8 types of notebooks: the pros and cons, features

The number and variety of modern notebooks impressive. Manufacturing companies offer a range of solutions to meet different needs. They differ in price, manufacturer, functionality, screen sizes and other details. Unchanged is the main feature of device - mobility.

Consider the variety of mobile computers on the market, strengths and weaknesses. Rate - which direction to move computer makers: what models are aging and gradually taper off the market, which are improved and which is only gaining in popularity.

cheap laptops

Low-end models of mobile computers are manufactured by different manufacturers. Among them there are options with an attractive design, high-quality assembly, and not much inferior to the reliability of expensive models. The low price is due to the following factors.

Manufacturers set in the low-end models screens at low cost TFT arrays. This is due to weak characteristics such screens: insufficient viewing angles or low values ​​of the maximum brightness. The problem is solved with the purchase of a thorough examination of each individual laptop to identify these deficiencies.

In the low-cost notebook models set processors with low speed, allowing to use the device for office needs, work on the Internet and simple games. When choosing a mobile PC is important to a clear understanding of the purposes for which its use.

The flip side of low productivity cost mobile PCs find it reliable. The processor does not overheat, so the cooling system device handle the load, respectively, decreases the likelihood of damage to a mobile PC.

The amount of RAM installed in the budget mobile computers that do not exceed 4 GB. That's enough for the normal functioning of the operating systems Windows. Increasing RAM will have no effect, since the productive run programs or graphic modern games do not have enough processing power and graphics.

The budget is not set and the discrete graphics card. Modern built-in graphics cards allow the use of such devices for games at minimum settings.

Do not expect the volume and the hard disk in the budget version of the mobile computer. Large capacity hard drive affects the complexity of the design and a high operating temperature, which affects the reliability.

On a set of peripherals cheap mobile PCs are no different cost options: they have, and Wi-Fi adapter and card reader, microphone and Webcam. Is that, can not be DVD-RW drive, since the use of the optical disc is reduced, which is reflected in the low price of the option selected.

Conclusion: The advantage of the inexpensive laptop, of course, price. Additional advantages: the availability of (a large number of the models and manufacturers), and reliability. Disadvantages: a narrow range of available tasks, low-key appearance, difficulty with further "upgrade", the average camcorder.

Two in one: laptop + tablet

Devices that combine both a laptop and a tablet - convertible tablets, have appeared recently, in the wake of the popularity of mobile tablets with touch screens.

The idea of ​​connecting the keyboard to the tablet for a long time attracted manufacturers of computer hardware, and now, with the development of modern technology, the device appeared.

Transformer plates consist of two parts:

• Top part. It focused hardware and filling the screen with a diagonal of eight to fifteen inches. It works as a tablet, autonomously.
• Bottom part. Keyboard with a numbered block and standard connectors for connection of additional devices.

Depending on the type of transformation of these devices are divided into three types:

• classic. Screen rotation around an axis - the vertical. The keyboard as a stand.
• sliders. The screen is rotated around an axis. Foldable Keyboard.
• separable. The display is separated from the keyboard and is used as Tablet PC.

Versatility increases the scope of application: they are used as a standard laptop with a full keyboard or can easily be transformed into a tablet.

The device uses a specially optimized operating system that allows you to use the touch screen keyboard.

"Transformer tablets" are equipped with block-click interface orientation, USB connectors, web camera with microphone, Wi-Fi module and Bluetooth and a special output, enabling them to connect to your home theater for viewing content from a device on the big screen.

Disadvantages:

• transforming precarious attachment mechanism,
• weak performance,
• functionality,
• inability to use the powerful video cards.

These disadvantages potentially fixable, and with increasing popularity of these devices in the world, computer technology manufacturers inevitably go on ways to improve these characteristics.

gaming laptops

Modern popular computer games makes serious demands on the hardware. Until recently, it was impossible to imagine that in the most demanding games can be played on laptops.

However, the progress of computer technology and got to these devices. Now, you can buy in a store mobile PC, is not inferior to the characteristics of a desktop computer, adapted for gaming. And that they will soon outstrip the capabilities of a standard PC, no doubt.

In what is the difference between the gaming mobile computer from the standard?

The main difference - a major difference in performance. The game models using modern and powerful processors, not much inferior to desktop processors. The second element providing superiority of gaming devices: high-performance video card.

The sum of the maximum and average component of the second does not give the desired effect: the average processor even "advanced" graphics will not pull.

It is also not without its uses and a large memory - 4 GB. Requirements and to the hard drive serious: at least 100 GB (for games need a lot of space) at a speed of 5400 rpm. Mandatory and writing optical drive.

