1. Decisions, Decisions: Notebook Or Desktop PC

So you've gone to your local computer store to check out the new desktops, but find yourself sidling over to the notebook section. Could you get a portable PC instead of a new desktop? You would certainly benefit from the extra space on your desk, not to mention the added mobility of a notebook. But is it worth the higher price tag? And aren't notebooks less powerful than desktop PCs?

We decided to get to the bottom of the issue. We picked up a barebones system (SB61G2 from Shuttle) and converted it into a PC that cost about as much as a ThinkPad G40 ($ 1,300). The ThinkPad G40 was put through a performance test to find out if it could replace a desktop PC in all respects, or if its capabilities were too far behind state-of-the-art desktop-PC technology.