Consumer’s Guide to Consumer’s Guide to LaptopsLaptops

What Kind of Notebook is Right for What Kind of Notebook is Right for MeMe??

Challenge: right specifications for needs Challenge: right specifications for needs and budget.and budget.

It is essential to understand the It is essential to understand the technical specificationstechnical specifications describing the describing the computer’s:computer’s:

ComponentsComponentsCapabilities Capabilities Special featuresSpecial features

Specifications You Need to KnowSpecifications You Need to Know

The right fit.The right fit. Microprocessors or CPUs.Microprocessors or CPUs. Random access memory or RAM.Random access memory or RAM. Storage devices.Storage devices. Sound systems.Sound systems. Display systems and video chips.Display systems and video chips. Input and pointing devices.Input and pointing devices. Power source. Power source. Getting connected.Getting connected. Planning for expansion.Planning for expansion. Accessories.Accessories.

The Right FitThe Right Fit

How do I find the right fit?How do I find the right fit?

Different Different shapesshapes and and sizessizes..

Tablet PC. Tablet PC. Ultraportable.Ultraportable. Thin-and-light.Thin-and-light. Mainstream Mainstream Desktop replacement.Desktop replacement.

The lightest and thinnest feels good on the The lightest and thinnest feels good on the shoulder, but shoulder, but maymay have to sacrifice the have to sacrifice the features. features.

For example, For example, manufacturers make slower manufacturers make slower processors to allow smaller batteries. processors to allow smaller batteries.

Tablet PCsTablet PCs

NEC Versa LitePad tablet PC NEC Versa LitePad tablet PC

These sit in your hands like a clipboard and have handwriting-recognition software.These sit in your hands like a clipboard and have handwriting-recognition software. Less than 4 pounds, some weigh as little as 2 pounds.Less than 4 pounds, some weigh as little as 2 pounds. All are compact with 12-inch digitized displays.All are compact with 12-inch digitized displays. Slower mobile processors, less memory, and smaller hard drives.Slower mobile processors, less memory, and smaller hard drives. No internal CD, CD-RW, or DVD drives with fewer ports.No internal CD, CD-RW, or DVD drives with fewer ports. Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition.Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition. Toshiba makes one that converts to a "normal" laptop with a keyboard. Toshiba makes one that converts to a "normal" laptop with a keyboard.

Ultraportables Ultraportables

Toshiba Portégé R100Toshiba Portégé R100

4 pounds or less.4 pounds or less. Less than 0.5 inches thick.Less than 0.5 inches thick. Small displays (12 inches or smaller).Small displays (12 inches or smaller). Same mobile processors, memory, and hard drives found in tablet Same mobile processors, memory, and hard drives found in tablet

PCs. PCs. No internal CD, CD-RW, or DVD drives with fewer ports.No internal CD, CD-RW, or DVD drives with fewer ports. Microsoft Windows XP Home or Professional.Microsoft Windows XP Home or Professional.

Thin-and-lightThin-and-light

IBM ThinkPad T seriesIBM ThinkPad T series

The best category in notebooks.The best category in notebooks. 4 to 6 pounds and less than 1 inch thick.4 to 6 pounds and less than 1 inch thick. Mid to large sized displaysMid to large sized displays Powerful mobile processors, lots of memory, spacious hard drives.Powerful mobile processors, lots of memory, spacious hard drives. Combo or swappable internal CD, CD-RW, or DVD drive with all Combo or swappable internal CD, CD-RW, or DVD drive with all

standard ports.standard ports. Microsoft Windows XP Home or Professional.Microsoft Windows XP Home or Professional.

Mainstream or Value NotebookMainstream or Value Notebook

Dell Inspiron 1100Dell Inspiron 1100

The mobile equivalent of a budget desktop PC. The mobile equivalent of a budget desktop PC. More than 1 inch thick with 14-inch display or larger.More than 1 inch thick with 14-inch display or larger. Value mobile processors, base amounts of memory, and small hard Value mobile processors, base amounts of memory, and small hard

drives.drives. Two fixed or swappable internal drives for floppy, CD, CD-RW, or Two fixed or swappable internal drives for floppy, CD, CD-RW, or

DVD drives with all standard ports.DVD drives with all standard ports. Microsoft Windows XP Home edition.Microsoft Windows XP Home edition.

