The Notebook Computer

The notebook computer has become a nearly indispensable part of many people's lives. The first, more or less, portable computers were large heavy devices that would probably crush your lap.  They were far less capable than even the desktops of those days (and the desktops would be laughed at by anyone used to today's technology). 

One early laptop computer which I owned was an IBM Convertible.  The operating system was on a floppy disk, it had no hard drive, the battery had a negligible lifespan as well as being heavy. The built-in modem was all of 300 baud (don't even ask, just imagine unbelievably slow).  But, it was transportable, I actually could work from home and connect to the mid-sized machine at work.  I was happy.  Who knew what was coming?

The technology available today in a small, compact package, a laptop computer (but that's not to be taken literally - a laptop shouldn't be used on your lap - but you knew that, right?), can be as, or more powerful than a desktop system.  With the advances in technology, it has also become more complicated to chose the best notebook computer for your needs.  When you go out buying a notebok computer, you'll be far better off if you do some homework first.

Since laptops computers generally sell at a premium compared to desktops, you need to be savvy about the important components of a notebook computer and know something about the repair incident rates.  Laptop repair can be an expensive proposition for a number of reasons. Generally as many of the usual desktop peripherals as possible are integrated into the mother boards of notebook computers.  With a desktop, you open it up and replace a card.  Not so with a laptop.  Need more hard drive space? You've got a problem that requires expert technical service if it's a laptop computer.  And what about notebook computer memory? Most desktop mother boards offre 3 or more slots for memory.  Most laptop memory has to go into just two slots - and it is generally more expensive.

The first thing you have to do is really get serious about exactly what you need this new laptop computer for.  What is the minimum configuration that will work for your specific needs for, say, two years?  What are you going to use your notebook computer for?  In fact, do you really have to have a notebook at all?  If you are going to use it primarily for basic computing like word processing, spreadsheets, email and internet browsing, then you can get away with a lot less machine at a lot lower price.

Do you need a wireless computer notebook?  Will you be connecting to a home or office wireless network or will you just plugin a cable?  Do you need wireless connectivity at airports, on the street?  Will you be connecting to multiple wireless access points as you travel?  Do you need this machine for work, for sales presentations, for -- extreme gaming (hey, people do it on laptops computers too).  Will you be traveling enough - to enough places with rotten environmental conditions - or possibly find your notebook computer being subjected to enough shocks and abuse - that you really need to consider a rugged laptop, one that meets or is close to military specs.

And do you need a new notebook computer or will a used laptop, a discounted older model or a factory refurbished notebook computer do just fine? 

Having posed some of the critical questions this site will be dealing with, I hope you can begin to see just how important knowledge and some serious advance thinking can be in making the best possible decision for yourself and your needs when you do, ultimately, purchase your notebook computer.   

Notebook News and Updates

Wilmington man arrested on burglarly, larceny charges (The Wilmington Star-News)
A Wilmington man was arrested Saturday after a neighbor accused him of entering her home while she was in the shower and stealing her laptop computer.Suspect Karl Garnes, 45, has been charged with first-degree burglary and felony larceny, according to Deputy Charles Smith of the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office.

A resolution for rationality in 2009 (The New Straits Times)
ALL around me -- in drawers, in bags, in pockets, in little recesses and inglenooks -- are half-filled notebooks, containing the most random scratchings of information. Records of facts and figures. Hundreds of indices, categorised, alphabetised, ranked and classified.

School District Gives Students New Laptops (FOX 4 News Dallas - Fort Worth)
The Alvarado School District south of Fort Worth is taking learning to a new level. FOX 4's Fil Alvarado reports, eventually every student from the fourth grade to high school will have a laptop computer, and some students got theirs today.

Freescale makes a bet on netbooks - Austin American-Statesman
The smaller, cheaper cousins of notebook computers showed up late in 2007 and accounted for an estimated 14 million units in sales worldwide last year, making them the fastest-growing segment in a recession-riddled computer industry. And there is .