Notebook PCs / Laptop


Specialised portable computers

In addition to the common lightweight to desktop replacement notebook models we've already covered, there are a few other interesting shapes and sizes of portable computers plus specialised features on offer.


Ultraportable notebooks

A Sub Notebook PC

You may also come across a category of notebook called ultraportable notebooks. Around the 1.5kg-and-less mark, they come with a screen of small-to-medium size, and generally great performance. However, the price tag isn't always as lightweight. With ultraportable notebooks, most things (such as an external DVD writer) that aren't absolutely essential to the machine's operation can usually be detached and left at home or in the office, giving you the choice between functionality and portability.

Of course, some ultraportable notebooks are created more portable than others. Consider whether you want to sacrifice an extra 300g or 400g in favour of a larger screen or more ports and connectors. Also, check that you aren't giving up too much in exchange for portability, as the smaller keys on some ultraportable notebooks can make them difficult to use. Toshiba's Portege R500 and ASUS U1F machines are perfect examples, as are Sony's T-series VAIO machines and Fujitsu's Q2010.


Tablet PCs

A Tablet PC

Tablet PCs are just like a normal notebook but with a twist. There are two types of tablet PCs: the first are convertible models that can also function just like a normal (or "clamshell") notebook, complete with keyboard and cursor control pads/sticks. Alternatively, there are also dedicated tablet devices.

Both types of tablet PCs feature touch screens (designed for use with a bundled stylus) that can be rotated between portrait and landscape views. Tablet PCs use the Tablet PC edition of Windows XP or Windows Vista that have been specially tweaked to include handwriting and speech recognition features.

Tablet PCs have a roughly $300-$500 premium over a similarly specified standard notebook and as such is still a very niche product suited best to certain areas of business and design.

Most of the big name vendors such as HP/Compaq, Fujitsu and Toshiba in addition to some lesser known-brands offer tablet PC models.

There are also wireless "tablet" displays that include a built-in processor, but they're not a computer! They need to connect to a PC or the Internet over Wi-Fi to browse content.

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PC World Staff

PC World

Comments

Anonymous

1

Asking what warranty specifics concerning screen LCD and Hinges as well is a good idea, Also, What about accidental damages, is it included in this type of warranty or not.

Sheila R

2

Mobility

Well, for me it is all about mobility at present, so it's a laptop every time.

dianabol

3

thanks

i love notebooks, i only recently started using them as well.
ive always been a pc man, but after using a notebook, ive fallen in love with it.
thanks for the article.
Mike

dianabol

4

dianabol

Are notebooks the same as laptops, or is there a slight difference? Ive led to believe notebooks are smaller?

Anonymous

5

Laptops and notbooks are the same size you have got mixed up with netbooks they are the smaller ones

Anonymous

6

Update

Excellent article.

A suggestion though would be to update this article annually. Being almost 2 years old some changes in the market haven't been noted.

Very helpful though, thank you.

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7

For me it is about mobility.
when I go to see customers I like to have all the data and work on my laptop
but I do have a PC at home- I don't think a laptop could ever replace it

inchirieri masini

8

i love notebooks, i only recently started using them as well.
ive always been a pc man, but after using a notebook, ive fallen in love with it.
thanks for the article.

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9

excellent chip

I have run this chip since 2006 and it works as well now as when I first purchased it.

silver

10

No difference, just different names for the same.

pottery

11

yes. teo years is a lot in this industry.

John

12

Neato

For me it is about mobility.
when I go to see customers I like to have all the data and work on my laptop
but I do have a PC at home- I don't think a laptop could ever replace it.

Chest

13

Being almost 2 years old some changes in the market haven't been noted.

bookcase

14

when I go to see customers I like to have all the data and work on my laptop
but I do have a PC at home- I don't think a laptop could ever replace it

bed

15

Ive led to believe notebooks are smaller?

buffet

16

For me it is about mobility.
when I go to see customers I like to have all the data and work on my laptop
but I do have a PC at home

chair

17

when I go to see customers I like to have all the data and work on my laptop

sofa

18

It depends on your habbits..

Web Design Company

19

I am just so sure which ones I will consider buying. There are too many offered for low prices and yet great enough features, lol..

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Thanks

thanks for this valuable laptop info, I can surely use this daily.

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Thanks

thanks for this valuable laptop info, I can surely use this daily.

may

23

Thanks for this information. I am considering buying a netbook for christmas.

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warranty specifics concerning screen LCD....

In essence, computer monitors and TVs are very similar. Both have the same job of presenting visual information to the user, and for this reason many early home computers used TVs as monitors. However, the type of image quality needed for the images of a TV signal were different than that needed to clearly display text, and the separate evolution of computer monitors began. While the two have been becoming more similar again, there remain potential differences:

First monitors don't need a tuner, and this remains the bigger difference between the two. A giant LCD screen with a computer hooked up to it can display the computer's output, and in fact that is exactly what is happening with computer-based media centers. Conversely, a monitor can be hooked up to normal video equipment (cable boxes, DVD players) as long as something else can process any TV signal. This can be tricky, but there are various how-to guides available.

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colon cleanse

LCDs have better looks but they are expensive .apart from that they need more care & maintenance .

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Thanks

Thankyou for writing this helpful article

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27

i think that laptops are a great way to stay online when not at home and to continue doing daily business

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28

Notebook Computers

Excellent article packed with brilliant tips. We are just replacing our laptops and this has informed our decisions.

Thanks.

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29

laptop

I'd go with a laptop due to the mobility. Notebooks can't always cut it.

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30

notebook

Definitely choose notebooks. They are more flexible and less energy intensive.

P90X

31

great

This is indeed a great post, I would surely love to know more about it. I will look forward to see more

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Nice post.............

Great post.keep posting us this type of wonderful information.We always look forward towards your post.

Brian Garvin

33

It seems like every time I turn around there are more updates to these computers. Mobility is an important consideration for me. Although I love to use my Notebook I don't think it will ever replace my PC. From a customer standpoint I think understanding all the components is essential to determining exactly what you need so I'm glad you guys offer this service. Great job.

Brian Garvin
http://www.totalhealthathome.com

Uxen

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I was wondering if a laptop computer can be used as a business web hosting (http://business-web-hosting.org) server? If it can be used then would it be secure enough to host an ecommerce business web hosting http://business-web-hosting.org/information/ecommerce-business-web-hosting/ related website which will generate ecommerce business online and accept payments via a secure socket layer (SSL) encrypted connection.

liza

35

i'd like to know the different between laptops and notebooks esp. the prices

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36

There is no difference between a laptop and a notebook computer. Some of these portables just do hotter than others, but that doesn't change the name of them to notebook or have anything to do with a person's lap. If you really want to get an excellent portable, get a Mac.

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As a laptop ages, the speed of the processor begins to lag your desktop speeds. Easiest and perhaps only way to speed the laptop is to increase the amount of memory. Make sure there is the ability to easily increase the memory. 512M minimum, optimally to 1G.

Biletul Zilei Pariuri

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this is really productive in nature and details are good to clear the questions. Thanks for sharing!

gary o

41

first time i've hit this site. been researching notebook/laptops, and feel like i've hit a timewarp. serious updating required.

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Nice write up and good efforts.Thanks for sharing!

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