Notebooks for business

Charles McLellan

Published: 17 Nov 2008

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Go to section: Introduction Notebook usage modes Types of notebook Matching users to notebooks Notebook specs: CPU, chispet, RAM Notebook specs: graphics, storage Notebook specs: slots, networking, ports Notebook specs: multimedia, docking, power Notebook specs: security

Notebook usage modes
When a user asks an expert 'what notebook should I buy?', the expert invariably answers with another question, namely: 'what do you want to do with it?'. Only with a reasonably clear picture of the usage mode can you hope to select a product that will get the job done to the user's satisfaction. We've identified five categories of notebook usage, into which most users can (broadly) be fitted. Each category is accompanied by a graphic mapping the importance likely to be placed on two factors: portability (x axis) and budget (y axis).  

Entry-level

Entry-level users need do little more than connect to a company or home network and run standard productivity applications such as a word processor, spreadsheet, email client and calendar; in the future, these (and other) applications are likely to be hosted (either on company servers or in the 'cloud') and delivered via a web browser, which will make entry-level notebooks increasingly thin and inexpensive clients. Cost is the clearly the primary consideration here, but buyers will be looking for as much good design and added functionality as they can get for the (limited) money, within a reasonably portable form factor.

Mainstream

Like their entry-level colleagues, mainstream notebook users are largely desk-bound and perform everyday business tasks using standard office applications. However, to maximise productivity these tasks need to be accomplished that bit faster (more CPU speed and more memory) and in significantly greater comfort (bigger screen, better keyboard), all of which will increase the cost.

Mobile professional

For mobile professionals, a notebook's size and weight are paramount, with battery life, wireless connectivity and security also high on the agenda. Performance doesn't have to be stellar, although some mobile pros will require a fast (and therefore more expensive) machine. Within the constraints of the form factor, ergonomics — mainly of the screen and the keyboard — are crucial. Taking all this into account, it's clear that the mobile professional sector presents notebook designers with considerable challenges — not least because most users in this sector will rely on their notebooks for almost all of their business productivity.

Power user

Power users require performance above all, in order to accomplish advanced business tasks like analysing complex spreadsheets, delivering multimedia presentations or running multiple operating systems on locally held virtual machines. These tasks will generally require a fast CPU, plenty of memory and storage, discrete graphics and a good-sized screen — all of which will add up to a sizeable cost. Some power users will require a degree of portability, while others will place greater value on a large screen and a comfortable keyboard.

Content creator

Content creators such as video editors, web and desktop publishers, software developers, computer-aided designers and 3D modellers push the demands on notebook performance and form factor to their limits. A top-notch specification is essential, particularly for the graphics subsystem (graphics processing unit, graphics memory and screen). In some cases, certification for key high-end applications will also be a requirement. Portability is not a major requirement, although some content creators will need to be able to transport their notebooks to and from clients' premises.

 

Go to section: Introduction Notebook usage modes Types of notebook Matching users to notebooks Notebook specs: CPU, chispet, RAM Notebook specs: graphics, storage Notebook specs: slots, networking, ports Notebook specs: multimedia, docking, power Notebook specs: security

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