Notebook Rentals To Get You Through Until You Can Buy New

By Shahzad Qamer on Wed, 2010-06-30 10:06

If you have an emergency with your notebook computer, you can use notebook rentals to get you through until you are able to purchase a new machine. Notebook rentals are ideal for this situation – they enable you to continue working and give you the time you need to evaluate the many new laptop options available to you.

With so many choices on the market, you don’t want to rush into buying until you know exactly which computer will suit your needs. How do you know which machine is the right one? You need to consider how you plan to use the computer.

How Do You Use Your Notebook?

Although it is tempting to buy the slickest, most powerful computer out there, you should carefully evaluate your work style before making a decision. Keep in mind that whatever you choose, there will be some compromise. Portability usually means less power, and more power generally means less portability.

Do you travel frequently? If so, you need a machine that is light and designed for maximum portability. There is a new class of laptops called "ultraportable" that are thin and light. They typically weigh less than four pounds and are usually less than one inch thick. The compromise? Smaller screens that are harder to use, smaller displays and fewer features. There's also the matter of price. As with any electronic device that is housed in a small package, ultra portables are expensive, although they may be worth the extra cost if you travel a lot. (Try a notebook rental if you want to get an idea of the performance and size of this kind of machine. You can give it a trial run and return it when you are done.)
If you use your notebook at work, bring it home to complete projects, and travel occasionally with it, you need something more powerful and easier to use than an ultraportable. You could go for either a thin and light or a midsize notebook, although you would probably opt for the former. Thin and light computers are more portable than midsize, but generally have bigger screens and keyboards than ultra portables. If you travel rarely, you could opt for a midsize, but they may be a little onerous on the weekday commute. Short battery life is also a concern in the midsize range. Of course, your budget will play a role in this decision too – midsize computers are less expensive.
If you are a power user – a programmer or gamer – you need a desktop replacement. These machines have the power of a desktop, but they are heavy and bulky. While not suited to business travel, they are portable enough to move between cubicles and offices, or between kitchen and rec room.

Evaluation and Cost of Your Notebooks

Of course, once you have determined the class you need, your decision will come down to an evaluation of the cost and features of the computers in that class. For advice, consult online reviews in places like CNET Reviews, PC Magazine and others.

And, as mentioned earlier, if you want to take a test run with a new computer, contact a notebook rentals agent and rent for a short period to determine if the computer is really right for you.