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Date:	Wed, 8 Dec 2004 16:22:54 PST8
From:	Steve Carter <scarter@vcnet.com >
Reply-To:	scoug-help@scoug.com
To:	scoug-help@scoug.com
Subject:	SCOUG-Help: If I were to buy a Thinkpad...

Content Type: text/plain

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Colin:

Since physical memory expansion space is perforce limited in any laptop,
choose the largest size memory stick you can, initially, e.g. one 512MB stick
instead of 2x 256MB. When you later decide you want/need more, you will then
not have to discard what you've already bought.

On laptop screens (LCD, etc), screen resolution is generally determined
by physical size: 1024x768 is OK on a 13" screen, 1400x1050 on a 14" screen
and something higher still on a 15" screen. Since pixel size is fixed at manufacture,
resolution goes up with increasing physical size. In general, more is better
but the on-screen features can easily get too small for my aging eyes on very
high resolution screens, unless they're big enough. You must operate an LCD
screen at its native resolution for best readability.

Li-Ion batteries have a maximum life of about 3 years, whether used or not,
maybe less. Buy a second battery only if you need it NOW. Battery prices
continue to decline.

Auto/air 12V-to-laptop power adapters abound. Try eBay (<$25). Choose one
of the dual-function adapter/converters (Empower) that works in airline seats
(so equipped) as well. While airborne, you can watch your own movie on their electricity.

I don't need burn CD/DVDs in my laptop, so a reader is adequate.
If I needed to burn CDs, I'd consider an external USB burner, separately
powered from utility AC power. Sure it impacts portability, but I'd
rarely need it, and I could leave it at home most of the time.

I keep a conventional keyboard and optical mouse in the motorhome/RV, where I
use coach 12V (through an adapter) to run the laptop indefinitely while traveling.

The docking station can be useful if the laptop is your only computer and you
take it between work and home every day. I have two and use neither. If you
just need to take data back and forth, a USB memory stick works well.

This is what has worked for me. Others will have insight into what's worked
for them. My laptop needs are limited, in part by having other computers
for daily use.

-- Steve (old TP 600E, 320MB, 13", 1024x768)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
On 12/8/04, Colin Campbell wrote, in part:
>============================================
>[Re: SCOUG-Help: If I were to buy a Thinkpad...]
>How should I get it configured?

>How much memory should I buy?
>Do I want SXGA, or is XGA good enough?
>Should I worry about the super duper graphic card?
> ...
>
>Should I buy a spare battery?
>What accessories are "smart buys"?
>(Is there a way to power the PC while in one's car?)
> ...
>Thanks, Colin
>=============================================

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