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Processor
[back to top]
You can take advantage of several new processor technologies by
replacing your old system. AMD's Athlon XP and Intel's Pentium 4
processors both offer significant gains in performance over previous
generations. Since the processor is the "engine" of the
notebook PC, 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. THE
POWER TO HANDLE THE DEMANDS YOU ASK FROM YOUR COMPUTER.
Operating
System [back
to top]
Microsoft® Windows® XP provides improved stability and new
features that make it much easier for you to enjoy digital music,
digital photography, and video. And with new multimedia messaging
and networking functionality, communication is also easier. XP
IS A NEW EXPERIENCE. THE BUILT IN FEATURES ARE TERRIFIC.
Memory
[back to top]
Many mainstream notebooks now offer DDR SDRAM memory, which provides
much higher bandwidth -- and therefore better system performance --
than older SDRAM technology. You get a better PC experience
regardless of which applications you use. MOST
SCREEN CHANGES ARE INSTANTANEOUS.
Size
and Weight [back
to top]
Notebook computers come in a wide variety of sizes and weights, with
most at about 13 x 11 x 1.5" and 6-8 lbs. They range from mini
notebooks with no displays or keyboards that weigh as little as five
pounds to powerhouse desktop replacements. Smaller, lighter models
tend to have fewer drive bays, connector ports, and PC card slots,
which limits their flexibility.
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. TRY
TO GET A UNIT WITH A BUILT IN CARD READER FOR THE CAMERA, MP3, ETC.
THAT YOU USE.
Display
[back to top]
In recent years, Active matrix (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 14.1" and 15.0", though some
ultra-portable models have screens as small as 8.4". 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 15.0" 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 13.3" active matrix display capable of XGA
resolution. THE
17" widescreen display with wide-viewing-angle technology IS
THE LATEST. IT ALSO ALLOWS YOU TO DO A SPLIT SCREEN AND AS YOU EDIT
YOU CAN SEE YOUR COPY AND PASTE RESULTS.
CD-Writer
Drive (CD-RW) [back
to top]
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). STANDARD
ON MOST MODELS.
DVD-Writer
Drive (DVD+RW/+R) [back
to top]
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. ADDITIONAL
MONEY. BUY IF YOU WILL FIND A USE FOR IT.
USB
2.0 [back to
top]
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. A FEW DEVICES REQUIRE A FREE MICROSOFT
DOWNLOAD TO MAKE SOME OF THE DEVICES FULLY COMPATIBLE.
IEEE
1394 (FireWire) [back
to top]
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. THIS IS BECOMING THE
STANDARD FOR DIGITAL CAMCORDER DOWNLOADS TO YOUR LAPTOP. I RECOMMEND
IT IF YOU WILL NEED IT.
Network
Interface Card [back
to top]
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. A
MUST EVEN IF YOU DO NOT NEED IT TODAY YOU WILL BEFORE YOU KNOW IT!
Wireless
[back to top]
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. GETTING IT BUILT IN IF YOU CAN
MAKE USE OF IT IS BETTER THAN ADDING IT ON AS A EXTERNAL OPTION
LATTER.
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