Laptops Guide: Choosing a Laptop that is Right for You
by: Jonathan Chase
Most of us tend to think of laptops in the same way: a fairly small portable
computer that can open and close like a suitcase, with all of the capabilities
of a desktop. In fact, the term “laptop” is really very generic.
There are currently four main styles of these portable PCs, each offering
something a bit different, depending upon your specific needs.
Ultralights – Also known as sub-notebooks or ultraportables, this
style of laptop weighs up to – but no more than – four pounds,
making them ideal for travelers. The upside of an ultralight is that it
doesn’t burden those who have to spend a lot of time carrying them
with aching muscles, as its larger cousins often do. The downside, however,
is that – in order to cut down on the size and weight – this
type of laptop is so small that there’s no room for a network card
or internal CD drive. In order to reap the benefits of these types of
“attachments,” you’d have to bring an external CD drive
and port replicator. Another negative in the scenario is that ultralights
tend to be on the expensive end of the laptop spectrum.
Notebooks – This is basically just a regular laptop, but is slightly
less heavy, weighing in at four to six pounds. While it’s heavier
than the smaller ultralight, it also offers more options with less fuss.
Offering the flexibility of a combo bay, notebooks are designed with a
large opening on the side which allows the user to plug a CD drive, floppy
disk or extra battery – allowing you to access the features that
you need without the burden of making room for those that aren’t
needed.
Standards – Commonly referred to as “regular laptops,”
these weigh between six and eight pounds and offer a full range of benefits.
This technological pack-mule is the best buy – dollar for dollar
– when you consider the cost/performance ratio. Due to their popularity,
combined with their design and usability, it’s not uncommon to find
discounts on these from major manufacturers. Other types of laptops, which
fall into more specialized categories, tend to be in the higher price
ranges. The bottom line is, of the four main types of laptops, the standard
is the most economical for the most reasonable amount of money.
Extra Large – Although this type of laptop doesn’t yet have
a technical name, it’s best to simply refer to it as “extra
large,” since they weigh between eight and ten pounds and have a
screen that measures at least 17 inches. In addition, the keyboard is
much larger than a standard laptop, making it a more comfortable fit for
those who find the keyboard of the standard laptop rather inhibitive.
There are a couple of downfalls to owning this type of unit, not the least
of which includes its weight. There can be a four pound difference between
the weight of a standard and an extra large laptop – and that’s
quite a bit, when you think about lugging it around all day. The other
negative factor is the cost of this type of laptop. It offers a price
tag that’s every bit as hefty as its weight and size.
The purchase of a laptop comes down to personal preference, and there
are enough styles in the laptop community to please just about everyone.
For those who can’t decide and just want “a laptop”,
then it’s probably better to stick to the standard model.
Why Laptops are Different than Desktops
by: Bonnie Archer
Laptops are different from desktops in these ways:
1. Power supply: As desktops can be plugged in an outlet in the wall (AC
Power), so can laptops with an AC adapter. But how a laptop is different
from a desktop is that it is portable because batteries can also power
laptops. The batteries are rechargeable; lithium, nickel-cadmium, or nickel-metal
hydride.
2. Display: Also, like desktops, laptops have some type of LCD display
screen. Modern Laptops have 800 x 600 pixel resolution. This gives it
a very clear screen and anything less should be avoided.
3. Input Devices: On a desktop computer you usually use a mouse and keyboard
to enter data and navigate. With laptops, keyboards are built in, but
since they are portable, they don't have a mouse. Instead they have one
of three input devices in place of the mouse. A trackball, rotating the
ball allows you to move the cursor. A trackpoint allows you to push your
finger over the point to move the cursor. Lastly, a laptop may have a
touchpad that you move your finger across to move the cursor.
4. Docking Connections: Many laptops come with a docking connection to
make it more comfortable to use at a desk. You just plug your laptop in
and use it as a desktop. The docking station comes with many peripheral
devices: full size computer monitor, full size keyboard and mouse, disk
drives and printer.
