notebook computers

Disadvantages of a Notebook Computer

I’ve mentioned many times that my main computer is my notebook computer. Sure, I have a desktop computer, too, I just don’t use it very much. I also have my home theater PC and a Linux-based file server for backup. But, my Dell Inspiron 8600 is the real workhorse.

In this week’s online newsletter, my article Why Buy a Notebook Computer? I’ve written about making the decision on whether or not to buy a notebook computer — and when to go for the cheaper models.

But, first, let’s consider some of the limitations of a notebook computer, as compared to a typical desktop computer.

These include:

Price — for an equally capable computer, a notebook is more expensive

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Accessing the Internet While Travelling – 2011 Style

Several years ago, I wrote an article about how to access the Internet while travelling. It focused on using a notebook computer with dialup access, using a hotel business center’s computer (or a friend’s whom you were visiting) to access your emails. Little more than that

So much has changed…

Now, we have smart phones, whether Blackberry, iPhone, Android, that we can use to check emails and can use to surf the web. The small screen isn’t great, but it works!

We’ve also got the ability to use 3G wireless network adapters for laptop computers (assuming we have a laptop computer), Apple iPad’s with 3G service from AT&T or iPad 2′s with our choice of AT&T or Verizon 3G service (assuming we can find one in stock somewhere, or are willing to order one and wait!).

Finally, the best (in my current opinion) approach — tethering our smart mobile phone that has 3G access to our laptop computer.

I used to do that long, long ago with a laptop and a Motorola flip-phone. But, then AT&T got wise and changed their terms of service to prohibit tethering.

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