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A Notebook Or Not

Lets talk a little about the notebook and some things you need to think about before purchasing a notebook computer (notebook, notebook computer, laptop and portable generally are used to refer to the same type of computer). Notebooks generally will cost more than a comparably capable desktop system because the manufacturing techniques and components are less standardized and more expensive.

With notebooks requiring compactness, low weight, high efficiency and reduced power consumption, as well as some means of keeping the heat down, you can see why they tend to be more expensive. If you really need to carry a computer around with you, as many people do these days, then you really will need to get a laptop. Of course, there are ways to save when you're shopping, sometimes substantially.

While people tend to think of notebook computers as taking up less space than desktop computer systems, look a little more closely. First of all, very few people actually put the computer on the desk - normally it will be located on a lower shelf or on the floor, so it's size is almost irrelevant. With the proliferation of flat screen LCD monitors, the big desktop footprint of the older cathode ray tube monitors is gone. What you're left with is a small LCD screen footprint, a keyboard and a mouse. I use a notebook all the time and rarely move it. I have a full-size keyboard, an optical mouse and a second monitor (one of old tube types) plugged into it. Then there's the scanner, the printer, a network hub and a DSL modem. As you might guess, a full desk is dedicated to this system. So for me, at least when I'm not traveling, the actual size of the notebook isn't important. However, when you travel, the weight of the laptop and any needed accessories, plus it's overall size can be very important. You probably don't want to lug around something the size of two suiter.

One real negative I see with laptops has to do with the ergonomics. Because they can be used in small spaces, in inconvenient and uncomfortable positions, people can give themselves some serious pain by becoming absorbed and working in an awkward and stressful position. Without an external keyboard and mouse you simply cannot use a notebook in what's said to be the ergonomically correct position. For typing, the keyboard should be close to your lap, but the monitor should be approximately an arm's length in front of you and the top of the monitor ought to be at eye level. With an external keyboard you can do this, without one? Forget it. However, if you travel with your notebook between two usual working locations, it's well worth it to have a keyboard at each location. The improvement in both physical comfort and ease of use is worth the small investment in a second external keyboard. I also suggest a small optical mouse designed for notebooks. Once you have an external keyboard for your laptop, you don't want to mess with whatever mouse substitute the notebook has.

Since I'm already talking about some usability issues, you also need to consider the nature of notebook keyboards and of the laptop's screen. Notebook keyboards are compressed - some don't even have full-size keys. The location of keys is different and they normally do not have all the handy functions (like a separate numeric pad) that you find on full-size keyboards. If you use an external keyboard much of the time, you may find switching back and forth to be an annoying problem. Your notebook's monitor is far more important than you might think at first. Many notebook screens will display much better at their default resolution than in other available resolutions - and some may not have alternate resolutions. There is a temptation to try to get the smallest, lightest notebook, but it may not be a smart move. The bigger the screen, the better for you and your eyes. Some laptop screens are as small as just over 12 inches and some have 17 inch screens. The somewhat larger size and weight - and probably reduced battery life between recharges, of a notebook with at least a 15 inch screen and preferably a 17 inch is well worth. Always check the notebook screen at multiple resolutions to make sure it will work adequately for you.

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