire and USB 2.0 ports are standard on these laptops. Also look for S-Video, Component Video and Composite Video ports for connecting to a TV, camcorder, VCR or game consoles. An HDMI or DVI connection is good for connecting to an external screen or HDTV. A card slot is needed, of course, for reading memory cards from digital cameras.
Battery Life- not especially important, as these computers aren't meant to be used on-the-go. Their powerful features and large screens considerably shorten their battery life.
Extras- it also worth considering a portable hard drive in the future, because adding hard-drives to notebooks is not recommended. This drive can also serve as a dedicated backup for any important files you may have (home movies for instance).
Price- fully loaded multimedia laptops don't come cheap. Expect to spend about $2000 for a high-end model, but have no doubt that its performance will be worth it.
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Mainstream and Business Notebooks
This is the category for those of you planning on using your laptop from the home, at the office, for any general purpose. The models that belong to this category vary in their characteristics and performance, but they are somewhat of a middle ground in terms of price.
The two sizes relevant to this category are Midsize and Thin-and-Light, with the former being cheaper than the latter. The Thin-and-Light is optimal for travelers who don't want to spend the money or lose capabilities with an Ultraportable. The Midsize models are for those looking for a cheaper solution, and maybe decent screen and keyboard sizes as well.
As most manufacturers offer each model with a choice of options, so you can put together the right package to suit your needs and budget constraints.
Processor- the whole range of available processors fits the laptops in this category. Choose a more powerful one if you plan on using any of the Windows Vista versions.
Screen Size- the Midsize laptops will generally have slightly larger screens than the Thin-and-Lights. Expect a 14-15.5 inch display for the Mid-Size, and 12-14 inches for the Thin-and-Lights.
Size and Weight- 4-6 pounds for a Thin-and-Light; 6-8 for a Midsize. The higher weight correlates with a larger screen.
Hard Drive- anywhere from 60GB to 120GB. The size and speed will drastically affect the overall price and performance of the computer.
Memory- flexible in this computer category. Going for more memory is always recommended if you can afford it. If not, check for memory slots for easy future upgrades.
Optical Drive- also flexible here; a swappable DVD-RW drive will obviously cost more than a regular DVD drive.
Graphics Card- not common on these computers. Integral video chips do just fine with regular videos.
Ports- expect to find most ports and connections; also optional WWAN and Bluetooth adapters.
Battery Life- expect decent-to-good battery life on the Thin-and-Light models, but nothing better than mediocre on Midsizes.
Extras- anything from a docking station to an external monitor, according to your budget.
Price- Midsize notebooks will cost anywhere from $500 to $1100, while Thin-and-Lights go from $800 to $1500. The more expensive models in both categories will have more options and offer better performance.
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Ultraportable Notebooks
The size and weight of a notebook can be deal-breakers for people who travel a lot or need their computer with them at all times. Here is where the Ultraportable steps in. It's significantly lighter and smaller than the other models; more like a Frisbee than a computer really.
These laptops cater specifically to business people, so if playing videos and cutting costs are primary concerns for you, an ultraportables is not the answer.
Processor- ultraportables generally have slower, lower-voltage processors to help save battery power. However some newer, more expensive models have fast dual-core processors, as Intel and AMD are improving their power-usage efficiency.
Screen Size- don't expect to find an Ultraportable with more than 14 inches. In fact, you should expect even less on most models, because this is how the manufacturers save weight.
Size and Weight- these laptops weigh less than 4 pounds and are thinner than 1 inch usually, making them very easy to carry around. In fact, they are less than half the size of desktop replacement models, and some even have shock-protection mechanisms.
Hard Drive- somewhere in the 60GB to 120GB range.
Memory- often 1GB of RAM is offered. Go for this, as this will help compensate for that less-powerful processor.
Optical Drive- most ultraportables don't come with a built-in optical drive, instead offering an external drive as a separate option or as part of a docking station. The drive will probably add around $180 to the price; a docking station including optical drive around $300.
Graphics Card- not on these notebooks. Their smaller screens don't make watching video worthwhile anyways.
Ports- fewer ports and connections are offered on these models due to their smaller size, while a docking station can make up for this at the office or the home.