Desktop ReplacementDesktop Replacement

Compaq Presario 3000 Compaq Presario 3000

7 pounds or more.7 pounds or more. Well over 1 inch thick with 15-inch to 17-inch displays.Well over 1 inch thick with 15-inch to 17-inch displays. Fastest mobile or desktop processors, most memory, and largest hard Fastest mobile or desktop processors, most memory, and largest hard

drives available.drives available. Two swappable internal drive bays for floppy, CD, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD Two swappable internal drive bays for floppy, CD, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD

recordable.recordable. All standard ports and multimedia connectors, such as S-Video and All standard ports and multimedia connectors, such as S-Video and

FireWire.FireWire. Microsoft Windows XP Home or Professional.Microsoft Windows XP Home or Professional.

MicroprocessorsMicroprocessorsCPUCPU

Central Processing UnitCentral Processing UnitCPUCPU

The main control unit in The main control unit in a computer, consisting a computer, consisting of circuitry that of circuitry that executes instructions to executes instructions to process data.process data.

Factors Affecting CPU Factors Affecting CPU PerformancePerformance

CacheCache:: a special high-speed memory that a special high-speed memory that gives the CPU more rapid access to data.gives the CPU more rapid access to data.

Clock speedClock speed: : speed at which computer can speed at which computer can execute an instruction and is measured by execute an instruction and is measured by megahertz (MHz).megahertz (MHz).

Bus speedBus speed: : the channel or path between the channel or path between the components in a computer. the components in a computer.

Both typeBoth type and and speedspeed of a processor are of a processor are importantimportant..

Just  having a super fast CPU does Just  having a super fast CPU does NOT mean super fast computing power.NOT mean super fast computing power.

Other hardware and software have a Other hardware and software have a dramatic effect on the total speed and dramatic effect on the total speed and capabilities of the computer. capabilities of the computer. 

PowerPC: PowerPC: Macintosh software. Macintosh software.

x86 processors: x86 processors: Windows software.Windows software.

Product Families of CPUsProduct Families of CPUs

X86 ProcessorsX86 ProcessorsPentium processors belongs to the X86 Pentium processors belongs to the X86

family.family.

Most Pentium processors are Most Pentium processors are manufactured by Intel.manufactured by Intel.

Some “work-alike” processors are Some “work-alike” processors are manufactured by AMD.manufactured by AMD.

Intel vs. AMDIntel vs. AMD Both Intel and AMD are CPUs manufacturing Both Intel and AMD are CPUs manufacturing

companies.companies.

It is difficult to simply compare Intel and AMD It is difficult to simply compare Intel and AMD as as each has its own line, and even give such vital each has its own line, and even give such vital statistics, such as processor speed, in different statistics, such as processor speed, in different terms. terms.

Generally, Generally, Intel is maintaining the performance Intel is maintaining the performance leadership over AMD in terms of both clock leadership over AMD in terms of both clock speed and overall performance.speed and overall performance.

Intel ProcessorsIntel Processors

Intel Pentium.Intel Pentium.

Intel Celeron.Intel Celeron.

Intel Centrino.Intel Centrino.

Intel PentiumIntel Pentium

Pentium 4 processors Pentium 4 processors have the higher speed have the higher speed ratings.ratings.

If you  do serious graphic If you  do serious graphic work or network work or network accounting  and run 5 or accounting  and run 5 or 6 programs at the same 6 programs at the same time, then you need to go time, then you need to go with the Pentium 4 to get with the Pentium 4 to get high clock speeds and high clock speeds and fast system bus. fast system bus.

