Choosing the Right Notebook Computer for Your Business – 1

Choosing the Right Notebook Computers for Your Business – Part 1

Many businesses are getting by with just purchasing notebook computers instead of desktop computers and notebooks. If you want, you can find powerful (2.5 GHZ+) computers and dual-processor notebook computers for very reasonable prices today – thanks to the economy and the competion that tablet PC’s are bringing to the market place.

There are so many types of notebook computer today that you shouldn’t have a difficult time choosing the right one(s) for your new business. Stick with these brands who are known for their better quality control and servicing departments: Toshiba, IBM, HP/Compaq (Hp bought Compaq some years back).

There are business spec’ed notebook computers that you might think you need for your business – probably – you don’t. Business spec notebooks are ready to sign on company networks and have advanced security and backup options in some cases. If your business will be handling sensitive information you’ll probably want to look into this. IBM has some great fingerprint reader notebooks that protect your computer from being broken into easily.

It’s likely you don’t need a specific “business” notebook. Here are some tips about what you might need and what will satisfy most new business owners. Keep in mind this article is focused on cost-effective choices and not someone with an unlimited budget. The specifications I list here will work for someone that does and doesn’t have an online business too.

Here is an overview of what you’ll want in a business notebook computer:

Operating System (OS). Mac or IBM/PC? Sorry, I don’t know anything about Linux, if you do then you already know what kind of computer you need! If you’re a Mac person – I can’t help you either. It’s not that I despise them, but I just don’t “get it”. Macs may be a good choice for your business if you’re primarily multimedia based or will only use email, internet browsing, and some other simple programs. The downside to Mac is the choice of software is never as complete as Windows software.

You’ll likely be using Microsoft Vista or Windows 7 or some version of Windows. Windows 7 is supposed to be the better option – it uses less system resources for the operating system and is faster. Hold out and get it – many people are dissatisfied with Vista. Vista is slow if you don’t have a fast computer and 3 – 4GB of RAM. Microsoft XP PRO is a much faster operating system but Microsoft is phasing it out in favor of their new OS’s

Notebook Display (Screen) Size. If you have big hands don’t bother even looking at anything under 12 or 13″. Start there and go bigger. There’s nothing like trying to conform your fingers to a small keyboard – it’s aggravating and many errors result. Better to get a keyboard that fits your hands – regardless of coolness factor implicit in the latest micro-notebooks.

As the screen size gets smaller – the weight decreases. That’s a factor, but shouldn’t be much of one. All computers weight about 5 lbs. Count on it – and bulk up if you can’t carry that around in a good backpack. You’ll save lots of money and won’t sacrifice comfort that way. There are very large notebooks with 17″ screens that will break your back but be VERY comfortable to use, as well as being fast and quiet. Up to you.

Processor. 2.5GHZ+ or go with a Dual Core processor – AMD or INTEL, no matter really. If you get Dual Core go for at least 1.7 or 1.8 GHZ speed for the top processor. If you have small hands and opt for the ultra-small notebook get a NEO processor and you’ll do better on battery life.

Battery life dies quickly with a faster processor – A 1.6-1.8GHZ processor is really all you need for most apps except editing video or high resolution graphics editing. If you need faster – go for a 2.8 GHZ or
faster processor. Your battery might last a couple hours – tops, and you’ll need to be close to a wall electric outlet to continue working longer than that.

BUS Speed. Bus speed is kind of like how wide the highway is… If you have a 4-lane road going one way that might be like 1600 MHZ bus speed. Some notebooks have this, but not many yet. The average today (in 2009) is about 800MHZ. Which, really is fine. We bought a new Hewlett Packard computer that has a 1600MHZ bus. It’s quite fast and we’re pleased. Choose a BUS that’s at least 800 MHZ to ensure your computer is fast enough – Bus speed affects the speed of everything.

RAM. Random Access Memory. Get as much RAM as your notebook holds. Really. If it holds 4GB – get it. RAM is something that adds to the speed of the computer, the applications you use, saving, copying, just about everything you do on the computer. Microsoft operating systems are big RAM hogs and you’ll be much happier if you get the maximum and don’t try to save money in this area.