Before you purchase your laptop you'll want to familiarize yourself with the various features and determine what you need and what you do not. Some folks seek out all the latest bells and whistles. For others it's about getting your typical job done efficiently and cost effectively.

Here are some helpful hints:

To save yourself money look for a Celeron processor. Less expensive than a Pentium, it will work fine for all but the most detailed graphics projects. If you're a graphic artist or a professional programmer, however, seek out a laptop with Pentium processing.

126 MB RAM is the least you can be comfortable with nowadays, no matter what you're doing. And, unless you're buying used you're probably not going to find a laptop with less anyway. But what if you want to upgrade your memory? How easy is it to do that? How accessible is the panel for the memory chips? Are you comfortable with doing it yourself if you have to remove the case? Make sure it's not a laptop that actually requires some outside technical help to install more memory. .

The life of the installed battery is important. Generally the range of battery life available to laptops is two-four hours. Which is adequate depends on where you're going to be when you use your laptop. If you're a traveling sales rep who needs a laptop to your emails and prepare the daily report from your hotel room each evening you won't be using your battery a lot. If, however, you envision the life of the mobile warrior, sometimes creating your graphic or written masterpiece from the beach, or while traveling by air, you won't be able to rely on the power cord and electricity. You'll want that four-hour battery.

Make sure you have a minimum of three ports, to accommodate a number of peripherals such as printers, cameras and external floppy drives or modems. The number of ports you need depends on the internal features of your laptop as well as your own need for peripherals.

Obviously, if you have an internal modem you don't need a port for an external one. But if you have only a CD drive and copy to floppy on your PC at home, for the two to talk to each other you're going to need an external floppy drive on your laptop. For this you'll need a port. Be cognizant also of the types of ports. Your old mouse may connect by parallel port, but the newest versions require USB connection.

Make sure you have an internal modem and fax rather than external. And if you're shopping for a brand new laptop the wireless feature is terrific. Many places, such as RV and other resorts are totally Wi-Fi capable now.

If you're used to a traditional mouse do play around with several versions of mice available on laptops. Some will drive you crazy until you get used to them. See if you're most comfortable with trackball, touch pad or trackpoint. While you're checking that, play with that keyboard. So much smaller than a PC keyboard, you may have difficulty typing accurately with some. Try several.

The final things you'll want to compare are the software and the warranty. Major software programs such as Windows are almost always included in brand new systems, but do check. Especially if buying used. You can spend many hundreds of dollars on Microsoft Office and the latest Windows version if you don't have a version that you can upgrade.

Laptops or notebook computers can empower any business or company. They can be a platform for a fully equipped workforce, one that is well organized and ready to meet all of today's vast technological challenges. A workforce that's cohesive, well connected and totally prepared for the modern work place.

Laptops are state-of-the-art communication machines. These sophisticated devices are ideal for many business applications such as record keeping, wireless networking, presentations, instant communication... can your company really compete in today's business world without this great techno advantage?

Not completely!

Laptops should be a vital element in your company's overall business strategy. They should be a priority on your company's acquisition list for they just may be the competitive edge your company needs to increase production and beat out the competition.

Purchasing any kind of high tech device can be a real challenge in itself. Laptops are no exceptions. Notebook technology is constantly changing, there's a new generation of notebook technology every two years or so. Keeping abreast of recent advances is not an easy job.

Notebooks are getting smaller, faster and are almost matching the performance level offered by their bigger cousin -- the desktop computer. And for the first time in history, they are outselling their desktop rivals.

Laptops are also becoming better connected, most high quality notebooks come with Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) connections, many have a tri-mode 802.11a/b/g wireless system. Some recent models, like the Sony's New Ultra-Portable VAIO VGN-T350P, are raising the bar, it has the world's first 'Built-in Cellular Modem'. You can use your cell phone to connect to the Internet. This may be a great advantage since finding a 'Hot Spot' in some parts of the world can still be difficult.

One of the main features of a good business laptop is portability. A great business laptop must be very portable. You should be able to carry it around in your briefcase or under your arm with ease. Its weight should not cause you any discomfort even if you have to lug it around all day.

Most lightweight and small laptops can be found in the 'Thin and Light' and 'Ultra-portable' categories of notebooks. Notebooks in those classes are usually well under 5 pounds, around 10 by 14 inches in size and approximately an inch thick. Many are a lot smaller.

