Now that everybody (or so it seems) is buying notebook computers, it's a good time to share a few tips on what to look for and how to compare notebook features.

First and foremost, you need to understand the processor options. While a higher speed machine is faster than one with a lower number (266 vs. 233, for example) this is only true within the same class of processor. In order of performance, there is the Pentium, Pentium MMX and now the Pentium II, all from Intel.

While there's no good rule of thumb to know how much faster one generation is over another, a 266 Pentium II does run much faster than a 266 Pentium MMX; which itself runs faster than a 266 Pentium.

Thus, if you're going to compare notebook prices, make sure that you're compa ring units within the same chip generation.

The next feature that greatly affects cost, and needs some explanation is that of notebook displays. While the acronyms abound, there are really just two basic options: Active or Passive. These displays commonly come in sizes that range from eleven to fifteen inches.

Forgetting all of the marketing maneuvers, if the notebook manufacture feature list doesn't say the display is "Active" matrix or "TFT" then the unit has a passive display.

For a salesperson, who will likely have clients and customers viewing presentations on the notebook, an active display with its superior resolution and clarity is a absolute must, while a screen size of at least thirteen inches, recommended.

Since the active screens cost several hundred dollars more than their counterparts, when you shop for a notebook, make sure you are comparing units with the same size and type of display.

As one of the great benefits of a notebook computer is its portability, a few comments on batteries and internal components are in order.

As for batteries, simply make sure you are buying a computer that uses a "Lithium Ion" battery. Of all the varieties currently in use, lithium batteries have the greatest capacity and the longest useful life, too.

In terms of internal components, be aware that many notebook manufactures do not sell units where all of the internal parts are actually internal, at least not at the same time.

Currently, quite a few of the notebook brands on the market only allow you to have the CD ROM or the floppy drive installed in the unit at any given time; but not both. Rest assured that carrying extra parts greatly diminishes the convenience of owning a notebook; and that whichever drive you need at any given moment will invariably be the one not currently inside your computer.

I strongly suggest you only consider notebooks that can actually have all of the inside parts, inside.

Finally, when advising real estate agents, I always advocate shopping for a notebook that includes a TV output port. As the name implies, this feature allows you to simply plug your notebook into any standard TV, VCR or video camera.

The ability to display presentations on the family room TV during open houses and for listing or buyer presentations is invaluable, and not possible with the majority of current notebook models.

Also See - Agent News Technology Advice

Published: February 4, 1999

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