Intel CeleronIntel Celeron The Celeron chip is based on a The Celeron chip is based on a

Pentium  core where the Pentium  core where the similarity ends here. similarity ends here.

The other components are The other components are significantly scaled down. significantly scaled down.

If all you do is check e-mail, If all you do is check e-mail, browse the Web, create odd browse the Web, create odd document or spreadsheet, the document or spreadsheet, the Celeron processor is fine, and Celeron processor is fine, and the price difference can save the price difference can save you a lot of money. you a lot of money. 

Intel Centrino™ Intel Centrino™ Mobile Mobile TechnologyTechnology

It is not a specific component It is not a specific component of a laptop such as the screen of a laptop such as the screen or processor, but a group of or processor, but a group of three components that will three components that will deliver:deliver: performanceperformance extended battery lifeextended battery life wireless connectivitywireless connectivity

Centrino™Centrino™ ComponentsComponents1.1. Intel Pentium M ProcessorIntel Pentium M Processor

Designed to be a mobile processor, this means great Designed to be a mobile processor, this means great power saving ability without sacrificing performance.power saving ability without sacrificing performance.

2. Intel 915 Express and 855 Chipsets2. Intel 915 Express and 855 ChipsetsThe chipsets are highly optimized to save power and are The chipsets are highly optimized to save power and are designed to take advantage of all the great power saving designed to take advantage of all the great power saving features of the Pentium M.features of the Pentium M.

3. Intel PRO/Wireless Networking Card3. Intel PRO/Wireless Networking Card A Wi-Fi network card with power saving design in the form A Wi-Fi network card with power saving design in the form of five selectable power states that let you choose of five selectable power states that let you choose between battery life and performance. between battery life and performance.

The new Pentium M with Centrino technology has a The new Pentium M with Centrino technology has a slower slower ratedrated speed but actually performs on a par with speed but actually performs on a par with other processors.other processors.

for example a Pentium 4 processor with a speed of 2.4 for example a Pentium 4 processor with a speed of 2.4 GHz and a Pentium M at 1.4 GHz earned the same GHz and a Pentium M at 1.4 GHz earned the same speed score in many tests. speed score in many tests.

Notebooks based on the Intel Centrino Mobile Notebooks based on the Intel Centrino Mobile Technology are slimmer, lighter, last longer, better Technology are slimmer, lighter, last longer, better performance and wirelessly enabled. performance and wirelessly enabled.

Intel Intel Centrino™Centrino™ represents Intel’s best technologies for represents Intel’s best technologies for notebooks.notebooks.

Random-AccessRandom-Access Memory Memory

RAMRAM

Random-Access MemoryRandom-Access MemoryRAMRAM

It is the physical memory where computers store It is the physical memory where computers store currentlycurrently running applications and data. running applications and data.

Laptop memory modules are similar to the ones used on Laptop memory modules are similar to the ones used on desktops (DIMM) but come in a smaller form called SO-desktops (DIMM) but come in a smaller form called SO-DIMM which stands for DIMM which stands for SSmall mall OOutline utline DDual ual IInline nline MMemory emory MModule.odule.

SO-DIMM SO-DIMM DIMM DIMM

There is also the limitation of only two slots There is also the limitation of only two slots compared to desktop systems which have three compared to desktop systems which have three or four slots to upgrade memory.or four slots to upgrade memory.

Laptops come with a 256 megabytes or more of Laptops come with a 256 megabytes or more of RAM and can be upgraded to 512 MB or even 1 RAM and can be upgraded to 512 MB or even 1 GB. GB.

To find out how much memory you'll need, take To find out how much memory you'll need, take into account your operating system and the into account your operating system and the applications that you plan to use. applications that you plan to use.

Always try to get as much RAM as you can Always try to get as much RAM as you can afford with your afford with your initialinitial purchase. purchase.

Storage DevicesStorage Devices1.1. Floppy Disk DrivesFloppy Disk Drives

Floppy Disk DrivesFloppy Disk Drives

A A diskette drivediskette drive is becoming so rare in is becoming so rare in all computers. all computers.