But don't let the small size fool you, these laptops are very powerful. They can do almost any business application you can throw at it. However, you must make sure your company's laptop is powerful enough to get the job done. It's usually agreed that you need at least 256MB RAM for Windows XP and Mac OS X. You will only need 128MB for other operating systems in Windows or Mac.

Storage space should not be a problem, most recent models come with 60 to 100 GIG hard drives which should be sufficient space for most companies. If your company deals in heavy graphics or visual work more space can be obtained with an extra external hard drive.

The main function of your laptops should be considered. For instance, if you have workers that require a lot of note-taking (floor managers/inspectors, real estate agents, medical personnel, etc.) a slate or tablet PC would be a more appropriate choice for your company. If your workers or employees do a lot of traveling then you want the lightest and most portable laptop or notebook you can find.

Battery life will also be very important for the traveling business person. Must recent laptops now supply 5 or more hours of power, if you want more you should considered buying an extra battery or two. Also, remember when choosing your laptop battery always pick the battery with the higher numbered cells. More cells will give you longer battery life.

Security is another consideration for your company's laptop. You must be careful to protect sensitive company records or documents -- some notebooks like those in the IBM/Sonoma ThinkPad series include an integrated fingerprint scanner for biometric authentication that uses an Embedded Security Subsystem and Password Manager. This offers extra security.

Along with security, your company will need a laptop that's sturdy and well built, especially if your workers do a lot of business traveling. Many laptops are ruggerized and can take a decent pounding or two. Some even offer some novel sturdiness features such as IBM's Active Protection System which is designed to protect the hard drive from falls and spills for those accident prone notebook users in your company.

Perhaps, the most important tip and buying factor is price. Outfitting your workforce with laptops doesn't come cheap. But you can save money if you practice that old adage: 'It pays to shop around and bargain'! Don't just buy your laptops off the rack -- always speak to the manager. Even when buying laptops online, contact the sales staff and try for a special price or bargain. Since you're buying in bulk or volume, many laptop companies and manufacturers will give you a special unit price. The more units you're ordering, the lower the price.

A little haggling will go a long way in lowering the overall cost of your company's laptop purchase; saving your company money. And if you're the person in charge of this purchase, making such a deal will reflect well on you, so try to go out of your way to get a good deal!

Purchasing laptops for mobile labs is often a daunting task for an educator. Mobile labs can be a great asset if the right equipment is purchased. Mobile labs have been shown to increase test scores and help students focus. If the wrong type of equipment is purchased the mobile laptop lab will become one giant paper weight.

Student laptops need to have the following qualities: They need to be “Light”, a really light laptop is less than four pounds. A heavy laptop is over 8LBS. The problem is that a really light laptop costs over $2,000 and schools can’t afford that, so a laptop in the range of six pounds is good.

CD-ROM’s for school laptop labs are optional if not totally unnecessary. I say this because they are usually the first thing to break. Second your computer techs will install all necessary software via ghosting or over the network. Third not having CD-RW’s or DVD-ROMs remove the temptation of using the laptops for non-educational use.

Next the laptops need at least 512 mb of ram (Memory), most educational software is very graphic intensive and need a lot of memory. Anything less that 512mb of memory will cause the laptop to freeze off and on causing frustration for the students and teacher.

Hard drives only need to 30gigs. Installed software for a school laptop should max out at about 4 gigs. Students will not be downloading music or movies so a larger hard drive is not needed.

Next the actual profile of the laptop needs to be thin. Children have smaller hands and the thicker the laptop the more awkward it is for them to type.

Fourth the laptops need to have a integrated wireless 802.11g adapter. The Adapter must be integrated into the laptop. If you decide to use a PCMICA wireless adapter they will get bumped and bruised and broken with in the first month of use.

The laptops need to have a Pentium M processor or Centrino CPU. This extends the life of the battery to 3.5 hours verse 2 hours with out the Centrino technology. The usual rule with batteries is that you can expect to replace them every year. The replacement period for the laptop batteries can be extended by not letting the batteries completely drain. The monitor for the laptop should be 14” or 15”. Anything smaller will be too small for the children to read, and anything larger will be too big and bulky.

Next, the laptops need to have Ethernet network adapters in case they need to plug directly into the network. Finally windows XP professional must be installed for the operating system.

