Laptop and Notebook Computer Tips

Laptop and Notebook computer tips will be useful in day to day activity. Notebooks come at a premium, but for anyone who needs to be mobile, it's a premium that's worth paying. Laptops generally lag considerably behind desktop PCs in absolute performance, and upgrades can be really expensive. Compaq, Toshiba, IBM, and Dell dominate the international laptop market.

Smart Notebook computer tips

Size/weight: The weight ranges from 1.5 kg to 4 kg and it could be as little as 1-inch thick. External power supplies and peripherals can add considerably to the weight.

Display: This will require a compromise if you decide on an ultraportable model. Most displays now support 1024 x 768 pixels and a 14-inch notebook display may be larger than most 15-inch desktop CRT units.

Processor: While the Crusoe, Duron and Athlon mobile processors are available, Intel's mobile processors are more popular.

Battery: Realistically, the uptime for most Lithium-ion battery powered models is about three to four hours. Keyboard: If you are going to be doing a lot of typing, a larger keyboard will add considerably to your comfort. Having the eight cursor-control keys is very important.

Drives/bays: Though, it makes sense to have all drives (floppy, DVD/CD ROM) built into the main casing, a hot swappable bay gives you greater flexibility.

Hard drive: Capacity ranges from 6 GB to 50 GB. Most users find 12-20 GB enough. Anyway you will not save much by buying a smaller capacity HDD, and will pay a lot more to buy a bigger capacity drive.

Communication: Look for a built-in 56 Kbps modem with a RJ-45 connector for your phone line. If you spend a lot of time on a network, you will also want a built-in Ethernet port. While IrDA is available on many units, this has not really been a popular option.

Pointing device: You can choose between a pointing stick (like IBMs Trackpoint), or a touch pad. Pointers are easier to control but can give you a sore finger especially if used for a long stretch of time.

Ports: Most peripheral devices connect to a USB port; make sure you have at least two USB ports. You will also need parallel (for printers), serial, and PS/2 (for keyboard/mice) ports.

Docking stations: This is useful if you are using your notebook as a desktop replacement.

Laptop and Notebook computer tips for Buying

Use these tips when you want to purchase the Notebook computer.

Battery Usage: Before purchasing a portable notebook computer check the battery life. Be cautious as many manufacturers will indicate a battery usage time at the lowest possible power settings.

• Modem and Network Card: If you use a dial-up Internet connection, ensure that a modem is included with the portable laptop. In addition, verify if the modem is an internal or PC-CARD (PCMCIA) modem, as you may require all the available PC-CARD slots in the future. PC-CARD modems are Type II; Network PC-CARDs are also Type II: if the laptop needs to be connected to a LAN, you need to ensure that it has a network card. Again, verify whether the card is integrated or PCMCIA.

• Documentation: Although most manufacturers today tend to reduce the amount of documentation included with laptops, all laptop manufacturers will include some type of paper Documentation or paper inserts. But check if this includes documentation on upgrading the laptop in the future, aboutconnecting the required cables and how to use the bundled software.

•Refurbished Laptops: 'Refurbished' is a term used to describe a laptop or a hardware device, that contains one or more component that's been used or repaired. Refurbished laptops will have a lower price and are generally a good deal for the budget-conscious.

• Software: Does the software include Microsoft Office or Corel Suite? These packages allow you to have a word processor and/or a spreadsheet. For the majority of all users this should be an important consideration. Are the software full-version or just demo program and shareware?

• Legal software: When purchasing a laptop, make sure it comes with legal software. Many end-users or small laptop companies who build or sell laptops may not provide you with legal copies of the software. Verify that the software that came with your laptop is on an original CD and has a software license or registration number. An example of software that includes such certificates and/or licenses is Microsoft.

• Beware of Scams: It's possible to overclock a processor, making it appear to be faster than it's rated for. To determine the processor speed, open the laptop and look at the processor itself. Do not look at the processor through a software program or through BIOS, as these values can be changed.

• Upgradability: You may not consider this at first when purchasing a laptop, but it is important all the same. Here are some options to look for when upgrading the laptop: RAM, CPU, Hard Drive, etc. Are the upgrades something that you can do yourself, or does it require a visit to a service centre?

• Location: Before you buy a laptop, make sure you can easily return it to the dealer if it proves unsatisfactory. Also check if the dealer can service your laptop. If not, where is the closest location where your laptop can be serviced.

Laptop and Notebook computer tips for Power user

Laptops are Unergonomic: Laptop design violates a basic ergonomic requirement for a computer, namely that the keyboard and screen should be separate. The reason is simple. In a fixed design, if the keyboard is in an optimal position for the user, the screen isn't and if the screen is, then the keyboard isn't. This means that you need to pay special attention to how you use your laptop because it can cause you problems.Consider purchasing a separate keyboard.

• Laptop Posture: As indicated above, laptops violate basic ergonomic design requirements, so using a laptop is a tradeoff between poor neck and head posture, and poor hand or wrist posture.

• Occasional Users: Because the neck and head position is determined by the actions of large muscles, you are better off sacrificing neck posture rather than wrist posture. Find a comfortable chair, position your laptop on your lap and angle the screen such that you can do not strain your body.

Full-time Users: If you use your laptop at work as your main computer you should position this on your desk/work surface in front of you so that you can see the screen without bending your neck. Use a separate keyboard and mouse. Use the keyboard on a negative-tilt keyboard tray to ensure a wrist neutral posture. Use the mouse on an adjustable position mouse platform.

• Laptop Dimensions: Many laptops offer large screens and can work as desktop replacements. The larger the screen the more difficult it will be to use this in mobile locations (e.g. airplane, car, train).

Laptop Weight: If you are a mobile professional, think about the weight of the system. By the word 'system' we mean the weight of the laptop plus all its accessories. Many lightweight portables can become as heavy as regular laptops when you add the weight of all of the components.

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