Criteria | Laptop | Netbook |
---|---|---|
Battery life | 2-3 hours | 6-8 hours |
Screen size | large screen, 13" - 17" (good for presentations, spreadsheets, multitasking, anything at all) | small screen, 9"-11" (OK for email, web, word processing, one application at time) |
Weight | Heavy, 2.5- 3.5 kg (heavy enough to notice, too heavy to carry every day) | Light, typically 1.1 - 1.3kg (light enough to carry everywhere and even run for the train) |
Processor | High power processor. Few things need a powerful processor, but it is necessary if you want to edit photos, edit video, or play the latest games | Low power processor (fine for everyday use such as word processing, web, Youtube) |
Keyboard | Full size laptop keyboard | Reduced size keyboard (90% of laptop keyboard size) |
DVD Drive | Built-in DVD drive (can watch DVDs) | No built-in DVD Drive, have to connect an optional external USB drive |
Price | £350 - £900 | £200 - £350 |
In summary:
Get a laptop if you want a workhorse which is comfortable for extended use. It could be your main computer and will do almost anything. You'll use it mainly in a fixed location but it is too heavy to be really portable so you will carry it with you only occasionally. You can use it for long periods, as long as you can find a power socket. Good examples of laptops: The Toshiba Tecra range (for business) or Satellite Pro range (for consumers).
Any portable computer will always be a compromise between mobility, functionality, and what you are prepared to pay. The important point is to decide what is important for you.
1 comment:
I think that so long as you're not doing anything too taxing like watching video, the new Macbook's battery life is much more than 2-3 hours: more like 5 or 6 (officially it's 7, but that's clearly not going to be real-world). And it's pretty damn light too :)
Oliver.
Post a Comment