What kind of laptop do I need?
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Overview
Laptops and Notebooks are
often looked at as being the same, they are not. Notebook computers are designed
to provide mobile computing that isnt too heavy but still offers the power that
mobile users requires for work and smaller tasks. This portability comes at a
price. The level of miniaturization involved can make the higher end notebooks
quite expensive. While Notebooks offer reasonable power and extreme portability.
Laptops are capable of replacing an entire desktop PC while still offering
desktop performance in a mobile platform. A laptop is designed to be larger and
loaded with features and power.
Things to Consider
Size Notebooks usually have screens that measure 12 14 while
Laptops screens measure
between 14" 20. This increase in size also comes with an increase in weight.
Ultraportable Notebooks measuring 9-11" weigh 2-5 lbs.
Thin and light Notebooks measuring 11-15" weigh 5-7 lbs.
Desktop Replacement Laptops measuring 15-17 weigh more than 7 lbs.
High-End Laptops measuring 18-20 weigh more than 12 lbs.
Resolution As screens become larger, the resolution of the display increases
as well. A Higher Resolution provides you with more visible workspace and
improved visual clarity.
Ultraportable Notebooks measuring 9-11" display resolutions of 800x600 up to
1280 x 800
Thin and light Notebooks measuring 11-15" display resolutions of 1280 x 800 up
to 1920 x 1200
Desktop Replacements measuring 15-17 display resolutions of 1440 x 900 up to
1920 x 1200
High-End Laptops measuring 18-20 display resolutions of 1680 x 1050 up to
1920 x 1200
Power/Performance Notebook specifications are usually lower performance wise.
Because of this, they are not capable of handling multiple demanding tasks. That
is why they are used primarily for web browsing, checking email, listening to
music, typing and organizing documents, and watching videos. Notebooks also have
longer battery life due to being manufactured with low power consumption
components and chipsets. Laptops on the other hand tend to have higher specs and
as such perform a better while running demanding applications such as HD
content, Film and Photo editing, Gaming, and Graphic Design. A Laptops battery
life is not as long as a Notebooks because the components that they are built
from are built with performance in mind over energy efficiency.
Keyboard Notebooks have a compact keyboard with no dedicated number pad and
fewer extra feature keys and buttons. Laptops usually have a full keyboard with
a dedicated number pad and a wider range of extra feature keys and buttons.
Connectivity Laptops have more connectivity options than Notebooks. They are
usually equipped with more ports for connecting other devices.
So what Should I get?
You should get whichever one will best suit your needs. The guideline below
should help.
Ultraportable Notebooks Best suited for students. Its great for internet
surfing, checking e-mail, listening to music and typing papers.
Thin and light Notebooks Great for the student or business man and woman
that needs more power behind the software they are operating with.
Desktop Replacement Laptops - Those that use resource intensive programs such
as editing software or video games. These laptops pack more power but they also
weigh more too with might make them a pain to carry around.
High-End Laptops Built for speed and to handle the most demanding tasks such
as HD content editing and playback, 3D rendering and design, and Photo editing.