If you don’t want to be disappointed, here’s a quick Checklist of the features you want to check before you buy your notebook computer.
 
* Processor:
The heart of your notebook or computer. It does the processing and applications. Most people prefer Intel Pentium Processors; the higher the number the faster it will process! Go with Pentium 4 if you can. Intel Celeron is another choice.
 
* Speed:
This is how fast your computer can process data and perform your tasks. The faster the better! Latest models get up to a blazing 3.6 GHz.
 
Tip: You might also want to check the rotational speed
of your notebook’s hard disk as it can affect performance
a 5,400rpm notebook disk is much faster than a 4,200rpm
model. How fast the disk spins, will also determine the
performance level of your notebook.
 
* Hard Drive:
Check if it has a fixed drive; some units have drives you can swap. As for size; around 20GB for most notebook drives. You’ll need only a 20GB or 30GB for most
tasks on your notebook. If you handle large graphics or large amount of files (dvd, M3Ps,etc.) you need more — 50 to 60GB or higher.
 
Also, keep in mind, that you also have the external drive(s) option for storing and media-burning.
 
* Memory: How much do you need?
RAM (random-access memory). This is what the computer  uses to run applications and data on your operating system. 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.
 
* CD-RW Drive:
You will need a CD-ROM for installing. And a CD-RW drive for burning your own CDs if that’s one of the tasks you want your notebook to do.
 
Keep in mind another option - many notebooks can access or use external drives for data storage, cd burning, etc.
 
* LCD Displays:
Most have LCD screens; this is different from your desktop CRT (cathode-ray tube) monitor but most people are famaliar with this type of displays — it’s
commonly found in digital camera and video recorders.
 
* Screen Size:
You have to consider what size LCD displayyou want. If you’re going to be viewing a lot of pictures or movies on your notebook - a large 15 or 17 inch would
be better suited for your needs.
 
Usually, LCD screens range in size from 12 inches to 17 inches (diagonal). Viewing is usually set at 1,024×768 resolution. Quality is almost standard in all these notebooks. But check them out at your dealers if picture quality is your main reason for buying a notebook.
 
Note- Fujitsu LifeBook P ultraportable series has the smallest displays 10.6 inches. The Apple PowerBook has one of the largest at 17-inches.
 
* Modems:
Most if not all notebooks have 56Kbps-modems and Ethernet connections. As well as connections (ports) for printers, VGA for external monitor and there should
be one or more USB ports for keyboards, drives, MP3’s and digital cameras.
 
* Antennas:
Most notebooks have built-in antennas for wireless networking and portability. But check before you buy!
 
* Portability:
Might sound like a strange question to ask about notebooks. Not really, most notebooks are very portable, easy to carry - what they were designed for.
However; larger notebooks like the ‘desktop replacemets’ with 17 inch screens and weighing over 7 pounds might not be the best choice for the heavy traveler. For example
the new HP Pavilion zd8000 weights a whopping 12 lbs!

* Accessories:
Lastly, you should look at some accessories that you might need with your notebook computer. Many come with a Docking station or port replicator - somewhere to store and access your computer. Check on the functions of each before you buy.

You might consider buying an extra battery; especially if you’re buying your laptop mainly for traveling and in the field work.
 
Laptop bag is another accessory you should definitely consider buying. Again, notebooks might seem lightweight and small but if you have lug it around all day and you’re
going to wish you had bought that carrying bag.

Are you looking for a new Laptop/notebook Computer?  In order to get the one that is right for you, you first must decide what you want your laptop for.  

• Do you want to replace you old desktop with a laptop?
• Do you a student want one to take to school?
• Do you travel a lot with your laptop?
• Do you want one for playing video games?
• Are you looking for a laptop for business applications?

Once you decide on this here are some suggestions to help you select the best type of notebook/laptop.
Do you want a laptop/notebook that you can carry on a plane easily?  Do you travel a lot, then go with an utralight often called ultraportable.  These are the lightest and smallest laptops/notebooks.  Most are about the size of spiral-bound notebook and weighing less than four pounds.

If you are a student and need something, lightweight but is also sturdy.  You want a large hard drive to hold your favorite MP3’s.  Check out the ‘thin and light’ Laptops/notebooks. 

If you want to replace your main desktop with something more portable, go with a desktop replacement.

If you want something you can use at home, work and traveling around then you need ‘thin and light.  If you want an all-around computer then buy a laptop/notebook of this type.  They are very flexible, and cover most of your computing needs; this is the most popular. 

If you want a laptop to play the latest video games then here is what to look for.  The biggest factors for gaming are CPU speed and 3D chip speed.  Laptops built for gaming are usually a bit heavier than usual and are considered desktop replacements.  Expect weights in the range of 7-10 pounds or more.  You will want a minimum of 512 MB of RAM since practically all new systems come with the hog known as Windows XP.  Aim for 768 MB or even 1 gigabyte of RAM.  You will want is dedicated video memory.  That way the graphics chip can access it much faster.  A massive hard drive of around 60 gigabytes or more is necessary.  Most laptops use 5400 RPM or slower drives to save power but you can find laptops that use 7200-RPM drives. The faster drives will improve performance.