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In the beginning there were laptop computers, but some clever guys decided that we need a mini version of those. And, to tell the truth, some of us really need a smaller version of the laptops.

In this website you will find information of whether you need a laptop computer or a mini laptop computer. Also there are some useful tips of how to choose the one. Good reading!

Do you need Mini Laptop Computers?

Most people will have seen these undersized, entirely portable mini laptop computers, which have started popping up everywhere. On the train or bus, in the lunchtime cafe, and even in bars of an evening, mini laptops computers are used everywhere.

Sure they look cool, and it must be nice to simply fire one up, check emails or chat with friends anywhere you like, but do you actually need one? Let’s take a look at the main features which most mini laptops share, and then discuss how closely they fit your computing needs:

Very portable – Usually with a keyboard approaching a full size laptop keyboard in size. Screen sizes range from 7” to 12”. Extremely lightweight, usually 2kg or less.
Long battery life – Mini laptop computers have a much longer battery life than their full blown counterparts. Typically the battery life is 5 hours plus.
Plenty of connectivity options – Because these machines are built to be used on the road, they come with every major connectivity option including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and LAN.
Open source support – Many mini laptop computers run a freeware operating system such as Linux, and a host of top quality open source software packages such as Open Office. This keeps the price low.

So let’s take a look at the typical user who would benefit from procuring one of these excellent little machines. Let’s take a look at a list of requirements such a person may have.

Frequent traveller – Somebody who spends a lot of time travelling, either for work or socially as a retiree or similar.
Does not work in the office often – One of those kinds of people who although they do have a desk in the office, they often find themselves working from home, or on the train or plane as they travel for work.
Communicator – These kinds of people require a computer that can keep them in communication with their work colleagues and friends, in a host of ways such as VOIP, IM and email, at all times.

If your computing requirements seem to fit into this list, then getting a great deal on one of the mini laptop computers currently available could be for you. You may well find that one of these small machines will completely change your working and social life.

Do you need Laptop Computers?

For many people, laptop computers have revolutionised their work and social lives. In the past, laptops and notebooks were deemed to be the realm of travelling salesman or busy executive for many years. As the internet became more useful as a business tool, other types of people started to use laptop computers. But does everyone who has one really need it? Take a look at some of the main types of users below, and see if any fits you.

Do you work out of the office a lot?

If you find yourself working at home, or at a client site quite often, then laptops computers can surely help you. Nothing can be less productive than having to copy files that you have worked on to a USB stick or a CD, and then copying them onto your work PC when you get to the office. Using a laptop to replace your work desktop removes this problem entirely.

Do you travel frequently?

This can be work related travel, or social travel. If you are a frequent traveller then laptop computers allow you to take your valuable data with you wherever you go, as well as allowing you to keep in contact with people whilst you are away.

Do you need to keep in contact with people?

If you often find you need to check your email, and are away from the office or your home PC, or need to send an IM to somebody to ask a question, but you have no PC present, then laptop computers allow you to keep in maximum contact whilst on the move. Perfect for applications such as VOIP (Voice Over IP), IM (Instant messaging such as MSN and AIM), and email.

There are many reasons why people find laptop computers to be so useful, these outlined above are just three of the more common themes. Laptop computers have become much cheaper in recent years, and there really is no reason why anybody who thinks they could use one, should not go out and purchase one. Laptop computers give you the flexibility to work where you need, keep in contact whilst travelling, and access the internet wherever you may be.

How to Choose Mini Laptop Computers?

Choosing the right option from the huge range of mini laptop computers that are now available is not easy. Different people require different features, depending upon the way they will be using their machine. The list below attempts to guide people through the selection process, by discussing the importance of certain features:

Battery life – If you need a machine that can be used for extended periods of time away from main power, then this will be one of your key deciding factors. Most mini laptop computers have a battery life of 5 hours or more, some go up to 10 or even more hours.
Keyboard – If you spend a lot of time typing, then the keyboard is going to be a big factor for you. Some mini laptop computers feature a cut down keyboard, and low quality keys, whilst others will feature a high quality keyboard, which will be almost full size.
Connectivity – If you need to stay connected on the move, then you need a machine with lots of connectivity options. This means fully speced Wi-Fi adapter, Bluetooth and LAN socket. Also, plenty of USB ports.
Screen size – Some people find they can manage on a small 9” screen quite comfortably, others cannot. Check out a few models in a store first, and decide which screen size is optimal for you. Also take into account how bright the screen can be set to, this is very important if you need to use the machine outside in sunlight.
Portability – If you need to carry your choice of mini laptop computers around all day, then you may wish to try and find the most portable one possible. This means both the smallest and the lightest. Although there will always be a ply off between portability and other features such as battery life, keyboard and screen size.

So there we have it, a list of the main decision making features when trying to decide which of the many mini laptops is for you. Every manufacturer publishes full model specs online, and you could use the above list, as well as published specs, to build yourself a shortlist of possible machines to buy.

How to Choose Laptop Computers?

So you have decided you need a laptop computer? But how do you choose which one to purchase? Laptop computers come in a vast array of specifications, from powerful gaming laptops to lightweight ultra-portable machines. Overall there are four main laptop types, these are outlined below, and should help narrow down your search:

Gaming laptops – These are high performance laptops, which will include plenty of RAM, a fast CPU and a 3rd party graphics card from the likes of Nvidia or ATI. They will also come with a very high quality screen of 17” or more. These laptops are capable of running modern computer games just as well as a desktop PC.
Desktop replacements – These are very large, well speced laptop computers that are designed to replace either an office or home PC. They often come with screens of 20” or more in size, a good CPU and plenty of RAM, plus a very large hard drive. Battery life is usually pretty short, they are not intended to be used on the move, they are intended to be transportable, possibly taken to the office each morning, plugged into the mains supply, and then taken home again in the evening.
Notebooks – These are the most common form of laptop computers. They will be of a medium specification, and come with a 15” to 17” screen. Battery like will be a few hours, and they are intended to be used as a general work horse PC. Notebooks are great business tools, and are not particularly expensive. Most people will find a notebook to be suitable for their needs.
Ultra-portable laptops – These kinds of laptop computers are designed to be used on the go. They are small, with a 12” screen being the norm, and have very good battery life. They also come well equipped with connectivity options so they can be connected to the internet everywhere.

So there we have it, the four main classifications of laptop computers, by identifying which of the four would suit your own needs most closely, you will be able to make a better purchasing decision.

Mini Laptop Computers: What You Need To Know

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