Laptop Security: How to Protect Your Laptop When Traveling
by: Jonathan Chase
Most business people who travel these days have a laptop in tow. Since
the workflow doesn’t stop when the need to travel arises, these
are necessities that connect them to the rest of the world and allow them
to take care of whatever business comes up during the time that they’re
away. That being the case, there are certain guidelines that should be
followed in order to ensure the safety and protection of your laptop when
you get called away from the office.
One of the first considerations that should be made is in regard to the
laptop’s security. Since thieves will target these as often as they
will cash, jewelry or other valuables, it’s critical to put as many
security measures into place as possible when traveling through airports,
bus terminals, train stations and any other form of public travel. Of
course, it’s never wise to leave your laptop unattended. It’s
a sad testament to the way of the world, but you can be fairly certain
that when you return, your equipment will be gone.
When packing for your trip, place the laptop in a case that’s different
– and less obvious – from its standard carrying case, and
make sure that it’s checked in as carry-on luggage. This will not
only ensure that it doesn’t get stolen, but will be in the pressurized
part of the plane, rather than the baggage compartment, which doesn’t
have pressure or climate controls that are needed to ensure the integrity
of the laptop.
If you’re planning to take a nap while you’re en route via
public transportation, be sure to secure the laptop before going to sleep.
Some people go so far as to cuff the unit to their wrist, but there are
other measures that you can take, which include placing it in its case
and putting it between your feet or between yourself and the wall if you’re
sitting by a window. In the event that anything should actually happen
to violate the integrity of the laptop – or if it should be stolen,
despite your precautions – it’s to be expected that you’ll
have backed up all critical information onto disks before beginning your
travels.
When you arrive at the hotel, speak with the front desk clerk to be sure
that their phone jacks are compatible with your unit. If they happen to
use a digital phone system which differs in voltage from that of a standard
phone jack, your modem will most likely be damaged when you try to plug
it in and dial-up to get an outside connection. The best approach is to
call ahead and check on these accommodations before making the trip, so
that you’ll know what to expect and not be left with any nasty surprises.
In addition to the laptop itself, it’s always a good idea to bring
an extension cord and extra batteries. Even though you may plan to use
electricity, you should also include a back-up plan, and batteries may
only give you a few hours worth of power at a time before needing to be
recharged or changed. When possible, cut down on the use of those things
which need large amounts of energy, such as CD-ROMs, and reduce the number
of auto-saves on your machine.
By using your common sense and taking simple precautions, as well as including
some back-up cords and batteries, you should be able to travel safely
and simply with your laptop without a lot of hoopla.
About The Author
Jonathan Chase runs and Internet marketing business and is a contributing
author to All Cheap Laptops. Read more about traveling with your laptop
at http://www.all-cheap-laptops.com/Travel.htm
2005 - Enter the Laptop
by: Laptopical
It's a fact. Notebook computers have leapt into the global sales arena
with the force and flexibility of Bruce Lee, effortlessly dispatching
their desktop competitors with nothing more than a dynamic one-inch Sonoma
punch.
With Wi-Fi technology blossoming around us, the demand for laptops is
only set to increase. The ability to play games, or casually surf the
internet in wireless coffee shops and airports, will ensure that notebook
computers remain incredibly popular.
Laptops, though, aren't just utilized for leisure. Mobile technology is
also beginning to dictate what happens in the classroom. This is especially
true as notebooks are entering the educational arena in ever-increasing
numbers. Indeed, schools such as Framingham State College, and the Myron
B. Thompson Academy have both decided to use laptops as teaching tools
in class.
Thanks to the adaptability and portability of laptop computers, retailers
enjoyed a bountiful sales year in 2004. Consequently, everyone's using
notebooks these days, from sprightly seventh graders to zimmer-wielding
septuagenarians.
But can this popularity and the incredible global sales figures be sustained?
