Despite the rise in popularity of netbooks, many people still use the slightly larger notebook computers to get the bulk of their daily work done.
But if you’re in the market for a new notebook today — whether because Windows 7 is out or simply because you need a faster machine — prepare to be confused.
There may never have been a time when notebook purchasers have had more choices to sort through, more micro-decisions to make, before settling on a model.
By far, though, the most perplexing choices when configuring a notebook today must be made in the areas of processors, screens, and memory. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll encounter — and some tips on how to decide.
Processors
Notebook chips these days are both powerful and perplexing. Intel offers a seemingly endless array of processor choices and naming schemes. Available are Corel 2 Duo T-series and P-series processors, Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 chips — and an array of speeds within each model.
The Core 2 Duo T-series of chips have a 677-800mhz front side bus (FSB), while the P-series sports a 1066-mhz FSB. A “front side bus” is the path that carries data between the processor and a motherboard’s primary chipset, which in turn feeds data to other internal components.
A higher FSB typically translates into faster overall performance. The P series, which uses 25 watts of power, is more power efficient than the T series by about 10 watts.
In short, the T series is older technology than the P series but is still widely available. In real-world use, you’re unlikely to notice a great deal of difference between T-series and P-series Core 2 Duo chips, so if price is critical, you could opt for the cheaper T series and spend your money elsewhere.
You’ll also find notebooks today built around Intel’s…