A mobile cart to house the laptops is often the most over looked item for your mobile labs. Your cart will need a power strip to charge the laptops. Your cart will need some sort of lock to prevent theft. It also needs to be easily moved from class to class. If the cart is too large and bulky teachers will hesitate to use it. Next, your cart must be user friendly so students can take out the laptops and place them back in easily. I have seen schools make there own laptop carts and you can purchase them from various vendors. Just remember if the cart isn’t easy to use then your laptops won’t be safe, teachers won’t use them and they will get stolen or broken.

Finally, before you decide on a line of laptops check websites such as cnet.com and amazon.com and read the reviews. Also call your local districts and find out what sort of technology they are using for there mobile labs. A good rule in buying technology is you don’t want to be someone else’s test case.

The little notebook computer or laptop is tailor made for business. It's the perfect communication tool. It's the perfect record keeping tool. It's the perfect presentation tool. And if that wasn't enough, all of the above is neatly packaged into a small portable machine that can be taken anywhere and everywhere.

For any size business, small to medium to jumbo, the notebook computer is fast becoming an essential tool for business.

Savvy business people know acquiring the right tools is an important factor in determining the success or profitability of any company. Therefore, along with the regular outfitting of your company or business - equal consideration should be given to choosing your notebook computers.

Business owners should be aware that notebook technology is changing at a blistering pace. Every two years or so, there is a whole new generation of notebooks and notebook technology to consider. Notebooks are getting smaller, faster, and better connected. They are also offering performance that is matching or almost matching their desktop rivals.

Major reasons why, for the first time in history, notebook computers are outselling their bigger cousins, desktop computers. Business buying, no doubt, plays a significant role in all those sales. Large corporate organizations are buying notebooks for their companies, sales people and employees. It makes for a more competitive company in a very competitive world.

But how do you pick a good business notebook computer? What's the criteria for judging a good machine? What's the right laptop or notebook for your company or sales staff?

Here are some important factors any business should consider when buying a notebook computer or laptop for their company. General factors that determine a good business notebook. Consider these...

Portability

Perhaps, the most significant factor and the main reason you're buying a notebook computer is portability. You can take it anywhere. You can take your records, reports, presentations or products where ever they need to be. For the business traveler or 'road warrior', the notebook computer is an essential tool for their business.

When buying their notebook of choice, these 'road warriors' look at the portability of their notebook. Size and weight are very important. They want something that's light and small, yet powerful enough to do the job. They will probably look in the Ultra-Portable and Thin and Light classes of notebooks to make their choice.

Notebooks in those categories are usually well under 5 pounds, around 10 by 14 inches in size and approximately an inch thick. Small enough to throw in a briefcase or tuck comfortably under your arm. They won't drain your energy even if you have to lug it around all day!

Battery Life

You also have to look for a notebook computer that will last long enough to get the job done. You want sufficient battery life for those long plane trips. Fortunately, battery life is increasing, you can now get up to 5 or more hours on high quality notebooks. Buy the highest numbered cell battery, and buy any optional built-in battery extras that will increase battery life.

Connectivity

You want something that's easy to connect to the Internet so connectivity is another important factor. Being in constant contact with all your employees can be a determining factor in your choice of notebooks. Communication is vital. Most high quality notebooks come with Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) connections, many have a tri-mode 802.11a/b/g wireless system.

Some newer models, like the Sony's New Ultra-Portable VAIO VGN-T350P, are raising the bar, it has the world's first 'Built-in Cellular Modem'. You can use your cell phone to connect to the Internet. This may be a great advantage since finding a 'Hot Spot' in some parts of the world can still be difficult.

Performance

You need to consider the performance level of your business computer. Can it handle all your company's demands, can it handle heavy graphics, charts, diagrams, spreadsheets, etc. Check out the RAM -- higher RAM will be better for graphics and video. It's generally agreed that you need at least 256MB for Windows XP and Mac OS X. You will only need 128MB for other operating systems in Windows or Mac.

Most notebooks come with plenty of storage space, 60-80 GIG hard drives are common. External drives are also available if you need extra space.

Other tasks may be important to your line of business. For example, if you need to take notes in the field, i.e. real estate agents, engineers, doctors or medical personnel -- then a slate or a convertible tablet may be a better choice for your company.

