What You Need for a Wireless Laptop

A laptop is a fully functioning portable computer with an attached screen, keyboard and mouse. Because much of today's work is performed outside of the office, a laptop is a vital tool. The ability to wirelessly surf the Internet, send and receive email from various locations and access remote servers is paramount in today's business world.

Types

Virtually all consumers use either Windows or Macintosh computers. While Macs have their own proprietary OS, all of the other manufacturers (namely IBM, Dell, HP, Compaq, Sony and Acer) require Microsoft Windows software, and all come with the standard ports that users are accustomed to (USB, VGA or DVI video and Ethernet). Another variety of laptops is the subnotebook genre, which has a smaller than average screen size (usually less than 13 inches), along with a smaller physical size and weight. However, these are usually not as powerful as standard laptops, and sometimes lack important features that users are accustomed to (the lack of a FireWire port on a MacBook Air, for example).

Features

All recent laptops have the ability to be fully functional when wireless. Today, every laptop comes with built-in wireless networking (or the ability to add a wireless card), and all can add an additional wireless card that can access the Internet via a cell phone network. However, this requires a subscription to that service, along with the aforementioned card.

Considerations

Laptop users, particularly those who travel heavily with their computers, have to consider weight (lighter is better), battery life (longer is preferred) and functionality when buying a laptop.Users often have to choose between a larger screen size and lower weight. or less processing power and longer battery life.

Warning

A laptop is far more susceptible to damage and loss than a desktop or tower PC, so you should back up data on a regular basis. Backup can be accomplished by attaching to an external hard drive or connected server; however, there are now online data backup services that allow users to back up (manually or automatically) when connected to a broadband Internet connection.

Expert Insight

While there is a seemingly infinite number of varieties of laptops on the market, all of them have many similar features. Some of the considerations you should take into account when traveling with a laptop are the need for an extra battery, an adapter that provides power when traveling and of course a good laptop carrying case.

Resources

• Laptop Computers