Are you an executive always scurrying with your suitcase during business trips? A student always on the go trying to finish as many projects as possible to gain extra credits? Or a businessperson always meeting up with your biz partners to explore more business opportunities?

Are you any of those mentioned category of people? If so, chances are, you already are carrying what has come to be the busy person's best friend - a laptop a.k.a. a portable Personal computer. Or you're just planning to get one. If so, take some time to digest this guide on which laptop is for you and how to take care of it.

Here are the various kinds of laptops and their specifications:

1. Ultralights

As monikered, these are the lightest of all the laptops. Also known as an ultraportable or sub-notebook, if you travel a lot, you may consider acquiring this kind of laptop since it only weighs approximately 4 pounds. One drawback that an ultralight has is its not being able to contain an internal CD drive or a network card since it has to maintain its weight. This means you have to bring with you an external CD drive and port replicator. Also, ultralights come with heftier price tags compared with other kinds of laptops.

2. Notebooks

The basics of the laptop kingdom belong to the notebook kind. This type is less heavy though, weighing only about 4 to 6 pounds. Notebooks are a bit heavier than the ultralight but they offer more features. They are made with a large opening on the side for a CD drive or extra battery.

3. Standards

Like notebooks, these are considered the same as regular laptops. But they are a lot heavier than the notebooks weighing in at 6 to 8 pounds. Cost-effectiveness-wise, standards are known to give you the best value for your moolah. Big laptop manufacturers often offer discounts on this kind of laptops because of their popularity and user-friendliness.

4. Extra Large

These laptops weigh between 8 and 10 pounds. Their screen measures at least 17 inches. Living up to its name, it also has a larger keyboard compared to a standard laptop. It is for those who despise the hassle of a small keyboard. If you don't mind its weight or you really are not that much of a traveler, this kind of laptop might be the one for you. You only have to beware of its heftier price tag.

Depending on your personal preference, you might consider other factors such as the brand name, in choosing which laptop to purchase.

Here are a few do's and don't's if you are unsure of how to take care of your new gizmo:

a. Do not put it on unstable work surfaces.

b. Do not expose it to any kind of moisture, extreme temperatures, strong electrical or magnetic fields or dirt or dusty environment.

c. Do not touch or press the display panel.

d. Before cleaning, disconnect first the AC power and remove the battery pack.

e. Before transporting it, turn it off and detach all external peripherals. This is to prevent the connectors from getting damaged.

5. Always always read the instruction books that come with your new machine. It will provide you with more tips to keep your hardware and your software operating perfectly!

David Arnold Livingston is an entrepreneur with many years
of successful business experience. For business and personal
laptop computer resources, he recommends you visit:
Laptop Unlimited