Three good reasons notebooks not dead
Despite pronouncements that the “PC is dead,” and while overall global sales are down, it has become evident that businessclass notebooks haven’t yet been replaced by tablets, hybrids or convertible devices. Here are three versatile and reliable notebooks. Apple 13-inch MacBook Pro Still considered the most affordable MacBook Pro and one that has the best mix of portability and size, the 13-inch MacBook Pro may not have the company’s famed retina display, but for users willing to forego this feature, they get one of the best notebooks in the market today for the price.
The 13-inch MacBook Pro features up to a 2.9 GHz Dual-Core processor, up to 8 GB of RAM, the option of large capacity SATA hard drives or fast SSD (Solid State Drive). This is also one of the last Macs to offer a built-in SuperDrive which is still convenient for watching a DVD or burning a quick backup of your files.
Today’s new Macs also have the added benefit of coming with OS X Mavericks, which is the latest version of Apple’s ultra-stable operating system. Users also get Apple’s iWork suite of office apps for free. Add the ability to run both Mac and Windows simultaneously and the MacBook Pro simply outclasses a number of similarly priced PC-only options. Lenovo ThinkPad T530 This is one of the best 15.6-inch desktop replacement notebooks in the market, which also brings a variety of connectivity and features.
The ThinkPad is built with a sturdy magnesium-alloy frame that also ensures a relatively light weight of 5.56 pounds. The ThinkPad T530 can be configured online and features a range of Intel Core processors, it can take RAM of up to 16GB and can run up to 24 hours unplugged with a combination of various optional battery pack solutions.
The ThinkPad T530 brings two USB 3.0 high speed ports, a 720p HD camera for video conferencing, and dual microphones for improved voice and a DVD reader/ writer combo drive that can be replaced with an extra hard drive.
Users can configure versions of this notebook with 3G data access and even an HD display for improved graphics. The ThinkPad T530 is even MIL-SPEC tested for use in the toughest conditions. For business owners, the biggest draw is Lenovo’s optional nextday support which ensures that any hardware or software issues can be resolved by a specialist.
DELL Latitude 14 3000 Series
Dell’s Latitude series of laptops are synonymous with enterprise and the 14-inch 3000 Series is the sweet spot in terms of size, power and features for the price. Features include the latest 4th generation Intel Core i5 processors, 4 GB of RAM and a DVD burner in a 4.6-pound package that starts under $600.
The Latitude’s advantage is its light weight but sturdy chassis — users have an option of buying a four-cell or six-cell removable battery. Users who prefer interacting with a touchscreen can order one installed as an option through Dell’s website.
There are also various desktop docking and expansion options that can easily convert the Latitude 14 3000 into a formidable desktop replacement when paired with a monitor, keyboard and mouse.