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While most users think of laptop computers as desktop computers you can carry around, that’s not always the case. True, some laptops are designed as desktop replacements, offering similar power and performance on the go. But many laptops have other tricks up their sleeves, serving as tablet PCs or multimedia players in a fashion that their desk-chained brethren could never match.

But first, we’ll talk about the similarities between laptop and desktop computers and what you should look for when you’re shopping for a portable PC. Microsoft’s new Windows Vista operating system came out this year, and it is available across the industry in new laptop computers. There are several variations of Vista, ranging from a Basic to an Ultimate Edition, but most laptop computers ship with either Vista Home Premium or Vista Business. These mid-range operating systems offer lots of multimedia tools and corporate features respectively, packaged in the sleek Aero interface with its translucent windows and Mac-like animations.

Any OS upgrade requires a little extra fire in the belly, and Vista is no exception. Luckily, laptop computing power continues to grow at a rate as fast–in some cases even faster–as their desktop counterparts. Most new laptop computers ship with dual-core processors, which are CPUs that pair two processing cores on a single chip. These processors speed up performance nicely, especially with more intensive applications and multitasking. Most of these processors are also 64-bit, which means that they can handle Vista to its fullest potential (the OS is available in both 32- and 64-bit versions) and are ready for upcoming applications. Dual-core, 64-bit processors are available from both AMD and Intel, so which version you want comes down to personal preference.

When purchasing a notebook, you have to pay attention to aspects which are not only weight and performance. There exist other extra factors like display definition, battery source life, as well as connection features and keyboard, which are worth considering.

He following list will give you some components which should be valued carefully.

1. Processor: One of the most important things to concern about when purchasing a notebook is the CPU. The most recent notebook CPUs are presented by Intel’s Core Duo and Core 2 Duo processors that are more high-performing than single-core Intel processors (for instance, Pentium M). Other notebooks implement the AMD Athlon Turion 64 X2 dual-core processor that is also high in its characteristics. In common, actually, if you are seeking for a notebook, you should prefer a model based on an Intel Core Duo processor. You may also proceed reading to learn more.

2. Random access memory: The system memory unit in the notebook is rather essential. If your budget allows you, purchase minimally 1 GB of RAM – this amount you should have for the recent PC programs to work efficiently. Mind that you may add extra RAM if there is a necessity in doing it. It is not just as difficult to install additional memory modules to your notebook.

3. Graphical processing unit: Notebook graphics is one more option worth thinking of. Commonly, you should opt for 128MB of integrated video memory. Also make sure that the graphics unit is applied only for graphical purposes and is not used together with the basic memory unit. If your intentions are to enjoy gaming on the notebook, opt for an up-to-date 3D graphics unit with approximately 256 to 512 MB of integrated graphics memory. However, get ready to empty your wallet for some more money.

4. Display: If you are constantly traveling on business trips, seek for a display of 17-inches wide. If one of your main concerns is the laptop’s mobility, then models with display sizes of 12.1 or 13.3 will be an ideal variant for you. The category of laptops with 14.1-15.1-inch displays is still available, but, we hope, the producers will soon abandon it.

5. Battery: Another crucial thing to consider is notebook battery source life. It is highly disappointing when you find your battery source drain off after 15 minutes of enjoying the Starbucks café. The thing you need critically is to purchase a notebook which possesses up to 3,5 hours of battery source life, being based on a Core 2 Duo or Core Duo processing unit. Ensure you ask the merchant on the battery’s lifespan – a short one is commonly a problem for a mobile person.

6. Pointing Unit and Keyboard: There are individuals who consider pointing unit and keyboard to be critical components. If your fingers are not small, the convenience depends on how large the laptops keys are, and they are preferable than smaller ones. Ensure you test the keyboard before purchase – sense the laptop keys and navigation before purchasing your new computer.

7. Optical drives: Commonly professionals suggest buying a notebook with a rewritable DVD burner for minimum. The point you have to know is that notebooks prefer a lighter weight and mobility to a DVD-burner. If there is no necessity in a DVD-drive, you may opt for a notebook which has no DVD-burner at all.

8. Hard drive: For the notebook hard drive only one thing should be mentioned. The more you take, the better. Nowadays there are laptops coming with HDDs of 160 GB and more. You may purchase a SATA hard drive, if your budget allows.

9. Weight: One more aspect to mention is notebook’s weight. When you purchase a notebook, keep in mind that the total size and weight includes the AC adapter and AND, some external units and their cords. These units can contribute to the weight.

Laptops are now handy and ultra portable, more powerful with 512 mb to 1 gb of memory. Laptops are thin, stylish and lightweight under 5 lbs. Some mobile people e.g. sales representatives and executives are opting out of desktop computers altogether and use a laptop for all their computer needs.

