COMPUTASSIST

I have done some research recently on laptops / notebooks for business users, specifically small business users with no IT staff and no purchasing guidelines. Ultra-portable netbooks are popular, especially with frequent travelers. But assuming you need a full-size laptop computer, here are my recommendations.

First of all, choose a product that is engineered for daily business use, not a consumer-grade unit. The bargains at the discount store are tempting, but they are often not designed for continuous operation for 40+ hours a week, and will probably not last past the (short) warranty expiration date.

There is another business vs. consumer difference. Consumer models will ship with Windows 7 Home Premium. Get a laptop with Windows 7 Professional version, you will need the networking and security features that it adds. Depending on your required applications, you probably should stay with the 32-bit version of Windows 7 for now. The 64-bit version of the OS is the future, but still has incompatibilities with some hardware drivers and software packages that could leave you wishing your OS were not so cutting-edge. And don't pay extra for hardware features you don't need. If your laptop will usually be plugged in, don't buy an extended battery for run time you don't require.

Toshiba builds a business line with a good long-standing reputation. The Satellite Pro L450 has a good balance of business features at an attractive price point.

I use and recommend IBM (now Lenovo) Thinkpads. I have never had one break in any way. The SL510 Series is priced right. The T Series is my preference if budget allows.

Then of course there is Apple. If you are replacing several laptops at once, it is a good opportunity to evaluate your long-term computing plan. It may appear too radical, but people who switch to Mac don't often switch back, which says something for the Mac.

I'll tell you my secret for getting laptops: a few weeks ago I bought an IBM Thinkpad T42 with 15" screen, WiFi, 2.0 Gigs of memory and 1.6 GHz processor for $150! It's used. Yes, it's last-generation, but it works as fast as I can, and is compatible with everything. Better, it's built like a tank but doesn't weigh like one, and if it breaks I can get another one for $150 (or less, a few months later down the road!) If you are realistic about your needs, you can shop the online auction sites for fantastic bargains.