What to look for in a Laptop (Notebook) Computer

Having worked in the computing (IT) field since 1993, I have seen the notebooks evolve over the years, to a point where a notebook can now do everything a desktop computer can do and even better.  I have been working with a well recognised University in Australia since 1992 and run the hardware tenders, liaising with notebook vendors and have come up with a list of what to look for in a Notebook Computer. 

Decide on the form factor
Notebooks are broken down into three typical categories based on weight and screen size, being: Netbooks (normally under 1.5kg), Ultraportables (under 2 kilograms), Standard Notebooks (2 to 4 kilograms).

Netbooks are a newer form factor, being very small, cheap, and we found them to be very popular amongst students. Screen sizes are typically 8.9 or 10 inch widescreen. They have typically lower specification processors as they are intended to be used for basic internet surfing and word processing.

Ultraportables are great for the traveller.  They are a fully featured notebook, however with a smaller screen, typically around 12 inches in size.  Optical drives however can be external to reduce their size and weight.

Standard Notebooks also known as desktop replacements: They're good for general tasks and performance can vary from more basic models (targeting home users and students) to faster corporate and desktop replacement models that are very high performance.  Their screen sizes start from 14 inch, however 15.4 inch is the typical and most commonly used screen size.

The CPU
When it comes to processors, go with the fastest you can afford, regardless of the notebook's form factor.  The typical processors are the Intel Core 2 Duo range and the AMD mobile processors.  Although the AMD processors are more affordable, we have always gone for the Intel Core 2 Duo range (with Centrino certification).  The final choice is yours, but remember, a faster processor will cost more, however will improve overall performance.

RAM - memory
Having enough memory is vital to system performance, as RAM lets you run more applications and efficiently.  Sufficient amount of RAM is also necessary for graphics work, image editing, and video editing, and 3D gaming.  Adding RAM is an easy way to boost performance, but first make sure the notebook's memory sockets are accessible and slots are available.  Memory I would recommend is as follows:

2GB RAM: Is more than enough to adequately run a number applications at once, including photo editing, basic 3D gaming, etc.  I would not run Vista with anything less than 2GB RAM.

4GB: Is what I recommended nowdays and is the minimum amount of RAM we include in all our new notebook computer purchases.  It is excellent for 3D work and gaming, graphics application, video editing, and you can run many applications at once.  I would recommend that you do run Vista, as XP will not recognise all 4GB of RAM.

Hard Drive Capacity
Notebook hard drives start from around 160GB nowdays, however most are now standardising to 320GB.  320GB would be more than enough for everyday use.

Screens Aspect Ratio
Most notebooks on the market are Wide-screen notebooks, which have an aspect ratio of 16:10, offering larger, sharper, and better images than their 4:3 standard screen counterparts. They're great for watching DVDs, of course, but they also allow you to have two documents or Web pages open side-by-side.

Screen Glare
Sunlight makes it hard to see the screen due to the glare.  If you do intend to work outdoors, make sure there's a matte option for your screen, as most screens are quite glossy and reflective.

Video RAM
If you don’t intend to do much graphics work or playing 3D games, shared memory (using on-board video card) would suffice.  If you intend to play 3D games or run intensive graphics applications, it is recommended that you look at a dedicated graphics card with at least 256MB of Video RAM, with  512MB preferred.

Optical Drive
Most notebooks come with an optical drive.  You will need one when installing applications and is worth having to backup your data on CDs or DVDs.  A DVD±RW burner is what you should look for.  If you go for a Standard Laptop form factor, you will find that the optical drive is built into the unit, however for Ultralight laptops, I’d recommend an external Optical Drive to help reduce the weight of the unit.  Remember, Blu-Ray drives are now finding their way around the computing space, however are expensive for now and would hold off unless you had special AV requirements (ie. recording Blu-Ray movies).

Touch Pad or Pointer
Decide whether you would be happy with a typical touch pad (most commonly used) or a pointer.  Both form of pointing devices can do and the decision is purely what you have been used to.  I personally prefer the Touch Pad, but try it out before buying.

Keyboard Size
Notebook computer keyboards have shrunk in size over the years as notebooks shrink.  Try the keyboard on the form factor notebook you intend to purchase to make sure it will suit your needs.f possible, try some simple typing exercises before you buy.

Available slots
The Notebook computer should have an ExpressCard slot to allow for expansion. Additional USB, FireWire, SATA and TV tuners are all available in ExpressCard format.  ExpressCard slots comes in two sizes, 54 and 34mm.

If you do intend to use older PC Cards (PCMCIA cards), try getting PCMCIA slots as well.  Many notebooks have both PCMCIA slots and an ExpressCard slot.

Ports
USB and FireWire ports are necessary.  As a minimum, look for two USB ports, and if you have any legacy devices, such as parallel printers, look for those ports, too. If you'd like to use a digital camcorder with your notebook, make sure the notebook has a FireWire (IEEE 1394) port.  Connecting an external LCD screen will require a VGA port as a minimum or a DVI port.  Newer notebooks are now slowly coming out with HDMI or Displayport options, however most LCD screens still use DVI ports, so a DVI port would suffice to start with and is what we purchase as a minimum, although most notebooks come with both a DVI & VGA port.

Wireless Adaptor
Wireless capabilities (Wi-Fi) is essential now days and can be found in all new notebooks.  Most notebooks ship with a variant of 802.11n these days, although some lower end notebooks (such as netbooks) still use 802.11g.  If purchasing a new notebook, make sure it supports 802.11n to future-proof yourself.

Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are standard nowdays.  They are lighter, provide a longer battery life, and you don’t have to let them discharge before recharging them.  They come in 4 cell, 6 cell and 8 cell.  The more cells, the longer the battery life and heavier the notebook.  I tend to stick with 6 cell batteries and found them to be ample for everyday laptop computers and can provide 3-4 hours of battery life.

Sound
Notebooks speakers have never been all that great.  I wouldn’t really worry about it, as you can use a good set of headphones or external speakers if you wanted louder sounds/music.

Docking Station
A docking station quickly turns your notebook into a desktop. You connect your peripherals (LCD screen, keyboard, mouse, and other peripherals) to the dock, which stays at your desk. Simply attach the notebook to the dock, and you instantly get the conveniences of a desktop without having to unplug everything when it's time to go. If you travel a lot & have many peripherals you use on your desk, I’d highly recommend one.

Warranty
I’d look for a minimum of 3 years warranty.  We purchase our notebook computers with 3 years onsite warranty, however for a home user, a 3 year return to base warranty wouldn’t be bad if the repair depot is close by.

Other Accessories
Make sure you do purchase a laptop bag, an extra battery (if you intend to travel), a second AC Adaptor, a mouse and keyboard, applications you require for work, anti-virus (essential) and of course internet access.  An external hard drive to backup your data is always handy, although you can always backup your data on DVDs, but the external hard drives are quicker and have larger capacity (more Gigabytes of storage).

Tablet Notebook
Tablet notebook computers have been around for some time, but really haven’t had the traction many of us believed.  They are equivalent to Ultraportable Notebooks in size, however allow users via a stylus to navigate and even enter data (often with great OCR software).  I predict that this form factor will grow in the future, but if you don’t need a Tablet Notebook, I’d stick with a normal notebook as you can get more for your money, as Tablet notebooks can be more expensive.

Shop Around
There are a number of notebook computer manufacturers out there and is worth shopping around for the best deal.  If you follow my suggestions, I think you are well on your way to owning a great notebook (laptop) computer.