Home, Work Or Play: Find Your Ultimate Laptop

Laptops have revolutionized the computer industry and have become so commonplace that they're now taken for granted. These computer models have undergone continual transformation since they first came on the market in 1981. Today's laptops-which can also considered as mobile workstations for business professionals-make it easier than ever to stay digitally connected, whether you're on vacation, at a conference, or relaxing on your deck at home. But are all models created equally? And will your particular mix of activities mean you’ll need a particular type of laptop?

Some potential laptop users assume that these machines are identical in all aspects, and simply have different manufacturer names. However, laptops vary in everything from screen and keyboard size to hard drive to RAM capacity. It can be difficult to decide whichtype of laptop to get, especially if it's going to be used for more than one scenario. So what are some things to keep in mind when looking for a laptop for all seasons?

Ask yourself first if your primary interest is computer power or mobility. Notebooks, the traditional laptop, are close in power and capacity to traditional desktop computers and are excellent for business use. Depending on capacity and features, the price range for notebooks is probably the largest for laptops, ranging between $400 and $2000. The lighter weight of these net books makes them great for travel, as well as surfing the Internet and running simple programs such as Excel. Because of this type of computer's more limited uses, it is a more inexpensive model. Trying to combine the best of both these worlds is the Ultrabook, the latest generation of laptop. The Ultra book is much lighter than a notebook, but much more powerful. It's a great choice for both business and casual use.

Some other things to consider when deciding on the best laptop for your needs are toughness, battery life, and security. No computer is going to do dropped or mishandled, regardless of what you see on commercials; not only should you consider a sturdy carrying case, but you should also search for a laptop that offers a build and technology that can literally absorb shocks. New computer ‘health’ features offered by some manufacturers also offer keyboards that are more resistant to the ever-present threat of spills. Medical update software can alert users to computer health issues before they become serious. Given how much your laptop will possibly be travelling with you, and how much you'll probably be storing on it, security is paramount. Everyone's familiar with the 8-16 character computer security codes, but it is also possible to find some manufacturers that offer thumbprint security codes, adding yet another level of security. In addition to all of these features, a good laptop battery should easily provide between 9-20 hours of continuous use and recharge quickly.

With the laptop now outselling desk models, it's clear where technology is headed. Buyers should think carefully about what they want, and select the one that best suits their needs.