Laptops

Convenient, hardy, mobile, fashionable! Call it what you want, laptops are becoming one of the most must-have IT items. In the United States laptops outsell personal computers. And the reason is clear: everything you want on a computer plus portability.

Where you could have expected one hour of battery life in older laptops, these modern babies provide fun on battery time for 3 or 4 hours.

The new XGA ClearBright screens are ideal for DVD viewing. Laptop screens used to be power muncher but the ClearBright uses less power and provides a longer battery life.

Intel and AMD are battling it out in the mobile sector to provide powersaver CPUs. New mobile processors run cooler and use less power.

Integration is the name of the game in laptops. Everything you need is on-board: modem, wireless modem, speakers, camera (in selected models) and more. USB and card slots allow quick hook-up with your fancy new phone or camera to upload your latest, hottest video to YouTube... while you're on holiday.

What to look for:

When buying your first new laptop that you want to use for office purposes, an Intel Celeron Mobile Processor will adequately do the job. However, if you plan to do video and music editing, go for the AMD or Intel Centrino chipsets. Or, if the budget allows, opt for the new Quad CPU sets.

Take good care of your investment:

As with any computer item in South Africa, keep it cool. Spend a little extra and add a notebook cooler (as featured here) especially if you work long hours on your laptop.

Carry your notebook in a strong, well-padded bag. See our laptop bag section