If a chicken sneezes near you, run. That's one lesson I learned in 2005. Here are three others--all of which are directly relevant to anyone looking to buy a new notebook.
Notebook prices continued to drop in 2005, with some models available for less than $500. Even so, when doing some research for a December column I discovered that laptops still cost hundreds more than similarly equipped desktop PCs. At the same time, notebook CPUs aren't usually as powerful as those available in desktop machines. For example, a Hewlett-Packard Dv4000 notebook cost $500 more than a relatively comparable HP D4100y desktop--and yet the notebook lagged behind the desktop in performance potential and storage capacity.
Notebook accessories--many of them essential--can drive the average cost of your portable up by $600 or more. Some extras you'll probably need include an extra or long-life battery; an external monitor, keyboard, and pointing device; and a docking station.
Need a well-padded laptop bag, extended warranty, notebook insurance, and cable lock to guard against theft? Then your extra costs will be even more. Make sure you factor in these additional expenses when budgeting for your new notebook.
For more advice, read "A Notebook's Hidden Costs."
I've saved the good news for last: A refurbished notebook can cost up to $500 less than the same model purchased new. What's more, Dell and some other computer makers offer service and support plans that are nearly equivalent to those available for new computers. And return policies for refurbished PCs are about the same as those for new computers.
Since I first researched this issue, the Dell has site has begun displaying icons that identify which of the company's refurbished systems have scratches or dents; which were previously ordered, but never used; and which were used and subsequently refurbished. You can filter search results using those criteria.
In short, most of the potential disadvantages of buying a refurbished notebook have all but vanished--particularly for Dell customers, and Dell has the largest supply of refurbished computers I've seen.
But one disadvantage can never disappear: Refurbished PCs are not new, a fact that may turn off some buyers. Nonetheless, before buying a new notebook, check what's available in refurbished models.
Mobile Computing News, Reviews, & TipsThe January
After downloading and installing the utility, click
Looking for a do-it-all portable? Check out
And in case you haven't heard: We've revamped our product reviews and charts.
Alfred Hitchcock's portly, pouty silhouette can now grace your Apple iPod's 2.5-inch screen, thanks to NBC's recent deal with Apple. NBC is now offering downloadable video on Apple's iTunes online music store (at $1.99 per clip). Along with such current fare as
Read contributing editor Dan Tynan's "Finding Online Video" for more viewing options.
Is there a particularly cool mobile computing product or service I've missed? Got a spare story idea in your back pocket? Tell me about it. However, I regret that I'm unable to respond to tech-support questions, due to the volume of e-mail I receive.
James A. Martin
