Stalking the Perfect Notebook

Are you tired of being chained to your desk? Do you long to experience the joys of unfettered mobile computing? Before you can start surfing the Web on the National Mall or checking e-mail from hotel lobbies, you need to become familiar with the different breeds of notebooks you'll encounter in their respective habitats. They range from small, agile 2-pounders to ferociously powerful 10-pound gaming laptops, with several stops in between. Here's a quick guide.

Gamer-tainment Systems

Want a notebook that will soar with the eagles? These high-powered systems are designed to do triple duty: as desktop PC replacements, as gaming systems, and even as home entertainment centers.

Distinguishing marks: Gamers will crave the super-fast Intel Pentium 4 processor with hyperthreading (which allows a computer to do two things at once), 1GB or more of high-speed DDR RAM, souped-up sound, and blistering 256MB graphics cards. Movie lovers will appreciate the built-in DVD drives and ultra wide 15- or 17-inch screens. Some systems come with surround-sound speakers and a subwoofer built in, while others offer them as extra-cost options or as part of a docking station.

Bad habits: These high-flyers tend to be hefty in both profile (often 10 pounds or more) and price ($2500 to $3500). With all that power, they're likely to run hotter than most laptops--so keep them off your lap. They'll also burn through batteries faster; if you're planning to take one on the road, buy an extra battery.

Typical habitats: College dorm room, junior's bedroom, Dad's den.

Noteworthy examples:
Alienware Area-51m 7700
PC Laptops K-2 987
Sony VAIO A290

Desktop Replacements

You're ready to retire your aging desktop and swap it for something more portable. The notebook won't leave your desk often, but it will occasionally (think vacations). Desktop replacement notebooks offer a nice compromise of portability, power, and price.

Distinguishing marks: They may lack the gamer-tainment systems' screamingly fast graphics (and shockingly high price tags), but these babies can go claw to claw with many desktops. Many have Pentium 4 processors and expansion bays for adding extra optical drives or a second battery. Expect to drop between $1800 and $2300 for a unit with 512MB to 1GB of RAM, a 40GB to 80GB hard drive, and a 14- or 15-inch screen.

Battery life tends to be better than in the gamer systems, ranging from around 4 hours to an amazing 6 hours and 23 minutes for HP's Nc6000 in PC World tests (your mileage may vary).

Some models feature smart card readers or fingerprint scanners, making them ideal for executives who need to carry hush-hush materials on the road. They may also sport Firewire ports or the ability to read different types of media cards, making it easier to transfer music files or images from a digital camera.

Bad habits: This breed tends to be lighter than gaming machines (6 to 9 pounds) but heavier and boxier than its sleeker, highly mobile cousins (see below). And bigger screens that look better on your desk become a liability in a cramped airplane seat in coach.

Typical Habitats: Home or satellite office, executive desk.

Noteworthy examples:
Dell Latitude D600
HP Pavilion Dv1000
IBM ThinkPad T42

Mega Mobiles

Think of this breed as the small, chic second dog you buy and carry around in a designer bag. These small notebooks provide ubiquitous companionship and draw stares ("Look, how cute!"), but they can't do the hard work your black lab back home can do. Because the mega mobile is designed to complement a desktop machine, portability trumps performance.

Distinguishing marks: These subnotebooks typically weigh between 2 and 5 pounds and slip easily into a briefcase or backpack. In fact, there are really two breeds to choose from: thin and light notebooks and ultraportables.

Thin and light models typically feature 13- or 14-inch screens and can be less than an inch thick. Intended for business travelers who want to lighten their loads, they tend to be feature-filled but pricier, starting around $1800.

Ultraportables sport a 10- or 12-inch screen and are designed to work well in cramped spaces, such as the coach cabin of an airliner. These typically feature pokier processors (most often low-voltage Pentium M chips), smaller hard drives (usually 20GB to 60GB), and may come without built-in DVD or CD drives, though you can often add an external one. You can get your hands on an ultraportable for anywhere from $1000 on up.

Bad Habits: Small keyboards may confine you to two-finger typing, while reading from small screens can strain your eyes. Ultraportables usually have a smaller battery than most other notebooks, which means there's less juice for those cross-country flights. And if you start adding external drives, you're losing that portability factor.

Typical Habitats: Airplane tray tables, hotel nightstands, or inside your carry-on--but probably not your desk.

Noteworthy examples:
Apple iBook G4
Fujitsu LifeBook P7010D
Toshiba Portege R100

Joe Laptops

It's easier to define this species of notebook by what it's not. It's not super powerful, like the gamer-tainment or desktop replacement systems. It's not slim and sleek, like the mega mobiles. It's not ultra cheap, but it won't break the bank, either. In short, it's the notebook that's the most versatile--and the best fit for most users.

Distinguishing marks: These beasts look a lot like the desktop replacements, only with less processing oomph and fewer extras. Still, you can expect to find a 1.5GHz to 2GHz Pentium M chip, a 40GB or 60GB hard drive, and a rewriteable optical drive. Most tip the scales at between 6 and 8 pounds, give you 3 to 4 hours of life on a single battery charge, and cost between $1300 and $2000. In other words: they're your typical notebooks.

Bad habits: Depends on your habits. Gamers and movie lovers will want more power or a bigger screen. Frequent flyers will desire less heft. And everyone will crave more battery power.

Typical habitats: At home, in the office, in the dorm, on the road--this machine is comfortable almost anywhere.

Noteworthy examples:
Acer TravelMate 8000
IBM ThinkPad R51
Gateway M320XL

Budget Buddies

You say you need a second computer that you can haul around, but you're unable (or unwilling) to pay full price? Consider a refurbished notebook--a computer that's been returned by a customer and is being resold at a discount. Many refurbished units are comparable to new machines but cost considerably less. The key is shopping wisely.

Distinguishing marks: You name it--refurbished notebooks come in all specs and shapes. Unlike a used notebook you might buy at a garage sale or on eBay, these machines may have been repaired or upgraded by the manufacturer prior to sale and come with a warranty. But unlike many new notebooks, refurbs are usually not customizable, and selection is both limited and constantly changing. You may have to spend some time scouring manufacturers' Web sites to find what you're looking for.

Bad habits: Limited warranties. Most manufacturers guarantee a refurbished notebook for only 90 days (although Dell offers a 1-year warranty on its refurbs). Consider buying an extended warranty--provided the additional cost doesn't wipe out the savings you got by buying a used notebook in the first place.

Typical habitats: Anywhere a notebook can be found, but usually not as the user's primary computer.

Noteworthy examples (available at press time):
Dell Inspiron 600M
Gateway M275
HP Pavilion zd7140us

Dan Tynan is a contributing editor for PC World and author of the magazine's Gadget Freak column. He is currently writing Privacy Annoyances, due to be published by O'Reilly & Associates later this year.