As an alternative, you can use a As an alternative, you can use a USB USB memory drivememory drive, which fits on a keychain , which fits on a keychain and holds as much data as many and holds as much data as many diskettes. diskettes.

Or you can save files on a writeable CD Or you can save files on a writeable CD or a camera memory card. or a camera memory card.

USB memory driveUSB memory drive

StorageStorage DevicesDevices

2.2. Hard Disk DrivesHard Disk DrivesHDDHDD

Factors Affecting HDD Factors Affecting HDD PerformancePerformance

2.2. Storage Capacity:Storage Capacity: Laptops use smaller drives for data storage due to Laptops use smaller drives for data storage due to

limited physical space and this limits storage limited physical space and this limits storage capacity.capacity.

Fortunately technology is catching up and there are Fortunately technology is catching up and there are laptop hard drives with capacities of 30 GB to 160 laptop hard drives with capacities of 30 GB to 160 GB. GB.

When deciding how big of a hard drive you need When deciding how big of a hard drive you need consider how much data you store. Generally, you'll consider how much data you store. Generally, you'll need only a 30GB or 40GB drive unless you store need only a 30GB or 40GB drive unless you store lots of movies or tons of pictures. lots of movies or tons of pictures.

Factors Affecting HDD Factors Affecting HDD PerformancePerformance

2.2. Rotational Speed:Rotational Speed: Manufacturers have to consider battery usage and Manufacturers have to consider battery usage and

noise so they make slower rotational speeds.noise so they make slower rotational speeds.

The faster the disk spins, the better your notebook The faster the disk spins, the better your notebook will perform overall.will perform overall.

A 5,400rpm notebook disk delivers significantly A 5,400rpm notebook disk delivers significantly faster performance than a 4,200rpm model. faster performance than a 4,200rpm model.

Look for drives that can spin at least 7,200 Look for drives that can spin at least 7,200 rpm. rpm.

Storage DevicesStorage Devices

3.3. CD-ROM and DVD DrivesCD-ROM and DVD Drives

You need You need at leastat least a CD-ROM drive to install software. a CD-ROM drive to install software.

CD-RW drive is a necessity these days to burn your own CD-RW drive is a necessity these days to burn your own CDs. CDs.

For watching movies and playing monster games, For watching movies and playing monster games, consider a CD-RW drive that doubles as a DVD drive. consider a CD-RW drive that doubles as a DVD drive.

DVD-rewritable drives, which can store up to 4.7GB on DVD-rewritable drives, which can store up to 4.7GB on one disk are now available. But unless you need to store one disk are now available. But unless you need to store huge files, such as movies, you may not need the more huge files, such as movies, you may not need the more expensive DVD-RW drives.expensive DVD-RW drives.

CD-ROM and DVD DrivesCD-ROM and DVD Drives

Swappable vs. FixedSwappable vs. Fixed

A A swappable drive swappable drive bay bay gives you some gives you some flexibility. For flexibility. For instance, you can pull instance, you can pull out the DVD-ROM out the DVD-ROM drive and swap in a drive and swap in a second battery. second battery.

Storage DevicesStorage Devices

4.4. External DrivesExternal Drives

External DrivesExternal Drives

Storage and media-burning options that hook up Storage and media-burning options that hook up to your notebook via cable through the to your notebook via cable through the notebook’s USB or FireWire connector.notebook’s USB or FireWire connector.

Come in many shapes and sizes. Come in many shapes and sizes.

Drive choices include external floppy, CD-ROM, Drive choices include external floppy, CD-ROM, combo DVD/CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RW, hard combo DVD/CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RW, hard drive, USB memory drives, and others. drive, USB memory drives, and others.

Many notebook users don't need external Many notebook users don't need external drives.drives.

Ultraportable notebooks rely on external Ultraportable notebooks rely on external USB drives because they include neither USB drives because they include neither fixed nor swapped optical drives.fixed nor swapped optical drives.

