Mobile Computing News

Photo: Samsung

When choosing a laptop, there are many factors to consider, including memory, hard drive space, operating systems, and extra features. Perhaps one of the most important things to consider, though, is size.

Laptop sizes are determined by screen size, measured diagonally. With the introduction of netbooks, screen sizes range anywhere from seven inches to 17 inches. To aid selection between various sizes, shoppers should consider where the laptop will be used most often. For users who are frequently mobile, purchasing a laptop with a very large screen is not convenient or practical, and makes travelling cumbersome. Similarly, for those who remain in one location the majority of the time, a small laptop screen simply doesn’t make sense.

The bigger the better?

Historically, there’s been a direct ratio between size and features: the larger the laptop, the greater the specifications. That relationship has changed recently, however, as users’ need for mobility continues to eclipse other needs. Manufacturers now produce high-performance laptops in a variety of sizes. For those who want an ultraportable yet fully-featured machine, a 13-inch laptop may prove the best solution. These laptops make no compromises when it comes to performance, and offer similar specifications to their larger, usually more powerful cousins – but do so in much smaller, truly transportable packages.

Small and powerful

Photo: HP

Striking the perfect balance between power and mobility, laptops of this size offer brilliant battery life, and combined with their easy-to-carry, lightweight designs, allow for hours of comfortable productivity. With available hard drive capacity up to 500 GB, up to 8 GB RAM, and the latest Intel Core 2 Duo and Core i3, i5, and i7 processors, 13-inch laptops are more than capable of handling any task thrown their way.

Despite their small size, many 13-inch laptops offer vivid, high-definition screens that are more than capable of suiting the needs of photo or video editors. Powerful video cards, widescreen formats and resolutions that mirror those of HDTVs create an environment ideal for enjoying DVDs on the go.

And of course, 13-inch laptops are equipped with features now considered standard on any mobile PC: powerful optical drives that record to CD, DVD, and even Blu-ray discs in some cases; integrated webcams and microphones for easy video conferencing; wi-fi and Bluetooth for easy networking; and a host of available ports to connect all peripherals and other mobile devices.