Notebook Computers

Choosing a Notebook Computer

Notebooks have taken over as the most popular computing platform for business.  Providing the ability to get work done at any time from

 almost any location has made them the computing foundation from which business gets done.  With this popularity has come a very wide diversity in products, choices and market focus.  And, although choice is always a good thing, it can make it difficult to choose the "right" system that meets the needs of your pocketbook, your business and your lifestyle.  We think there are some key factors that you should consider in choosing your notebook/laptop computer.  Although most of these choices come down to "brass tacks" feature/function/cost considerations, others have to do with personal preferences and working styles. For example, some folks prefer a "button" over "touch pad" mouse and will reject any notebook/laptop that uses a touch pad system.  So remember, you'll be living with this system at home or on the road, and if it's too heavy or too difficult to work with (lots of accessories you have to constantly change in and out) you won't use it or will waste tons of time changing in and out drives and attaching and detaching cables and connections.

Following are some basic things to think about - including those "soft" factors - before you rush out and purchase that sparkling new notebook/laptop. 

• Cost - no surprises here.  The more processing power, memory, disk space, etc., the more expensive the system.
• Weight - if you need your laptop/notebook to be your primary computing platform, you'll probably end up carrying around a computer that is a few pounds heavier than if you have a desktop computer as well to act as your "primary" system.  Make sure the system you buy is compatible with your ability/willingness to carry it!
• Speed - combination of processor, memory, graphics, video, audio cards/memory, operating system - well, you get the picture, a lot of factors go into "speed".

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• Configuration - sounds vague, but what is important here is how many drives and ports are "in the box" versus having to be changed in and out.  In other words, do you have to change out a drive to go from floppy to CD?  How many USB ports are available on the box itself?  How many are on the port replicator?  (A port replicator can be thought of as a "base" for your notebook/laptop when you're at home.  You slide your notebook/laptop into it and, instead of having to reattach your printer, external monitor, keyboard, Zip drive, etc., all of those connections stay in place, attached to the port replicator instead of directly into your laptop/notebook.  We think a port replicator is ALWAYS a good purchase for notebook/laptop owners)?  Is a port replicator even available for the notebook you've chosen?

• The Mouse - as noted above this is often a big consideration for folks, and is totally a personal preference "thing".  Button versus touch pad.  You can also of course, purchase a mini travel mouse to work with, but remember you'll have to keep plugging it in and find some space on that tray table when you're on the airplane when you need to use it!
• Display - the display is a HUGE issue with a notebook/laptop.  How large a screen do you require to comfortably view documents?  Do you work with graphics where staring at a tiny screen with low resolution will make you go blind?  Make sure your notebook/laptop's display meets your personal working requirements - even if you DO have an external display for in the office.
• Battery Life - always a big issue, especially if you have a large display.  Make sure you can get enough life out of the system's battery to make it useful when you're on the road.  And by the way, if the spec says 2 hours, plan on 1 1/2 or less!
• Hard Drive - the bigger the better - especially if you are working with multimedia or other large file types.
• Memory  - more is better, but you knew that already.
• Connectivity - for your printer, your network (wireless is big for travelers!), your external storage devices, keyboards, mice, camera, PDA, phone, etc., etc.
• Drive Options - CD, DVD, CD R/W, DVD R/W and their speeds.
• Extras - what comes in the package - travel accessories, microphone, earphones, software and much more.
• Service and Support - always "big" with us, the warranty, service strategy and contact capabilities.
• Carrying and Cases - finally, we highly recommend that you decide HOW you want to carry around your notebook/laptop?  Backpack, brief bag?  Our mantra at Home Office Reports is to use the smallest case you can that you can fit your travel ESSENTIALS into.  What do we mean?  If your bag is too comfortably roomy, you'll soon find yourself filling it up with papers and accessories you don't really need - and bearing the load along with it!  However, if you DO need to carry around a printer, projector, laptop and lots of paper - make sure you purchase a bag that can accommodate your requirements WITHOUT breaking your back or shoulder!

Remember that your notebook/laptop is the foundation for everything you do (even if it is only "on the road") - so cheap is NOT necessarily better.  We instead suggest that you purchase the best system you can afford that meets your needs both now and in the foreseeable (next two to three years) future. 

So, ready to take a look at what is out there?  We've tried to hit on the majority of notebook/laptop computers and their manufacturers (again excepting the "white box" folks).  In fact, the number was so large, that we had to build a separate document with all the choices on them (and relevant information).  You can find this document at:  Notebook/Laptop Computer Detail - Product Matrix.

