Tips for Purchasing a Notebook Computer

Laptops and notebooks are sometimes considered to be the same thing. Most people use the terms interchangeably. However, there are a few distinguishing features that make them different. Notebooks are usually sleek, slim, and more expensive compared to the heavier, cheaper, and larger laptops. Both, however, have the same advantages over the traditional desktop computer.

Laptops and notebooks alike are fully functional, mini computers that are completely mobile. They either function on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries or the included AC/DC adapter used for charging. While charging the batteries, the AC/DC adapter also provides power to the computer, making the use of power more efficient.

Our innate desire for innovation and technological advancement has led to the development of laptops, made possible by the invention of the desktop computer. Companies IBM and Epsom were the first to introduce laptops in 1983. Currently, the whole market is flooded with countless brands that offer laptops and notebooks at competitive prices and with exceptional features.

With the introduction of Windows 95, notebooks and laptops became a tough competitor against the personal desktop computer. It resulted in enhanced technology that included batteries with longer life and no need for acid. This new compatible operating system also led to lower prices and a higher demand for notebooks. As technology has developed, more operating systems have become available for notebooks, resulting in a variety of different combinations. When purchasing a notebook computer, it is important to understand these vast combinations.

There are three classifications that set notebooks apart from each other based on their weight, thickness, and size. The more mainstream notebooks weigh close to 5 or 7 pounds with a display size of 14.1 or 15.4 inches diagonally. Notebooks used as a desktop replacement are larger and bulkier, weighing around 5-7 pounds and probably more than 1.5 inches thick. They also include relatively lower battery capacity, but more powerful components and a larger screen size, ranging from 17-20 inches diagonally. If the components are powerful enough, this version of the notebook computer could surely serve as a powerful gaming machine.

Other notebooks come in a variety of different sizes and thickness. The thinner, lighter notebooks weigh between 5 and 7 pounds and are 1 to 1.4 inches thick, with a screen size of 11 to 14 x 11 inches. The ultra portable notebooks are less than 1.3 inches thick and weigh less than 4 pounds, with a screen size of 11 x 10 inches. Pocket PCs, palmtops, PDAS, and tablet PCs can be as small the size of your palm and weigh less than 3 pounds. Some even function as both a mobile phone and a computer. Because of portability, a notebook definitely has an advantage over a desktop computer. However, laptops are still in the initial development process and a variety of producers have not full decided on a set of standardized features and components. Therefore, upgrading a laptop can be a difficult and tedious process.

When deciding which notebook to buy, there are some important points to consider in regard to the various features available. For instance, notebooks with a lower weight and smaller size will generally have fewer features. Sometimes, the slimmer, lightweight laptops do not even have drives.

Notebook processors perform the same as desktop processors. The newer dual core processors are more common now, and provide faster multitasking abilities. The processors have a direct effect on the battery life of the notebook as well as the performance. In the case of Intel's quality processors, the higher number represents faster processing.

The rotational speed of the disk also affects the speed of the notebook along with the amount of RAM (Random Access Memory). The size of RAM usually varies with each model. For Windows XP and the Mac Operating System, 256MB (Megabytes) of RAM is required. Newer operating systems like Windows Vista require much more.

Optical drives are also necessary in notebook computers. Sometimes they come equipped with a simple CD drive or DVD ROM reader. However, most notebooks today are made with a dual level DVD burner/reader.

Although the portability of a notebook is relative to the size of the display, widescreen displays are still in high demand. The performance of the computer during PC gaming and while viewing 3D graphics is determined by the graphic processor it contains. If you plan to use the notebook as a gaming computer, be sure to purchase the best video card available for your needs.

Notebooks come with four cell, six cell, and eight cell batteries, which all vary in life. Normal battery life is about two to three hours. However, five or six hours of battery life is also currently available. As a general rule, if the notebook is bigger, then the battery life will be shorter.

Generally, most notebooks are insured with at least a one year warranty. If you plan to use your notebook extensively, you may want to shop around for a warranty that lasts for a longer period of time. Usually, two to three years is good enough because by then, several more advanced notebooks will be available on the market for you to purchase.