This notebook buying guide show everything you need to know when purchasing a notebook computer. The notebook buying guide outlines the things to consider and the things to watch out for in a notebook computer.

Notebook computer refer to the smaller portable computers, generally with a 12″ or smaller monitor. The larger portable computers are referred to as laptop computers and our laptop buying guide goes over whats necessary when getting a laptop computer. The distinction is not actually as clear as I’ve made it here, but it’s the general guideline I use.

A common mistake when getting a computer is to get one that is too powerful. Without knowing enough about what you really need, the temptation to get more “just in case” is too easy to give into. Take the time to analyze the primary uses of the notebook computer and get one that is designed to do those well. When it comes down to it, most computers can handle any task, but it’s the main tasks that it should be best suited for.

Made to Move

All these smaller model have some things in common. They are:

• designed to be moved around
• made tough
• well connected

All of them are designed small so that they can be ported around with minimal effort. Portability means sacrificing some things like DVD drives sometimes. The video output and expansion ports are fewer. The keyboards can be smaller than the standard size. They are also made tough, because movement means dropping and bumping.

Another feature is that, they are designed to be well connected, which also goes with the portability. LAN ports always feature, wireless LAN always features, wider connections like 3.5G and Wimax are also quite possible for constant connectivity.

The main categories for notebook computers are different to those for laptop computers because the intended uses are different. Here are the three as I see them.

• Super-Portable and basic
• Just Portable
• Portable with muscle

Let’s have a look at them now.

Super-Portable and Basic

These feature screens up to 8″. The small screen size means that multi-tasking is almost impossible. Basic, single purpose tasks can be carried out, one at a time. The processing power is minimal. These system often include Linux operating systems which don’t use as much power as Windows. Solid state storage is the storage media of choice.

The target audience for some of these is students and children, because of low prices and robustness.

Personally I would steer away from this size for a heavily used computer. With computer prices making them a commodity, I would tend to get a slightly bigger model as the super-portable models don’t provide enough extra over the features a good pocket PC or other portable phone can provide.

These basic models will have the following (quite often open source):

• Linux operating system (non-Windows at the least)
• Web browser (Firefox, Chrome, Safari, etc)
• Office programs (OpenOffice.org or other open source alternative)
• Email programs
• Chat programs (Skype, MSN, Google chat, Yahoo! Messenger, etc)
• 2D games (Pacman, tetris, puzzle games, pop the bubbles, etc)
• Music players
• Video players

Just Portable

The just portable models offer all the same programs as the basic portable models. They might also feature some Windows on a slightly higher performing system. More memory is possible. The screen size is around 9″ or 10″ or so.

In this range the monitor size comes to a size where using it for a longer period of time is not quite so painful. The extra power gives the ability to run Windows, and means that all those favorite programs can now be installed. It should be noted that Linux versions take less strain on the system and can squeeze more performance out of the machine. The intention is much the same as the slower models, but the extra processing power, and sometimes more memory give a boost to performance.

Possible programs beyond the ones on the super-portable models:

• Basic image editing (Gimp or other)
• HIgher definition movies

Portable with Muscle

These models, up to 12″ in size resemble laptops more then they resemble the compact look of the smaller models. The screens are a decent size for everyday work. Processors start to come from the faster range, rather than the real power-saving range, for example faster Intel Core processors rather than Intel ATOM. Multitasking becomes easier with more memory as well. A DVD drive may be built-in. There are more USB ports and a VGA port for adding a monitor to the laptop.

These are probably the best as computers that will be used all the time. Smaller models might do, but an external monitor and keyboard would be necessary anytime it is to be used at a desk for a long period of time.

Conclusion

The options are there, now comes the time to make a choice. Bear in mind that extras can always be added to the very basic models. External DVD drives are easy to get for models without one and almost any other external device can be connected with USB. So just how portable do you need? See for yourself. Keep this notebook buying guide on hand and get the most fun possible from your new notebook computer.