Most of us tend to think of laptops in the same way: a fairly small portable
computer that can open and close like a suitcase, with all of the
capabilities of a desktop. In fact, the term “laptop” is really very
generic. There are currently four main styles of these portable PCs, each
offering something a bit different, depending upon your specific needs.
Ultralights – Also known as sub-notebooks or
ultraportables, this style of laptop weighs up to – but no more than – four
pounds, making them ideal for travelers. The upside of an ultralight is that
it doesn’t burden those who have to spend a lot of time carrying them with
aching muscles, as its larger cousins often do. The downside, however, is
that – in order to cut down on the size and weight – this type of laptop is
so small that there’s no room for a network card or internal CD drive. In
order to reap the benefits of these types of “attachments,” you’d have to
bring an external CD drive and port replicator. Another negative in the
scenario is that ultralights tend to be on the expensive end of the laptop
spectrum.
Notebooks – This is basically just a regular laptop, but is slightly less
heavy, weighing in at four to six pounds. While it’s heavier than the
smaller ultralight, it also offers more options with less fuss. Offering the
flexibility of a combo bay, notebooks are designed with a large opening on
the side which allows the user to plug a CD drive, floppy disk or extra
battery – allowing you to access the features that you need without the
burden of making room for those that aren’t needed.
Standards – Commonly referred to as “regular laptops,” these weigh between
six and eight pounds and offer a full range of benefits. This technological
pack-mule is the best buy – dollar for dollar – when you consider the
cost/performance ratio. Due to their popularity, combined with their design
and usability, it’s not uncommon to find discounts on these from major
manufacturers. Other types of laptops, which fall into more specialized
categories, tend to be in the higher price ranges. The bottom line is, of
the four main types of laptops, the standard is the most economical for the
most reasonable amount of money.
Extra Large – Although this type of laptop doesn’t yet have a technical
name, it’s best to simply refer to it as “extra large,” since they weigh
between eight and ten pounds and have a screen that measures at least 17
inches. In addition, the keyboard is much larger than a standard laptop,
making it a more comfortable fit for those who find the keyboard of the
standard laptop rather inhibitive. There are a couple of downfalls to owning
this type of unit, not the least of which includes its weight. There can be
a four pound difference between the weight of a standard and an extra large
laptop – and that’s quite a bit, when you think about lugging it around all
day. The other negative factor is the cost of this type of laptop. It offers
a price tag that’s every bit as hefty as its weight and size.
The purchase of a laptop comes down to personal preference, and there are
enough styles in the laptop community to please just about everyone. For
those who can’t decide and just want “a laptop,” then it’s probably better
to stick to the standard model.
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