Guide to Buying a Laptop Computer

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Buying a Laptop

Are you one of the many thousands of people who are predicted to buy a notebook (laptop) computer this year? Is your desktop system in need of an upgrade and you are considering switching to a notebook? If yes, then this PC World buying guide is for you. In this report, we equip you with all the know-how you need to buy a notebook.

We walk you through the latest information on important components, such as the CPU and graphic controllers, and explain what is on offer, to help you determine what you need. We also provide information on market trends and where notebook technology might be heading in the future, as well as tips on how to get that bit extra for your dollar when dealing with the retailer.

Questions to ask yourself

Desktop PC or notebook?

Is a notebook the computer for you or are you more suited to a desktop system? If you want a notebook as a desktop replacement, you must be sure of your needs: if you think you will want to upgrade in the near future, or work with a larger monitor, then a desktop system would generally be preferable.

To increase your productivity, you can easily use your notebook in conjunction with a second monitor as nearly all notebooks now come with a VGA-out port and in some cases, even a DVI-I port for connection to LCD monitors without an adapter. Some notebooks are still equipped with a PS/2 port for an external mouse and or keyboard but most now feature at least two high-speed USB 2.0 ports allowing expandability options for printers, mice, joysticks, and other peripherals.

FireWire ports (used to connect items such as digital video cameras and external hard disks and) are also becoming more common, especially in notebooks geared towards multimedia use.

What the decision really boils down to, though, is whether you need your computer to be mobile. For the medium term to come at least, desktop PCs will remain cheaper than notebooks at similar performance levels and provide better value while being easier to upgrade.

How important is mobility?

The degree of mobility of your notebook is a combination of size, weight and battery life. You will need to consider how often you will be carrying it around and if you will mainly be relying on the notebook's battery or an external power source. Notebooks generally weigh around 3-4kg, but they can weigh as little as 1.5kg and as much as 6kg, depending on the model and features included.

A lighter notebook may not have an internal CD/DVD drive or floppy disk drive, may have a smaller screen, or reduced storage capabilities. Alternatively, the larger (and much heavier) desktop-replacement machines usually have worse battery life because of their big power-draining screens and components. However, they can feature all the trimmings such as multiple CD/DVD drives and hard disks, cutting-edge mobile graphics, widescreen displays up to 17in and full-sized keyboards, complete with dedicated number pads.

Most notebooks in PC World's Best Buys weigh around 3kg, with some hovering around the 2kg or less mark. These particular weights are for the notebook itself, not including the power supply or often-used accessories such as external drives. However, the Best Buys do also list the combined weight of such accessories to help you determine the total weight you will be carrying around in the bag.

Notebooks now mostly use Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) batteries that operate for one to three hours on a single battery charge. However, if you use all of the power saving options available, and depending on the number of cells in the battery (the more cells, the longer it lasts), a Li-Ion battery can last up to six or seven hours.

What will I be using the notebook for?

If you won't be travelling frequently with your notebook, then battery life and weight will not be a primary concern. Instead, you may want to concentrate on ramping up the processor, screen size and memory. If, however, you will be carting your notebook around with you on a regular basis - travelling interstate or overseas, around a university, or perhaps you frequently work away from the office - the size and weight of your notebook, and its battery life, become more important.

You may prefer to scrimp on the size of the display to lighten the load, so opt for a 12-14in instead of 15-15.4in or 17in widescreen varieties. If, however, the graphics capabilities and size of the screen are important, this may not be the best option. If you don't play games, edit video or watch DVD movies, there's little point buying a model with the latest mobile graphics card because a built-in chip (integrated graphics) should meet your needs.

Also, there's nothing to say that you have to buy a model with everything you want already included. Consider buying a basic unit and adding to it. It could work out a lot cheaper to obtain things such an external TV card and DVD writer when the need arises.

If you only want a notebook to store such things as contacts, and occasionally enter small amounts of data, a PDA (personal digital assistant) may be more suitable to your needs. These devices are reliable, run for days or even weeks on a single charge, and can be carried more or less anywhere. PalmOne's 4GB LifeDrive PDA is a recent perfect example..

How much do I need to spend?

How much you need to spend depends on what you will be using your notebook for. If you only want to access your e-mail, browse the Web and do word processing, then you can get away with spending between $1500 and $2000 for a new machine (even less if you get an older and or second-hand model).

If you are a medium-level user, using your notebook to play games or to work with multimedia applications, then you will want to spend more on a powerful processor and graphics controller, more storage space, and a bigger screen. For this type of use, you'll be looking at around the $2000-$2500 and up price-range.

Remember that the more features your notebook has, the more expensive it will be. If you opt for a DVD-writer drive instead of DVD-ROM, want increased hard drive capacity (say, over 40GB), a screen size more than the standard 15in, wireless capabilities and a more powerful processor, then the price of your notebook will increase accordingly. The trick is to figure out which configuration you will need.

Buying a notebook with the latest processor or graphics controller is not necessary if you will only be using it for word processing and Web browsing, and have no plans to extend your usage.

Most users will fall in the $2500-$4000 category, with only high-end corporate users, content-creators and avid-gamers looking at spending over $4000.

