The choices of mobile computing for SOHO users (part 4)

The choices of mobile computing for SOHO users (part 4)

Never run out of choice

It’s good that we have selections, but they have too much available laptops that can make you confuse. Now when you can classify all of them, all you have to do is identify what your real needs – of course it have to be suitable with budget – after that decide which gadget can meet these requierments. With the wide range of laptops, you can pretty sure that there always have a laptop out there which can have all the things you want with the price that you can pay for that.

Some features need to be considered

Even though the usage of laptops was not just in some agreement levels like before, but laptops are still smaller than computers, that means they just don’t have enough space for those accessorizes and additional features, especially when we look at netbooks and subnotebooks. When buying laptops, you should identify what features are essential and what you don’t need. These following things are available but not all of them will show up on every laptops: USB gate, Wi-Fi, Webcam, Bluetooth, biometric security (fingerprints scanner), video outputs (can also include HDMI) and Ethernet.

In general, business people may not need HDMI, webcams (unless you are using it for the conference videos system) and Bluetooth. Wi-Fi and Ethernet are essential to connect with both Internet and the company intranet, as well as USB gates for connecting other features when laptops are used in the office. Fingerprint scanner will add another protecting level in case that your laptops were lost at the airport or on the road.

Laptop and notebook: summary

In case you are having trouble in keeping track of your choices, this is a convenient chart listing some categories of laptop and some functions usually going along with each kind.

 

	Processor	RAM	Storage	Monitor	Additional Functions	Examples
Replacing desktop computers	Intel Core i5 or more, AMD Phenom	4GB+	500GB+	15-17 inch	HDMI output; DVD recorder, Bluray reader, Bluetooth, 4- 6 USB gates	Dell Inspiron, Fujitsu Lifebook E751, Lenovo ThinkPad T520
Subnotebook, ultraportable	Intel Celeron; Intel Core i3 mobile or more; AMD Athlon II	2GB+	320GB+	13-15 inch	Bluetooth, 2- 4 USB gates	Sony Vaio S; Toshiba Satellite
Netbook	Low voltage Atom or similar	1GB	SSD or HDD, 160GB or less	9-10 inch	2 USB gates, external video	Asus Eee PC 1001P Seashell; Dell Inspiron Mini
Tablet, convertable tablet	Intel Core i3 mobile; Low voltage Atom or similar	1GB- 4GB	16GB - 32GB	9-12 inch	HDMI output, touch screen	iPad; Samsung Galaxy Tab; Lenovo ThinkPad X Series Tablet

Chromebook: laptop based on web

Chromebook of Google speeds up fast (the time period from complete shutdown to being ready within is just 10 seconds) and it is cheap, confidential, easy to use, and always upgrading. In fact, this is a system called “thin client”, with very little processing is done locally; instead, it uses web applications running in the operating system as a browser. (Unsurprisingly, The operating system looks alike the famous browser- Chrome of Google). Therefore, Chromebook requires Internet connection (by Wi-Fi or mobile 3G) in order to improve the actual productivity. Chromebook is available from Samsung and other hardware producers, starting at $430 USD (just Wi-Fi) or $500 USD (Wi-Fi and 3G). If you spend much of your time on surfing the net, Chromebook can be your good choice.

Docking station and Port Replicator

If you are considering laptop for its mobile ability, you can also think of a docking station or a port replicator to keep it on your desk at the office. Working as a laptop’s home station when it is not brought along, docking station or port replicator gives us a desktop experience by providing real additional ports, connectors, optical drives, and other features that may not be present on the smaller laptop– but it will be welcomed at the office. Port replicator is cheap equipment connecting with your laptop through cable, while the real docking station is a much more expensive mechanism in which laptop is inserted; when a peg is in its position, the ports and additional accessories of a dock are available automatically.

When it is time to get on the road or just get home at night, you only need to remove the laptop’s plug, put it in your bag and go. Dock or replicator of the computer will wait for your coming back.