From an Alien’s Perspective

For someone who views computers as a simple office tool, being around guys who speak "chipset" languages can sometimes be quite intimidating, but definitely very advantageous.

I just bought a 2.3kg notebook and it’s what you would consider my latest baby.  It’s not really up to par with my techie friends’ standards, but I’m quite satisfied by it.  Its from these friends of mine that I get to have a clearer picture of what I need and what I want out of my notebook. 

The processor is not Pentium M nor Centrino.  It’s just an Intel Celeron.  In fact, the processor speed is just 1.3GHz, quite low for the current industry standard of 2Ghz.  Chipset is also old at 852 considering the latest chipset model is 915.  But as long as the processor can run my server applications on stand-alone mode, the configuration I have is acceptable.

Memory is 1GB.  Original configuration was 512MB memory, but since a lot of applications, not to mention Windows itself, are memory intensive, I chose to have it upgraded to 1GB.  Its better to pay a premium than have my notebook hang everytime it runs out of memory to use.

HDD is also low at 40GB capacity.  I have an external 80GB HDD, which you can actually carry in the pocket of your polo shirt, so imagine the difference in capacity. But then again, I already have the 80GB external so 40GB internal is already acceptable.  It will just house all the software installations.  All my data and installers will be in the bigger external HDD.

Mouse…  Ahhh… That is something that I have to admit I cannot live without.  It’s been almost a week now that I am only using the Touchpad to control the cursor, and frankly speaking, it’s not something that I can learn to love nor live by.

Combo drive is also acceptable.  At least I can still watch DVD and burn CD. The P14,000.00 difference from a notebook of similar specs but with DVD writer does not justify the add-on feature.  Heck, I can buy an external DVD writer for 3,000++.

Infrared… Now that’s also another must have for me.  Nevermind the 4-in-1 card reader.  I can still access the data in my memory card via the digicam which can be connected to my PC or notebook via USB port.  But to get the pictures from my celfone, IR is the only way (of course the is the old reliable data cable, but I still need to buy that and that costs over 1,000 bucks).

Hhhmmmm…. What else??? built-in LAN and modem slot… USB ports… 6-pack (or is it 4) Li battery…  All standard features…

All-in-all, I would say that my notebook, at P39,300.00 (with free printer) is definitely a satisfactory deal.  Nevermind that the graphic card is not acceptable for RPG players. I’m already happy playing with Minesweeper, Pinball, and some occasional Yahoo games.

So, the end point is, don’t go wasting money buying those hi-tech notebooks, with features that you may not be able to take advantage at all.  What is important really is that you identify the features that you really need and those which are plain extras.  Once you have done that, its easy to find a notebook that complies your requirements on specs and budget.  Of course do not forget to check the warranty.  Second-hand notebooks may be cheaper, but personal warranty may not be a good trade-off over a more expensive brand new unit with full 1-3 years warranty on parts and labor.

Thanks to my friends for giving me all the technical support in my quest to buy my notebook.