Additionally, we've chosen our favorite desktop computer from every manufacturer.  Just look for the : symbol!

Notebooks Review

Notebook or Laptop Computers*

(Rankings - best, 5 symbols, worst, 1 symbol)

* A = Amateur, R = Rookie, P = Pro

ABS Computer Technologies

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

ABS' notebooks are straight forward to set up and ready for use by you and your business applications.

Cost - $$$$

ABS makes six notebooks with starting prices ranging from $1,099.00 to $2,529.00.  See our product matrix Notebook/Laptop Computer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

ABS notebooks are based on Intel and AMD processors:  the Core Duo T2300 to T7600 (1.833 to 2.33GHz) and AMD Mobile Turion 64 MT 32 and MT37 (1.8 to 2.0GHz) and X2 TL52 and TL56 (1.6 and 1.8GHz).  One of the ABS notebooks probably has the computing power you'll need to be more productive.

Ease of Use - @@@@

ABS systems have 14, 15.4 and 17" screens and are no more or less "usable" than other systems in this category.
Works With - YYY

ABS systems are designed for the Windows environment although Linux OS's will probably work with them as well.

Support - ppp1/2+

ABS notebooks carry a one year warranty (including on site service).  The web site includes downloads, a searchable knowledge base, a FAQ and a user forum to submit enquiries to ABS and other users.  If you need more help, you can call tech support on their "800" number 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM PST Monday through Friday.

Features - iii1/2+

ABS notebooks deliver the basic notebook features and functions - media card readers, wireless LAN connectivity (802.11a/b/g), Bluetooth and DVD burners.  Displays are available in 14", 15.4" and 17" configurations with graphics processors from nVIDIA and ATI. 

Overall Rating - %%%1/2+

Competitively priced notebooks that will meet the needs of most users.

Acer

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Acer notebook or laptop systems are easy to set up and ready for installation of your business software and hardware peripherals.

Cost - $$$$

Acer makes forty notebook lines in seventy-five models that range in price from $546.99 to $2,758.46 (without options).  See our product matrix Notebook/Laptop Computer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Acer notebooks are based on a variety of Intel and AMD processors:  the Intel Core Duo, Intel Core 2 Duo, Intel Core Solo, Intel Celeron M, AMD Turion 64, AMD Turion X2 and Mobile AMD Sempron.  There is most probably an Acer notebook that will meet the performance needs of your business and business applications.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The Acer systems offer 14, 15, 17 and 20" screens, some with ATI RADEON and nVIDIA GeForce graphics cards for greater sharpness and visibility.  Battery life is good on the higher end machines (as long as you don't have a 17" screen - it will use up your battery FAST).
Works With - YYYY

Acer systems are built for the Windows environment (XP recommended), however are capable of operating in Linux environments as well.

Support - pppp

Acer offers a one year limited warranty for their systems.  The tech support section on their web site is comprehensive offering a FAQ, downloads, user guides and technical articles.  If you need more help than that available online, you can email tech support or call them, 24 hours per day at their "800" number.

Features - iiii

Acer notebooks offer some nice features like 5-in-1 and 6-in-1 memory card readers, 802.11a/b/g or 802.11b/g and Bluetooth (including Bluetooth v 2.0)wireless connectivity and a nice mix of USB/FireWire ports on the higher end machines.  SuperDrives include support for writing to DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW CD-R, CD-RW and DVD-RAM (dual layer support as well).  Acer now offers a BlueRay DVD drive on their TravelMate 8210 and 8200 models.  Acer's new Ferrari lines also include "Ferrari Red or Black" cases with the Ferrari emblem.

Overall Rating - %%%%

Acer makes well priced, notebook systems for the home based user.  Their newest notebooks have lots of connectivity, storage and optical drive options.  And for those into "looks", the Ferrari lines sport the red and yellow Ferrari colors, logo and a slim, slick profile.

Alienware                             Alienware Exclusive Savings                                             

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Alienware notebook or laptop systems are easy to set up and ready for installation of your business software and hardware peripherals.  Alienware also has setup information available on their web site for folks experiencing problems.

Cost - $$$$

Alienware makes six notebook lines that range in price from $959.00 to $4,499.00 (without options).  See our product matrix Notebook/Laptop Computer Detail - Product Matrix for all pricing and product information.

Time Savings -