Specialised portable computers

In addition to the common lightweight to desktop replacement notebook models we've already covered, there are a few other interesting shapes and sizes of portable computers plus specialised features on offer.

Sub-notebooks

You may also come across a category of notebook called sub-notebooks. Around the 1.5kg-and-less mark, they come with a screen of small-to-medium size, and generally great performance. However, the price tag isn't always as lightweight. With sub-notebooks, most things (such as an external DVD writer) that aren't absolutely essential to the machine's operation can usually be detached and left at home or in the office, giving you the choice between functionality and portability.

Of course, some sub-notebooks are created more portable than others. Consider whether you want to sacrifice an extra 300g or 400g in favour of a larger screen or more ports and connectors. Also, check that you aren't giving up too much in exchange for portability, as the smaller keys on some sub-notebooks can make them difficult to use. Toshiba's Portege R100 and revamped Libretto U100 machines are perfect examples, as are Sony's T-series Vaio machines and Fujitsu's P-series offerings.

Tablet PCs

Tablet PCs are just like a normal notebook but with a twist. There are two types of tablet PCs: the first are convertible models that can also function just like a normal (or "clamshell") notebook, complete with keyboard and cursor control pads/sticks. Alternatively, there are also dedicated tablet devices.

Both types of tablet PCs feature touch-screens (designed for use with a bundled stylus) that can be rotated between portrait and landscape views. Until the next generation of Windows (now codenamed Vista - formerly Longhorn) ships, Tablet PCs will use the Tablet PC edition of Windows XP that has been specially tweaked to include handwriting and speech recognition features.

Tablet PCs have a roughly $300-$500 premium over a similarly specified standard notebook and as such as still a very niche product suited best to certain areas of business and design.

Most of the big name vendors such as Lenovo (which now markets the ThinkPad range after the acquisition by the Lenovo Group of the IBM Personal Computing Division), HP/Compaq, Fujitsu, Acer and Toshiba in addition to some lesser known-brands offer tablet PC models.

There are also wireless "tablet" displays that include a built-in processor, but they're not a computer! They need to connect to a PC or the Internet over Wi-Fi to browse content. Nokia's recent 770 Internet tablet and ViewSonic Airsync range are two such examples.

Palm/hand top computers

What do you get when you cross a PDA with a notebook or Tablet PC? Answer: handheld computers of an in-between size that have no problems running Windows XP and are usually equipped with a built-in hard disk, Wi-Fi, USB functionality and sometimes, touch screens.

Although handheld portable computers are yet to really arrive in Australia with any force, there are a few different brands available overseas. These include Sony's U-series, the FlipStart PC and the OQO model 01.

Ruggedised portables

Popular with on-site engineers, law enforcement and other field-staff, ruggedised portable computing devices continue to gain a niche following.

There are special ruggedised alternatives of standard notebooks, tablet PCs and even PDAs available from a variety of vendors, but in Australia, Panasonic's ToughBook range continues to lead the way.

Ruggedised notebooks are not to be confused with standard, well-built notebooks that feature magnesium alloy casing, splash/water-resistant keyboards and shock-mounted hard disks: ruggedised notebooks can feature drop and sometimes-bullet proof casing, dust protected sealed connector covers, extra security and more. The downside is that such extra features usually cost quite a bit more and the specifications of the machines are usually a little behind the curve.

Processor and chipset

When purchasing any personal computer, one of the fundamental factors to consider is the central processing unit (CPU). In a notebook computer this is even more important, as the CPU is not only the brains of the machine, it is one of the factors in determining how long the notebook will operate while disconnected from the mains power and running on the battery.

The processor must be able to deliver the performance you require while not draining the battery too fast. Of course, processor vendors are not charities, and the more value they put into the CPU - speed, power reduction, smaller packaging for super-portable notebooks, and so on - the higher the price tag of the processor and, correspondingly, the overall price of the notebook.

Which notebook you buy, and which processor it includes, will in most cases depend on your budget. Within the AMD and Intel mobile processor range there is a wide variety of individual CPUs.

It's important to know that just because processors are marketed under the same brand, such as Pentium M or Athlon XP-M, it does not mean that they are all identical apart from clock speed. For example, processors in the same range can differ in micron technology used, the amount of Level 2 cache, and clock speed. Within processor brands, differences exist in the underlying silicon gate technology (eg, 0.13-micron or 90-nanometer). Generally, the smaller the build process is, the newer the technology.

Other differences include the power consumption figures, the power management technologies included, and the amount of secondary (Level 2) cache on the processor. All these factors affect CPU performance, which is why Intel and AMD have both moved away from using just the gigahertz (GHz) speed to identify a processor and instead have started using numbering systems that they feel better label their products.

Performance impacting CPU technologies
Micron technology: The size of the transistor technology on the CPU. Smaller means the processor can run more quickly and will generate less heat.

System bus/Front-side bus (FSB) speed: This is the channel through which the processor accesses the main memory. The faster this is, the more quickly information can be pulled from memory.

Secondary (Level 2) cache: Secondary cache is a small amount of memory (generally ranging from 128KB to 2MB on notebook processors) that is on the actual CPU. The memory, while small, is accessible at very high speed and reduces the need for the processor to access the main memory, which is done via the slower system bus.

