Notebook Computer
Why Buy a New Notebook Computer
Your current notebook may meet your needs quite adequately when it comes to word processing and e-mail. But if you want to expand into digital photography, create your own music CDs or home movie DVDs, get into more elaborate gaming, or surf the internet in more places using broadband, it might be time to buy a new notebook. This article will explain to you some of the features to consider in buying your next notebook. It will explain: Processor, Operating System, Memory, Size and Weight, Display, CD/DVD Writer Drives, USB 2.0, IEEE 1394 Firewire, Network Interface Card (NIC), and Wireless.
Processor
The processor is the "engine" in your computer. I recommend buying a new notebook with a processor speed of atleast 2.0 GHz. You can take advantage of several new processor technologies by replacing your old system. AMD's Turion 64 X2 mobile technology and Intel's Core 2 Duo processors both offer significant gains in performance over previous generations. Since the processor is the "engine" of the notebook PC, these latest versions give you a much-improved experience across a wide range of activities, such as web surfing over broadband connections, 3-D gaming, printing digital photographs, and making videos and music.
Operating System
Microsoft® Windows® Vista lets you get things done, stay connected, and enjoy a variety of entertainment in a secure environment. Choose from Windows Vista Home Basic, Home Premium, Business or Ultimate. You may still have certain applications, particularly business, that are not Vista compatible . If that is the case then there is a way to be able to dual boot your computer with the option of either Vista or XP which can be found.
Memory
I recommend buying a new notebook with a minimum of 2GB of Ram. Many mainstream notebooks now offer DDR SDRAM memory, which provides much higher bandwidth, and therefore better system performance, than older SDRAM technology. You get a better PC experience regardless of which applications you use.
Size and Weight
Notebook computers come in a wide variety of sizes and weights, with most at about 14 x 10 x13 and 5-8 lbs. They range from ultraportable notebooks that weigh as little as 3.00 lbs to powerhouse desktop replacements. When choosing a new laptop, consider the ways you'll use it most of the time. If you're using it to replace a desktop computer, a larger, high-end notebook will give you the most versatility and expandability. A few extra pounds won't make a significant difference if you're moving it around your home or office. If you're looking for something to supplement a desktop computer or if you travel a lot, consider a smaller notebook.
Display
In recent years, Active matrix (or TFT, thin film transistor) displays have become the most popular because of their bright, vivid images that can be viewed from any angle. The most common notebook screen sizes are 14.13 and 15.43, though some ultra-portable models have screens as small as 12.13 or 13.3". The midrange screens are generally satisfactory and easy on the eyes, but if you'll use your notebook primarily as a desktop replacement or for PowerPoint presentations on the road, choose a 15.43 or larger screen. The higher the resolution, the more information can be displayed and the sharper the definition and color. If your budget permits, shoot for a minimum of a 12.13 active matrix display capable of WXGA resolution.
CD-Writer Drive (DVD/CD-RW)
A CD-RW is great for backing up data, saving digital photos, and creating mixed-music CDs. A single CD-R disc gives you up to 650MB of storage (equal to 451 floppies). Plus, this combo drive allows you to play movies.
DVD-Writer Drive (DVD +/-R/RW)
I recommend going with a Blue Ray Drive for the High Definition DVD Drive in your new note book computer. A DVD writer and companion software let you create interactive DVD movies viewable on most DVD players or DVD-ROM drives. Edit and enhance your home videos, add music or special effects, and burn all your great content onto DVD for future enjoyment. On a single long-lasting, rewritable DVD disc you can store up to seven times more information than you can on a CD. For enhanced entertainment, choose the Lightscribe option, which allows you to label discs by burning silkscreen-quality graphics on them.
USB 2.0
Great for digital photography enthusiasts, USB 2.0 ports allow you to connect to devices such as digital cameras, scanners, and printers, and transfer files up to 40 times faster than with USB 1.1-standard devices (if the devices support USB 2.0). USB 2.0 is also backward-compatible and can be used with devices featuring USB 1.1.
IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
Want to create home movies on your notebook? An IEEE 1394 port allows you to quickly move digital videos from your digital camcorder to your notebook, where you can edit them and produce the perfect home movie.
Network Interface Card
Most notebooks now come with integrated network interface cards. Not only do these give you a direct network connection, but they let you connect to the latest modems, such as high-speed DSL and cable modems, without having to purchase or install a separate card.
Wireless
Since one of the main advantages of a notebook is being able to pick it up and go, wireless technology has become a key benefit of high-end notebooks. Wireless capability allows you to avoid continually connecting and disconnecting cables in order to access the Web, synchronize with your handheld, print a document, or use another peripheral by ensuring that your notebook is ready for the wireless world. For even more wireless flexibility, choose a Broadband wireless option to work wirelessly without the hassle of finding Wi-Fi hotspots.
About the Author
Paul E. Steinberg is the webmaster and owner of Laptops And Computers, a computer buyers website. He guides you as an expert in the computer field, with a degree in computer technology and 20 years of hardware, software, and network experience. Visit his site for great buys on top computer brands.
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