Notebook Spec

Notebook , Computer , UMPC and hardware Spec

Notebook
Roberto Sedycias asked:


The significance of notebooks or laptops is increasingly growing in the modern life. The modern-day business has witnessed a phenomenal turn-around at the present moment. Given the hectic schedules and jam-packed daily routines, it has become virtually impossible for almost anyone to perform their activities being rooted to one particular place or work-station. The frequent movements of numerous businessmen from place to another have made them to carry a notebook or laptop in order to perform their business activities, even during traveling.

Notebook refers to a light-weight personal computer which is small in size and conveniently portable. A notebook is usually battery or AC operated personal computer smaller than a briefcase, which can be easily used and carried along in places such as airplane flights, libraries, temporary offices, and at meetings. A notebook is famously known as `Laptop` which typically weighs less than 7 pounds (3 kg) and is about 3 inches in thickness. Some renowned brands associated with the manufacturing of notebooks are IBM, , , , Toshiba, and Hewlett-Packard among others.

One of the most remarkable differences between a notebook and personal computer is the `Display Screen` - notebook computers use a variety of technologies known as `Flat-panel technologies` to produce a light-weight and non-bulky display screen. The display screen of many notebooks is limited to . However, notebook computers have one minor drawback - the notebook monitors that use `Active- Screens` and produce very images, do not refresh as quickly as the full- of desktop computers.

When it comes to the computing power, the contemporary notebooks are almost equivalent to the personal desktop computers. Typically, the notebooks computers come with a battery pack which enables you to run them without plugging them in. However, their batteries require recharging at a regular interval. Besides, the laptops have the same CPUs, memory capacity and, disk drives as incase of personal desktop computers. Not surprisingly, the laptop computers or notebooks, as they say it, are much more expensive than their bulky counterparts.

Notebooks or Laptops are manufactured in different designs, sizes, weights and memory capacities. The following are some of the main categories of notebook computers which are produced by some recognized companies:

Ultra-portables:

Ultra-portables are laptops with screen-size less than 12 inches and weight of less than 4 pounds (1.7 kg) These laptops do not normally have full-size keyboards. Primarily, it is the business travelers who need ultra-portables because they are small and light. Ultra-portable are very expensive, have extendable battery, power-saving CPUs and integrated graphics.

Thin & Lights:

This breed of laptops, by and large, weighs between 4 and 6 pounds (1.8 and 2.8 kg) and with a screen-size of 12 to 14 inches. Notebooks of this category are manufactured by , Computer and among others.

Medium-sized Laptops:

Medium-sized laptops usually have a screen-size of 14 to 16 inches and a weight of around 7 to 9 pounds (3 to 4 kg). The length and width of these medium-size laptops are generally decided by their screen-size. However, these medium-sized notebooks have relatively less computing power due to their smaller dimensions and longer battery life.

Desktop Replacement Computers:

This edition of notebook computers is chiefly used in a fixed location and not easily portable due to their heavy weight and bulky size. Their screen-size typically measures from 17 to 20 inches. Moreover, desktop replacement computers have limited battery life barely exceeding 3 hours. This is because the hardware is not optimized for efficient power usage.

Notebooks have really become very popular computer hardware. Its portability and affordable prices seem to be very attractive to business executives, and everyone else, who seem to be on the move all the time. As businesses become more globalized, notebooks become a must-have tool item for everyone who wants to be successful.

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Posted by Nikhil Gupta
26
Jan

Notebook Purchase Review

Posted by noxil in Notebook and Keywords: , , , , , , , ,
Notebook
Roberto Sedycias asked:


In the early nineties few people could image the impact that notebook would have in the computer industry. Its unique portability made the notebook a product in a class by itself. Soon, it became a must-have product, to those who were constantly moving from office, home or school. Nowadays, it is one of the best selling computer hardware items of all times.

With a Notebook, you can carry your work around conveniently, without having to worry about the myriads of wires, hardware and space needed to keep a desktop. Also, you can choose whether to work from office or home. A Notebook is really handy in any situation.

