| The desktop computer in my office is an | | | | Processor (CPU) |
| excellent piece of equipment, and one that I really | | | | Since processing power is one of my primary |
| enjoy working with. Now last month I started | | | | issues, our IT manager is recommending the Intel |
| working extended periods outside the office, and | | | | Core 2 Duo P9500 along with whatever my |
| I quickly realized that without access to the | | | | budget can withstand in terms of memory. His |
| information in my desktop, I was really going to | | | | philosophy is get all the memory the CPU can |
| have a serious problem on my hands. Right then | | | | stand. |
| and there it was clear to me what I had to do; I | | | | Memory (RAM) |
| had to get a portable computer if I wanted to be | | | | Here is yet another area where memory is |
| more efficient while working outside the office. | | | | directly associated with the computers processing |
| With a portable computer I would have access to | | | | power. And since one of my primary concerns is |
| the information on my desktop; in addition I could | | | | processing power I'll be maxing out the RAM |
| access our company's website our email and also | | | | memory requirement of whichever laptop I |
| access the Internet. All of those are tasks that | | | | select, till my budget calls out for economic help. |
| while outside the office, for me are extremely | | | | Display and video |
| necessary. | | | | Since one of my primary concerns is processing |
| My next step was to meet with our IT manager, | | | | power I'll need a widescreen display and a |
| and get his recommendations concerning what | | | | graphics processor that can stay in step with |
| type of portable computer would be suitable for | | | | whichever CPU I select. Our IT manager |
| what I wanted to do. I also wanted to discuss | | | | recommends a display with a native resolution of |
| with him any configuration issues that I should | | | | no less than 1366 x 768 pixels with a display size |
| consider while making my selection. Our IT | | | | no larger than 14"; he's also recommending the |
| manager was extremely helpful, and invested | | | | following graphics processors, the ATI or the |
| quite some time painting an entire picture of a | | | | NVIDA with a memory configuration of 250 MB |
| configuration that not only takes care of my | | | | minimum of dedicated graphics memory. |
| needs, but also integrates perfectly into our | | | | Hard Drives |
| company's network and our security protocols. | | | | After taking into consideration the applications that |
| Our IT manager also recommended a laptop, he | | | | I'll be using and the amount of information that I'll |
| said this type of computer is perfectly suited for | | | | be carrying around with me, and the data that I'll |
| the type of work that I'll be doing. He also had a | | | | be generating while outside the office. My hard |
| comprehensive laundry list of options that I should | | | | disk choice is pretty simple; a 300 GB hard drive |
| carefully consider while making my selection. | | | | spinning at 5400 rpm will do the job just fine for |
| The following are just a few of the | | | | me. |
| recommendations from our IT manager's | | | | CD and DVD |
| extensive laundry list of options: | | | | Independent of which laptop model I select a |
| Operating system | | | | CD-R and a DVD-RW are a requirement. Our IT |
| Most laptop computers sold today come with | | | | manager informs me that today; laptops come |
| Microsoft Vista 7. And that's just fine for me | | | | with CD-R and DVD-RW options standard across |
| because it just happens to be the operating | | | | laptops independent of models. Therefore I should |
| system that our IT manager recommends. The | | | | make sure the laptop computer that I select has |
| other recommendation was that whichever | | | | those CD and DVD configuration options that |
| operating system I select it should provide the | | | | interest me. |
| ability to connect to our company's domain | | | | Networking |
| server. And for me that's, Windows Vista 7 | | | | Our IT manager is tells me the Ethernet port on |
| Professional because it's the operating system | | | | the laptop should be a 10/100 in order to connect |
| that has the option which will permit joining a | | | | to our company network without problems. In |
| domain server. | | | | order connect to our company wireless network |
| Weight | | | | without any problems, I'll need an 802.11g 54 Mbps |
| I really like the processing power of my desktop | | | | or 2.4 GHz either of those two wireless protocols |
| computer, so I'm interested in getting that same | | | | will do the job nicely. Our IT manager handles the |
| type of processing power from a laptop | | | | network configuration for both wired and wireless |
| computer. But without the heavy bulky | | | | connections using the networking tools found in |
| configuration usually associated with laptops that | | | | Windows Vista 7. |
| have equivalent power to desktop computers. | | | | Ports |
| Also I have an overall weight limit of 6 lbs or less. | | | | The basic ports I'm looking for in a laptop: USB |
| So, while I determine what I'm willing to carry | | | | 4-ports max, Firewire 1-port, VGA 1-port or DVI |
| around in terms of overall weight and size, I | | | | 1-port, Ethernet 1-port 10/100, SD media port, |
| anticipate that I'll be picking up quite a few laptop | | | | S-Video 1-port, Headphone jack and a microphone |
| computers before making a final choice. Our IT | | | | jack also a cable lock slot. |
| manager also recommended that I should | | | | Battery life |
| consider the weight of the AC adapter as port of | | | | Our IT manager is telling me anything that can |
| the computers overall weight. Because the AC | | | | run 4-hours or more is excellent, and his not |
| adapter is one of the items I'll have to carry | | | | recommending that I carrying around two battery. |
| around with me. | | | | |