Types and weights

Tablet PC, Ultra portable, Midsize, Large (Desktop replacements)

Laptops come in various sizes weights depending upon the compactness and the features included. According to type, screen size, thickness, and weight, they may be classified as Tablet PC, Ultra portable, Midsize, and Large (desktop replacements).

Tablet PC

A tablet PC or a tablet notebook has a notepad design, has no keyboard or mouse, and writing is done by using a special stylus. In one powerful and flexible design, a tablet PC delivers the features of a notebook computer along with handwriting recognition. Models can be slate models or notebook models. Slate models have external keyboards whereas notebook models have a keyboard. Certain convertibles can change from the slate model mode to a notebook model mode. A tablet PC is ideally suited for persons like field workers and mobile professionals who want to take notes in their own handwriting, scribble emails, sign faxes using a digital pen. Powered with the Intel Pentium M processor, inking has a more natural feel due to the improved hardware performance. The Tablet Input Panel also has much improved due to improved software features by Microsoft. Displays are small from 10.4 to 14.1 inches. There are 8" to 12" screens for those who do not hold it in the crook of their arms and who are less mobile. A 14" convertible is usually for office workers and offers less portability. A digital pen makes a tablet PC, and thus you should ensure that the digital pen is large enough to make writing in digital ink smooth and easy. Erasing your writing with the back of the pen is a great convenient feature to look for.

Ultra-portable laptop

In the traditional notebook design, this is the smallest design, meant for mobile professionals and road warriors who need the computing power as they travel. They usually feature processors that range from 1 GHz to 1.8 GHz and have 256 MB to 512 MB RAM. Intel's Ultra Low Voltage processors give maximum battery life. Displays range from 10.6 to 13.3 inches prompting the use of the zoom function in most applications like Word. Ultra-portables typically do not use discrete graphics with dedicated video memory, instead they use integrated video chips with shared memory, making them highly unsuitable to play games. Hard drives are from 20 GB to 40 GB. DVDs are usually not there, but some models squeeze a DVD/CD-RW with the trade-off in weight. All types of ports are not present due to lack of space; however, one may expect two USB 2.0 ports, ethernet port, headphone jack, and a video output for presentations. Keyboards are small and usually not preferred by touch typists. Due to reduced features, not much energy is expended; hence, the battery lasts for about four hours, which makes it most energy efficient.

Midsize laptop

These laptops offer more durability and security features than ultraportables or Tablet PCs. They are targeted at mobile professionals, business persons and IT managers who seek a stable and a secure platform. Midsize laptop computers offer a TPM security module for network authentication. They may also have SmartCard support and fingerprint authentication to eliminate the need for remembering multiple passwords and decrease the likelihood of stolen data. They are typically built with a strong magnesium alloy frame and a hard drive protection system with shock absorbing capabilities thereby reducing the damage from a fall. Spill proof keyboards are also a great feature to look for along with modular bays that allow easy swapping of accessories like an optical drive being swapped to insert an extra battery.

Large (Desktop Replacements) laptops

These notebook computers have the power to do anything that a desktop PC can do. They are heavy but most systems can be moved from one room to the other. They offer the power of a desktop PC with the portability of a laptop and are meant for users who rarely travel with their notebook. They typically have 17" displays and are ideal for watching DVDs, and playing games. Processors are fast like Pentium M or core Duo processors. Hard disks have 60 GB to 100 GB storage capacities with 7200 rpm varieties. The battery life does not last more than two hours. They have fast DVD burning which can burn on both sides, thereby doubling the capacity for storage. Most mobile laptops use graphics chips from ATI or nVidia and so execute multimedia files with ease as 128 MB or more of dedicated video memory is utilized for exclusive and super-fast game play. There are many ports given. There are four to more than four USB 2.0 ports, a DVI video output, a FireWire port, and S/PDIF output for surround sound speaker system.