The Gadgets Page

Considering a new notebook computer and confused by the choices? In this six-part series, we looked at just about everything you might want to consider when choosing a notebook. Here are links to the detailed articles:

• Part 1: Size Matters—One of the first things to consider is the size of notebook. Notebook manufacturers and retailers divide them into three basic size categories: Mainstream, Thin and Light, and Desktop Replacements. [more]
• Part 2: Screens—Aside from screen size, which depends on the notebook size, there are four factors to consider: screen resolution, widescreen or regular, and glossy or matte. [more]
• Part 3: Processors—Processors used to be easy to tell apart—a 2.0GHz processor was faster than a 1.5GHz processor, and cost more money. A Pentium 3 was more efficient than a Pentium 2. Now processor speed means less than it used to, and the manufacturers have helpfully started calling their processors things like “Core Duo T2300″ and “Turion 64 ML-40″. Here we take a look at the latest mobile offerings from Intel and AMD and how to compare them.
• Part 4: Disks, Video, and Memory—Three more major notebook features: disk drives, video cards, and memory. While these are relatively minor considerations when you buy a desktop machine—you can always upgrade them later—notebooks are harder to upgrade, so it’s worth taking a moment to consider what you need and buy it up front if possible. [more]
• Part 5: Connectivity—Notebooks are rarely used in isolation. Here’s a tour of the different networking and connectivity options available in today’s notebooks: WiFi, Bluetooth, Wireless Broadband, USB, and Firewire.[more]
• Part 6: CDs, DVDs, and Expansion Cards—Lastly, we look at the CD/DVD options: CD readers, CD writers, DVD writers, Superdrives, and so on. This article also covers PC Card slots and the newer ExpressCard standard, and takes a quick look at memory card reader options. [more]

If you think this all looks confusing, you’re right. It’s no wonder computer stores use cute catchphrases like “affordable mobile multimedia” to promote machines, and manufacturers themselves use novelty features like webcams and anti-spyware software to appear to leap ahead of their competition.

The good news: If you throw $500-$1000 at a salesman in frustration, whatever he chooses for you will probably be a much better machine than you could have found two years ago. Nonetheless, I think it’s worth the trouble to choose a machine you’ll be happy with.

Any questions on these articles? More notebook features that confuse you? Feel free to leave a comment.