Laptop gift... hopefully the gifter is a traveler. Politely remind the potential gifter of your not-so-common needs as a giftee. Most computer-store clerks are not frequent travelers, and have no idea what's needed - they're looking at commissions from the sale.
If you have it narrowed down to two or three models, ask friends and family if they have one, or find a big-box retailer with it. Weigh the dang thing!!! Don't believe what's on the box or the manufacturer's website, I've never seen a model weigh what the box states. Maybe naked, but there's always something you need to pack with it, even if it's a power supply and an Empower.
Figure out what you REALLY need to have, because each add-on weighs up. Most of the add-ons also cut down on your battery life. Try to limit your USB-powered add-ons, as they cut batteries pretty quickly.
Widescreens ARE gorgeous, but... widescreens also eat power. For every inch of that gorgeous widescreen, you may pay in pain, because most of the widescreens weigh a ton. Heft the borrowed one around for at least 20 minutes, hanging off your shoulder, in your typical carry-on bag, with all the peripherals you would want onboard. Plus your meds and whatever else you need with you. Too much weight? Back complaining? Shoulder bent to the floor? Something has to get pitched or put in the hold baggage. You could always say 'Isn't that gorgeous, but I think it's a bit heavy' if they're drooling over it with no consideration for your poor body.
Given a choice between memory or screen size, I'd go for the memory, or a larger battery capacity, or a 2nd battery to swap out before I'd go for the bigger screen. You may have to scroll about, but your back won't be killing you from hefting that gorgeous heavy screen! Widescreens seem to be all the rage. Just say NO!
That should narrow choices down still further, or make the nearest US chiropractor happy upon landing...
Posted: 15 Oct 2006, 13:39