When it comes to selecting a notebook, the options available can be dizzying. Gone are the days when you simply handed out whatever black portable was available. Now you can select a notebook based on employees' specific needs.
Do you have serious road warriors who need to lighten their loads? Try an ultra portable. Looking to replace a chunky desktop with something sleek and easy to carry around that still has the power of a desktop machine? Plenty of portables fit that bill. Wireless capabilities a must? Several have Wi-Fi features. Or are you looking for just an inexpensive machine to do the basics while workers on the road? Many come in at less than $1,000.
This year, we took a look at a portable from each of those categories, as well as a videoconferencing tool you might want to consider if you're outfitting employees who are away from the company's home office a lot:
- Ultra portable -- Sony's VAIO TR1
- On the cheap side -- Toshiba's Satellite 1135-S155
- Wi-Fi notebook -- IBM's ThinkPad X31
- Desktop replacement -- Apple's 17-in. PowerBook
- Notebook accessory -- Apple's iSight & iChat AV
Some of these had features that could put them in two categories, but we put them in the category that represents their strongest feature. For example, the PowerBook sports some serious wireless capabilities, but its size and power led us to categorize it as a desktop replacement.
Overall, we were pleased with what we tested. That isn't to say we didn't have any criticisms, because we did. But we wouldn't say no if anyone offered one to us for free.
