Laptops originally had one purpose – to enable the user to work from a wider variety of locations with ease. Once manufacturers found that more than just business people were interested in purchasing laptops, the interest in improved designs and more variety in the types of laptops available increased.
Laptop development and improvements make it easy for anyone to select a laptop to match their needs.
Ultra-portable laptops are the smallest in the laptop category. This is an ideal laptop size for frequent travelers and students who will be carrying their laptop a great deal. The Fujitsu LifeBook Q2010 is an example of an ultra-portable. When selecting an ultra-portable laptop, always ensure that you get the most RAM possible so that when you connect external peripherals and run multiple programs, you have the power to do so. RAM doesn't add greatly to the overall weight of an ultra-portable laptop, but you will be glad to have it with some of the software programs that are available.
If you will not be carrying your laptop all the time but will be using it frequently, the thin and light category is a wise choice. These laptops give more visual real estate and make it easier for working with documents and viewing web site. Thin and light laptops will vary in price ranges from reasonably priced to more expensive depending on the options you have included such as software choices and display size.
Mid-size laptops are the middle ground between a full-blown desktop replacement laptop and the thin and lights. Normally home users favour this style of laptop. It includes the basic features that make it easy to surf the Internet and e-mail friends and family, an example model is the Compaq Presairio v6000Z.[p] The mid-size laptops are reasonably priced, easy to setup and use. The battery life is not normally the greatest, so you don't want to be too far from an electrical outlet with the mid-size laptop. This isn't the laptop you want if you will be traveling frequently.
Desktop replacement laptops are exactly what they sound like. A replacement for your desktop. These are not laptops for travelers as they are very heavy and the battery life is not well suited for traveling. Even adding a second battery will add more weight and not an appreciable amount of operating time.[p] Most people who select a desktop replacement laptop do so to replace their older desktop system and use the laptop exclusively. The available networking options do allow you the choice to decide where you want to work within your home, you aren't locked to working at a desk all the time. Just be sure that you have a sturdy surface to work on. Your lap will appreciate it.
Media or multimedia laptops are not just for working. Rather they target those users who like to watch movies, make movies, work with music and graphics. These are a desktop replacement laptop but with more power for working with media of all sorts.[br] Media laptops are not normally going to be used by travelers, but if you are responsible for creating media rich presentations for your job this style of laptop can handle that easily. Battery life isn't going to be great, so have a spare battery and access to power outlets when you will be using this laptop. Using media rich programs will put more drain on a battery and you'll be glad to have the power available.[p]
The most popular manufacturers of gaming laptop systems include Alienware, Voodoo, Velocity Micro and Falcon NW. Other laptop companies are now entering the gaming market, so you want to shop this style of laptop around before you buy. Extra batteries and access to power outlets is a must with a gaming laptop system. You don't need to lose power at a crucial moment when battling your foes. Gaming laptops also provide the opportunity to network your laptop with other multi-media devices and the Internet so that you can play more games and face more opponents.
