Bigger than thin and lights, yet smaller than desktop replacements, midsize notebooks appeal to a variety of users with their wide-screen displays, configurable feature sets, and palatable starting prices. 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 purchasing an AMD-based laptop, go with one using the Vista-friendly Turion 64 CPU. For maximum power, consider Intel's Core 2 Extreme, though it will drive up your system's price considerably..
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 like to play games or undertake graphic-intensive tasks such as transcoding video, go with a dedicated graphics card from ATI or nVidia. Low-end to midrange cards with 128MB or 256MB of video RAM should satisfy casual gamers and media mavens; more-demanding users should look for cards with a high-end graphics processor with at least 512MB of video RAM.
HARD DRIVE
A 100GB drive may be plenty of space for casual users, but those who have large digital media collections, play lots of advanced games, or edit digital video should opt for 250GB or more. We've seen midsize notebooks with drives as large as 320GB, and some can even be configured with two drives in a RAID Level 0, Level 1, or Level 2 configuration. 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. 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. An increasing number of midsize 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
Occupying the space between more-portable thin-and-light notebooks and heftier desktop replacements, midsize notebooks weigh between 6 and 7 pounds. Look for a case made of magnesium and other molded-metal enclosures, which are more durable and dissipate heat better than plastic cases. You'll find plenty of midsize models with bland-looking black or gray cases, but some manufacturers offer more exciting color options and designs.
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
As a rule, midsize notebooks generally sport 15.4-inch wide-screen displays, though you may find a few models with smaller 14.1-inch screens. For crisp text and smooth DVD or Blu-ray movie playback, go with the maximum resolution available on the screen size you choose.
Although LCDs are still the norm, look for notebooks with displays that use LED backlighting—which offers less weight and increased power savings—instead of the traditional fluorescent tubes. Many screens now come with a reflective coating that provides a better viewing experience for movie-watching. Some people don't like the reflectivity of these glossy screens, however, so be sure to check out the 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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