Voltage: Cutting the voltage (and therefore the speed of the processor) helps reduce power consumption as well as heat generation, which is a significant factor in cramped notebook cases.

Power management: Some technologies modify the physical power consumption of the CPU based on operational requirements. Techniques include reducing the clock speed or implementing variable voltages. This reduction of power consumption provides longer mains-free operation.

Intel versus AMD

The majority of notebooks you'll see advertised are likely to use Intel processors, primarily as part of Intel's Centrino platform, explained below. However, AMD is making inroads into the Australian notebook market, so expect to find an increasing number of notebooks featuring AMD Turion 64 Mobile Technology.

An AMD processor is still the only option if you're looking to run Windows XP Professional 64-bit Edition or a 64-bit Linux alternative. On that point, you may not have heard that the slated 2006 primary release of the next version of Windows (code named Vista) will be a 64-bit version, although a lesser-performing 32-bit version will be available for older machines.

Intel's next-generation of dual-core notebook processors (code named Yonah) is slated for release in early 2006 and will definitely be a performance boon. However, Intel has only confirmed 32-bit support, at least initially, so make sure you check the latest information if you're longing for 64-bit performance benefits.

All of the machines with Intel or AMD CPUs offer good performance, and all should run Microsoft Windows XP/Me/98/95 as well as other operating systems designed for x86 processors, including Linux. Always double-check though.

From this point, you can narrow your search further. The Celeron M processor and Mobile AMD Sempron processor are, respectively, Intel and AMD's entry-level processors for mobiles.

Portable performance notebooks on the other hand, will most often use Intel's Pentium M or AMD's Turion 64 processors.

Intel Notebook Processors

Avoiding Centrino confusion

The majority of notebooks available today include Intel's Centrino technology. Centrino is Intel's name for its mobile computing platform that comprises three elements: a processor, an associated chipset and a wireless networking connection. Because Intel hasn't used a different logo or naming convention for the most recent Centrino updates, you need to make sure you find out which generation of the Centrino platform your potential notebook is equipped with.

The easiest way to do this is by looking at the chipset specifications. The first generation of Centrino uses the 855x chipset and the second generation (formerly codenamed Sonoma) uses the 915x chipset.

Only notebooks featuring these Intel's strict list of components get Intel's stamp of approval to carry the name "Centrino notebook". If just one component is missing or a competitor's product used instead, the notebook cannot be termed Centrino. Intel has created an architecture reference design to which notebook manufacturers must adhere (and have validated by Intel) if they wish to use the Centrino branding. It's important to remember that it's not like you couldn't wirelessly network a notebook before Centrino, Intel's marketing blitz as well as a surge in home broadband and networking just helped bring the idea of wireless to the masses. You can always get a Wi-Fi PC Card or Wi-Fi module to add wireless capabilities to a notebook without it built-in.

The second generation of Centrino, like the original, has three elements: the latest Intel Pentium M processors, a new 915 Express chipset and improved Intel wireless networking with support for the 802.11a, b or g standards.

The 915 Express chipset family: The 915 Express chipset (formerly codenamed Alviso) forms the centrepiece of 2005's Centrino update. The PCI Express (PCIe) bus architecture is said to deliver twice the input/output bandwidth of older notebooks - even more for graphics - and provides the exciting possibility of upgrading certain components in the future.

The chipset supports up to 2GB of dual-channel DDR2 (Double Data Rate 2) memory, a next-generation memory standard that clears the way for memory chips to run at faster speeds. The chipset also comes with support for a faster front-side bus (FSB), increasing the speed at which data flows between the processor and the memory from 400MHz to 533MHz for most configurations.

Other notable chipset features include support for up to eight USB 2.0 ports and the option for manufacturers to include a power-managed Serial ATA (SATA) hard disk interface.

Notebooks based on the 915GM chipset variant will use on-board graphics in the form of Intel's Graphic Media Accelerator 900. Although it's not for hardcore gamers, the 900 is twice the speed of the integrated graphic solution Intel offered previously and adds DirectX 9 support (required by the latest games), widescreen display and TV-output support. Manufacturers can also include Intel Hi Definition audio that supports DTS, THX and Dolby technologies for up to eight channels at 192kHz/32-bit quality. So the potential for home-theatre quality sound is definitely there.

Intel Pentium M processor: Some newer Pentium M (mobile) processors, formerly dubbed Dothan, were available in first-generation Centrino notebooks, but the range now spans the 2.13GHz Pentium M 770 down to the 1.5GHz Pentium M 705. A 90-nanometer manufacturing process is now used and 2MB of Level 2 cache included (double the original Pentium M) on the processor, along with support for the 533MHz FSB. Intel claims this can provide up to 33 per cent faster transfer rates than 400MHz FSB notebooks.

For ultra-slim and light notebooks or Tablet PCs, there are also low-voltage offerings such as the 1.5GHz Pentium M 758 processor or the Ultra-Low Voltage 1.2GHz Pentium M 753 - both with 400MHz FSBs.

