Business Notebooks

Style takes a back seat to substance for business users, so their notebooks put the emphasis on portability, durability, security, and connectivity. Long runtime is also the goal, with battery options that enable all-day outlet-free computing. And okay, at least a little style is welcome.

What Are Business Notebooks?

Business notebooks are thin-and-light or mainstream models (see the ultraportables category) that include the security, connectivity, and durability features a professional user would need. Notebooks intended for corporate use have all that, plus manageability features and a stable platform so the OS image of units deployed now will match that of machines ordered six to nine months from now.

Who Are They For?

A business notebook is the right choice for employees of both small and large companies, as well as sole proprietors who often take a machine to off-site meetings. If the machine is for use in a home office and won't see road use, you can opt for a consumer notebook, where you will likely get similar specs for a little less money.

What Can You Expect From a Business Notebook?

• 1.8-GHz to 2.4-GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
• 2GB RAM
• 13.3-inch to 15.4-inch screen
• Spill-resistant keyboard
• Shock-mounted hard drive
• Fingerprint reader
• TPM (Trusted Platform Module) circuitry
• 802.11agn Wi-Fi
• WWAN option

Simple Buying Tips

• Portability: If the choice is yours, go for a smaller, lighter machine (usually with a 13.3-inch widescreen), especially if it will see a lot of use on airplane tray tables or be schlepped home on your daily commute. If the machine will simply be carried from your office to a conference room and back, go for one with a larger screen.
  
  
• Security: Should it fall into the wrong hands, a business notebook needs to be able protect the locally stored data as well as the company network. A fingerprint reader will take care of the former, while TPM circuitry can handle password management and enable hard-drive encryption.
  
  
• Durability: Most business portables will see travel during their useful lifespan, so features like a magnesium-alloy outer shell, reinforced inner frame, spill-resistant keyboard and a shock-mounted hard drive are important.
  
  Ideally, look for a machine with active hard drive protection technology, which parks the heads to prevent damage to the platters should the machine sense it is falling. If you tend to be particularly tough on a machine, consider one with a solid-state drive (SSD). Capacities are low and prices are high, but the drives are crash-proof (and draw less power, too).
  
  
• Runtime: If you tend to travel (or get stuck in long meetings), opt for the notebook's extended battery. It adds a little bulk, but often a couple extra hours of runtime. If all-day computing away from an AC outlet is essential, look for a machine that can take a second battery in a modular bay in place of the optical drive, or just buy an extra battery.
  
  
• Connectivity: For business buyers, 802.11agn Wi-Fi is a must, since all of these standards are in use today. Frequent travelers may also want to consider a model with embedded wireless broadband (either EV-DO or HSDPA) connectivity.
  
  Service isn't cheap ($60 to $80 monthly), but these 3G data networks offer good nationwide coverage and near-DSL throughput, and a subscription can pay for itself in increased productivity and the money you'll save in airport and hotel connection fees