With their emphasis on security features, productivity performance, and straight-laced looks, business notebooks make a good choice for SMB and corporate users who like to take their data to go. Here's what you need to know to buy.
PROCESSOR
Look for a model powered by Intel's Core 2 Duo processor, which provides long battery life, strong performance, and cool running temperatures. If you're interested in an AMD-based laptop, go with one using the Vista-friendly Turion 64 CPU.
MEMORY
Inadequate system memory can drastically reduce overall performance, so don't be frugal. 512MB is the absolute minimum requirement for running Windows Vista; if you can afford it, we recommend 2GB of DDR2 SDRAM, which will boost overall performance considerably. Also, be on the lookout for any free memory upgrades at time of purchase—many PC makers offer specials that double the amount of installed RAM. Some vendors may offer the option to add Intel Turbo memory to your system. These flash-memory modules, available in 512MB or 1GB varieties, reduce the time it takes for your computer to power up, access programs, and write data to the hard drive.
GRAPHICS
Coupled with at least 1GB of RAM, Intel's latest GMA X3100 graphics chipset does support Windows Vista and its graphics-intensive Aero interface. If you use graphic-intense apps at work—or if you want to use your machine to play games after hours—go with a dedicated graphics card from ATI or nVidia. For maximum stability and business-optimized performance, look for notebooks with nVidia’s Quadro NVS series; be sure the card you choose has at least 128MB (preferably 256MB) of dedicated video RAM.
HARD DRIVE
When it comes to storage space, the more gigabytes you can get, the better— especially if you save lots of large documents and PowerPoint presentations on your PC. We’ve seen business notebooks with drives as large as 320GB, and some can even be configured with two drives. Make sure each drive has a rotational speed of at least 5,400rpm; some high-end notebooks offer desktop-caliber drives spinning at 7,200rpm, though you'll pay a premium for the speed increase.
In addition to standard hard drives, some vendors have introduced solid-state drive (SSD) options for their business notebooks. These flash-memory-based drives, which have no moveable parts, offer faster boot times, lower weight, and increased resistance to shock. This technology is currently quite expensive, however, and drive capacity is usually limited to 32GB or 64GB. Unless having the added durability and speed boost is a must, we recommend sticking with a traditional hard drive.
OPTICAL DRIVE
Look for a multiformat (DVD±RW) DVD burner, which writes to CDs as well as plus- and minus-format DVD media. The drive's write speed is a secondary consideration, and slower drives are cheaper. Some business notebooks can be configured with a high-definition Blu-ray drive, which can play compatible HD movies and write up to 50GB of data to dual-layer Blu-Ray disc. This upgrade is pricey, however.
CASE
You won’t find too many flashy-looking business notebooks—most manufacturers opt for staid black or gray cases that blend in well in a professional environment. In terms of size and weight, business notebooks span every category, from itty-bitty ultraportables weighing less than 3 pounds to hulking desktop replacements weighing more than 7 pounds. What size you choose should depend on your need for portability, but always look for a case made of magnesium and other molded-metal enclosures, which are more durable and dissipate heat better than plastic cases.
WIRELESS CONECTIVITY
Integrated Bluetooth and 802.11 wireless networking (Wi-Fi) are essential. Look for a notebook with a Wi-Fi card that supports the 802.11a, g and Draft N wireless standards. Draft N makes use of multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) technology, which reduces signal interference and provides greater range and throughput, up to a theoretical maximum bandwidth of 300Mbps. Bluetooth is also standard on many laptops, though some configurations provide it only as an option. For maximum compatibility with other Bluetooth devices, make sure your laptop supports Bluetooth 2.1 + Enhanced Data Rate (EDR). If you want to be able to get online when you’re out of range of any Wi-Fi networks, look for notebooks that can be configured with a built-in WWAN module, which lets you tap into a cellular mobile broadband networks from Verizon, Sprint, or AT&T for a monthly fee.
DISPLAY
Screen sizes range widely, from 7 inches to 17 inches. The size of the display, like that of the case, should strike an appropriate balance between portability (small screen) and ease of use (large screen). For crisp text and smooth DVD or Blu-ray movie playback, go with the maximum resolution available on the screen size you choose. Most notebooks use displays with a wide-screen aspect ratio; avoid the few business systems still fitted with squarish, standard-aspect displays.
Although LCDs are still the norm, look for notebooks with displays using LED backlighting instead of the traditional fluorescent tubes, which offers less weight and increased power savings. Many screens now come with a reflective coating that provides a better viewing experience when watching movies. Some people don't like the reflectivity of these glossy screens, however, and they can be especially distracting in a brightly-lit office environment; be sure to check out a laptop's display in person before you buy. If you want to use your notebook for video conferencing, opt for a system with a Webcam built in to its display bezel.
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