In addition to improved SpeedStep technology that lowers or increases performance to prolong battery life, the new Pentium M processors also introduce support for Windows XP Service Pack 2's Executive Disable Bit function. This can help block malicious software from exploiting memory buffer overflow attacks.

Second-generation Wi-Fi: Notebook manufacturers now have the option to include 802.11a/b/g support thanks to Intel's new Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG network connection.

This new network connection supports many security standards including 802.11i - the highest level of enterprise encryption available today in addition to WPA2 and Cisco extensions 3.0. Finally, new software will make Wi-Fi easier to set up and manage at home or in the workplace.

The first-generation Centrino Pentium M processors utilise the Intel 855 chipset, which supports a 400MHz FSB, a 1MB Layer 2 cache, and the Intel PRO/Wireless 2100 wireless LAN chip. This wireless LAN chip enables easier connection to 802.11b, Wi-Fi certified access points, and reduces interference with other 802.11 signals as well as some Bluetooth devices. The first generation Centrino's 855GM chipset also includes integrated graphics based on Intel's Extreme Graphics 2 technology.

Unless you really tinker with power management options, battery life on the latest Centrino notebooks should be around the same as earlier Centrino notebooks, but with much better performance thanks to the features already outlined.

Intel Celeron M processor

The Celeron M is quite an important processor as it's compatible with a variety of Intel's new and old notebook chipsets (915 Express, 910GML, 855x, 852x). This means you can still think about getting the latest notebook sizes and styles and save money by opting for this over a Pentium M processor. Just remember that you do lose a bit of performance (Celeron M processors have 1MB of level 2 cache - half that of Pentium Ms. Celeron M processors all have a 400MHz FSB and range from the 1.2GHz Celeron M processor 310 to the 1.6GHz Celeron M processor 383. As is the case with the Pentium M processor, there are also Ultra-Low Voltage versions available including the Intel Celeron M processor Ultra Low Voltage 383 which runs at 1GHz.

Mobile Intel Pentium 4 processor-M

Released back in 2002, the Intel Pentium 4 processor-M uses the 845 chipset family and, now and then, you may still find them in budget-orientated notebooks at clock speeds between 1.4 and 2.6GHz. This processor has a 400MHz FSB (over three times the speed of the Mobile Intel Pentium III processor-M) and requires DDR (double data rate) memory. The Intel Pentium 4 processor-M was largely superseded by the Pentium M processors that offered greater performance and longer battery life.

Mobile Intel Celeron Processor

Although this processor may still be kicking about somewhere in notebook offerings, we'd still recommend you look at the alternative processors that a particular notebook can accommodate. As with all Intel notebook processors, you can find information that is more specific at Intel's Web site here

Mobile Intel Pentium 4 processor

If you're on a budget and need a powerful multimedia notebook, there's a chance that at least one machine you look at will feature what's essentially a tweaked desktop processor - the Mobile Intel Pentium 4. Using the 852x chipset series (with 533MHz FSB), this processor is available at speeds between 2.66GHz and 3.46GHz with Hyper-Threading, and between 2.4GHz and 3.06GHz without.

Power management features include Enhanced Intel SpeedStep, Deeper Sleep and QuickStart. In March 2003 Intel released its first Centrino package of chips, based on the Pentium M processor that were the first Intel chips to be wholly designed with mobility in mind, not tweaked from a desktop

AMD Mobile Processors

AMD Turion 64 Mobile Technology

AMD first launched its Turion processor brand in early 2005, explaining that it will give the Turion tag to its processors geared towards thin and light notebook computers because they use 35 watts or less of power.

The low-end MT-30 processor runs at 1.6GHz and features 1MB of Level2 cache, while the ML-37 also has a 1MB Level2 cache but runs at 2.0GHz.

Based on the same architecture as the Athlon 64, the Turion 64 is capable of running both 32-bit and 64-bit software.

Although the Turion 64 competes with Intel's Pentium M processor, AMD has not chosen to follow Intel's Centrino strategy, instead allowing notebook vendors to mix and match products they feel are best for cost or performance.

The Turion 64 is built using a 90-nanometre process, features AMD PowerNow! Power management technology, supports Windows enhanced virus protection and uses AMD's HyperTransport technology for FSB speeds up to 1600MHz (full duplex).

Mobile AMD Athlon 64 processor

This chip pretty much competes with Intel's Pentium 4 processor in the desktop replacement market but its low-power variant is also an option if you're looking at a thin and light machine. It was also the first consumer 64-bit processor for portable PC.

Like the Turion 64, this processor is also capable of running both 32-bit and 64-bit software. The Mobile Athlon 64 features AMD PowerNow! Power management technology, supports Windows enhanced virus protection and uses AMD's HyperTransport technology for FSB speeds up to 1600MHz (full duplex). Mobile AMD Athlon 64 performance processors each have 1MB of Level2 cache and speeds ranging from the 1.6GHz 2800+ up to the 2.6GHz 4000+. Each Low Power Mobile AMD Athlon 64 processor features a 512KB Level2 cache. This range includes the 2700+ (1.6GHz), 2800+ (1.8GHz) and 3000+ (2.0GHz). For more information on AMD processors, see the company's website

AMD Athlon 64 for Notebooks

Make no mistake about it: this processor is designed solely for those big and fast desktop replacement notebooks with big screens and great graphics that gamers, multimedia content-creators and designers are drawn to.

