Choosing a portable computer
Preferred model
IT Services are currently testing a number of notebooks under a national agreement in order to be able to recommend a preferred model to Schools and Units. This information will be available on these pages shortly. Where to buy?
Schools and Units should refer to our University resellers Getech, once you have selected a model you can submit an order using our online order form. If you are a student at the University you can purchase a portable computer via the Getech Student Store which has been customised specifically for student at St Andrews University.What to consider when choosing your laptop?
As with desktops you have to consider what software you wish to run on the computer and to estimate what it would require in terms of processor power, memory and disc storage. If the budget is limited you will have to trade off one factor against another to get the optimum solution. Portables are also more expensive than desktops if you wish to upgrade existing hardware.
Performance
Largely a combination of processor and memory and, in some cases, graphics capability. Most new laptops now use an Intel Core 2 Duo chip central processor unit (CPU) which runs at a lower temperature, uses less power, and is therefore suited for use in a portable computer. Clock speeds for Core 2 Duo chips are lower than those quoted for the processors used in desktops, but this can be misleading and should not be seen as a direct comparator when assessing the performance of a notebook PC. This new technology uses other methods to boost the computer's performance in other areas.
Portability
The typical portable is about A4 dimensions and weighs about 3 kg. Is this a machine which you will simply move between home and office or will it be taken 'out and about'? In the latter case, the battery life might be important if your location does not have access to mains power, and the weight of the machine may be significant if you have to carry the computer for some time. If you intend to go abroad then it might be sensible to buy a model from a multinational since you will be more likely to find a support outlet in other areas of the world.
There are also several lightweight portables available which may be about 25mm thick and weigh less than 1.5 kg. Note, however, that there will be a price penalty.
Operating System
You may or may not have a choice of which version of Windows to run on the laptop. Our advice is to avoid Windows Vista on laptops since our experience is that Windows XP Pro runs far better. Windows 7 is relatively new. Early experience is favourable but not all software is yet (February 2010) available for the 64-bit version. So it will be worth checking whether you can run all the software that you need under the 64-bit version of Windows7.
Screen
Almost all portables now tend to come supplied with TFT screens as standard now that these high quality screens have dropped in price so markedly. The standard screen size is probably now 15", although smaller 12" and larger 17" screens are also available. You can also specify wide-screen options if you wish to use the portable for watching movies. Most portables have a video output for using a full-size monitor if required.
Connectivity
Portables now offer the widest range of options for connectivity: by modem (often with built-in fax capabilities), via built-in network cards or using wireless connections. Portables using Centrino and Core Duo technologies have built in wireless connectivity using the 802.11g (54Mbs) standard, although some sub-compact PC notebooks may only use the 802.11b (11Mbs) standard. If you choose a PC using a processor other than a Core Duo or Centrino, wireless capability can easily be achieved using a peripheral device inserted into the computer's PCMCIA socket (see below).
Additional peripherals
Will you need a CD or DVD writer, a network connection or a modem? More and more CD/DVD drives are included with the standard system because so much software in now distributed in these media, with re-writeable DVD/CD drives routinely fitted to many portables. Be aware that some drives decribed as CD/DVD writeable only have CD writers; DVDs can only be read. Extras, such as the modem, now make use of the PCMCIA interface. This is a standard interface which can be used with a variety of cards for different activities. PCMCIA cards are about the size of credit cards.
Most companies still charge for a carrying case, typically £30. Increasingly, external peripherals are made to connect to the laptop's USB or Firewire ports, e.g. digital cameras, USB memory keys, bluetooth adaptors, etc.