Portability and mobility are the great advantages of having a Notebook, or laptop. In your Internet search prior to buying a Notebook, you will be presented with a great variety and quantity of information. This can be quite bewildering, so you have to know what features you need in a Notebook.

Upgradabeality is an important consideration: the Notebook you choose now may be the one best suited to your current needs; but in future, you may find it necessary to upgrade it. You will not want to invest valuable time and money in purchasing a Notebook which you will have to discard or sell off in the near future, because of what you might feel as the inadequacy of your current one. When you consider upgradabeality, you have to think of memory or RAM, and hard disk space.

The CPU, or Processor, is the engine which will drive your Notebook`s performance. So you should choose the that is available, depending on your budget and on what you will be using the Notebook for. Tasks like word processing, emailing and surfing the Net do not require a fast CPU. But using CPU intensive applications, such as processing spreadsheets or playing games will work better with a fast CPU.

The RAM, or memory is another important feature, and the more memory you have, the better. Your Notebook`s performance will be greatly affected if you do not have sufficient memory. The minimum recommended these days is 1 Gigabyte of memory. Some experts recommend a minimum of 2 Gigabytes. The more memory you have, the better the performance and multitasking you can expect from your Notebook.

The speed and capacity of the hard disk of your Notebook are important, for this is where you will install all your software and your data (documents, database, photos etc). Make sure that you have enough room to store all your information which can be readily accessed. 40 Gigabytes of hard disk space is considered the minimum these days. Consider getting a Notebook with 80 Gigabytes of disk space.

Do note that Notebooks are now using processors, which means that if you have a hard disk with sufficient disk space, you can partition your disk drive and install both Mac software and Windows software, and switch between the two.

You also have to consider the screen of your Notebook, for this is what you are going to be staring at, and you have to be happy with its resolution and size. You will want a crisp, bright screen with good viewing, especially for photos. You can go and look at different screens at a local electronics store, and try to figure out which size and resolution you like best. Just be sure that the screen is an Active one and not Passive .

The other features you will be looking at to connect to your Notebook are external devices such as a mouse, printer, portable disk drive, scanner etc. Good luck!



Posted by Nikhil Gupta
Notebook
Paul E Steinberg asked:


Your current notebook may meet your needs quite adequately when it comes to word processing and e-mail. But if you want to expand into digital photography, create your own music CDs or home movie DVDs, get into more elaborate gaming, or surf the internet in more places using broadband, it might be time to buy a new notebook. This article will explain to you some of the features to consider in buying your next notebook. It will explain: Processor, Operating System, Memory, Size and Weight, Display, CD/DVD Writer Drives, USB 2.0, IEEE 1394 Firewire, Network Interface Card (NIC), and Wireless.

Processor

The processor is the “engine” in your computer. I recommend buying a new notebook with a processor speed of atleast 2.0 GHz. You can take advantage of several new processor technologies by replacing your old system. ’s Turion 64 X2 and ’s Core 2 Duo processors both offer significant gains in performance over previous generations. Since the processor is the “engine” of the , these latest versions give you a much-improved experience across a wide range of activities, such as web surfing over broadband connections, 3-D gaming, printing digital photographs, and making videos and music.

Operating System

® Windows® Vista lets you get things done, stay connected, and enjoy a variety of entertainment in a secure environment. Choose from Windows Vista Home Basic, Home Premium, Business or Ultimate. You may still have certain applications, particularly business, that are not Vista compatible . If that is the case then there is a way to be able to dual boot your computer with the option of either Vista or XP which can be found.

Memory

I recommend buying a new notebook with a minimum of 2GB of Ram. Many mainstream notebooks now offer DDR SDRAM memory, which provides much higher bandwidth, and therefore better , than older SDRAM technology. You get a better PC experience regardless of which applications you use.