This chip also competes with Intel's Pentium 4 processor and includes much of the same AMD equivalent technologies.

This processor features 1MB of Level2 cache and uses AMD's HyperTransport technology for FSB speeds up to 1.6GHz (full duplex).

Mobile AMD Sempron processor

Directly targeting Intel's value-orientated Celeron M processor, AMD's 32-bit Mobile Sempron processor is a vast improvement over its earlier Mobile Duron efforts and should help notebook vendors with the ability to produce inexpensiv, thin and light notebooks.

That said, the Mobile Sempron processors have 128KB of Level1 on-chip cache - twice as much as Intel's Celeron M processors. However, Intel's Celeron M processors have much more Level2 cache (1MB compared to the Sempron's 128KB-256KB, depending on the model).

Mobile Sempron processors offer AMD PowerNow! Power management technology and supports Windows enhanced virus protection.

Mobile AMD Athlon XP-M processor

AMD's more recent processor line-up means that XP-M processors are being used less and less, although you may still see them in competitively priced new niche notebooks.

Athlon XP-M chips have an open architecture, allowing use with a variety of wireless networking solutions. AMD used to offer three categories of processor for notebooks grouped under the Athlon XP-M brand: desktop replacement, standard, and low voltage.

Other key components

So you're pretty sure that a notebook is the computer for you - great! The next step is to determine the specification you will need. The core components of a notebook are its display, graphics controller, memory (RAM), hard disk, removable storage, networking options, peripheral connectivity, sound and battery.

Display

The display is your window into your notebook computer's world and because it's your primary interface - it pays to get a good one!

Notebooks now all feature liquid crystal display (LCD) screens with Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) technology providing many advantages over monitors based on cathode ray tubes (CRTs), such as crisp text and no annoying flicker, which means they can help reduce eyestrain.

LCDs address each pixel individually, which means they can create sharper text than CRTs, but the high contrast of LCDs can cause problems when you want to display graphics. CRTs soften the edges of graphics as well as text, and although this can make it hard to read text at very small resolutions, it also means CRTs can blend and convey subtleties in images, for example, better than LCDs.

If you will be using your notebook as a desktop replacement for graphic-intense work, then perhaps you might consider buying a CRT monitor to connect to it when doing this sort of work. If this isn't an option, then choose a notebook with a large display, keeping in mind that a larger screen means a pricier and heavier notebook.

The screen sizes for notebooks (on average) range from 12.1in to the largest size of 17in (widescreen). A 15in display is the most common in notebooks today, followed closely by its 15.4in widescreen alternative.

Most notebook vendors are moving more and more towards widescreen only offerings for a variety of reasons including the native widescreen playback of DVDs and the fact that a widescreen's lower, wider profile is more durable against potential twists and knocks than a non-widescreen display/notebook lid.

In most cases, the larger the display, the higher the on-screen resolution will be, although this will usually depend on the type of graphics processor used. The graphics controller can be the difference between a 15in display providing a resolution up to 1024x768 or the more desirable maximum resolution of 1500x1400 pixels.

Some vendors (such as Dell), actually give you the choice of paying more for a better display panel that allows for a higher resolution. Keep this in mind. It's true that if you'll mainly be using your notebook for word processing, spreadsheets, and e-mail and Internet, etc, then screen size and resolution might not be important factors. However, keep in mind that a widescreen can be a good compromise between extra on-screen real estate and notebook weight.

Notebooks are also competing on brightness (measured in nits). Some vendors such as BenQ, Toshiba and Sony really pay attention to this area on selected models - and so should you when comparing specs!

A newer trend with notebooks (especially of multimedia-orientated models) is the use of a glossy, reflective coating over the display. Each vendor has a different name for their technology, but for the most part the results are the same: much improved contrast and colours instead of that washed out look. Sometimes this feature is standard, sometimes it's optional or not available. Be sure to ask about it - but remember that the downside can include you sometimes seeing your reflection at certain viewing angles (which can be distracting) and that any scratches can be more visible.

Another factor that distinguishes one notebook's display from another is its viewable angle. Quite often, less costly notebooks have lower quality screens that are not easily viewed from a side angle. When shopping online for a notebook, this is something you can't test. Here's something to try:

When you're at the notebook retailer: with the notebook on - and preferably playing a DVD movie, if the situation allows - stand in front of it and look at the screen. You should be able to see the display fine. Now take a step or so to the side until you're on about a 45 degree angle to the display. Can you still see the screen properly or is there an increase in darkness and loss of clarity? Now try standing about 10 degrees off the axis of the display and about 1m away.

Try this with a few notebooks and you should see the difference for yourself. This is more important if you are using your notebook to make presentations.

Graphics controller

Although matters have improved dramatically in recent times, mobile graphics performance is one area where notebooks still lag behind desktop machines, and it's one of the most important aspects of a computer. It's the graphics controller that produces two- or three-dimensional images on the display.

As mentioned above, the graphics processor can be the difference between a 15in display providing a resolution of 1024x768 or much higher.

