With the new breed of low-priced notebooks that debuted since last year, you can now purchase a pretty powerful machine for under $1000. It won’t be one of those ultra-slim, featherweight stunners, but that’s not what you need for a desktop, right?
If you travel frequently and truly need an ultra-portable model, prepare to shell out some extra bucks if it will double as a desktop computer. However, remember that by purchasing only one machine, you’re saving money.
There are too many sub-$1,000 notebooks to mention here; browse the Internet, and you’ll be surprised by the many choices.
One is the Sony VAIO VGN-NS140E/W. For a list price of US$799.99, you’ll enjoy a 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo; 64-bit processor; 3GB of installed memory; a 250GB, 5,400rpm hard drive; a 15.4-inch widescreen monitor; built-in Wi-Fi (802.11n ); Web cam; DVD drive; Windows Vista Home Premium; and more. Weight runs from 6.4 to 9.9 pounds, depending on the options you select.
For the speed and power mongers, Alienware offers a 15.4-inch version of its Area-51 series machines, the m15x, that starts at $1,499. Widely recognized as the world’s fastest 15.4-inch notebook, this machine is a work horse, with a Smart Bay and many of the treats in the aforementioned m17x.
No matter which model you choose, there are several things to keep in mind. First, notebooks tend to have slower hard drives than desktops; the faster the revolutions per minute, the better. If you are concerned with battery life, look for SATA drives, which are fast and efficient.
Second, memory doesn’t consume energy or radiate heat, so if you are using your notebook for both home and travel use, purchasing more memory can make up for less-than-great processor speed.
Third, notebooks can have all the ports and extras of desktops and sometimes more. If you need a memory card reader, FireWire, a great video camera, or powerful speakers, keep looking until you find the right notebook for your needs.
Finally, unless you really need a large display on the road, choosing a smaller one will reduce notebook size and weight.