Yes they can. Once you couldn't find a notebook for under a thousand dollars,
but now there are entry level notebooks selling for seven hundred dollars
and even lower with coupons and rebates. Recently, Wal-Mart began to offer
laptops with a Linux operating system and 30GB hard drives for under 500
dollars.
So just how low can laptop prices go?
Can you say a hundred dollars?
If Nicholas Negroponte, founder of MIT's Media Lab gets his wish, wireless
laptops for third world countries will soon be available for around 100
dollars.
2005 - The Year of the Rooster?
Think again. This is most definitely the Year of the Laptop.
Tablet PCs are great. If you are a mobile person and you have never considered
getting a tablet PC in the past, now is as good a time as any to start
checking them out - the technology is cutting-edge, the usability is superb,
and prices are starting to drop.
There are two main types of tablet PCs: convertible and slate. Convertible
tablets look a lot like normal laptops except the screen can be rotated
all the way around and laid down flat across the keyboard. You then input
information through the screen using a stylus. Slate tablet PCs include
only the screen interface – though they are fully integratable with
peripherals like keyboards and mice, the computer itself does not have
them. Both types are viable options, depending on your personal preferences
and what you’ll be using it for.
As with any technology, tablet PCs have advantages and disadvantages.
Thanks to the last few years of development and enhancement, the disadvantages
are shrinking in number, and the perks are becoming more and more enticing.
Advantages of Tablet PCs
Far and away, the best thing about tablet PCs is their mobility. You can
take and use them anywhere you go, the same way you would take a notebook
and pen. That means that when your boss bumps into you in the hallway
and gives you a number of assignments, you can write them down. In meetings
you don't have to hide your face behind the monitor of your laptop because
you can lay the tablet PC flat on the table. For students, this mobility
is great - you can study your notes while you're waiting in lines or even
in the car.
Tablet PCs let you use digital ink to store handwritten notes, graphs,
charts, and pictures. You don't have to worry about taking your laptop
and a notepad and pen to meetings or classes. Using the stylus, tablet
PCs record your handwriting and drawings. They can convert your handwriting
to text if you need to turn in an assignment typewritten.
All of the money you have been spending on pens, pencils, highlighters,
notepads, papers, binders, folders, staples, and paperclips stays in your
pocket. Because of the digital ink option on tablet PCs, much of the need
for paper supplies and writing utensils is eliminated. You can keep all
your notes on your computer.
Finally, one of the advantages of tablet PCs over regular laptops is that
you don't lose any functionality from your computer. Tablets operate on
similar platforms and run many of the same programs. In fact, many programs
integrate all of their normal functions with digital ink, so you can add
notes to documents and even email your handwritten notes to someone.
Disadvantages of Tablet PCs
Despite my obvious zeal for tablet PCs, I recognize that there are still
some disadvantages. First is the price. The prices for tablet PCs are
coming down quite a bit from when they were first released, but on average,
you can expect to spend more for a tablet PC than for its equivalent laptop.
Depending on the bells and whistles you're looking for, expect to pay
anywhere from $1,000 on up.
The handwriting-to-text conversion does not always work the way you wish
it would. Just like speech-to-text systems require a trained style of
speech to work properly, tablet PCs recognize a trained penmanship easier
than the way you may write naturally. A lot of the kinks in these conversion
systems have been worked out - but don't plan on handwriting your next
novel expecting to be able to convert into a print-ready copy with no
problems.
Finally, their smaller size is both an advantage and disadvantage. They
are much more mobile than their laptop counterparts, but the viewing area
is also smaller. Likewise, the keyboard also shrinks down to accommodate
the smaller size, so if you feel like your fingers are already cramped
on a laptop-sized keyboard, you'll want to make sure you're going to be
able to use the tablet PCs before you buy one.
About The Author
Nick Smith is a client account specialist with http://www.10xMarketing.com. – More Visitors. More Buyers. More Revenue. For organizational software
that will help you take full advantage of tablet PCs, visit http://www.gobinder.com/tablet-pcs.aspx.
