Forward - The purpose of this article is to provide you with unbiased information for your laptop/notebook computer buying decisions. We've tried to make this guide easy to read and informative, however it also includes detailed technical information for the more advanced reader.
This guide is divided into several different chapters which include: what to consider before purchasing a laptop or notebook computer, recommended laptop features, an explanation of laptop video memory and how it effects screen resolution, a notebook CPU speed index guide, details on the mobile CPUs that are in the speed index, hints on buying a laptop, and a list of other laptop/notebook computer resources.
The right menu bar contains a list of the different chapters that you can use to jump to the chapters you are most interested in.
What to Consider Before Purchasing a Laptop Computer
1. Portability - The main reason to have a laptop or notebook computer is portability - the need to take your entire computer from one place to another. If you don't need portability, then you should probably buy a desktop. Or if you really need portability but don't want the weight and size of a laptop, a well equipped cell phone/pda might be a good choice. Laptops come in all diferent weights, sizes, and speeds.
2. Expense - Laptop computers cost almost twice as much as comparably equipped desktops. Shocking isn't it?
You can actually buy two comparably equipped desktops for the price of one laptop. So if you have to have a computer in two separate places, you would be better off with two desktops (if they were reasonably close together you could hook them together in a wired or wireless local area network (LAN).
3. Speed - Laptops are 30-100% slower than a desktop with the same features (CPU, RAM, hard drive capacity, etc.). Slower CPUs, motherboards, hard drives, and video systems all contribute to the speed loss.
4. Upgradeability - Laptop computers are mostly non-upgradeable. Whatever CPU, video card (built into the motherboard), sound card (also built-in), and screen, that come with the laptop are the same parts the laptop will end with.
While it is possible to upgrade main memory, hard drives, and sometimes CPUs, these upgrades can be expensive.
You can also upgrade newer laptops through their USB, USB 2.0, and Firewire ports. Only USB 2.0 and Firewire ports can run high speed devices e.g. hard drives and DVD drives. While much improvement has been made in the speed and price of external drives, upgrading a laptop this way adds weight and decreases portability.
(However, it is a very good idea to back up all your important files to a CD, DVD, external hard drive, web storage etc. at least once a week. - ed)
5. Serious Gaming. You will need to spend at least $2,000 - $2,500 for a laptop that can play current games at a respectable speed. I don't recommend laptops for serious gaming no matter how much you are willing to spend. Why?
Because if you love to play games, about 1-1.5 years after you purchase your laptop you will find it isn't fast enough to keep up with the latest new game. At that time, you will regret buying a gaming laptop. However, if you have the money, and want to throw down $2500 every year or so, more power to you.
On the other hand, if your computer budget is limited, it's better to have a functional laptop, and spend your gaming dollars on an upgradeable desktop.
Recommended Notebook Features
Memory, Memory, and more Memory - Most lower-priced notebooks are sold with 512MB - 1GB of system memory (RAM). If you use your notebook for occasional typing and web browsing you could get by with of 512MB - 1GB RAM but you would probably be much happier with 2 GBs especially if you are using Windows Vista. Power users should try to get a notebook with at least 4 GB or more. It is very important that the memory is purchased when you buy the computer as many notebooks have only one or two memory expansion slots and you will wind up throwing away the old memory when you upgrade.
Batteries - Lithium batteries are superior to other kinds. The typical full size laptop will run between 1-2 hours on its battery. Some laptops can run between 6-8 hours on their batteries. If long battery life is important to you, enquire about battery life before you purchase your laptop.
Hard Drives - 20 GB minimum. Of course, larger is better.
CD-RW/DVD-RW - These drives are standard on almost all notebooks. Obviously the DVD drive is more desirable because it can hold more data and play DVD movies. DVD movie performance will depend on the speed and video performance of the laptop.
Wired and Wireless LAN - All new laptops should have a local area network (LAN) port for plugging into a wired network.
In addition all new notebooks should have wireless network capabilities. New wireless notebooks will be able to use the highest wireless speed available which is termed "wireless N". Some notebooks are still being made with the older wireless B/G capability.
Video Screens - The size, brightness, and clarity of a laptop screen is best shopped for in person. Usually the larger the screen, the heavier the laptop, and the more use of power.
Video Memory and Screen Resolution - The screen resolution of any notebook or desktop computer is a function of the graphics adapter, amount of Video RAM available, the size (pixel density) of the screen shown (e.g. 640x480), and the number of colors used. These screen features are loosely defined by the type of output the screen can produce e.g. VGA, SVGA, XGA, and SXGA as shown in the table on the next page.
Recommended Notebook Features - continued
Video Memory and Screen Resolution Table
Type of Output
Maximum Screen Size
Number of Colors
Video RAM Required
VGA 640x480 16 1 MB
SVGA 800x600 256 1 - 2 MB
XGA 1024x768 64K-16M 4 MB
SXGA 1280x1024 16M 8 MB
Super XGA+ 1400x1050 16M 8 MB
Ultra XGA 1600x1200 16M 8 MB
Laptops with no dedicated video memory. If your notebook lists the term "shared memory" in its specifications, it is likely that it contains no dedicated video memory. The video controller shares system RAM with the CPU, eliminating the requirement for dedicated Video RAM. For notebooks that use shared RAM, the video controller's capability is the limiting factor for screen resolution.
There are two drawbacks to shared RAM: The video controller accesses shared RAM slower than dedicated Video RAM, and the memory used by the video card reduces total system RAM available to software programs. For example, if your notebook with 1 GB of shared RAM is running a video program that uses 128 MB of RAM, your system RAM is reduced to less than 900 MB of RAM.
So what is good about shared RAM? Shared RAM allows manufacturers to cut cost, size, and heat generation by eliminating Video RAM. As a result, you will usually see shared RAM in lower cost laptops, notebooks, and desktops.
Hint: Avoid notebooks with shared RAM unless you are interested in low power consumption, extended battery life, or you are buying a low cost laptop.
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