ThinkPad R52 - Pentium M 1.86GHz Notebook
Intel Centrino Pentium M 1.86GHz 512MB RAM 60GB HDD CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo IV 15" TFT 64MB ATI Radeon x300 Modem 1Gb Ethernet 802.11bg Wireless Li-Ion Battery Windows XP Professional

How to Buy a Laptop

Form : http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,125647-page,1/article.html
The most highly evolved species of computer, the laptop (aka notebook) computer allows you to work without being tethered to an office. Portability and good performance make notebook PCs an essential part of the daily lives of millions, from college students to business travelers. Even the least-expensive of today's laptops are better equipped than they have ever been, and may be all you need for everyday work.
The Big Picture There are more laptop choices than ever. We'll guide you through the available options--including screen size, weight, battery life, and communications ports. more
The Specs Explained Do you need a superfast CPU? Or a huge hard drive? We'll guide you through the choices and tell you which features are most critical. more
Notebook Shopping Tips Looking for a powerful, versatile notebook at a reasonable price? Our advice will help you find the right laptop. more

Before You Choose a Notebook PC

From Mark Kyrnin,Your Guide to PC Hardware / Reviews.FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
Notebook systems have grown in popularity due to their increasing performance and portability. Many systems are even now being marketed as replacements for desktop systems, but few can perform at the same level as a desktop system particularly when it comes to graphics. This guide will help you to look at some of the key items you want to look at before you purchase your next PC notebook system.
Size and Weight
Obviously the size and weight of a notebook is important. Ultraportables offer light weight and sizes but sacrifice items such as drives. Desktop replacements have equivalent power to desktop systems, but they are heavy and bulky making them difficult to carry around. When shopping for a laptop, make sure to pick up the systems and verify its something you are willing to carry. Don't forget to also consider the weight of accessories such as AC adapter when carrying around the notebook.
Understanding Notebook Size/Weight
Processors (CPU)
Notebook processors typically were slower than desktop CPUs, but that has changed. Dual-core processors are starting to become common and help with multitasking. The type of processors found in the notebook will vary based upon the size and purpose of the notebook. They have a direct impact on performance as well as battery life so comparison can be difficult. Check out my listings for suggested processors for the various types of notebook PCs available.
Understanding Notebook PCs
Memory (RAM)
Notebooks are generally more restricted in the amount of memory they can have compared to desktops. When looking at computers you want to make sure to check out the maximum memory the system can handle as well as the amount that is installed in the computer. It's also useful to find out if a memory upgrade can be done yourself or if it has to be done by a technician. 512MB should really be the minimum amount of memory to consider with at least 1GB for improved performance.
Understanding Notebook Memory
Displays and Video
The video on a notebook computer is comprised of the display and the video processor. The display is comprised of the screen size and the native resolution. The larger the display, the higher the resolution will typically be, but it also will impact how portable the system is. Wide screen displays are also becoming more popular. The graphics processor will determine the performance of the computer in things such as 3D graphics and PC gaming.
Understanding Notebook Video
Drives
How much storage space will you need? Hard drives are fairly straight forward in terms of the size and the performance may be impacted by the rotational speed. Optical drives play a more important role when purchasing a notebook PC. These can either be fairly simple CD-ROM drives for installing software all the way up to the latest high definition DVD burners. In most cases, it is best to at least get a drive that is capable or reading DVDs and burning CDs or DVDs.
Understanding Notebook Drives
Networking
The ability to connect to the net is integral to most notebooks today. Look for systems that include a built in 56Kbps modem and Fast Ethernet. With the rise of wireless networking, this is also found in most new notebooks. For the minimum amount of wireless connectivity, look at getting a notebook with 802.11b/g. Systems with an 802.11a/b/g will give you the most amount of connectivity.
Understanding Notebook Networking
What is Networking?
Battery Life
How good is a portable computer going to be if you are only able to get 30 minutes of computing time on a single charge? Try to find the manufacturer’s listed battery life for the standard battery. Look to get a system with at least 2 hours of battery life under normal conditions. If you need extended time unplugged, look for laptops with media bays that can double as extra battery slots or have extended life batteries that can be purchased.
Warranty Plans
Laptops take a lot of abuse and are more prone to breakdowns due to their portability. When buying a system, make sure to get at least a 1 year warranty from the manufacturer. If you will be using the system heavily, a system that comes with a 3 year warranty might be a better choice but it will cost more. Third party extended plans are not a good choice unless service is done through the manufacturer.
Laptop Warranties
Extended Warranties

Notebook computers are becoming very popular

Notebook computers are becoming very popular. They seem to be popping up everywhere: on tv shows, on airplanes,in movies, or in your friend's lap. These sleek little machines are invading our daily lives like never before...and the invasion has just started. Find out why they havebecome so popular with their users and why your next PC should probably be a notebook computer.It is estimated that over 42 million computer notebookswill be produced this year. And that number is said tobe growing by 20% each year. So what's driving the demandfor these devices, what's making them so popular?It's more than just the next techno fad, notebook computersoffer some very practical solutions to our computing requirements and needs. There are some real solid reasons why they have become so popular among their users. These are the samereasons why you should consider making your next PC purchasea notebook or laptop computer.So if you need convincing, here are those 10 solid reasonswhy you should consider buying a notebook computer:

1. Size. This is one situation where size really does matter.It's the main reason you should consider buying a notebook or laptop in the first place. You want a PC that will fit neatly in your hand to take to your next office meeting, you want a convenient laptop to take to class or you want a notebookfor your next cross country business trip.Notebooks come in a variety of sizes to match your needs orpurpose. They are categorized or grouped accordingly: Tablet PC (smallest) Size of a paper tablet or notepad, less than 3 pounds.Ultra Portable (small), around 11" x 10", less than 1.3 inches thick, less than 4 pounds.Thin and Light (mid-size), around 11-14" x 11", 1 to 1.4 inches thick, from 5 to 7 pounds.Desktop Replacements (largest), more than 13" x 11", more than 1.5 inches, more than 7 pounds and up.As you can see there is a great range of sizes so you should have no trouble finding a notebook computer to satisfy your needs. Just match the notebook size to the main purpose or use of your notebook and you can't go wrong.

2. Portability. Probably the second, if not the most important reason you're considering buying a notebook or laptop. You want a PC that's portableand lightweight. One that you can take anywhere; to class, to meetings, on business trips or from room to room in your home. This freedom of movement -- taking your office or vital data along on your business or personal travels is the main selling point of the notebook computer. The portability factor is one you should seriously consider -- do you need a portable computer for your home, work or just for pure enjoyment.

3. Performance. Not too long ago, notebooks or laptops were viewed by many as second class computers when compared to the performance and speed of the mighty desktop PC. Distance cousins discreetly allocated to the sidelines. But things have changed! Although still not on par with the desktop, thanks to the next generation notebook chipset, Intel's New Sonoma Platform, many notebooks come very close to providing the performance level of a desktop PC. Many notebooks, especially the desktop replacements, already have impressive technical specs that would shame most ordinary desktops. Some of these desktop replacements even use desktop processors or CPUs. With hard drives up to 100GB or more at (7,200rpm), with RAM up to 2MB in some cases, and supported with Intel Pentium 4's, at 3.4GHz or more --- most notebooks are very capable of handling almost all computing applications and functions with ease. They can do the job.

4. Connections. We live in a wireless world. The notebook will do for computers, what the cell phone did for the telephone industry -- make ourcommunications wireless. Being constantly connected to your friends, yourbusiness or your family does have a certain appeal that can't be denied. The notebook computer will give you this wireless connection.Most notebooks now come with WI-FI (Wireless Fidelity), also known as 802.11 a/b/g, with the ability to stay connected no matter where you are. As more and more businesses such as hotels, restaurants and airports offer these 'hot spots' or WI-FI service to their patrons, easy connections will become commonplace.Plus, BIG PLUS - Verizon Wireless 3G EV-DO network is spreading fast,this will bring wireless connections to a whole new level. It willmake the Internet truly wireless!

5. Function. There are certain functions that are unique to the notebook computer. The tablet PC provides a convenient device for note taking and data gathering that's not practical in a desktop computer. For business professionals such as doctors, lawyers, real estate agents...these tablet notebooks do very practical 'in-the-field' chores or tasks. Other notebooks are very useful for powerpoint presentationsat meetings and other gatherings.

6. Backup. The notebook or laptop can be used as a convenient backup of your vital files and programs. Often overlooked, but the notebook can provide a rather cheap and safe way to protect your sensitive data.Anyone who has had a major or total loss of their hard drives can appreciate the importance of having a safe backup system. For those constantly surfing the net, exposing your sensitive data to all the hazards (viruses, worms, spyware,etc.) can lead to problems. Having a separate system stored on a laptop or notebook canbe a good way of working around this problem.

7. Variety. Notebooks and laptops offer much more variety than the ordinary desktop PC. From a small pocket size tablet PC all the way up to a Multi-Media desktop replacement that offers TV, Stereo, CD/DVD Player, as well as a computer of course.There is a greater range of systems to choose from; all the way from sleek custom designed notebooks to huge monster gaming laptops, there's something to satisfy most tastes. You can also buy a notebook to match your style; from IBM black to Ferrari Red. It's out there.

8. Price and Availability. Notebooks are everywhere and they're getting cheaper by the minute. Notebooks prices are coming down, as more and more notebooks are sold -- the price will drop even more. They're still slightly more expensive than a desktop PC but the gap is closing fast.Finding a seller or dealer is very easy, shopping online directly from the manufacturer or company is also becoming very popular. In addition, there are also some very good reputable online dealers that's spreading the notebook gospel. Your dream notebook is only a click away.

9.Sex Appeal. It has to be mentioned, notebook computers are sexy! There's no denying it; these sleek, svelte machine are some of the sexiest accessories this side of a Batwatch Extra. The notebook's great looks will probably be the first drawing card for many people who's considering buying a notebook. A fully functional accessory that will not only turn heads but can also do the books.

10. Last but not least, the main reason you should consider buying a notebook computer -- because you want one. Just for the convenience,portability, or the downright pleasure of owning a notebook computer. Besides,it's a proven medical fact that denying your wants or needs can be detrimental to your health.Go treat yourself!
About the Author
For More Information on Buying Computer Notebooks and Laptops Computer notebook Buy'sGuide Copyright ฉ 2005 Titus Hoskins of www.bizwaremagic.comThis article may be freely distributed if this resourcebox stays attached.