1. The basic rules applied when shopping for a laptop: (A) You can save a lot of money by getting a computer laptop which is not top of the line. New top of the line laptops can cost over hundreds dollars more. Do you really need the top of the line model for word processing and net surfing? (B) You can save a good chunk of money by getting computer parts at dirt cheap prices and assemble your own computer laptop… a clone computer laptop. This system is “cheap” in price but not in quality at all. You can choose the component parts from renowned components manufacturers such as Intel, AMD, Seagate, Viewsonic, Logitech. Buidling your own computer is fun. It does not need a rocket scientist to build it. (C) If building your own computer seems too much an effort for you, you can get a last year model. (D) Fourth, you can get a recertified computer systems from Dell, HP, IBM, etc.

2. Pick up the laptops at the store. Choose one that feels not too heavy, solid and sturdy.

3. Try the keyboard. Test it on a desk and on your lap. Make sure you’re comfortable with its touch and responsiveness.

4. Test the pointing device, track pad or track ball, the laptop alternatives to a mouse. Make sure they are easy to handle. These built-in device should be handy when you’re mobile.

5. The computer’s bottom should not gets uncomfortably hot when it’s running.

6. Pay attention to screen size and resolution. LCD screens on laptops measure from 12 to 17 inches diagonally. Screen resolution may be as low as 800 x 600 pixels or as high as 1600 x 1200. The more pixels, the crisper the screen image.

7. Choose a laptop with at least two USB connections. A FireWire (IEEE 1394) connection is also handy for high-speed peripherals such as CD burners.

8. Consider buying an internal wireless card and a Bluetooth adapter if you really plan to be mobile. A wireless network card (also called Wi-Fi or 802.11) will free you from having to be wired to your Internet connection Bluetooth capability will let you share information wirelessly with other Bluetooth-equipped devices, such as your cell phone or personal digital assistant.

9. Get an internal DVD player so you can watch movies on the road.

10. Get an antitheft device. Hundreds of thousands of laptops are stolen every year. Look for cables that secure the laptop to a desk. Install software that disables a stolen laptop, or better yet, reports the laptop’s location when it connects to the Internet.

Key points:

Overall sturdiness

and solidness

Size

Weight

Keyboard

Pointing device

Temperature while in use

Screen size and resolution

USB, FireWire connections

Wireless networking

DVD player

Antitheft device

Click here for more Laptop and Notebook Tips

Article by:
David Au a part-time webmaster and publisher on *Information Products, * Computer Hardware, * Software and *Ad Space for Google AdSense in my own websites Affiliate Marketing Guide and Best Buy Guide.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Overview: It’s a lightweight, ultra-portable netbook with a commendable battery life for a 6 cell. It comes with the basics pre-installed (word processor, a DVD program [a touch ironic since you probably don't have an external disc drive yet], and some eee PC specific keyboard functions). XP is XP. You know what you are going to get with that.

Pros:
Good size. It’s really easy to carry around. I hate carrying my full size laptop back and forth to work. This one slips nicely into my bag.

Battery life. I get about 4 hours from the battery. I think I could squeeze more out if I used the power saving option and turned off the wireless when I’m not using it. (new note: with power saving options turned on, I get just over 5.5 hrs from the battery. That also reflects having 2gb of RAM installed. - 10/26/08) Still good enough that I don’t bring my power cord with me to work unless I’m going to use it all day. And way better than the other netbooks I looked at.

Ease of upgrade. I’m not very tech savvy. However, it was WAY easy to open up my 1000HA and pop in a 2gb memory stick, and junk the 1gb stick that comes with this. You just need a small Phillips screwdriver. No weird keyboard lifting and no cracking open cases and no voiding of warranties. I almost bought the Acer Aspire One, which I think is better looking, but it’s apparently more technically difficult to upgrade. The hard drive looks easy to upgrade, too. FYI, if you DO upgrade the memory yourself, make sure to F2 into the BIOS on startup. No need to change any settings in the BIOS, but the BIOS needs to automatically recognize the 2gb memory (Windows won’t recognize it without the BIOS acknowledgment first).

Weight. Light, but still feels substantial, so it doesn’t feel like it’s going to fall apart.

Asus name. I guess Asus isn’t a big household name, but at least I’ve heard about eeePC for a little while. I almost bought the MSI Wind, which looked pretty easy to upgrade, too. But I got scared since I hadn’t actually seen an MSI Wind anywhere. If someone wants to send me a free one, I’ll evaluate it and re-write this review.

Cons:
The shift key on the right hand side of the keyboard is in an awkward place. I’m hopeful that my brain will eventually learn where it is so I don’t hit the arrow keys or the enter key by mistake all the time, but until then, it’s kind of annoying. On the plus side, the rest of the keyboard works great, and I can still type comfortably with it.

Glossy cover. It picks up some fingerprints. Boo. I hear the Fine Ebony version picks up even more fingerprints. They include a good neoprene-like sleeve and a fingerprint buffing cloth to keep the netbook fresh and clean, which is kind of neat.

This Netbook is Sleek. Slender. Simply Stunning., I feel it is the best!!

Click here for product features of this amazing netbook.

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