Sound SystemsSound Systems

The small The small speakersspeakers built into laptops often built into laptops often sound tinny, with little bass. Headphones or sound tinny, with little bass. Headphones or external speakers deliver much better sound. external speakers deliver much better sound.

Any laptop specifically designed for Any laptop specifically designed for multimediamultimedia is sure to have above-average audio is sure to have above-average audio capabilities.capabilities.

brand-name built-in speaker system is a boast.brand-name built-in speaker system is a boast.

Advanced speaker capability is an obvious plus, Advanced speaker capability is an obvious plus, too. For example, the Dell Inspiron XPS actually too. For example, the Dell Inspiron XPS actually has a built-in subwoofer.has a built-in subwoofer.

Display SystemsDisplay Systems

Terms Associated with Laptop Terms Associated with Laptop ScreenScreen

LCDLCDIt stands for Liquid Crystal Display. It stands for Liquid Crystal Display. LCD's are found in countless gadgets that require a LCD's are found in countless gadgets that require a small or flat screens such as cell phones, computer small or flat screens such as cell phones, computer monitors, etc.monitors, etc.

TFTTFTStands for Thin Film Transistor, also referred to as active Stands for Thin Film Transistor, also referred to as active matrix. It has become the standard for bright and colorful matrix. It has become the standard for bright and colorful computer screens. TFT screens are designed to run at a computer screens. TFT screens are designed to run at a specific native resolution and provide the best clarity or specific native resolution and provide the best clarity or sharpness at that resolution.sharpness at that resolution.

The differences between different screens are The differences between different screens are related to both resolution and aspect ratio. related to both resolution and aspect ratio.

All the “XGA” terms represent the All the “XGA” terms represent the screen screen native native resolutionresolution, meaning what resolution the screen , meaning what resolution the screen works and looks best at.works and looks best at.

XGAXGA

This means the screen has a native resolution of This means the screen has a native resolution of 1024x768, which is the most common resolution on 1024x768, which is the most common resolution on modern laptops and found on many different size modern laptops and found on many different size screens. (12 inch, 14 inch, etc)screens. (12 inch, 14 inch, etc)

SXGASXGANative resolution of 1280x1024. Nice large area to work Native resolution of 1280x1024. Nice large area to work with, aspect ratio is a little different at 5:4 instead of with, aspect ratio is a little different at 5:4 instead of standard 4:3.standard 4:3.

SXGA+SXGA+Native resolution of 1400x1050. Great for working on Native resolution of 1400x1050. Great for working on spreadsheets and other tasks where having a larger spreadsheets and other tasks where having a larger area is nice to have. area is nice to have.

UXGAUXGANative resolution of 1600x1200. This is featured on Native resolution of 1600x1200. This is featured on mainly high end laptops which have medium to large mainly high end laptops which have medium to large screens (15.4 inch or greater). Like SXGA+ this screens (15.4 inch or greater). Like SXGA+ this resolution is great for when you need to see more of the resolution is great for when you need to see more of the screen at once such as with spreadsheets or editing screen at once such as with spreadsheets or editing large photos, etc.large photos, etc.

WXGAWXGA

The native resolution can vary The native resolution can vary depending on the size of the depending on the size of the screen. WXGA basically means screen. WXGA basically means wide screenwide screen, the aspect ratio is , the aspect ratio is 16:9 or 16:10 versus the more box 16:9 or 16:10 versus the more box like 4:3 aspect ratio of a standard like 4:3 aspect ratio of a standard laptop. laptop.

If you're a movie fanatic who wants If you're a movie fanatic who wants to watch that great DVD collection to watch that great DVD collection then you may want to take a look then you may want to take a look at laptop computers with this type at laptop computers with this type of screen. of screen.

There are variations on this such There are variations on this such as WSXGA or WUXGA which are as WSXGA or WUXGA which are wide screen versions of the higher wide screen versions of the higher resolution modes.resolution modes.

