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Notebook design: things we love, things we hate

Charles McLellan ZDNet.co.uk

Published: 14 Nov 2008

When you're in research mode for a new notebook, there are many factors to consider, and it's all too easy to concentrate on headline specifications like processor clock speed, screen size, the amount of RAM and hard drive capacity at the expense of ergonomics.

However, design details are vitally important: as a professional, you're likely to use your notebook every day — at the office, on the road and at home — for several years. A design flaw like an over-reflective screen, an uncomfortable touchpad or too few USB ports will prove a constant productivity-sapping annoyance.
At ZDNet UK, we use all the notebooks that we review in real-world situations, and so have a wealth of experience when it comes to weighing up the pros and cons of different aspects of notebook design. In the two accompanying photo galleries, we've brought together ten things we love and ten things we hate about notebook design.

Let us know whether you agree or disagree with our choices, and send us your own suggestions.

Notebook design: ten things we hate

Photo A design flaw in piece of personal technology like a notebook computer is irritating and can seriously impair your productivity. Here are ten of our biggest bugbears. [14 Nov 2008]

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Notebook design: ten things we love

Photo We all like to gripe about the technology we use day in, day out, but sometimes designers get it just right. Here are ten of our favourite things about notebooks. [14 Nov 2008]