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

Multimedia
An increasing number of notebooks, particularly the more portable categories, come with an integrated webcam designed to facilitate videoconferencing. These rarely offer more than 1.3-megapixel (1,280x1,024) resolution, but that's perfectly adequate for most business purposes. If a webcam is important to you, consider seeking out the rarer swivelling type, as it can be tricky to combine an optimal screen-viewing angle with a suitable webcam image when you're videoconferencing. The bundled webcam software can vary in quality too, so check out whether useful features like automatic brightness/contrast and white balance settings, and face-tracking are supported.

The audio subsystem is obviously important for videconferencing too. Although most (but not all) notebooks come with a built-in microphone, for best results you'll want a microphone array that efficiently separates a voice signal from any ambient noise.

Docking solutions
A docking station provides extra ports, slots, drive bays and security features, and usually attaches to a notebook from beneath. Docking stations come in a variety of shapes, ranging from the same footprint as the notebook itself (when it's often referred to as an expansion or media 'slice') to much bigger — some protrude more than 10cm beyond the back of the notebook itself. The docking station is where you park your notebook when you're in the office, its permanent connections giving convenient access to the company network, a bigger monitor, a full-size keyboard and additional storage devices, for example.

A port replicator is a smaller, stripped-down version of a docking station mainly featuring ports such as USB, FireWire or S-Video. When you're on the road, a port replicator is a convenient way to increase the connectivity of a small notebook.

Most business-oriented notebook ranges feature common docking options, so that a vendor's thin-and-light system will slot into the same docking station as the mainstream model, for example. This makes it easier for IT staff to manage a fleet of corporate notebooks.

Power
Notebooks that are designed for portability — netbooks, ultraportables and thin-and-lights — generally offer 'standard' and 'extended-life' batteries. Mobile professionals who regularly work on battery power are advised to take the extended option, which will usually deliver around 4 hours' life. If you regularly need to do a full day's work (8 hours) away from mains power, you're likely to need to carry a second high-capacity battery.

Power management settings (especially screen brightness) can make a big difference to battery life, so power management software is especially valuable. Most leading notebook vendors bundle their own power management utilities that augment (and sometimes supersede) the standard Windows applet. Be sure to check out the functionality and usability of these programs.

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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