Laptop with standard 4:3 aspect Laptop with standard 4:3 aspect ratio screenratio screen

Laptop with WXGA 16:9 or 16:10 Laptop with WXGA 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio wide screenaspect ratio wide screen

Comparing Notebook DisplaysComparing Notebook Displays

Laptop computer screens are measured Laptop computer screens are measured diagonally from the corners. diagonally from the corners.

A 14- to 15-inch displayA 14- to 15-inch display should suit most people. should suit most people. Larger models have a 16- or 17-inch display. Larger models have a 16- or 17-inch display.

The higher the resolution is, the better viewing of The higher the resolution is, the better viewing of the fine detail in photographs or video, but the fine detail in photographs or video, but objects may shrink on the screen. objects may shrink on the screen.

Laptop Video Cards and 3D Laptop Video Cards and 3D OptionsOptions

Even though this section relates mainly to Even though this section relates mainly to people who like playing 3D games, it is also people who like playing 3D games, it is also important to know what you're buying so you important to know what you're buying so you don't have to spend that extra SR400 to SR1000 don't have to spend that extra SR400 to SR1000 premium for a top of the line graphics processor premium for a top of the line graphics processor in your laptop if you don't need it.in your laptop if you don't need it.

If you don't plan to play 3D games on your If you don't plan to play 3D games on your laptop then it shouldn't really matter what laptop then it shouldn't really matter what graphics chip you get with your laptop as most graphics chip you get with your laptop as most current models are more than adequate for all current models are more than adequate for all applications that don't require 3D acceleration.applications that don't require 3D acceleration.

Available 3D Capable Video Chips in Available 3D Capable Video Chips in Laptops.Laptops.

Nvidia Geforce.Nvidia Geforce.

ATI Mobility Radeon. ATI Mobility Radeon.

There are many other types of video chips There are many other types of video chips available, but these are the best because available, but these are the best because they offer great all around performance they offer great all around performance whether you play games, like to watch whether you play games, like to watch movies or edit video and photos. movies or edit video and photos.

PowerPlay by ATI and Powermizer by PowerPlay by ATI and Powermizer by Nvidia are power saving technologies for Nvidia are power saving technologies for the graphics processor similar to the main the graphics processor similar to the main CPU of the laptop. CPU of the laptop.

Besides scaling the clock speed and Besides scaling the clock speed and voltage they can also turn off idle parts of voltage they can also turn off idle parts of the chip. Powermizer 4.0 can even adjust the chip. Powermizer 4.0 can even adjust brightness of your screen based on user brightness of your screen based on user preferences and activities.preferences and activities.

Input DevicesInput Devices

1.1. KeyboardKeyboard::

A laptop's A laptop's keyboardkeyboard can be quite different from can be quite different from that of a desktop computer.that of a desktop computer.

The keys themselves may be full-sized but they The keys themselves may be full-sized but they may not feel as solid. may not feel as solid.

Some laptops have extra buttons to facilitate Some laptops have extra buttons to facilitate your access to e-mail or a Web browser or to your access to e-mail or a Web browser or to control DVD playback. control DVD playback.

2.2. Mouse:Mouse:

Most laptops use a small Most laptops use a small touch-sensitive touch-sensitive padpad where you drag your finger across where you drag your finger across the pad to move the cursor. It also allows the pad to move the cursor. It also allows you to "click" or to scroll through the you to "click" or to scroll through the screen.screen.

It needs some practice but there is little It needs some practice but there is little chance of any mechanical malfunction chance of any mechanical malfunction because no moving parts. because no moving parts.

very desirable from an ergonomic very desirable from an ergonomic standpoint. standpoint.

An alternative pointing system uses a An alternative pointing system uses a pointing stickpointing stick which is pencil-eraser-sized which is pencil-eraser-sized joystick in the middle of the keyboard. joystick in the middle of the keyboard.