Size and Weight

Notebook computers come in a wide variety of sizes and weights, with most at about 14 x 10 x13 and 5-8 lbs. They range from ultraportable notebooks that weigh as little as 3.00 lbs to powerhouse desktop replacements. When choosing a new laptop, consider the ways you’ll use it most of the time. If you’re using it to replace a desktop computer, a larger, high-end notebook will give you the most versatility and expandability. A few extra pounds won’t make a significant difference if you’re moving it around your home or office. If you’re looking for something to supplement a desktop computer or if you travel a lot, consider a smaller notebook.

Display

In recent years, Active (or TFT, thin film transistor) displays have become the most popular because of their bright, vivid images that can be viewed from any angle. The most common notebook screen sizes are 14.13 and 15.43, though some ultra-portable models have screens as small as 12.13 or 13.3″. The midrange screens are generally satisfactory and easy on the eyes, but if you’ll use your notebook primarily as a desktop replacement or for PowerPoint presentations on the road, choose a 15.43 or larger screen. The higher the resolution, the more information can be displayed and the sharper the definition and color. If your budget permits, shoot for a minimum of a 12.13 active display capable of WXGA resolution.

CD-Writer Drive (DVD/CD-RW)

A CD-RW is great for backing up data, saving digital photos, and creating mixed-music CDs. A single CD-R disc gives you up to 650MB of storage (equal to 451 floppies). Plus, this combo drive allows you to play movies.

DVD-Writer Drive (DVD +/-R/RW)

I recommend going with a Blue Ray Drive for the High Definition DVD Drive in your new note book computer. A DVD writer and companion software let you create interactive DVD movies viewable on most DVD players or DVD-ROM drives. Edit and enhance your home videos, add music or special effects, and burn all your great content onto DVD for future enjoyment. On a single long-lasting, rewritable DVD disc you can store up to seven times more information than you can on a CD. For enhanced entertainment, choose the Lightscribe option, which allows you to label discs by burning silkscreen-quality graphics on them.

USB 2.0

Great for digital photography enthusiasts, USB 2.0 ports allow you to connect to devices such as digital cameras, scanners, and printers, and transfer files up to 40 times faster than with USB 1.1-standard devices (if the devices support USB 2.0). USB 2.0 is also backward-compatible and can be used with devices featuring USB 1.1.

IEEE 1394 (FireWire)

Want to create home movies on your notebook? An IEEE 1394 port allows you to quickly move digital videos from your digital camcorder to your notebook, where you can edit them and produce the perfect home movie.

Network Interface Card

Most notebooks now come with integrated network interface cards. Not only do these give you a direct network connection, but they let you connect to the latest modems, such as high-speed DSL and cable modems, without having to purchase or install a separate card.

Wireless

Since one of the main advantages of a notebook is being able to pick it up and go, wireless technology has become a key benefit of high-end notebooks. Wireless capability allows you to avoid continually connecting and disconnecting cables in order to access the Web, synchronize with your handheld, print a document, or use another peripheral by ensuring that your notebook is ready for the wireless world. For even more wireless flexibility, choose a Broadband wireless option to work wirelessly without the hassle of finding Wi-Fi hotspots.



Posted by Nikhil Gupta
Notebook computer
Paul E Steinberg asked:


Your current notebook may meet your needs quite adequately when it comes to word processing and e-mail. But if you want to expand into digital photography, create your own music CDs or home movie DVDs, get into more elaborate gaming, or surf the internet in more places using broadband, it might be time to buy a new notebook. This article will explain to you some of the features to consider in buying your next notebook. It will explain: Processor, Operating System, Memory, Size and Weight, Display, CD/DVD Writer Drives, USB 2.0, IEEE 1394 Firewire, Network Interface Card (NIC), and Wireless.

Processor

The processor is the “engine” in your computer. I recommend buying a new notebook with a processor speed of atleast 2.0 GHz. You can take advantage of several new processor technologies by replacing your old system. AMD’s Turion 64 X2 mobile technology and ’s Core 2 Duo processors both offer significant gains in performance over previous generations. Since the processor is the “engine” of the , these latest versions give you a much-improved experience across a wide range of activities, such as web surfing over broadband connections, 3-D gaming, printing , and making videos and music.

