Laptop, Netbook or Tablet?

What You Need Depends on What You'll Do With It

A Guide To Picking Out The Perfect Portable Computer

If you are considering purchasing a new portable computer, deciding which one is right for you can seem overwhelming. However, using the advice in this article you will have a much better plan for finding one that fits all of your needs and that you will be able to enjoy for years to come.


Before you decide whether to buy a netbook, tablet or laptop you will need understand how each of the components influence the computers overall performance. The first thing you need to consider is the amount of memory, or RAM, the computer has. The more memory that is available, the faster an application will be able to load, and the more programs you will be able to run at the same time. The standard for today's computers is at least 2 gigabytes of memory. Most people will choose a model that offers 4 gigabytes as this allows for maximized performance.  I upgraded from a 2G netbook to a 4G laptop and could immediately tell that the laptop with more RAM was able to manage multiple applications at one time.


So how fast is the computer really running? Not only is the computer's memory important, but also someLaptop, Netbook or Tablet in Your Future?Credit: other factors such as the computer's processor and the motherboard's bus are important. The processor functions as your computer's brain. Whether it uses a single core or has multiple cores, this determines the responsiveness of the computer's speed as more programs are running. The motherboard's bus functions as a vehicle to transfer the information from the processor to the memory, and to other devices on the computer. The easiest way to distinguish the computer's overall speed is by multiplying three components. If the computer uses DDR2 memory (around 1330MHz) and it has a maximum bus speed of 800 MHz, you multiply this by the processor speed to get the overall computer speed. Most manufacturers provide you with a rating system to make this information a lot easier to decipher. 


Now that you understand how to calculate the computer's speed, you need to decide how big or small the overall computer size will need to be for you to use it comfortably. If you are going to use the computer for more than 8 hours a day, then you will want to choose a computer that has a larger screen and more ports. If the computer is just something you will use on the go, choosing a smaller model like a tablet will make it easier to carry and will fit your needs much better.


Next, you need to decide what types of software your computer requires. If you will be using your computer for writing, then using software like Microsoft Office or Open Office will make a wonderful choice. Many people prefer to use an Apple computer because of its multimedia and video editing software, but choosing Microsoft Windows or even Linux can provide you with a similar experience.

Battery Life

The more powerful your laptop, tablet or netbook is, the more power it is going to consume. Most portable computers have options to limit the maximum speed to provide you with a longer battery life, which is perfect if you are constantly on the go. There are even computers that have built in solar sensors that automatically adjust the screen brightness for an even longer battery life. Just be sure to keep in mind how long of a battery life you will need your computer to have.

These are the most influential factors you must consider when purchasing a new portable computer. Choosing the right one will become much easier when you use this advice to help narrow down your purchasing choices. Not only can you have a more enjoyable computer experience, but you will also find a computer that can fit your needs for the future.