Sturdiness

This is important if you want a notebook for a lot of road work or business traveling. Your notebook should be sturdy or ruggerized to be able to take a good pounding. Many notebooks have some novel sturdiness features such as IBM's Active Protection System which is designed to protect the hard drive from falls and spills for those accident prone notebook users in your company.

Security

Living in today's world we need safeguards and security measures in place to protect your company records and files. Not to mention, to guard against the theft of your notebook computer itself. Along those same lines your notebook computer should have advanced security features. Many notebooks such as the IBM/Sonoma ThinkPad series include an integrated fingerprint scanner for biometric authentication that uses an Embedded Security Subsystem and Password Manager.

Image/Style

At first glance this may seem like a superficial buying point, but not really. In today's business world, image or style does count and contribute to your button line. Sad but true! You want a notebook computer that matches the image of your company.

There is one to fit your needs, you have a whole range of styles of notebooks to choose from, whether it be conservative black or blazing race car red. Most businesses are ultra-conservative (nature of the beast) and should pick a notebook along those conservative lines, other businesses may want to promote a sharper or cooler image such as in fashion, creative arts, music industry...

Price

Economy or Deluxe. Similar to the style, another major buying factor is price. You can go from inexpensive notebooks to luxury models. It all depends on your company's resources and the image you want to project.

You can choose from the relatively inexpensive but very capable DELL notebooks...all the way up to notebook manufacturers like the UK based Rockdirect notebooks which offers upper end products that can be custom made to your specs. You can even choose your own color!

Like any company purchase, especially if you're buying in bulk, getting a good special volume price may play a role in your choice of notebook. Always check with these notebook companies for a group or company order -- you may be pleasantly surprised at the savings.

However, don't sacrifice performance for a special price, make sure the notebook computer you're buying has all the desired qualities: portability, performance, battery life, connectivity, security and style, -- all the features you want in your company's notebook computer. If you consider all these factors, your next business notebook computer purchase should just be a little bit easier.

There's no reason why you can't put this little modern workhorse to work for your business or company. Used properly, the business laptop can make for a well organized and cohesive work force that will pay big dividends down the road, delivering a great return on your initial investment.

The laptop takeover of the world is well under way. Just about everywhere you look, you see one. In the office, at home, on a train commuting to work, there they are. Laptops, laptops everywhere. These devices can be time savers, can amuse a child of any age and can just make life easier in general. Yet, are they the wonder-item many people make them out to be?

If you’ve bumped into someone with a laptop case over one shoulder, a briefcase in hand and juggling a cup of coffee, you may answer an emphatic “No.” What about those people using laptops in a waiting room, that have spread stuff from here to eternity? Aren’t they annoying?

However, for a parent trying to finish a last-minute project in order to make a child’s school play, laptops are heaven sent. Even though it may bug a fellow passenger, that laptop user on the train feverishly clicking away at keys may be using the convenience of laptops so that he or she can coach a child’s baseball game.

Now that laptops no longer weigh about thirty pounds and aren’t twenty feet square (okay, that’s a little exaggeration), it’s easier than ever to cart one around. Some of the deluxe model laptops have a full-sized screen, a monstrous amount of memory and weigh less than two pounds. For someone who grew up prior to a computer in every classroom, this technology is amazing.

Of course, no matter how fascinating it is to think about the portability of laptops, there should be some concern about making work so portable. Conceivably you could take a bath and work at the same time, though that would seem to defeat the purpose of a relaxing soak. Now that you can work from anywhere, are today’s employees expected to do more work?

Maybe. Deadlines seem to be shorter, workloads higher and people worry about work constantly. Can this be blamed on laptops? Perhaps the problem lies with employees who have used such technology to accomplish more, faster, in an attempt to get ahead. Bosses come to expect the increase in production to become the new baseline.

It would seem to be an impossible conundrum, much like the question about which came first, the chicken or the egg. While telecommunication advances have shrunk the world, without laptops the pace at which employees need to work might not have changed.

Of course, laptops are not only for the workplace. Students at college swear by them, being able to take notes, write papers and talk to friends all at the same time. What a change from days gone by.

Laptops are in great use at home too. They take up significantly less room than a desktop and generally have the same capability. For someone in a small apartment or crowded house, a laptop may be the difference between having a computer and not having one.

No matter how you feel about laptops, they - and their successors - will be around for a long time. And if you think laptops are everywhere now, just wait as technology improves through the years to come. Eventually, the invasion will be complete.