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Why 13-Inch Notebooks Hit the Sweet Spot for Users
Dwight Silverman/Houston Chronicle
November 03, 2009
Nov. 3 – That’s why I think the sweet spot for notebooks is in the 13-14-inch range. If you’re traveling, these systems offer lots of power, adequate screen real estate and – in many cases – a good price.
– Satellite T135 _ $600, Toshiba. In the not-too-distant past, you could count on very thin notebooks to have very high prices. Cramming components into a thin case has gotten a lot easier, and the results include systems like the Satellite T135.
The T135 comes with an ultra-low voltage, dual-core Intel Pentium SU4100 processor that runs at 1.3 GHz. The processor’s low-power consumption helps the notebook achieve better battery life – I averaged over four hours per charge.
It also has 4 gigabytes of memory, a 320-GB hard drive but no optical drive, common for systems in this class. It also has a wireless adapter that uses the newer and faster 802.11n WiFi standard, a 5-in-1 memory card slot, an Ethernet port, three USB 2.0 ports and an HDMI port for high-definition video. It has a built-in Webcam and facial-recognition software, but the program could never recognize my face. I’m not quite sure what that implies.
Unfortunately, it uses Intel’s shared memory graphics adapter, which uses system memory for video memory.
All this is packed into a stylish, wine-red case that’s less than an inch thick at its widest point and weighs less than 3.5 pounds. It’s wide enough that the keyboard is roomy, and it’s got a textured touchpad. The only interface gotcha: It has a single button below the touchpad for left- and right-mouse clicks. You must hit it in the right place to get the click you want.
The T135 performs well. Its applications launch quickly and are responsive. It has enough memory that you can keep several programs working without the system bogging down, despite the slower processor.
Unfortunately, it also comes with junkware. Toshiba is fond of loading up its systems with helper programs that purport to make some tasks easier, but often duplicate Windows features and slow down your system. If you buy this notebook, I’d suggest you take the time to uninstall what you don’t need.
-MacBook Pro 13-inch – $1,549, Apple. In early 2007, I bought my first Apple notebook: a black, 13-inch MacBook. I loved it, but over time yearned for something with more muscle and better graphics. I decided to make the leap when Apple launched its latest line of MacBook Pros, along with this 13.3-inch model. I bought one.
The price above reflected a hard drive upgrade for it, but even at its base price of $1,499, this is an expensive purchase. Still, the quality and the components will make it worth the price for those who want a Mac.
The model I bought has a 2.53-GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4 GB of RAM, a 320-GB hard drive (256 GB is standard), a slot-loading DVD burner and nVidia GeForce 9400M graphics. This is the first generation of Mac notebooks to have a built-in memory-card slot – it’s about time, Apple!
It also has two USB 2.0 ports, a Firewire 800 port, a Gigabit Ethernet connection and 802.11n Wi-Fi. It has a DisplayPort for external monitor connections.
Apple’s moved to a unibody design for all its notebooks, and the aluminum case is very sturdy, but adds heft – this MacBook Pro weighs 4.5 pounds. The backlit keyboard – which only lights up when it gets dark – has a nice feel and plenty of room. The expansive, glass-covered touchpad supports multitouch gestures with up to four fingers. There is no mouse button – the trackpad itself is a button you can press – but the multitouch feature virtual erases the need for buttons.
This is a very powerful notebook, and I’ve yet to find any programs – including games – that bog it down. Even running Windows virtually in programs like VMware Fusion or Parallels is a delight.
There’s one thing I don’t like: It has a sealed battery, as do all of Apple’s new notebooks. Users can’t replace it themselves. But as a result, the battery can be larger and last longer between charges. Apple claims seven hours, and I’m getting well over six.
Is this notebook worth the price? I thought so. But if you don’t want to spend that much, Apple just revamped its less expensive MacBook, which starts at $999. It has similar components, but a polycarbonate body and fewer “pro” features.
dwight.silverman@chron.com http://blogs.chron.com/techblog
© 2009, YellowBrix, Inc._
doglick
20 days ago
18 comments
I am pressed with the apparently unbiased reviews here between windows and mac based devices. I have used both platforms (and others) for many years and find that they all have their features and problems. A clear description of both the usefulness of both platforms as well as their weaknesses gives everyone an idea to what works for them. Although this article doesn't quite explain (definitively) the appeal of 13 inch computers it does hit on many aspects.
is it the 13 inch size fits in the average woman's purse? Is it possible stuffing it within some other concealing container? The light weight for long walks in airports? Is the size and weight perfect to use while standing in long lines? I expect it fills the space between the smart phone and a full sized portable but that is just my guess. The smart phone screens being too small for my aging eyes and the bigger portables just too ungainly to use easily in cramped conditions of busy airports and fast food so prevalent today. Maybe it is perfect to use while I drive down the highway in my ever shrinking automobile.