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The internet has the
potential of reaching 6 billion people on the world. Your web site
could be seen by all of the world's internet users. This global
marketplace is being fueled by the increasing pace of
technology development. My $1,400 laptop computer is far more
advanced and powerful than the million dollar computers used by NASA
to put a man on the moon 40 years ago.
Using wireless technology, the internet is available outside
the office environment in such places as coffee shops, libraries,
hotels, cafes and airports.
My Experience
When I started writing my first book I used a
laptop. I soon found that the laptop I was using was very slow. I
started looking around at what technology was available. The new
technology at the time was the "ultra portable" laptop.
Because I was using my laptop in a variety of
different locations, I wanted a machine that was first and foremost
- small and portable. It also needed to use the latest programs and
be fast enough to create and edit graphics. I wanted to have enough
hard drive space to contain several books, graphics and the programs
that I regularly used. I also wanted enough battery life to be able
to write most of the day at the local Barnes and Noble Bookstore
(which I still do), for example.
At the time, one of the most advanced
technologies on the market was the Fujitsu Laptop. One of the newest
models was the P2046, which was 3.4 pounds and included a built in
CD-ROM/CDRW drive. It also had a battery life of almost 7 hours. I
have found this machine to work very well when traveling, because of
its light weight. I also use this machine extensively on the
internet, and on my wireless network. In fact, this is the machine
that I am using today.
I have had very good luck with my Fujitsu P2046
laptop. It has served me very well and trouble free for 5 years. It
is somewhat slower than the newer models (700 MHz as opposed to 1.2
GHz or higher). It still runs Microsoft Office 2003, Adobe InDesign
CS2, Adobe Photoshop CS2 and AutoCAD Map 14.
When my daughter’s Fujitsu (the same as my
P2046) was stolen in college, we replaced it with an Averatec model
3250. The 3250 was much faster than the Fujitsu (1.8 GHz), was
larger in size, but was the same weight. It was also much less
expensive. It is a nice machine, but I still like the Fujitsu that I
use. The one that we bought my daughter is featured on this site -
Averatec 3250 H1. For more information about this unit - click
HERE.
To visit WritersLaptop.com and order your new laptop
direct from the manufacturer - click
HERE!
The Choices
Today, there are a number of other laptop
brands and models that would work very well for any mobile
professional, student or writer. These laptops are:
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ASUS
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Averatec
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Dell
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Fujitsu
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Sony
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Toshiba
Each of these brands has strengths and
weaknesses. However, one thing that is not generally known is that
the components for all of these brands are manufactured by a very
few manufactures in the world. About six manufacturers make all of
the world’s laptop components. The components are assembled and then
shipped to the distribution points.
For example, Dell has its laptops assembled and
shipped to its distribution points. The components are not made by
Dell nor assembled by Dell. They are made by others under the Dell
label and to Dell’s specifications. This allows Dell to concentrate
on its strength which is marketing.
Kits called “white boxes” are available to
resellers. These non-branded laptops have exactly the same
components and specifications as the Dell or Toshiba or Sony. While
the non-branded laptops have not yet caught on with the general
public like they have in the desktop models, it is not much
different with laptops. I have seen and like the ASUS laptop kits
that are available and plan on building some of them soon. They have
all the same features as my Fujitsu and are much less expensive when
bought in “white box” form.
Laptop vs. Desktop
In June 2005 for the first time, Laptop sales
were higher than desktop sales.
In fact, I recently bought a Dell Latitude on
EBay and replaced one of the desktop machines in my small network.
Since the desktop had failed, I needed to either fix it or replace
it. With electricity rates going up, I decided to find an older
laptop to save energy and expense. I was surprised to find this 1.2
GHz Dell Latitude for under $500.00 on EBay. I installed a new hard
drive for about $75.00 and the machine has worked perfectly ever
since. I plan on replacing all of the desktops in my network, except
perhaps the server, in the next few months. These laptops run so
much quieter and are so much more energy efficient than the desktops
that this just makes sense in these days of high energy usage and
expense.
Software
In addition, there are two software packages
that are also essential to anyone wanting to write. Microsoft Office
Professional 2003 provides the tools necessary to put together
research, articles, novels and books. Microsoft OneNote 2003 is an
excellent tool for any writer needing to put together research and
notes. For more information about this software, click
HERE!
Portable Storage, and other laptop features
Typically, laptops, and in particular
ultraportable laptops, have smaller hard drives and less storage
capacity than desktop computers. The ultraportables also have fewer
USB ports, as well as other input-output ports.
As laptops are used more and more, storage
space becomes increasingly important. Additional storage space is
critical, not only because data is important but because programs
themselves are increasing in size. Microsoft Windows XP is much
larger than Microsoft Windows 98.
One solution is to use a portable hard drive.
These are external drives, attached by a USB port. Portable hard
drives have become much smaller in the last two years, with 100 GB
of capacity not uncommon. Not only do these portable hard drives
serve to increase storage capacity, but they also provide an easy
way to transport data from one computer to another. They can be
moved to any computer that has a USB port. These drives can also
serve as backup units for the laptop, and provide protection for
critical data.
How to Choose the Right Laptop CD-ROM
In order to help in making the choice of which
laptop is the best laptop for you, I have put together a CD-ROM
entitled:
How to Choose
the Right Laptop for Your Needs
With this CD you will discover;
·
How to make an informed choice between he many
laptops available today
·
What the different categories of laptops are and
which will work the best for you
·
How to make an apples-to-apples comparison while
cutting through the “technospeak”
You can purchase this CD for only $14.95
plus $3.75 shipping
Or
You can download this ebook in Adobe PDF format for $8.95 and save
the shipping at
WritersLaptop.com
To Your
Success
H.
Court Young
Freelance writer, Author and Publisher
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