What to look for in a notebook computer.

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Author: Zwiers, Don

If you haven't experienced using a notebook computer, it's time you did. With such versatility, there is no wonder why educators and students like to use these handy tools. Notebook computers allow educators and students use "on location" because of their portability.

"Notebook computers are the cat's meow," says Mona Hamilton, a computer teacher in Tallahassee, FL. "You can develop assignments at home, plug your notebook into the classroom the next day and present the assignments and examples right to your students."

There are definite advantages of notebook computer technology for schools. These include:

Safety: Computer labs that feature wireless notebook computers are safer environments than labs that require electrical outlets and exposed wires. Wireless labs eliminate the risk of students and staff tripping and becoming injured. There is also less chance of harming the school's electrical system by overloading circuits.

Portability: The portability of notebook computers frees the user to work in any location. Teachers who conduct classes in a variety of locations can take their notebooks with them. They can carry their notebook computers home as well.

Accessibility of Information: Because laptops are networked, any teacher or student (with the proper password) can access any file on the network including lessons, student data and general school information.

As a Presentation Tool: Teachers can connect the notebook to a multimedia, projector to display lessons, internet sites, CD-ROMs and student work, even if the classroom does not have computers.

Convenience and Accountability: Some schools allow students to check out their own laptop for the semester. These laptops can be used for notetaking, research at home and school and to complete written assignments and reports.

Although there are many advantages of using notebook computers in educational environments, there are also some drawbacks.

Lack of Features: Some notebook computers do not have as many standard features as desktop models. These features might include zip drives, modems, video capture cards and sometimes, floppy disc drives and CD-ROM drives. These features can be added.

Battery Life: Notebook computer batteries have limited life spans and require time to recharge. Batteries can last between four to six hours and can take between one and eight hours to recharge.

Here are some key components to look for in a notebook computer.

Memory: The standard amount of RAM in today's notebook computers is 64 megabytes. The amount of RAM is important because it controls the speed at which the system operates. The more RAM, the more quickly users can run and execute programs on their laptops.

Multimedia Capabilities: Multimedia Capabilities include audio, video input and output, a floppy disc, CD and DVD drives. For presentations, CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives and video input and output are becoming today's standard.

Internet Connectivity & Networking Ability: To get the most out of notebook computers, educators will want to connect them to their school network or a LAN. This makes printing, sharing files and internet access fairly easy. Notebooks should have a modem or an Ethernet card. An Ethernet card connects the notebook computer to the school network. If the school's network has a built-in Internet connection, the Ethernet will connect users to the Internet without needing a modem. A modem connects the notebook directly to the Internet. The standard Internet connectivity configurations are a 56K modem or V. 90 Ethernet card.

External Options: Full-size keyboards, monitors and mice are handy additions to notebook computers, especially for users who are more comfortable on desktop computers. These items can easily be added to the notebook, making it operate like a hard drive in a traditional desktop computer.

With their portability, ability to function with battery power and dropping costs, notebook computers are indeed making their appearance in schools. Whatever and wherever their use, notebook computers have established themselves as worthy academic tools of the education trade.

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By Don Zwiers

Don Zwiers is the technology coordinator at Seattle Academy for Arts and Sciences, a private school in Seattle, WA. The Seattle Academy has 250 notebook computers for its student body.