With the LG Optimus Black, the question is not what I like about the phone, but more what is there NOT to like? And I am still trying to figure that one out.

So I got a call yesterday on my land line from a guy with a heavy Indian accent sounding serious and urgent asking if I have a PC. I explain to him yes I do but its a laptop. He continues very seriously that he is from some technical computer company (cant remember the name he mentions) and that I should stay on the line while he transfers me to his supervisor. 

What a unique and interesting guarantee I came across while doing the usual daily venturing into the "unknown" world of the internet.  Toshiba offers what no other laptop company offers (according to my knowledge). It seems like they definitely want to stamp their mark in the technology field in South Africa. First they started by lowering their pricing on all products and now I see this one of a kind guarantee. What am I raving about?

In the week I had the opportunity to listen to a Shox mini speaker from a aunt. I was so taken aback by the sound and clarity of such a small speaker that I asked her so many questions about the product, and the fact that I definitely would not mind getting such a speaker system. Anyway, cutting a long story short, she got me my very own Shox speaker for my birthday. What was even better is the fact that this is the Shox Maxi, one category higher than the mini. I was so chuffed.

What is it about birthdays that makes it special? I mean its just another day in ones life, isn't it? The difference is that X amount of years you were born and it calls for a celebration with presents, phone calls, FaceBook messages, sms's and so on making up the bulk of the day. You end up feeling extra special and wanting to spoil yourself even more.

Most people buy a cell phone (also known as mobile phones) to make calls and send an sms or two. Right?

One of the most interesting Smartphone Operating Systems I find is Windows Mobile (Charmed's pet hate?) simply for one reason, the fact that you can install anything and everything that you can think of. Yes it is not your traditional phone in the sense that everything works perfectly out of the box and I think maybe that is where I differ, as I want to do every change and install what I like to make it work the way I want.

This is the second part in a series of articles concerning Netbooks, Laptops and Smartphones.

LAPTOPS:

Asus

HP

HP

What exactly is a Laptop?

A Laptop (or Notebook) according to WikiPedia is referred to as “a personal computer designed for mobile use and small enough to sit on one’s lap while in use”

In contrast to the previous article, we will not specifically deal with exactly what a laptop is, as many people understand the concept of laptops compared to your normal desktop computer. In recent years we have seen a boom in the Laptop market as prices became much cheaper with entry level models sometimes even going for as low as R2 999. However, with the advent and sudden popularity of netbooks, laptops seem to have stabilised entry level models at R4 999 and up. One reason still stands out though; in the last few years laptops have become much more powerful, more streamlined and lightweight and of course you don’t need to fork out over R10 000 for one anymore. A fact on the other hand remains that even though the gap is narrowing, laptops will never be on par with the desktop computing power and pricing at any given time.

Pros:

• Mobile - portable enough to carry around and setup a small office on the fly
• Newer models are much more lightweight than previous generation models
• Internet on the move - current model laptops all come standard with wireless LAN (WLAN) or 3G cards/modems can be used to access the internet anywhere where there is reception
• CD’s/DVD’s can be listened to, watched or copied on the move

Cons:

• Battery life usually not as reliable and rarely performs as per specifications
• Not 100% customisable and most components cannot be upgraded
• Most entry level models are quite bulky
• High end spec models are usually quite pricey

Over the past few years, screen quality and resolution has increased immensely. Laptops became much more lightweight, processors become faster, solid and more stable. Overall laptop specifications have improved.

With the above in mind, lets now check out a few scenario situations:

sony

Students:

As a student a Laptop (similar to the Netbook scenario) could be an option. Same as with the Netbook scenario, it can be used for checking emails, going online to do some quick research, mobility, word processing and watching the odd movie or series downloaded. One deciding factor though for most users would be the setting up as well as start up times when compared to a Netbook. A Netbook is designed to start up instantly and can just be slipped out of yr bag while a Laptop requires unpacking, starting up and possibly a mains electric connection (for that sudden drop in battery life)

As a 2nd computer:

If you already own a personal desktop computer, a laptop as a second computer could be perfect. This would mostly be used for mobility while the desktop computer would be used for higher end applications.

Business user:

If you are a business user and rely on high end or intense applications then a laptop would make more sense instead. If mobility and need on the road is not absolutely necessary, then a desktop version would still be a better option due to price and stability.

If you have any more scenarios or any questions relating to netbooks or simply need advice on whether you need a laptop or netbook or prefer a top of range cell phone to do similar tasks, please feel free to comment in the section below.

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This entry was originally posted on www.theblog.co.za on 30 September 2009.