To display gaming mobile PC important length of the diagonal and resolution. 17-inch screens, of course, are attractive, but there is question about the weight and size of the entire device. Laptops with screens 17 inches is not much different from a desktop PC, and the question of the mobility of the apparatus. In fact, pyatnadtsatidyuymovogo display with a working resolution of 1440 * 900 is enough after all we are talking about mobile devices.

The main difficulty for gamers is hidden in a laptop keyboard. Because of the inability to give it a full keyboard, at the forefront maximum similarity with the standard layout. It is useful and sufficient amount of USB ports for the connection of additional devices, e.g. Web camera with USB, keyboard and mouse.

The second problem - not the best speakers built into notebook PCs. Most often, gamers prefer to use wireless headphones, so I built Bluetooth module It will come in handy.

The main issue when buying a game variant of the device: if the high price mobility costs, for which it was possible to buy a stationary PC gaming with the highest performance characteristics.

ultrabooks

Recently appeared on the ultrabook computer market with incredible speed gained a niche among fans of technological innovations.

The concept of Ultrabook has formulated and implemented the company Intel, the main processor manufacturer in the world.

Initially, the following parameters specified for ultrabook:

• Screen size from 11 to 13.3 inches.
• Thickness up to 20 mm.
• By weight to 1.4 kg.
• Price up to 1 thousand. dollars.

Ultrabuk positioned as a link between the standard and inexpensive multifunctional laptops "netbooks," low weight, slim and traditional diagonal of 13.3 inches. Under it created a new energy-efficient platform, robust housing with metal inserts and provided a good long battery life.

competitors of the company, picked up the idea of ​​a mobile "road" laptop and experimenting with the parameters. This situation has led to the fact that many current models of ultrabooks exceed the basic parameters of the first ultrabooks, but nevertheless also called, which introduces some confusion.

Most ultrabook models are equipped with the standard TFT screen with a diagonal of 13.3 inches. Screen resolution - 1366 * 768 pixels. There are models with the increased size of the diagonal and a resolution. Hard disk drives are used as solid-state SSD, and hybrid - SSD + HDD.

The vast majority of models used for embedded graphics and audio. Using digital maps is planned in the models of the second family. Memory: 4-8 GB, the average working time without charging: 4-5 hours (nonfiction mode). Operating System - Windows 7.

Current models have excellent design, the traditional form of "wedge" thickening rear. The devices are equipped with wireless modules Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, web cameras in 1.3 MP, for introducing a memory card.

Ultrabooks have just started serious market penetration of computing devices. Already attempted the crossing with ultrabooks tablets. For such devices - the future of mobile computing market.

Desktop replacement - desktop replacement

Since there were laptops, and producers and consumers attracted by the idea of ​​replacing the bulky desktop computers without sacrificing performance and comfort. With the development of computer technology, improved components and a wide introduction of these quad-core processors it is made possible.

Manufacturers offer high-speed mobile PCs in no way inferior to a standard desktop computer.

The equipment includes:

• Wide screens (17 inches and above),
• The full-size keyboard,
• High-capacity hard drives,
• Optical drives and drives,
• Complete sets of connectors and ports,
• Powerful graphics accelerators.

The appearance of these devices has little to do with the concept of mobility.

Of course, they are moved as needed, but for the most part, they are designed for stationary use.

These computers are uneconomical and have little time to spare battery life. Without electricity grids with them can not do.

Many models of such computers expensive enough. They are provided with all the advanced technologies: modern processors, stereo sound system with sound amplifiers, support wireless interfaces. Most often, these models establish the latest graphics card with 1GB GDDR3 VRAM and above.

However, among them there are low cost options in the main Chinese production cost of less than $ 500. Low price - a consequence of the maximum simplification of the design and the initial quality of most components.

Even the operating system installed on these machines is another - a free Linux instead of the standard Windows. These models claimed in factories and offices, as they have relatively good performance characteristics at low cost.

Thus, the niche of mobile computers, desktop replacement, is not confined only to the expensive options. Among these machines, there are low-end models for offices. There is also a game with modern graphics cards. The majority of the models - the classic multimedia laptops for a wide range of applications.

MacBook from Apple

Apple's products different and is different from most mobile devices and computers from other manufacturers.

The main difference is that the devices produced by the company, running its proprietary operating system, Mac OS X. The second difference - in a sleek, all recognizable design products stand out from competitors.

The company has in its product portfolio of the two mobile PC line: a full-featured ultra-thin series Pro and Air. Air Series notebooks have prompted the main competitor to Apple Intel developed its own series of ultrabooks. At the moment, manufacturers of Ultrabooks for 3 years behind the Air series, which is at the forefront of the production of ultra-mobile PCs.