Battery Life- manufacturers put the best batteries into ultraportables, achieving impressive results. The power-saving techniques and lesser performance help save battery life too. Some models can run without recharging for more than 7 hours straight, which is good enough for most flights. You can always purchase a spare battery, but this adds more weight to your bag, which was exactly why you didn't get a bigger laptop in the first place.
Extras- ultraportables generally have good networking options, but have smaller keyboards and touchpads.
Price- expensive, ranging from $1100 to over $2000 for the top models.
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Tablet Computers
useful for medical professionals, students and anyone else who needs to take hand notes. They significantly vary in size, with some bridging the gap between notebooks and PDAs, and others equivalent to ultraportables.
Many tablets have swivel-screens, while some smaller models are all screen and no keyboard. Screens are usually in the 7-12 inch range, while weight is usually around 2-3 pounds.
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Accessories
There are a lot of available laptop accessories, so let's take a quick look at the more important ones:
- Docking Station- most laptops have a specifically made docking station, which can be useful for working at home or at the office. This allows you to leave a monitor, keyboard, mouse and other accessories connected to the docking station, and all you have to do is snap your computer onto it to get to work.
- Spare Battery- if you're a hard-core traveler you might need a spare battery just to keep your computer working. The easier way to do this is swap in another battery if you have a swappable optical drive; otherwise you'll need to switch out your regular battery. Carrying another battery around isn't great fun, though, because they tend to be heavy.
- Port Replicator- an especially small and useful gadget, especially if your computer is short on ports, or you have many external devices to connect.
- Carrying Case- you've spent $1200 on a new notebook, $250 on accessories, but you accidentally dropped it with your briefcase getting out of the car. A specially built carrying case with internal padding and reinforced corners could have saved the day. Even better- it comes with specially built pockets for a spare battery and AC adapter cable, and a padded strap will provide extra comfort for your shoulder.
- Screen Cover- good for protecting your computer screen from scratches and dust. There are also privacy screen covers, which ensure no one can look over your shoulder and see what's on your screen.
- Locks- many laptops come with a lock mechanism of some sort, most often a Kensington Lock, to secure the laptop with a metal cable to something permanent. Recommended if you work in a bustling place, where someone could spend a few seconds removing your laptop without being noticed.
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Warranty
Warranties for laptop computers is usually range from one to three years. If your laptop manufacturer only offers one year, check if you can pay extra for three, as the warranty almost always includes technical support. This support is more important for laptops than desktops because the former have fewer user-replaceable parts.
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My Personal Choice
My personal notebook is a Compaq Presario V2000, bought in mid-2006. This model falls into the Mainstream category, as a Mid-Size computer.
Technical specifics:
- Processor- AMD Turion 64 ML-34 1.8GHz
- Weight- about 7 pounds
- Size- 1 inch thick
- Screen- 15 inches
- Memory- 512MB
- Hard Drive- 80GB
- Optical Drive- DVD-R/RW with double layer support
- Ports- 3 USB, one FireWire, S-Video, PC Card Slot, VGA, Media Card Slot and Expansion Port (for docking station and multi-port devices).
- Networking- modem and Ethernet ports; Wi-Fi antennae.
The reason I chose this computer is because I wanted something mainstream that wouldn't hurt my pocket too much either. It has a terrific screen which is great for playing video (even though it doesn't have a graphics driver), a good hard and DVD drives, a fast processor and comfortable keyboard and touchpad.
On the other hand, I should have gone for at least 1GB of memory, and the computer is just a bit too bulky and heavy to carry around with ease. Its battery life isn't something to write home about either.
But all things considered, it is a good computer and does the job just fine for me. I would also like to point out that Compaq has a reputation for good technical support, which should not be taken for granted either.
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Notebook Brands
Compaq,
Dell,
Toshiba,
Lenovo,
Apple,
HP,
Asus,
Sony,
Fujitsu,
Panasonic,
Acer,
Averatec
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Top Notebook Searches
Notebooks,
Mainstream Notebooks,
Ultraportable Notebooks,
Tablet Computers,
Notebook Accessories,
Notebook Docking Station,
Notebook Batteries,
Notebook Carrying Case,
Notebook Screen Cover,
Notebook Lock
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Useful Sites
www.consumersearch.com
www.pcworld.com
reviews.cnet.com
www.dell.com
www.shopping.hp.com
www.toshiba.com
shop.lenovo.com
www.apple.com
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