Notebooks’ Power SourcesNotebooks’ Power Sources

Considerations for Notebook Power Considerations for Notebook Power SourcesSources

The best part of having a laptop is the mobility, which of The best part of having a laptop is the mobility, which of course requires battery power. course requires battery power.

Virtually every type of laptop battery relies on one of two Virtually every type of laptop battery relies on one of two technologies: Lithium-Ion or Nickel-Metal Hydride technologies: Lithium-Ion or Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH).(NiMH).

Lithium-Ion batteries can hold a longer charge per Lithium-Ion batteries can hold a longer charge per pound, can be recharged more times before they’re pound, can be recharged more times before they’re ready for recycling, and are more expensive. ready for recycling, and are more expensive.

Getting ConnectedGetting Connected

1- Modem Connection1- Modem Connection Modem is a basic built-in component Modem is a basic built-in component in most laptops today.in most laptops today.

2- Ethernet Connection2- Ethernet ConnectionEthernet is the standard for cabled Ethernet is the standard for cabled networking. go with a built-in Ethernet networking. go with a built-in Ethernet connection. Sooner or later, you’ll be connection. Sooner or later, you’ll be glad you did. glad you did.

3- Wireless Connection3- Wireless ConnectionToday the biggest buzz in networking Today the biggest buzz in networking is around Wi-Fi. Short for Wireless is around Wi-Fi. Short for Wireless Fidelity. They’re especially useful for Fidelity. They’re especially useful for connecting multiple computers to the connecting multiple computers to the same cable or DSL connection at same cable or DSL connection at home. Wi-Fi hotspots are on the rise. home. Wi-Fi hotspots are on the rise.

Expanding a LaptopExpanding a Laptop

Expanding a LaptopExpanding a Laptop Some laptops include at Some laptops include at

least one least one PC-card slotPC-card slot for for expansion that might be expansion that might be used for added wireless used for added wireless network card or a digital-network card or a digital-camera memory-card reader, camera memory-card reader, for example. for example.

Some laptops offer a Some laptops offer a connection for a connection for a docking docking station or port replicatorsstation or port replicators that makes it easy to connect that makes it easy to connect an external monitor, an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, or keyboard, mouse, printer, or phone line. phone line.

Most laptops let you attach these devices anyway, without the Most laptops let you attach these devices anyway, without the docking station. docking station.

Firewire and USB 2.0 support can be found side by side on laptops Firewire and USB 2.0 support can be found side by side on laptops these days, when it comes to performance they are about the same these days, when it comes to performance they are about the same with firewire leading in terms of throughput and less CPU utilization. with firewire leading in terms of throughput and less CPU utilization.

USB is very useful because virtually every type of external device USB is very useful because virtually every type of external device now comes in a USB version. now comes in a USB version.

An An infrared portinfrared port and/or and/or bluetooth port bluetooth port can be used for can be used for wireless data transfer.wireless data transfer.

VGA ports are used to connect a standard monitor and data VGA ports are used to connect a standard monitor and data projectors to the laptop. projectors to the laptop.

S-Video ports are used to hook the laptop into an A/V system that S-Video ports are used to hook the laptop into an A/V system that wasn’t designed for computers - for example, TV.wasn’t designed for computers - for example, TV.

Parallel port is used to hook older printers.Parallel port is used to hook older printers.

Notebook AccessoriesNotebook Accessories

1.1. External USB Mouse or TrackballExternal USB Mouse or Trackball

A regular USB or wireless mouse could A regular USB or wireless mouse could be used instead of the touch pad provided be used instead of the touch pad provided that you work on flat surfaces.that you work on flat surfaces.

2.2. External keyboardExternal keyboard

You can attach an external USB or wireless You can attach an external USB or wireless keyboard to your laptop, which you may find keyboard to your laptop, which you may find easier to use. easier to use.

3.3. Number KeypadNumber Keypad

Laptops’ keyboards don't include the Laptops’ keyboards don't include the number keypad found on the right side of number keypad found on the right side of a standard keyboard. You may want an a standard keyboard. You may want an external keypad if you do work which external keypad if you do work which involves a lot of number entry.involves a lot of number entry.