Pro Series models have screens with diagonals of 13.3, 15.4 and 17 inches.

Air Series enclosures are made taking into account the possible impact on the environment. In the manufacture of devices used aluminum, adapted for recycling (housing) LCD display produced without admixtures of mercury and arsenic, and the cables are not in PVC, which complies with the environmental standards.

It is interesting that in the models of the series Pro and Air company uses processors made by a direct competitor.

Outstanding ergonomics and design Air Series models have a price: many had to sacrifice an impressive appearance. In particular this applies to connectors and interfaces, of which there are a headphone jack, USB port and a mini DVI output for connecting additional computer monitor.

No additional USB ports and an optical drive. Video camera for video conferencing, has a resolution of 320 * 240 pixels. Another plus - a small power supply.

Hard disk Air Series model is limited by modern standards: only 80 GB. Not impressed and rotation speed of 4200 rpm.

RAM - 2 GB allows you to fully operate the operating system. Kit complements a full set of wireless interfaces. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

As for the price, the company's products Apple has always been expensive.

Thus, buying models Pro series laptops and Air is a choice between high-cost, low productivity and incompatibility with Windows applications and a stylish design, high image of the company and thoughtful design solutions implemented in these mobile computers.

Laptops with screen sizes of 13 inches

In recent times laptops with a diagonal of 13 inches became popular again. They combine high performance characteristic for complex models always easy transport.

In addition, the use of wide-format matrices has led to an increase in housings of mobile computers. This has allowed them to place in a standard full-size keyboard, additional ports and connectors.

There was room for an optical drive. Thus, while maintaining the compact 13 - inch laptops got ergonomics and function models with a screen 14 and 15 inches.

Behind this trend took hold and computer manufacturers, so that now each of them produces its line of at least one model with a diagonal of 13 inches.

Standard set of recommended characteristics when selecting the model with a diagonal of 13 inches as follows:

• Processors: one, two and cheteryhyadernye with a frequency of 1.2 to 2 GHz.
• Memory: up to 8GB.
• HDD: up to 1TB.
• Screen resolution: from 1366 * 768 to 2560 * 1600 in makbukov.
• Video: often built. There are models with discrete graphics memory card with up to 2048 MB.
• Optical drive: mostly absent.
• Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
• Interfaces: USB, HDMI (in the expensive models with Full HD screen).
• Battery life: up to 12 hours.

Prices for laptops with screen sizes of 13 inches is very different and can vary considerably.

In fact, it is this kind of mobile technology best fits the image of the ideal high-performance mobile computer.

At the same time the prospects for further improvement of laptops with a diagonal of this is a big question. On the one hand, there is pressure from the serious users, who are not satisfied with the performance of these computers.

On the other hand, there is a lot of competition from Ultrabook, has gained popularity among users, more in need of an easy and convenient a small laptop. Thus, the future of mobile computing with a diagonal of 13 inches is a big question.

Laptops 15-inch screen

This is the most common mobile PC. Models with this screen diagonal, the majority of experts and users find optimal for use both at home and at work. They are easy to transport, and at home they do not occupy much space.

Each company that manufactures computers, has a range of several models with screen sizes of 15 inches from the very low cost to expensive multimedia centers with powerful features.

General characteristics of notebooks 15 ":

• Processor: usually two or quad. The frequency of from 1.2 to 2.66 GHz.
• RAM: 2 to 8 GB.
• Hard Drive: GB 500-1000.
• Optical drive: mostly DVD-RW, in the expensive models - HD-DVD or Blue-Ray.
• Screen Resolution: as a rule - in 1366 * 768.
• Video: often built in, up to 2048 MB of video memory.
• Availability webcam with headset.
• Interfaces: HDMI, USB.
• Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
• Operating system from Linux to Mac OS X.
• Battery capacity: about 4 hours.
• Weight: 2.2-3.5 kg.

Thus, the main advantages of this type of mobile computers are compact and relative ease, performance, and relatively low prices (in the vast majority of models).

Device Performance 15-inch high enough, and is not inferior to the standard capabilities of desktop computers with the same characteristics. These devices can seamlessly use the majority of business applications, listen to music, watch videos, edit photos and drawings.

The main drawbacks: the lack in many models of optical drives is often insufficient battery, a small amount of memory, poor quality plastic case in many budget options, lack of exit to headphonesLack of card readers, trimmed the BIOS, uncomfortable touchpad flimsy attachment, poor viewing angles.