The
latest research on the PC market shows that things have gone slightly
awry. While the market has started to stabilize from major losses in
recent quarters, thanks to a sales resurgence in notebooks and
Chromebooks, things just aren't the way they once were. PCs are no
longer the dominant force in technology purchasing, and products like
tablets and even smartphones have started to eat into lower-end notebook
sales. However, notebooks still appear to be selling well, especially
in online sales channels. Products such as the Acer C720 Chromebook and
the Dell Inspiron line still prove popular among some consumers.
Meanwhile, Apple's MacBook Pro line remains a strong seller. All of this
comes down to one important question: When you are in the market for a
new notebook, how do you find the model that is perfect for you? A
couple of years ago, shopping for a new notebook was easier. Most models
looked about the same and had basically the same features, and most of
them were delivered with Microsoft Windows. Today's notebook space is a
lot more complex, with many choices and options. This eWEEK slide show
provides a quick guide on what everyone should look for when buying a new notebook.
* Do You Shop With a Boutique Notebook Maker or Major Vendors?
It's not often thought about, since many people just go to Best Buy or Amazon.com to buy a new computer,
but customers must decide whether a big name like Dell or HP is best
for their notebook needs, or if they want to go with something different
from a boutique vendor. Boutiques tend to provide products that feature
a nicer design and more powerful components than their counterparts on
the conventional side. However, they also tend to be a bit more
expensive than their conventional competitors.
* Do You Want to Stick With Windows?
The
second question to ask is whether Windows is the right operating system
for the job. While Windows 7 might work well for many enterprise
customers, Windows 8.1 might not be the right choice. At the same time,
Windows 8.1 might be suitable for those looking for the new-look
operating system and don't mind the steep learning curve. If you decide
on Windows, picking the right version can be a hard choice, but it is
something that must be done.
* Are Chromebooks the Right Choice?
Chromebooks
are proving extremely popular. At last blush, the Chrome OS-based
devices owned 35 percent of the commercial channel and were performing
well on Amazon. Chromebooks are less powerful than Windows- or OS
X-based machines, but they're still nice for those who want to go mobile
and don't require all kinds of power.
* Apple Factors Into the Decision
All
of this talk of notebooks has left out one important company: Apple.
The iPhone maker is one of the biggest players in the notebook world and
continues to see its shipments grow. If you're not used to OS X, it
will take some time to feel comfortable, but all in all, going with a
MacBook isn't a bad idea for most customers.
* Power Needs Must Be Considered
Power
will ultimately be the deciding factor when it comes to price and
value. Those who want to do video and photo editing on the fly will want
a device with a Core i7 processor and large amounts of RAM. Those who
only want to surf the Web or handle email can get away with a lower-end
machine, like a Chromebook. Think about power and its impact on price
before choosing a notebook.
* It's About Applicability in the Person's Life
One
of the nice things about notebooks is that they can fit into the lives
of just about any customer. Those who travel often and need mobility
will find it in devices like the MacBook Air or Chromebook. High-powered
devices that weigh more and can be considered desktop replacements are
great for designers and enterprise users. There's nothing worse than
choosing the wrong notebook for the required job.
* What Screen Size Do You Really Need?
Screen
sizes in the notebook market are all over the place. There are 11-inch
models for those who want to go ultra-mobile, and 13-inch models for
those who want mobility and some power. Customers can purchase 15-, 17-
or even 21-inch notebooks if they're after a powerful desktop
replacement. There's no one-size-fits-all strategy for choosing notebook
screen sizes.
* Remember the Mobility Factor
Although
in general notebooks are designed to be mobile, they're not all created
equal. Furthermore, even notebooks that come in the slimmer form
factors aren't equally as mobile. Ultrabooks and the MacBook Air are
designed to be ultra-mobile notebooks, while devices like the smaller
MacBook Pro or 13-inch Dell Inspirons are a little less mobile. Be sure
to hold and feel all devices to make sure they meet your own definition
of mobility before choosing a notebook.
* The Price Range Will Vary, Depending on Need
Prices
are all over the place in the notebook market. Customers on a budget
can get a notebook for as little as $200 if they're after a Chromebook,
while those looking for a top-of-the-line model can spend more than
$2,000. For those customers looking in the boutique section of the
market to customize a device, they could pay several thousand of
dollars. Prices (and thus, mileage) vary greatly in the notebook space.
* Is There a Tablet That Can Do the Same Job?
Finally,
one must ask whether a tablet could perform the tasks historically
performed by notebooks. While notebooks are nice in their own right,
tablets have been eating their lunch in both the consumer and enterprise
markets. The issue has become such a conundrum that some makers like
Lenovo and Microsoft have developed products that can transition from a
notebook to a tablet and back. Think seriously about tablets before
plunking down cash for a notebook.
~~~~~~~~
By Don Reisinger
Don
Reisinger is a freelance technology columnist. He started writing about
technology for Ziff-Davis' Gearlog.com. Since then, he has written
extremely popular columns for CNET.com, Computerworld, InformationWeek,
and others. He has appeared numerous times on national television to
share his expertise with viewers. You can follow his every move at
http://twitter.com/donreisinger.
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