RSS Blog FeedLaptop Thoughts
Posted at 5:28 AM, Apr. 7, 2006
I'm often asked about what kind of laptop I recommend. I don't recommend a specific brand. I do however, recommend some things to think about when purchasing.
Screen Size
IMHO 14.1 inches is simply too small. It's called screen real estate, and I think 15" is the smallest one should go. How much higher that that is up to the individual and how much they wish to spend.
Memory
There are 2 issues with memory. First is how much, the second is whether you get it in one or to chips. Here is perhaps the most important thing to know about memory. IT IS THE SINGLE MOST RELEVANT FACTOR WHEN IT COMES TO THE SPEED OF YOUR COMPUTER. It's not the CPU chip, while that's important, the amount of memory you have is the largest factor.
Here is why. When you are working in a programs, the program code is copied from your hard drive into memory. As you execute multiple programs, more program code is copied from your hard drive into memory. It doesn't take too many programs these days before memory get's full. Then what happens is that the lease active programs current information is written out to your disk. This is called Caching. So as you switch back and forth between programs, the inactive program is written out to disk and the now active program is read back into memory. Guess what - this is really slow.
With more memory, you have the space needed to hold all your programs. So, my opinion is that 1GB is the minimum. If you say, gee whiz, I only look at my email and go on the internet why do I need so much. Because you've also accumulated anti-virus, cookie blockers, spam blockers, this and that which live in your system Tray (lower right corner of your screen). And you're going to be using a word processor and be doing others things in the future. Don't purchase for "today" or "tomorrow" you'll be spending the money again.
The next thing to know is how memory is physically in a laptop. There are 2 slots for memory. Manufacturers always put in 2 chips. For 1GB total memory, they will put in 2 ea. 512mb chips. You can however, get the full amount of memory in 1 chip and leave the other slot open. As you would expect, there are pros/cons on this as well. On the same machine, the 2 chip configuration runs faster than one chip. If you think you may want to increase the memory in the future, they having one chip means you don't have to throw away a chip to add a chip - there is an open slot.
Here is an example where this might apply. Money is tight, you're getting a 15" screen rather than the 17" you'd like, you know you need 1GB but can only afford 512MB. You'll increase memory after the next 2 transactions. I'd recommend getting 1 chip with 512MB ad leaving the other slot open. They when you have the funds, get the other 512MB and put it in. This is no more difficult that changing a light bulb.
Dual Core CPU and CPU speed in general
I'm a power user, my next laptop will be dual core - did you get the statement about power user? I'll pay extra for it. At least for now, most people will not need dual-core. Memory is so fast now that there are other factors that will impact speed more than memory speed.
Mouse Pointers
Some have the eraser head, some have the touch pad, some have both. For experienced users, this is a black/white issue, and I'm not talking about fair housing. Each of us has one we like and literally hate the other pointing device. I've found that very few people are ambiguous on this subject. Why is this important? If you are new to laptops and you haven't determined your preference, then I'd recommend finding friends with each and playing with it to figure it out. Some manufacturers only offer one of the devices. If however you are buying a laptop with both - you'll be in good shape.
One of my main points as stated above, is if you buy for "tomorrow", you'll have equipment that will server you for years. The only reason to get rid of it will be some new cool feature "you can't live without", but not because you need it. If for financial reasons, we all know - we've all been there, you must go cheap, just plan that it will have a short shelf life and as your business grows you can upgrade your equipment.
The fact is that in today's business world, a computer is essential. It is not a luxury, it's essential and a laptop makes that essential tool just that much more useful. I've had co-workers say they had problems with something I'd be glad to help them with, but it on their desktop at home. Spending time helping someone is something I love to do, but I draw the line at house calls.
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