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A mobile and ultra portable laptop buying guide

This is a small report that I have put together for Nathan who is looking at purchasing a laptop computer.

Some people want me to provide them with a customized report. This is an edited version of the report.

I own and operate www.laptopadvisor.com and since 2002, I have been helping people and friends all over the world purchase a mobile computer that fits their needs and the positive feedback proves that I manage to save people money and unnecessary hassles.

The first question I ask to a prospective laptop buyer is: Why?

I find that too many people mention the price they are willing to spend before determining why they need a laptop. This is the way to save money or save themselves from hassles after they purchase a laptop and notice later on that it does not meet all their requirements and the costs associated with upgrades and extra accessories ends up exceeding the price of a notebook that would have been better for them but seemed to cost higher.

With this customized report, I will help the future mobile computer owner avoid these mistakes.

After talking to Nathan, we came to a conclusion that a mobile computer would provide these immediate benefits:

• He will be able to work properly between his home and office by using one computer instead of 2 or more and having to spend time transferring documents backs and forth, avoid purchasing necessary software and accessories for the different machines he would use.
• A way to get work done during his trips that sometimes last more than 4 hours in which a serious amount of work could have been accomplished. Nathan's computing needs are pretty basic as he does not deal with graphics intense application or computer power hungry programs such as music making or video editing.

The List of his computing requirements

• To be able to access Internet and Email at home, office and even on the road if possible as email on the road can be an effective communication tool
• To be able to write speeches, take care of management tasks through the use of Microsoft Office.
• To have a mobile yet portable computer. This means a light and small sized notebook that will easily fit into customized luggage
• A way to protect his computer from malicious software know as spyware but also viruses and SPAM

All the above information allows me to choose and select the ideal notebook (or laptop) specifications for Nathan. Thus:

- A mobile computer that can do the average computing tasks - That is fairly light and portable with good battery life- Excellent warranty and user support from a reputable retailer and manufacturer.

In other words, a reliable, fairly priced notebook computer that will meet the exact needs of its user.

What is the perfect notebook for Nathan?

I have slimmed down the choices to 3:

1) Apple iBook G4 12" - Combo Drive

This is a biased choice as myself am a Mac user. What people fail to realize with the Mac platform is that one of the two major problems facing computer users in non applicable:

The virus problem.

All viruses target the windows platform. As a Mac user I have never had to download a virus checker or software to combat them. Furthermore, Macs are not susceptible to hidden software that maliciously take over one's computer.

So, with a Mac you can erase future costs associated with anti-virus software and upgrades pricing. And of course, the piece of mind associated with the fact that there's no need to constantly worry about being a target is priceless.

2) Dell Inspiron 600m

My next choice and number one choice on the Windows platform. Dell is the most popular among consumers thanks to their good user support and competitive prices.

This machine is light and portable and has long battery life. It has a bigger screen than the one mentioned above.

The price of this computer is pretty good and this is my top recommendation for a Canada based mobile computer user using the Windows platform

3) Dell Inspiron 1000

This is the computer for the really price conscious shopper. If the budget is tight, this laptop is your best bet. It has all the features for the average computer user but it's not really made of the road user as it's rather bulky, heavy and does not have long battery life.

This is the laptop for people who move occasionally and who have a limited budget. I would not personally pruchase such a computer but if money was a big issue, this is far better than nothing.

Where to buy any of the above mentioned laptops in Canada.

1) I bought my Mac laptop at an authorized reseller in downtown Montreal (BMac). Whenever, I have a problem with my computer (twice only and both instances where my fault), I give them a phone call, drop off the computer and within 48 hours, the laptop is back on my desk.

2) The best places to buy Dell laptops is online (www.dell.ca). They do not have resellers. You can also order by phone at 1-800-WWW-DELL

Remember that purchasing a laptop computer is only the first step. You will be asked if you wish to extend to your standard one year guarantee and the sellers will offer you many accessories.

Do not buy any accessories from Dell or Apple unless they are only exclusive from them. I purchase my extra accessories such as a laptop bag or blank CDs at Future Shop as they are available there at far more reasonable prices.

You now have an idea of what ideal laptop to shop for. Dell and Apple have fixed prices so the ones that you come across will be the ones that you will see everywhere.

What about other brands?

In Canada, even though there are major laptop brands, they seem not to focus too much on ultra mobile users and when they do their prices are unjustifiably so high that I would not consider them.

Good luck and happy shopping.

The Laptop Advisor