Laptops
In the 21st century, the laptop is one of our most important pieces of kit - keeping us in touch with the world, entertained and for many, being our main work tool. There are many different types of laptop, from touch screen tablets to netbooks to ultra-portables – all of which will be reviewed in this blog.
Netbooks (mini-laptops, subnotebooks)
Netbooks are the ultimate laptop if you’re looking for a lightweight, small and in most cases cheap solution. The standard of Netbooks has increased significantly in recent years, therefore this are a whole range of deals available Click here to go to section.
Notebooks
The original laptop computer, there are simple too many different types of notebook to sum up in one section. So we have split it into different sections. Check out Budget Laptops, Business Laptops and high spec laptops for a more segmented view or click here to see an overview of Notebooks.
Tablets
Laptops are evolving, and the introduction of the ipad seems to have driven a new wave of touch-screen computers. These have revolutionised the way we consume things such as the media, interact with computers and even the way we use them for entertainment. Click here to go to the Tablets section.
Apple Laptops
Because of the size and scale of the Apple range we decided to give them their own section. In fact, as most laptop brands also run on Microsoft software too, Apple laptops are completely different because they have their own software that is completely different from that of Microsoft. Click here for the full Apple section.
Budget Laptops
Perfect for your college or university student, this section looks at some of the best value budget laptops out there. Because of advances in technology you can get something for your every need, including gaming, word-processing and of course surfing the internet.
Business Laptops
Business laptops are notoriously less attractive, more durable and more reliable than standard consumer ones. They also have less powerful graphic cards, so are not good for gaming. Click here to go to theBusiness Laptops section.
High Spec Laptops
Hi Spec laptops offer the very latest innovations and high specification hardware, meaning they run fast, for longer and more efficiently. Click here to go to the High Spec Laptop section.
Pros
Netbooks
ProsNetbooks are great for surfing the internet or keeping up with work on the move. They are smaller than your standard laptop, therefore cheaper and easier to carry around.
•Price
•Portability
•Price
•Portability
Cons
One of the first things you need to consider is userbility. With the smaller screen and keyboard, considering what you are using the machine for is key. If you are doing lots of typing it may not be the best option. They also are not as powerful as main laptops so not great for gaming.
•Small Features
•Not as powerful as laptops
•Not as powerful as laptops
We Recommend At around £250 this is one of the best cheap netbook solutions out there. With a great 12 hours battery life and durable casing it is the ultimate on-the-moce netbook. It also boasts and anti-reflective screen that fends of even direct sunlight!
Notebooks
Notebooks are bigger than netbooks ranging from 13 to 17 inches in screen size and offering a full sized keyboard. The typically will set you back between £300 and £2000 for new one, but as mentioned before due to the huge variety of laptops in this range a more specific overview of some of those types is available.Pros
Notebooks has got larger screens and keyboards than netbooks, therefore they are far more user friendly. They also have vastly improved battery life, comparing more and more favourably to the netbook, but still not as long - but with their increased size, there are more features.
•Large Screens and Keyboards
•More features
Cons
Obviously with the large notepads you get more features, but with it comes more weight. There are lightweight versions of the laptops, but in general they weight far more than tablets and netbooks.
•Heavier to carry around
We recommend The ACER AS7741-484G32 17.3" LAPTOP will set you back around £499.99 and with an impressive 17.3 inch screen, Intel Core i5-480M processor and 4 hour battery life - you won't get much more for your money.
Tablets
One of the best things about Tablets is their portability, whether it’s impressing at a business meeting or catching up with the day’s event on the go – they are a great asset to have. Obviously the touch screen increases speed and usability of the computer.
Pros
•Portability
•Touch Screen
•Impressive gadget
We Recommend
The ipad 2 is thinner, faster and lighter than its predecessor, the ipad. The first ipad was the product that thrust touch screen technology into the hands of consumers.
This will set you back around £450 but is still seen as the number one touch screen computer on the market.
So distinguished in the field (and different) we felt they needed their own section. The most famous type of laptop is the Macbook Pro, which is the favoured instrument of the creative industry. But what are the pros and cons.
Pros
The Apple products in general are very stylish and space aged, with a number of cool little quirks. They also have the ability to run mac and windows software - which is now an advantage. Apple also provide laptops with great battery life.
Cool to look at
Mac and Windows compatible
Long battery life
Cons
Apple products have a reputation for being expensive for what you actually get, they are also more suited to people with specific skills or professions, rather than general consumers.
Expensive
Better suited to creative professionls (Graphic Designers et al)
We Recommend
APPLE MC70013" MACBOOK PRO
This comes with quad and duel processors, which is cutting edge technology. One of the 'cheaper' Macs this will set you back around £850, but well worth it for a young creative professional or Mac lover!!
•Touch Screen
•Impressive gadget
Cons
Tablets are considered a luxury; because they are a new technology they are expensive. Functionally they offer less than regular laptops. They were also designed with entertainment in mind.
We Recommend
This will set you back around £450 but is still seen as the number one touch screen computer on the market.
Apple Laptops
So distinguished in the field (and different) we felt they needed their own section. The most famous type of laptop is the Macbook Pro, which is the favoured instrument of the creative industry. But what are the pros and cons.
Pros
The Apple products in general are very stylish and space aged, with a number of cool little quirks. They also have the ability to run mac and windows software - which is now an advantage. Apple also provide laptops with great battery life.
Cool to look at
Mac and Windows compatible
Long battery life
Cons
Apple products have a reputation for being expensive for what you actually get, they are also more suited to people with specific skills or professions, rather than general consumers.
Expensive
Better suited to creative professionls (Graphic Designers et al)
We Recommend
APPLE MC70013" MACBOOK PRO
This comes with quad and duel processors, which is cutting edge technology. One of the 'cheaper' Macs this will set you back around £850, but well worth it for a young creative professional or Mac lover!!
