Notebook Types

There are three common types or sizes of notebooks available: Desknote, Thin and Light, Ultraportable. It would be good to know which one would suit your needs or uses before narrowing down the internal features you want.

Desknote or Desktop Replacement Notebook or DTR

Like the name suggests, this type of notebook computer is made to replace a desktop system. They usually come in a three spindle design and have desktop like features such as: huge and/or wide screens, very fast processors, top of the line mobile 3D graphics subsystems, and large hard drives (up to 7200 RPM).

Think of them as a compact and very portable desktop, great for desks too small for a regular desktop or easy to bring to a LAN party without sacrificing too much desktop speed.

Pros:
- FAST, both processor and graphics.
- Large Screens, great for movies, gaming, any multimedia or editing uses.
- Big keyboard and lots of USB or Firewire ports for all your digital devices to plug in to.

Cons:
- Heavy, 6 pounds or more.
- Shorter battery life, 1 to 2 hours is common.
- Size, around 1.5 to 2 inches thick and very wide and long with those 15.4 to 17 inch wide screens.

Thin and Light Notebooks

Not too big and not too small, thin and light notebooks are usually easier to carry around than DTR notebooks and provide a good balance of speed and battery life. Most commonly found as two spindle designs and equipped with mid-range to high-end video cards and processors.

Pros:
- Great performance.
- Easy to carry around, around 4 to 5 pounds and 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
- Long battery life, anywhere from 2 to 5 hours depending on hardware specs.

Cons:
- Some people may find the screens too small, 14.1 inch is common on the more compact models.

Ultraportable / Ultralight Notebooks or Sub-Notebooks

Very compact and lightweight which is convenient for those who travel all the time. Decent processing power but light in the graphics department, don't expect to play any games on an ultraportable notebook.

Pros:
- Small and light, around 1 inch thick and 4 pounds or less.
- Long battery life, 5 hours or more.

Cons:
- Small screen, 10.6 to 12.1 inch screens (or is that a pro? good for cramped spaces)
- Keyboards are usually smaller which can be difficult to type on.