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Book Corner
Purchase Power: How to Select a Laptop
November 2005
(SmartPros)
While spending on security and storage will level off in 2006, mobile devices will become a major purchasing priority, according to research from Gartner Inc., which shows U.S. organizations plan to increase IT spending by 5.5 percent in 2006.
- Get Intel's latest Centrino-brand chip platform, code-named Sonoma, which is faster speeds.
- Get at least 512 megabytes of memory. Don't worry much about processor speed.
- Buy as much hard-drive capacity as you can afford.
- Make sure your computer has multiple USB 2.0 ports, and slots for the memory cards used in cameras.
- On Windows laptops, security is crucial. Make sure that you get the more secure SP2 version of Windows XP and that you immediately install anti-virus, anti-spam, anti-spyware, anti-popup and firewall software. If you plan to use your laptop in public wireless hot spots, take the time to enable its wireless security features.
Specifically, the following dimensions must be weighed:
- Size and weight. There are several classes of laptops. At the light end are machines weighing just 2 pounds to 4 pounds. These models are designed for mobility and are meant to complement a desktop PC. They are very thin and have screens of 12 inches or less. In the middle are laptops weighing from 4 pounds to 7 pounds. These models can serve as desktop replacements but can also be toted on trips. They typically have 14-inch or 15-inch screens.
- Windows or Mac. Most laptop buyers will go for Windows machines and Apple's iBooks.
- Processor. If you want the best combination of power and battery life from your Windows laptop, get one that uses Intel's power-saving Pentium M processor. These chips are included in models bearing the Centrino label, offered by manufacturers. But they are also available in some non-Centrino models that use different wireless chips. Don't pay extra for faster processor speeds. Even the slowest laptop processors can handily perform the most common computing tasks.
- Battery life. Insist on a laptop that can run for at least three hours on its standard battery. Some models can do much better.
- Screen and keyboard. Try to test laptops in stores to ensure you like their screens and keyboards. You don't need a huge screen if you can get one with high resolution.
- Wireless Networking. Built-in Wi-Fi networking is a must. Buy a laptop with the newer "g" version. Wireless reception capabilities vary in laptops because of different antenna and case designs. If you plan to use your cell phone as a modem or to synchronize data with a cell phone or PDA, make sure your laptop has another type of wireless networking, called Bluetooth.
The Vest Pocket Guide to Information Technology, is available at Wiley.com. Save 20%: Use discount code aff20 at checkout.
2005 John Wiley & Sons. Excerpted with permission.
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