2. Different Kinds Of Mobile Computer Users

Most people use their computers to run office applications, run programs using 2D graphics, a little motion video, some less demanding 3D games, connect wirelessly to the Internet and watch DVDs. For some, whom we call "high mobility users," the joy of a mobile computer is the ability to take it and use it anywhere. For these folks, battery life between charges, size and weight, and wireless networking are very important. They are willing to give up some performance and screen brightness and contrast to get more battery run time. High mobility users favor laptop computers - the smaller the better.

For others, so-called "limited mobility users," portability and time away from a power socket is less of an issue. They want a relatively small form factor computer they can put on their office desk or kitchen table, plug in and move only occasionally. These people care less about battery capacity and a great deal about performance, especially for 3D gaming applications, screen brightness and contrast, and the availability of both wired and wireless networking. Some also want to be able to easily dock their computers, to attach external keyboards, mice and peripherals. Limited mobility users may be happy with a laptop, but increasingly they are buying notebook computers.

Whether you are a high or limited mobility user, there are some other factors you should think about when deciding which mobile computer to buy. These include screen image quality, keyboard and mouse ergonomics, which connectors and sockets are available and how easy it is to access them, audio quality, outer case design and quality, and the computer's warranty.

Our Testing Methodology

To summarize, in our laptop and notebook test we focus on the following:

Battery life Performance Screen brightness and contrast (including suitability for use outdoors) Screen image quality Size Weight Networking capability Quality and ease of use of the built-in keyboard and mouse Availability and ease of access to built-in input and output connectors Docking capability Audio quality Design and quality of the outer case (strength and resistance to twisting) Warranty