For Business, Continued

Although there are plenty of 15” business notebooks like the new ThinkPad T61p and the Fujitsu ESPRIMO Mobile D9500 which weighs only 2.5 kg, 12-14” models may be more suitable if you spend a lot of time on trains and planes – they’re lighter and they fit on the table better. For a larger machine with security features, virtually the only choice so far is the 17” HP Compaq nx9420, with a fingerprint reader and Smart Card slot. If your work takes you to dusty, wet or dangerous places, look at the rugged Panasonic Toughbook range; some of them even have a handle.

Although specialist suppliers like Dialogue pioneered the idea with the Flybook, almost every notebook manufacturer has one or two business models with built-in 3G now. While you can get online with a PC Card or USB modem with any laptop, building the antenna into the case gives you better reception and an integrated modem may have better power management.

If you buy a 3G-capable notebook, check if you only need to put in a SIM and register with a network or if you’ll need to add the modem itself later. The nc6400 does well here; as well as a Vodafone 3G modem it has a dial-up modem, Ethernet, Bluetooth and WiFi a, b and g. WiFi g is still more common than Draft n, but that will change as more Santa Rosa machines come onto the market. Dell’s Latitude D630 has a Vodafone 3 modem but not without many other business features.

Notebooks aimed at business users often have better warranties; one year or even three, with fast repair or replacement. Between the high-spec hardware and the business-grade warranty, expect to pay £1,000 to £1,200.