When you raise the resolution on your display, you add to the graphics board's workload by forcing it to produce a larger number of pixels. Likewise, when you increase the colour depth, it adds to the complexity of the work the graphics controller must perform.

All graphic controllers now easily manage the processing of 2-D images (such as those created when you browse the Internet, work in office applications or even watch a DVD. If this is all the graphics grunt you require from your notebook, then a less-costly, battery saving integrated graphics controller (that shares video with main RAM) should be fine. Examples include Intel's Graphic Media Accelerator 900 or its older Intel Extreme Graphics, ATI's Mobility Radeon Xpress or IGP series and also integrated graphics from SiS and even Trident.

Note: these "discreet" (dedicated) controllers are in virtually all instances integrated into your notebook's motherboard, although mainstream notebooks allowing graphics upgrades are around the corner.

However, if you want to play the latest 3-D games at a decent resolution and frame rate or you're a CAD designer, then you'll need a discreet graphics controller from ATI or NVIDIA with dedicated DDR video memory (up to 256MB).

The more powerful a graphics controller you require, the more expensive your notebook will become.

So if a discreet graphics controller is for you, your next step is to decide which brand and type will be most suitable.

As with desktop computers, ATI and NVIDIA continue to go head-to-head in the portable graphics stakes, with performance and special features.

Some of your choices in graphics controllers include:

NVIDIA (www.nvidia.com/page/mobile.html)

GeForce Go 6800, 6800 Ultra (PCI Express, high end)
GeForce Go 6600 (PCI Express, performance & mainstream)
GeForce FX Go 5700 (PCI Express & AGP, performance & mainstream)
GeForce Go 6400 (PCI Express, multimedia mainstream)
GeForce Go 6200 (PCI Express, multimedia thin & light)
GeForce FX Go 5200 (AGP, multimedia thin & light)
Quadro FX Go (PCI Express, mobile workstations, CAD design)
ATI (www.ati.com/products/mobile.html)

ATI Mobility Radeon X800 (PCI Express, high end)
ATI Mobility Radeon X600 (PCI Express, performance & mainstream)
ATI Mobility Radeon X300 (PCI Express, thin & light)
ATI Mobility Radeon 9800 (AGP, high end)
ATI Mobility Radeon 9600 (AGP, performance & mainstream)
ATI Mobility FireGL V5000 (PCI Express, mobile workstations, CAD design)
Compared to older AGP notebook graphics, the PCIe bus architecture found on newer notebooks is said to deliver twice the input/output bandwidth - even more for graphics - and provides the exciting possibility of upgrading graphics in the future through PCIe modules.

Some notebooks are also emerging that feature built-in digital or analog TV tuners. Name brands currently doing this include Toshiba (Qosmio) and ASUS (select W series models).

Memory (RAM)

Whether they're inside a desktop PC or a notebook computer, RAM chips play the critical role of keeping the CPU efficiently fed with data or instructions from programs on the hard drive. How well the chips perform this role results in the difference between a CPU that misses computing cycles and moves like a steam locomotive and a CPU that speeds along like a bullet train.

There are three types of RAM available in notebooks: SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic RAM) which is rarely used anymore on new notebooks in favour of DDR SDRAM (Double Date Rate SDRAM) and DDR2 SDRAM.

DDR SDRAM is now the default standard, even for value-orientated notebooks and overcomes the once-per-cycle handicap as it can send data to the CPU twice per clock cycle, for greater processing efficiency.

DDR2 (Double Data Rate 2) memory is a next-generation memory type used with the latest notebooks such as new Centrino models. DDR2 SDRAM offers a 60 per cent increase in peak memory bandwidth and power benefits over DDR SDRAM.

As with all computers, more memory is better. On all budgets, you should set 256MB as the absolute minimum, while 512MB or 1GB configurations are fast becoming the standard on many vendor-specified configurations. Currently most notebooks have the maximum RAM limit of around 2GB, but be sure to check as some less expensive models can max out at 1GB.

Upgrading the memory of your notebook is a great way to achieve better performance and more often than not, you can install it yourself! However, be sure to check if this voids your warranty first and also determine how many memory slots you have free so you can work out the combination of memory modules that's best for your machine and budget.

Hard disk

If a computer's CPU is the brain of the PC, the hard drive serves as the heart, pumping vital data to the rest of the system. Providing long-term storage on your PC, the hard drive is the workhorse component of virtually every computer.

The hard drive rapidly records data as magnetic pulses on spinning metal platters - the more quickly a drive spins, the more quickly you can access and transfer data. In the mobile market, the overriding concern is power conservation. Slower-rotation drives can increase battery life but also reduce performance.

Hard disk speed is measured in revolutions per minute (rpm). The more your work or gaming requires access to the notebook's hard disk to load or save, the faster the disk you'll want. The range of hard disk options includes 4200rpm, 5400rpm and 7200rpm. It's also worth noting that hard disks are usually quite upgradeable with help from vendors.

Storage capacities for new drives grow every year, but the physical size (2.5in) of drives remains relatively constant. The biggest single notebook hard disk at the moment is 120GB and the minimum you should opt for is about 30GB.