4.4. USB Flash Pen DriveUSB Flash Pen Drive

Known as Thumb drives. Used to Known as Thumb drives. Used to store data off of your computer .store data off of your computer .

5.5.

USB Notebook LightUSB Notebook Light

A little light source that plugs into A little light source that plugs into your USB port to illuminate your your USB port to illuminate your keyboard in the dark. keyboard in the dark.

6.6. CAT5 Network CableCAT5 Network Cable

Used to connect to a network that Used to connect to a network that doesn't have wireless access (or if doesn't have wireless access (or if you don't have a wireless adapter), 5 you don't have a wireless adapter), 5 to 10 feet is all you should need.to 10 feet is all you should need.

7.7. Laptop Carrying Case or Laptop Carrying Case or Bag:Bag:

Protect the laptop from scratches Protect the laptop from scratches and pumps.and pumps.

Easier to carry.Easier to carry. Have space for accessories, CD’s Have space for accessories, CD’s

and DVD’s.and DVD’s. There are many different sizes and There are many different sizes and

types of cases so you can get a types of cases so you can get a one with a more professional one with a more professional briefcase look or a backpack type briefcase look or a backpack type case, some are even waterproof.case, some are even waterproof.

Laptop ChecklistLaptop Checklist

I have this much to spend: I have this much to spend: __________________

I want this operating system: I want this operating system: __Windows     ___ Macintosh__Windows     ___ Macintosh

I prefer a processor from: I prefer a processor from: ___ Intel     ___ AMD     ___ Transmeta___ Intel     ___ AMD     ___ Transmeta

I want this weight laptop: I want this weight laptop: __ Tablet    __ ultraportable    __ Thin and light     __ Tablet    __ ultraportable    __ Thin and light     __ mainstream __desktop replacement__ mainstream __desktop replacement

I want this size display:I want this size display:__ Under 15”     __ 15-17”   __ 17” or More__ Under 15”     __ 15-17”   __ 17” or More

For a pointing device, I prefer: For a pointing device, I prefer: __ Touchpad     ___ Eraser Nub__ Touchpad     ___ Eraser Nub

I need this much hard drive:I need this much hard drive:___ smaller ___ bigger___ smaller ___ bigger

I expect to need a floppy drive: I expect to need a floppy drive: ___ yes     ___ no___ yes     ___ no

A CD-RW/DVD combo drive will meet my needs:A CD-RW/DVD combo drive will meet my needs:___ yes      ___ no___ yes      ___ no

Based on my expected usage, I need this much RAM: Based on my expected usage, I need this much RAM: ___ 265MB     ___ 512 MB ___1G___ 265MB     ___ 512 MB ___1G

I will connect by: I will connect by: ___ Modem     ___ Wired Network     ___ Wireless Network___ Modem     ___ Wired Network     ___ Wireless Network(check all that apply)(check all that apply)

I will probably need a FireWire device for multimedia work: I will probably need a FireWire device for multimedia work: ___ yes     ___ no___ yes     ___ no

Sound quality is very important to me: Sound quality is very important to me: __ yes      ___ no__ yes      ___ no

I need my laptop to double as a desktop computer: I need my laptop to double as a desktop computer: ___ yes     ___ no___ yes     ___ no(yes indicates a need for a docking station/port (yes indicates a need for a docking station/port replicator)replicator)

Based on my expected usage, I need a battery type:Based on my expected usage, I need a battery type:___ Lithium Ion (high use)     ___ NiMH (low use)___ Lithium Ion (high use)     ___ NiMH (low use)

I can get by fine with a lower-end processor: I can get by fine with a lower-end processor: __ yes     ___ no__ yes     ___ no

Based on my expected usage, I need an extended Based on my expected usage, I need an extended warranty: warranty: __ yes     ___ no__ yes     ___ no

بخير انتم و عام كل و � بخير شكرا انتم و عام كل و � شكرا