Operating System

® Windows® Vista lets you get things done, stay connected, and enjoy a variety of entertainment in a secure environment. Choose from Windows Vista Home Basic, Home Premium, Business or Ultimate. You may still have certain applications, particularly business, that are not Vista compatible . If that is the case then there is a way to be able to dual boot your computer with the option of either Vista or XP which can be found.

Memory

I recommend buying a new notebook with a minimum of 2GB of Ram. Many mainstream notebooks now offer DDR SDRAM memory, which provides much higher bandwidth, and therefore better , than older SDRAM technology. You get a better PC experience regardless of which applications you use.

Size and Weight

Notebook computers come in a wide variety of sizes and weights, with most at about 14 x 10 x13 and 5-8 lbs. They range from ultraportable notebooks that weigh as little as 3.00 lbs to powerhouse desktop replacements. When choosing a new laptop, consider the ways you’ll use it most of the time. If you’re using it to replace a desktop computer, a larger, high-end notebook will give you the most versatility and expandability. A few extra pounds won’t make a significant difference if you’re moving it around your home or office. If you’re looking for something to supplement a desktop computer or if you travel a lot, consider a smaller notebook.

Display

In recent years, Active (or TFT, thin film transistor) displays have become the most popular because of their bright, vivid images that can be viewed from any angle. The most common notebook screen sizes are 14.13 and 15.43, though some ultra-portable models have screens as small as 12.13 or 13.3″. The midrange screens are generally satisfactory and easy on the eyes, but if you’ll use your notebook primarily as a desktop replacement or for PowerPoint presentations on the road, choose a 15.43 or larger screen. The higher the resolution, the more information can be displayed and the sharper the definition and color. If your budget permits, shoot for a minimum of a 12.13 active display capable of WXGA resolution.

CD-Writer Drive (DVD/CD-RW)

A CD-RW is great for backing up data, saving digital photos, and creating mixed-music CDs. A single CD-R disc gives you up to 650MB of storage (equal to 451 floppies). Plus, this combo drive allows you to play movies.

DVD-Writer Drive (DVD +/-R/RW)

I recommend going with a Blue Ray Drive for the High Definition DVD Drive in your new note book computer. A DVD writer and companion software let you create interactive DVD movies viewable on most DVD players or DVD-ROM drives. Edit and enhance your home videos, add music or special effects, and burn all your great content onto DVD for future enjoyment. On a single long-lasting, rewritable DVD disc you can store up to seven times more information than you can on a CD. For enhanced entertainment, choose the Lightscribe option, which allows you to label discs by burning silkscreen-quality graphics on them.

USB 2.0

Great for digital photography enthusiasts, USB 2.0 ports allow you to connect to devices such as digital cameras, scanners, and printers, and transfer files up to 40 times faster than with USB 1.1-standard devices (if the devices support USB 2.0). USB 2.0 is also backward-compatible and can be used with devices featuring USB 1.1.

IEEE 1394 (FireWire)

Want to create home movies on your notebook? An IEEE 1394 port allows you to quickly move digital videos from your digital camcorder to your notebook, where you can edit them and produce the perfect home movie.

Network Interface Card

Most notebooks now come with integrated network interface cards. Not only do these give you a direct network connection, but they let you connect to the latest modems, such as high-speed DSL and cable modems, without having to purchase or install a separate card.

Wireless

Since one of the main advantages of a notebook is being able to pick it up and go, wireless technology has become a key benefit of high-end notebooks. Wireless capability allows you to avoid continually connecting and disconnecting cables in order to access the Web, synchronize with your handheld, print a document, or use another peripheral by ensuring that your notebook is ready for the wireless world. For even more wireless flexibility, choose a Broadband wireless option to work wirelessly without the hassle of finding Wi-Fi hotspots.



Posted by Nikhil Gupta