IF I had a dollar for every time someone asked me to recommend a good notebook, I would not have to work.

Given the speed at which new computing technology appears and the frequency at which vendors churn out new models, it is no surprise that the question, 'What notebook should I get?', is asked all too often.

Truth of the matter, there is no such thing as a perfect notebook. Rather, go for a mid-priced machine that meets your computing needs at the price you are happy with.

Mac versus PC

If you are a Mac lover, a good choice would be one of the new mid-priced MacBooks.

What you will like about the slim 2.4GHz MacBook is that it has enough of performance, portability and ease of use for $2,588.

For this price, you get a notebook made from tough yet light aluminium, powerful Nvidia GeForce 9400M integrated graphics and a power saving 13.3-inch LED display.

The MacBook comes with Leopard, a user-friendly operating system (OS) and Apple's suite of digital lifestyle software like iPhoto and iMovie.

If you prefer a PC, the strengths of the PC should be a guide.

If movies and music turn you on, get a notebook with a slightly larger display and better audio features. The HP dv7 fits the bill.

Students on a budget might take to the Dell Studio 15 - a good mix of price and performance.

Equipped with Centrino2 technology, this notebook comes with a decently fast Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0Ghz processor and a 15.4-inch display. The built-in wireless LAN allows easy surfing, say, for research or chats with friends via e-mail.

Entertainment

If you are using your notebook to watch movies and listen to music, get one with a slightly larger display and better audio features like the HP dv7.

The HP dv7 entertainment notebook has a sweet spot for price and multimedia performance. This beautifully designed notebook has a large 17-inch WXGA, Blu-ray DVD burner and a set of powerful Altec Lansing speakers with integrated sub-woofer. At $3,099 it is also one of the most affordable entertainment notebooks in its category.

A cheaper, smaller but no less pretty entertainment option is the Toshiba Satellite M300 ($2,099). This spicy red notebook with its 14.1-inch display has equally good audio features like Harman Kardon stereo speakers with 16-bit stereo with Intel High Definition audio support.

Gaming

For gaming highs, you will need great display, audio and gaming prowess. Get a notebook with at least a 15.4-inch display and separate instead of integrated graphics.

One notebook stands out - the MSI GX620X.

This affordable, beautifully designed notebook comes with good gaming muscle like a top end Intel Core2 Duo T9400 2.5GHz processor with 3GB RAM and an equally powerful Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT with 512MB video memory.

The GX620X also boasts Doldby Home Theatre audio system.

Portability

For those who are always on the go and do not want bulky notebooks to weigh them down, opt for an ultra mobile PC (UMPC).

Kohjinsha's latest SX model should fit the bill. Equipped with an Intel Atom Processor Z520, this UMPC weighs just 1.25kg, has an 8.9-inch display and built-in wireless capabilities.

Road warriors who travel frequently on business also need something light yet durable with enough security features to keep out data thieves.

One notebook that hits the sweet spot in this category is Lenovo's ThinkPad T400. Built with Intel Centrino2 technology, the 2.1kg notebook with its 14.1-inch display also features ThinkVantage Client Security Solution with built-in fingerprint reader. They give the T400 extra protection by securing data against potential intruders.

The right connections

Regardless of what you need in a notebook, be sure to check out its connectivity options before you let the salesman swipe your credit card.

Most notebooks today come with built-in wireless LAN allowing you to surf the Internet without wires..

Equally important are ports and slots. These help you get more out of your notebook. USB ports, for example, allow you to connect your notebook to external devices like printers, external hard drives or digital cameras.

Newer notebooks offer eSata support or External Serial Advanced Technology Attachment. This interface allows for up to three times faster data transfer rate compared to USB 2.0.

Slots like multi-memory card readers make the transfer of data to and from the notebook easy. A good notebook should have at least three USB ports. The better ones even have HDMI port for viewing high-definition videos.

The BenQ Joybook S42, for example, is a potential buy. Apart from four USB ports, it also comes with a HDMI port and a FireWire port.

This story was first published in The Straits Times Digital Life on 5 November 2008.

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