If you are a multimedia user, and therefore most likely will be working with large file sizes, then you will probably want at least 40GB of hard drive space. The other option would be to use alternative (removable) methods of storing data, such as DVD writer.

Multimedia users who are interested in a desktop notebook may also be pleased to hear that such machines can sometimes support two hard disks in RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configuration which offers potential performance and data backup benefits.

Finally, more recent notebooks (such as second-generation Centrino models) also include a Serial ATA (SATA) hard disk interface. This is the connection type that the industry is moving to for newer SATA hard disks that are replacing the older IDE (EIDE) kind.

Removable storage

CD/DVD: These days, a CD-burner/DVD-ROM combination drive is pretty-much standard on all new value-orientated (approximately sub $2500) notebooks. It's only in rare instances or older machines that you encounter a CD-ROM only notebook. For this reason and because of the rise in popularity of USB flash drives, integrated floppy disk drives are becoming more rare, although are still normally available as internal or external USB options. Most mid- to high-end notebooks ($3000 and above) now feature DVD-writers that can burn and playback DVDs and CDs. That said, notebook vendors usually let you customise what type of drive you would like and this of course, will affect the price. If you can see yourself only requiring small backups here and there, then you can save money by going for just a CD burner or CD-burner/DVD-ROM combination drive. You could always get an external USB or FireWire drive at a later date. If you're notebook has a modular (easily swappable/replaceable) drive, you could also order a new compatible drive from your vendor and swap it in yourself. If your notebook's drive isn't swappable it's what's known as a fixed drive, which means your better off getting the best drive you can afford at the time of purchase.

Media card readers: Many notebooks now feature built-in media card readers that are perfect for a variety of uses such as getting images from your camera into your notebook. Multiple formats are often supported, including Secure Digital (SD), MemoryStick, MultiMediaCard, xD, CompactFlash, Smart Media and MicroDrive.

External hard disks: A great way to meet big removable and transportable storage needs is to use an external hard disk. They can connect to your PC via USB, FireWire or even be a MicroDrive hard disk or even PC Card hard disk (such as those made by Toshiba).

Other: Jaz, Zip, Rev or tape drives that connect via USB, parallel port or PC Card still remain options.

Networking options

Just as you would not expect to buy a desktop that lacked the ability to check e-mail and surf the Internet, the same is true of a mobile computer.
Wired: All new notebooks now include 56Kbps modem (RJ-11) and 10/100 Ethernet (RJ-45) connections. Some business-orientated notebooks might even feature Gigabit (10/100/1000) Ethernet.

Infrared: Some notebooks still feature an Infrared port, primarily as it's still used in engineering and business practice and consumers can also do things like connect their mobile phone to their notebook using it.

Bluetooth: A notebook with support for this short-range wireless networking standard comes into its own when used with Bluetooth devices like mobile phones, printers, headsets and PDAs.

Wi-Fi: Wireless networking is all the rage at the moment with certified public access points becoming more common and home wireless networking kits booming in popularity.

Both AMD and Intel machines can include wireless networking and often do - it's just up to the vendor, although Centrino notebooks have it built-in as standard. If you do choose to get Wi-Fi on your notebook or choose a Centrino model, just double check which Wi-Fi standards your notebook will support. Ideally, try to get a Wi-Fi module included that supports 802.11a, b and g standards.

Peripheral connectivity

All computers, particularly notebooks, need to be connectable. Some notebooks feature older PS/2 and serial legacy ports, but these days many don't. The reason for this is because most peripherals (such as keyboards and mice) now connect via USB 2.0 or FireWire.

Some notebooks have a single FireWire connection (enabling peripherals like video cameras to connect at approximately 400Mbps) but nearly every new notebook will have around three USB 2.0 ports, while older notebooks will have approximately two USB 1.1 ports.

Also known as Hi-Speed USB, USB 2.0 allows data transfer at 480Mbps (instead of USB 1.1's 12Mbps).

Another common task is to connect an external monitor using a notebook's VGA-out port.

PC Cards are a notebook's equivalent of a desktop computer's PCI slot - both are used for expanding a machine's capabilities by introducing new hardware. PC Cards are shaped just like a card and have for years been the preferred means of connecting notebooks with add-ons such as sound cards, extra ports and more. However, now PC Cards are making way for a smaller, faster, and more desktop-friendly format called ExpressCard.

Members of the PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) - the trade group responsible for PC Card standards - introduced the first ExpressCard modules in 2004 in part to meet PC industry demands for smaller PC Cards for today's shrinking portables.

The notebook transition to ExpressCards has already begun: a few notebooks in the $3000-range such as Lenovo's ThinkPad T43 are shipping with both CardBus and ExpressCard slots. PCMCIA officials expect that in 2006, 70 per cent of new notebooks will ship with ExpressCard slots - and no CardBus slots. ExpressCard peripherals should begin appearing in stores around Christmas 2005.

Sound

Sound quality continues to be an afterthought for many notebook vendors with barely minimum quality sound chips and tinny built speakers - but things are slowly improving.

Intel's reference design for its Centrino platform gives notebook manufacturers the choice to include Intel Hi-Definition audio that supports DTS, THX and Dolby technologies for up to eight channels at 192kHz/32-bit quality.

