Aren’t tiny laptop computers underpowered?

It’s true that manufacturers have to make compromises in order to make notebook computers small and light. For example, some computer manufacturers install less power-hungry processors in order to reduce the size and weight of the battery, one of the heaviest parts of a laptop computer. They also frequently use less powerful graphics systems and omit onboard DVD drives in order to shave ounces and inches off of the final product.

The bottom line: if you’re hoping to play the latest 3-D games or run programs which would tax a recent desktop computer, then look elsewhere. But if you’re calculating spreadsheets, writing letters, watching movies, listening to MP3 files or browsing the Internet, these miniature computers have more than enough power.

What features of ultraportable laptops are important for top performance?

Ultraportable laptop buyers seeking the best possible performance should look for the following characteristics:

Processor: The brains of the computer—if a dual-core processor is available, go for it. They are significantly faster than their single-core counterparts.

Graphics: Ultraportable computers with a dedicated (sometimes called discrete) video card are rare, but those which have this feature will perform better on graphics-intensive programs.

Memory: Bite the bullet and spring for one gigabyte of system memory and consider getting two gigabytes if you plan to run Microsoft’s Windows Vista operating system.

Hard Drive: The hard drive has a surprisingly large impact on a machine’s responsiveness. Read the system’s specifications to learn the laptop’s hard drive speed, which is measured in rotations per minute (RPM). If you have the option to get a 7200 RPM drive, you’ll achieve increased performance as compared to 5400 RPM or 4200 RPM drives. Computers which use 2.5-inch notebook drives perform better than those which use the smaller 1.8-inch hard drives.

What kind of screen can I expect on an ultraportable?

Typical ultraportable laptop computers have screens measuring 12.1 inches on the diagonal, but some screens may be smaller. Laptops with 13-inch or larger screens are not considered ultraportable.

In terms of screen resolution, 1280 x 800 pixels is common, but you may also find ultraportables with slightly higher or slightly lower resolution. Many ultraportable laptops (such as the popular 1280 x 800 models) have widescreen aspect ratios, meaning their rectangular shape is shorter and wider than a traditional monitor, which is closer in shape to a square. Widescreen laptops are great for watching widescreen video content like movies.

The combination of screen size and resolution has a major impact on usability. If the screen has a large number of pixels in a small space, normal text can be difficult to read, though DVD movies will look very crisp. Only you will be able to tell if a screen meets your particular needs.

What about wireless Internet?

Wireless Internet use is one of the best reasons to buy this type of device, as these computers are so easy to carry everywhere, and they tend to have great wireless Internet capabilities. Built-in 802.11 wireless networking is commonplace, though it may cost extra in some models. Wired network connections (e.g., Ethernet) are standard equipment.

What kind of battery life can I expect?

It depends. Ultraportable laptop computers frequently come with a small low-profile battery which permits two to four hours of use. Enhanced-capacity batteries can stretch this to eight hours in some cases, a remarkable feat. On the negative side, these batteries add several ounces of weight and sometimes protrude inelegantly from the computer.

Are the keyboards on ultraportables comfortable?

Some manufacturers take more care than others when it comes to keyboards. For example, the Lenovo (formerly IBM) ThinkPad line of laptop computers are famous for their outstanding keyboards. In contrast, some manufacturers cut corners on their keyboards to reduce size and weight (such as making certain keys half-size). If you’re an accomplished touch-typist, try to audition keyboards at length before purchase. Also, check out laptop reviews in magazines and on the Internet, as they generally discuss keyboard layout and feel.

What accessories should I buy with my laptop?

There are no universal answers to this question, but here are a few accessories to consider:

An extra battery: it may be wise to buy a spare battery. Keep the standard one for your commute, and pick up an additional high-capacity one for extended sessions away from a power outlet.

An extra power adapter: If you use your computer both at home and at work, consider buying an extra power adapter to leave at the office, so that you can run the laptop from the outlet at your desk and top off the computer’s battery before heading home.

A protective sleeve: Since these computers are so tiny, you may be tempted to casually toss it sans-protection into your briefcase or bag. Resist this urge, and buy a padded sleeve to protect your investment. Companies like WaterField produce sleeves in an impressive array of sizes to accommodate nearly all laptop computer dimensions. If you plan to have two batteries, consider getting a larger sleeve which will accommodate either battery configuration, or buy a separate sleeve for each.

A small mouse: Laptop or travel computer mice are popular add-ons to portable computers. They offer greater comfort than built-in pointing devices, yet don’t take up much room in a bag.

Resources

www.notebookreview.com: This site’s comprehensive notebook database allow s you to see models with specific characteristics (e.g., all notebooks with 12.1 -inch screens that weight less than three pounds and have an Intel Core Duo processor). There’s also a lively discussion forum where you can ask the experts on the board which notebook is right for you r needs.

www.notebookforums.com: Another site containing active discussion forums on laptop computers.

www.notebookcheck.net: A useful site which compiles links to reviews from numerous sources and summarizes them into an overall score.