CF Web>Hardware>PurchasingHardware>PurchasingLaptops (2006-03-20, LawrenceFolland)

Purchasing Laptop Computers or Tablet PCs

Considerations when deciding what kind of laptop to purchase

The sections below describe some of the considerations when purchasing a laptop computer. The relative importance of these tends to be very personal. Some users may find that screen size is their top consideration, others are most concerned with overall weight. When discussing the purchase of such equipment, try to consider which factors are most important to you. If you are consulting with CSCF personnel, please go through these issues and be prepared to comment on your preferences.

Note that many of these features are "diametrically opposed", eg: faster processor usually means lower batter life and higher cost; larger screen size will mean higher weight, etc.

Vendor

Users often have a brand that they've been happy with and may prefer to stick with that name

Price

Users need to decide how price-sensitive their purchase is. Faster processors and extra memory tend to drive up the price quickly. It is helpful to provide a price range when asking for assistance with quotes.

Weight

portability can be very important. However, lighter machines tend to make sacrifices in screen size, battery life, optical (CD-ROM) drives or other areas

Screen Size and viewability

Larger screens can typically support higher screen resolutions, but that is not always the case
minimum resolution is typically 1024x768
many Tablet PCs are limited to 1024x768
docking stations allow you to have increased resolution when attached to the dock and using a larger external monitor

Processor Speed and Type

Processor speed is a major factor determining price. A faster processor certainly helps, but make sure the system has enough memory - that can be a larger factor in overall performance. Consider getting at least 512mb RAM or even 1gb.
If you have a choice between Celeron and Pentium M, go with Pentium M - it is designed to give better battery life.
- See: Tom's Hardware Guide: Celeron M vs Pentium M for details

Memory

typical base memory is 256/512mb of RAM
usually one additional memory module can be purchased to bring the machine to 512mb or 1gb RAM
maximum RAM is typically 2gb

Optical Drive

Optical drives can read and/or write CD-ROM or DVD disks
some models do not include an optical drive at all, others have a bay that can be swapped between an optical drive, extra battery or even floppy disk
optical drives tend to add weight to the overall system
they can also be made available in a docking station, port replicator or external USB connection

Network connectivity / Wireless

most modern laptops include a 10/100mb LAN connection, some are now 10/100/1000
most laptops now have built-in wireless, which is highly recommended
- on-campus we support 802.11b and 802.11g - these are commonly included with many laptops
- some laptops also support 802.11a, but it is not used at UW
Bluetooth connectivity allows wireless access to peripherals such as printers, mice and keyboards

Tablet PC option

Tablet PCs allow pen input and a convenient format while teaching
Tablet PCs tend to be lighter
Typically, Tablet PCs add a 10% premium over traditional laptops with equivalent hardware
See also: The CSCF Twiki page on TabletPCs

Mouse pointer style

laptop keyboards include either a touchpad, pointer nib, or both
Tablet PC's also include a pen

Keyboard style

keyboards can vary widely in layout, "chiclet-style" keys, full-stroke or not, etc.

Operating System

Most laptops come pre-installed with Windows XP (Home or Professional). UW has a site-license that allows us to upgrade an existing Windows installation to Windows XP Professional
If you're interested in running Linux (either alone or using dual-boot), that is most likely possible, but some hardware drivers can be tricky. The CSCF Research Support Group has a fair bit of experience installing Linux on laptops.
- For more information about Linux on Laptops, see: http://tuxmobil.org/ or http://www.linux-laptop.net/

Other options to consider

Application Software

Windows laptops will probably want some version of Office. Laptop vendors sometimes bundle Office (or make it available as a cheap option). If not, the UW site licence version can be purchased. We generally add Acrobat Pro and MicroX-XWin32 to our laptops. Both of these are available via UW site licences.

See https://cswiki.uwaterloo.ca/twiki/bin/view/Windows/WindowsLaptop and in particular https://cswiki.uwaterloo.ca/twiki/bin/view/Windows/WindowsLaptop#Install_site_licensed_software for more details.

Docking Station / Port Replicator

Docking stations allow for quick "grab-and-go" capability. An external monitor, LAN connection, printer, CD drives, etc can all be plugged in
most laptop models have a corresponding docking station or port replicator available, but some do not

Spare battery

It can be useful to have a spare battery and charger for quick changing of the battery, if you don't want to use a power cord. Keeping a charger in your office with a spare battery allows you to stop by, switch batteries and go to your next meeting or class.

International/Travel power adapters

Power adapters can be purchased to allow you to power your laptop in a car or airplane or outside North America.

Laptop carrying case

Most laptops do not come with a carrying case. There are many styles to choose from. Remember that laptop cases themselves can be heavy and bulky, plus a high-capacity case will encourage you to bring "everything" along with you, which can greatly increase the weight you're carrying!

Warranty

most laptops come with 1 year warranty, but can usually be bumped up to 3 year coverage. This is an excellent idea for machines that will be travelling a lot since they can get bumped a lot. Having international coverage can also be very useful when travelling out-of-country (eg: IBM and Apple offer these)

Product Samples

Acer

Acer tends to make cost-conscious laptops

Acer Notebooks

Dell

Dell Notebooks
- Dell Latitude X1 - ultra-light, 1.1 GHz processor, 512mb RAM, 60gb disk, 2.5 lbs, 3yrs service CDN$2,368

Fujitsu

Current Notebook models

HP

IBM

IBM makes a highly respected line of notebook computers and a Tablet PC

R series - Consider for desktop replacement (most powerful, but heavy)
G Series (very heavy, powerful, relatively inexpensive)
T Series - balanced between power and weight
- T42 with 14.1" screen, 1.7GHz processor, 40gb disk, 512Mb RAM, 5lbs, List Price CDN$1,649
X series - ultra-light
X series Tablet PC