Laptop Parts

The Battery

Of all the laptop parts, the prominent feature of the laptop computer is the rechargeable battery. This enables the laptop to be used for hours at any location.

Different types of batteries are available, including lithium, nickel-cadmium, and nickel-metal hydride. We recommend the use of an lithium ion battery because they usually last longer on one charge, have a longer life, are far less early-recharge memory fade, and they are environmentally friendly.

The power supplied by any battery is a balance between its technology and its use. While newer technology has lately extended battery life, newer processors are shortening it. The Intel Pentium 4-M drastically shortens battery operating hours by up to 1/3.

Supplemental batteries are becoming more common. If you need more time when working away from an outlet, we recommend you buy a laptop with a modular bay for a supplementary power pack. A second battery will cost between $100 to $210 each.

Screen

All laptops use liquid crystal display (LCD) screens. They are light-weight, thin, bright, and use far less power than the conventional cathode ray tube CRT) commonly used by desktop computers. This makes LCD's perfect for laptop computer use. They're available in either passive or active matrix. Active matrix is preferable; they're easier to read because they provide a sharper image. LCD screens can be either reflective or backlit. Larger and more expensive screens are backlit; they are especially preferable if you'll be using the laptop in low-level lighting conditions.

Screens are measured diagonally (ON the screen area itself, lower right to upper left). The size of the screens is growing, with 17 inch screens now available. We recommend getting at least a 13 inch screen to ease eyestrain. The 14 to15 inch screens are the best selling. It's worth to consider that the larger the screen, the more information you can view. That's because the larger the screen, the higher the max. resolution.

Keyboard

Most (but not all) laptops have keyboards that are slightly smaller than a standard desktop keyboard. This works quite well for most people. However, some individuals may find this to be somewhat uncomfortable to use. If you're not use to typing on a laptop, you may wish to practice typing on one and see how it feels. If you find it uncomfortable, you may wish to look only for a laptop with a full-sized keyboard such as those on IBM notebooks.

Next, we get serious about laptop components and evaluate each one. We tell you we like and what we don't like. You will learn what you need to know to make the right selection when you buy a laptop.

[ Part 2: Laptop Components & Drives ]