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Selecting a Laptop

Small Can Be Beautiful

When purchasing a new computer, you may be better served by a laptop than a traditional desktop computer. Recently, laptops with capabilities similar to desktops can be purchased for a comparable price. Laptops are convenient because of their small size and ability to run from a battery. Except for the power cable to recharge it, a laptop doesn't have any external wires, so it won't be contributing to a cable mess.

When looking at laptops, consider how often you will travel with it. If you plan to travel only infrequently, get a model with a larger screen and lower price. If you are a digital nomad, you should be concerned mainly with the laptop size, weight, and battery life. For maximum portability, get a laptop that weighs less than 3.5 pounds, has a 12" or smaller display, and a minumum 4-hour battery life.

Unlike desktops, laptop computers can be difficult and expensive to upgrade. When you purchase a laptop, consider that any internal features such as CD-ROM or hard drive may be difficult to replace. Laptops can be upgraded externally with USB, FireWire, and the PC Card slot. Because each of these methods is external, however your laptop will become less portable if you need to carry around the external devices.

Take One Tablet...

A Tablet PC is a custom laptop that allows you to write on the screen to save notes and work with programs. Tablet PCs are typically smaller than laptops and feature a specialized processor that is extremely battery-efficient. Some Tablet PCs do not have a built-in keyboard, but can connect to an external keyboard. These are ideal for people who use the Tablet PC mode most of the time and need to use the keyboard occasionally.

If you have little need for a portable computer, a "desktop replacement" may be for you. A desktop replacement looks like a laptop, but is much larger and priced competitively with desktops. Whatever kind of laptop fits your lifestyle, gone are the days when laptops were expensive and less capable than traditional desktop computers.

About The Author

Deryck Richards is the founder and managing partner of Desktronix. With an extensive educational background in computer information systems, Deryck currently manages hosting and data center operations for Desktronix. He also provides system administration and technical support directly to small businesses as he has since 2000. His areas of expertise include networking, Windows, Linux, and Macintosh systems and he is the author of The Guide to Technology for Small Business. For more information on Desktronix, visit www.desktronix.com.

MORE RESOURCES:

hardware - Yahoo! News Search Results
hardware - Yahoo! News Search Results

• New Petworth hardware store adds jobs to local economy
The U.S. economy added 243,000 jobs in January ? and 11 of those were at Annie?s Ace Hardware, a new store slated to open in Petworth on Tuesday. The 6,500-square-foot store near Upshur Street and Georgia Avenue NW has long been a dream of owner Anne Stom, a home repair aficionado and former Labor Department project director who went all in to launch her new business, including investing about ...
• The Hardware Winners of a Cloud-Computing Boom
Top dogs and fast movers in a growing sector.
• Orchard Supply Hardware Stores Corporation and Benjamin Moore & Co. Announce ...
Orchard Supply Hardware Stores Corporation , a specialty retailer focused on the consumer segment of the home improvement market, announced that it has entered into a multi-year distribution agreement with Benjamin Moore & Co., a leading premium quality national paint manufacturer.
• Research and Markets: 2012 Worldwide Hardware Stores Industry - Industry & Ma...
Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "2012 Worldwide Hardware Stores Industry -Industry
• Hardware World Selects iService to Power Online Support
Hardware World, and online retailer of hardware products, is powering their online service function with the iService email response management solution.Champaign, IL (PRWEB) January 30, 2012 Customer service is an important differentiator for retail companies. But for retailers that do a significant amount of business online, it's crucial. Hardware World recognized the importance of online ...

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