In addition, some notebook vendors are including optical or S/PDIF audio-outputs built-into their machines as standard while others are including underside sub woofers, four speaker configurations, integrated brand name speakers and more in order to improve sound quality.

If you love the idea of a notebook, but audio quality is important to you professionally or personally, then rest assured that there are also many USB, FireWire and PC Card external sound card options available.

Battery

If you expect to use your computer on the move, battery life is an important consideration. All notebooks now use rechargeable lithium ion (Li-Ion) batteries, which currently offer the best performance of the commercial battery technologies in common use.

The performance of a Li-Ion battery is judged by its capacity, which is measured in cells.

Most notebook vendors will offer a variety of optional battery upgrades (batteries with around 6-12 cells) or even a second battery for when travelling (for around $200).

A word of warning: many notebook warranties that may go for one or even three years will still only cover the battery for six months.

Also, don't forget that high power processors, plenty of RAM and fast disk drives will devour battery life. If you will frequently be operating your notebook on its battery power, you may want to investigate your processor, notebook and operating system's various power-saving options.

Questions to ask the retailer

Free leather carry bags, bundled software, extended warranty, accidental damage cover and the like are often nice value-added features. But if the machine isn't good value without them, think again.

Top 10 questions to ask regarding warranty

Even the most reliable machines may experience faults that cannot easily be rectified. Repairing a notebook can be extremely expensive - unlike equivalent desktop machines, manufacturers are more likely to use non-standard components. Even if this is not the case, replacing many parts is too complex for the average user. The majority of manufacturers offer one-year return-to-base warranties. Some offer to collect your machine as part of the standard warranty, most will be willing to extend terms at a price, and a few manufacturers offer three years of support. It's also worth noting that it's common practice for notebook vendors to use professional third-party support contractors, especially where the vendor doesn't have a repair centre in your city or state.

Is there a guaranteed turnaround time on service or an option to pay to include this? This applies to return to base or courier pick-up warranties.
If you live in a regional area, does the "free courier pickup" warranty still apply to you?
Is the warranty International? If so, what countries and locations are included? This is one to keep in mind if you're a regular traveller.
Can you get a courtesy notebook if there are extended repair problems?
If you're a business, is there an option to sign a service agreement contract?
What are the warranty specifics concerning dead display pixels?
If the notebook is being shipped to you, is transit damage insurance included?
What is the warranty on the notebook's battery?
Are parts and labour included in the warranty?
Are any third-party support contractors sufficiently stocked with parts and sufficiently trained to support your particular notebook model?
Which operating system and software are included?

Most notebooks come with either Windows XP Home or Professional pre-installed, but a few vendors will also let you opt to have Linux preinstalled. When buying a notebook, you may pick up some real bargains in bundled software, including utilities, backup software (either Nero or Easy Media Creator), productivity software (such as Microsoft Works or an office suite) and sometimes multimedia (DVD/CD) creation software and even games.

How can I tell if the software is legal?

One of the biggest concerns with bundled software is whether you're getting the genuine article.

Microsoft has established a licensing section on its Web site dedicated to protecting users from pirated copies of its software products.

According to the Microsoft site, the best way for you to confirm that the software you have been given with your PC or notebook is authentic Microsoft software, is to first check your end user license agreement (EULA). If you have purchased your PC from a retail outlet and have been given the software with it, check the Microsoft license pack and look for the certificate of authenticity (COA) on the box.

Alternatively, if the software has already been installed on the PC, look for the COA which accompanied the product. For OEM products, the COA is either on a separate page or affixed as a label to the PC chassis.

Open license customers can view their electronic purchase history via the Microsoft Web site. This site also maintains a free software inventory analyser, which can tell you what Microsoft products you have loaded on your PC. For more information on these, check out the Microsoft website

Besides the operating system, PC or notebook buyers may also receive a range of other software products either bundled with or pre-installed on their system, including reference, business or education programs.

For more general information on pirated software, the BSAA (Business Software Association of Australia) has compiled consumer guides on what to look out for when purchasing PC software. These not only cover new software, but also look at purchasing new or second-hand software online. More information is available on their website

The site also provides links to piracy statements from a variety of software providers, such as Macromedia, Symantec, Autodesk and Adobe. All such sites advise users to purchase their PC and related software from a reputable reseller, and to check that all software comes with authentic packaging and a license agreement. Even if the software has already been pre-installed on your PC or notebook, the reseller should still provide you with a software license agreement. You should also receive the original software discs and manuals for all the pre-installed software. Users can also seek further information on anti-piracy laws and report suspected pirated software to the Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA). The trade organisation has over 800 member companies from the software and Internet industry worldwide.

Which extras can be included?

A few final items are worth considering. If you are going to be using your notebook on the move, ask about extra batteries as well as items such as carrying cases.

Also, consider whether there will be extras that are bundled cheaply at the time of buying, such as USB TV tuners, USB flash memory keys, optional upgrades and more.

If you think you will want to increase the amount of RAM later, then perhaps it is worth considering upgrading it at the time of purchase, saving both time and money. It is common for retailers to offer to upgrade the amount of RAM at a cheaper price or even for free during promotions.

Sourced from www.pcworld.idg.com.au