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Which Notebook Computer Has Your Name On It?

by: Titus Hoskins

Notebook Computers Are Sexy!

Granted, the notebook computer may just be the
sexiest accessory this side of a Baywatch Extra!
But are they worth the extra money? Should your
next PC be a notebook or laptop computer?

What are the pros and cons of owning a notebook
computer? More importantly, can they get the job done?

There's no denying it -- notebook computers are sexy!
Slim, svelte and lightweight; they always come across as
looking sexy, the ultimate in high fashion accessories.

Maybe sexy isn't the most appropriate word -- we
are talking about chips, hard drives and bits of metal.
But you have to admit; they do look good on just about
anybody!

However; don't let the good looks fool you! And don't
get blinded by all that sleek metal and flashy designs.

The notebook is one little workhorse whose time
may just have come. Growing in popularity as prices
decline, it's definitely worth considering
when you make your next PC purchase.

All kidding aside, just what are some of the practical
pros and cons of owning a notebook computer? What points
should you consider before buying a notebook computer?

Basically, you have to narrow it down to a few simple
steps. Then consider all your options before you make
your decision.

First, ask yourself -- what types of tasks, jobs, do
you want the computer to perform? Do you want it
for traveling, business, or for use in the home?

Do you want it for simple tasks like email, web
browsing or to use as a word processor? Do you want it
for gaming, web authoring, heavy graphic work, dvd
or MP3 downloading?

Next, consider all these options and find the notebook
that best suits your needs. Remember, it's your needs
that have to be fulfilled. Don't let a pushy salesperson
talk you into buying something you will never need
or use.

At the same time, make sure you buy a notebook that
has all the features that will complete all the tasks
you throw at it. In other words, make sure it
can do the job!

Keep that question in the back of your head as you
read the rest of this article. Especially, keep it
in mind, as you browse thru all these sleek models and
makes of notebooks. Don't be dazzled by all that
sexiness!

Keep your eyes on the cursor!

Keep asking yourself -- what does my new notebook
computer need in order for it to get the job done?

Lets take a closer look at all the options.

First, like anything sexy; notebooks come in all
shapes and sizes.

SMALL - How small can they be?

They can be as tiny as well -- the small traditional
paper notebooks -- with 10-inch displays. There is
even a sub category known as Tablet PCs; these are
very small tablets where you enter the data using
a stylus. Common in certain fields, like health
care or real estate.

Up a step from there -- are the 'Ultraportables'.
You can easily take these anywhere as they fit nicely in
a handbag or carry on bag. These are used by fliers
and travelers, they are light and small with 12 inch
screens without internal CD or DVD drives. They
don't match the performance of other larger notebooks.

LARGE - How large can they be?

They can be as big as 6 or 7 pounds or more. Over an
inch thick and come with 15 or 17-inch displays
these are often referred to as 'Desktop Replacements'

And just as their name states -- these can replace
your old desktop computer. For most purposes, these
notebooks can perform all the tasks of a regular pc,
have large screens, big keyboards, combo drives and very
large hard drives. But you have the handy option of
moving these from room to room for wireless networking,
or even for traveling.

MID-SIZE

In between these two groups; we have the business
class notebooks. These are often referred to as
'Thin-and-lights' -- they offer the best all around
convenience of performance, portability and the
different features.

Mostly preferred by the business travelers. They
have 14-inch screens, CD-RW/DVD drives, wireless
networking, because they are so versatile, these
'do-it-all' notebooks or laptops are becoming
really popular.

Basic Rundown

That's a basic overview or rundown on the different
types of notebooks. But you have to compare and
contrast the different features in a little more
detail if you want to figure out the best notebook
that's suited for your needs.

Since there are so many types and varieties of notebooks;
not to mention so many technical requirements... buying
a notebook can sometimes be confusing. And for some
people downright worrisome!

Will the notebook you choose get the job done? Will it
be able to do the applications, or tasks you want
it to perform?

Ease your Burden -- Make a Checklist!

If you don't want to be disappointed, here's a quick
'CheckList' of the features you want to check before
you buy your notebook computer.

* Processor: The heart of your notebook or computer. It
does the processing and applications. Most people prefer
Intel Pentium Processors; the higher the number the faster
it will process! Go with Pentium 4 if you can. Intel
Celeron is another choice.

* Speed: This is how fast your computer can process data and
perform your tasks. The faster the better! Latest models get
up to a blazing 3.6 GHz.

Tip: You might also want to check the rotational speed
of your notebook's hard disk as it can affect performance
a 5,400rpm notebook disk is much faster than a 4,200rpm
model. How fast the disk spins, will also determine the
performance level of your notebook.

* Hard Drive: Check if it has a fixed drive; some units
have drives you can swap. As for size; around 20GB for most
notebook drives. You'll need only a 20GB or 30GB for most
tasks on your notebook. If you handle large graphics or
large amount of files (dvd, M3Ps,etc.) you need more --
50 to 60GB or higher.

Also, keep in mind, that you also have the external
drive(s) option for storing and media-burning.

* Memory: How much do you need?

RAM (random-access memory). This is what the computer
uses to run applications and data on your operating
system. It's generally agreed that you need at least
256MB for Windows XP and Mac OS X. You will only need
128MB for other operating systems in Windows or Mac.

* CD-RW Drive: You will need a CD-ROM for installing.
And a CD-RW drive for burning your own CDs if that's
one of the tasks you want your notebook to do.

Keep in mind another option -- many notebooks can access
or use external drives for data storage, cd burning, etc.

* LCD Displays: Most have LCD screens; this is different
from your desktop CRT (cathode-ray tube) monitor but most
people are famaliar with this type of displays -- it's
commonly found in digital cameras and camcorders.

Screen Size: You have to consider what size LCD display
you want. If you're going to be viewing a lot of pictures
or movies on your notebook -- a large 15 or 17 inch would
be better suited for your needs.

Usually, LCD screens range in size from 12 inches to 17
inches (diagonal). Viewing is usually set at 1,024x768
resolution. Quality is almost standard in all these
notebooks. But check them out at your dealers if picture
quality is your main reason for buying a notebook.

Note-- Fujitsu LifeBook P ultraportable series has the
smallest displays 10.6 inches. The Apple PowerBook has
one of the largest at 17-inches.

* Modems: Most if not all notebooks have 56Kbps-modems
and Ethernet connections. As well as connections (ports)
for printers, VGA for external monitor and there should
be one or more USB ports for keyboards, drives, MP3's
and digital cameras.

* Antennaes: Most notebooks have built-in antennas for
wireless networking and portability. But check before
you buy!

* Portability: Might sound like a strange question
to ask about notebooks. Not really, most notebooks are
very portable, easy to carry -- what they were designed for.
However; larger notebooks like the 'desktop replacemets'
with 17 inch screens and weighing over 7 pounds might
not be the best choice for the heavy traveler. For example
the new HP Pavilion zd8000 weights a whopping 12 lbs!

* Accessories: Lastly, you should look at some
accessories that you might need with your notebook
computer. Many come with a Docking station or port
replicator -- somewhere to store and access your
computer. Check on the functions of each before you buy.

You might consider buying an extra battery; especially
if you're buying your laptop mainly for traveling and
in the field work.

Laptop bag is another accessory you should definitely
consider buying. Again, notebooks might seem lightweight
and small but if you have lug it around all day and you're
going to wish you had bought that carrying bag.

Now Assess Your Computer Needs?

Finally, we come to the main question that determines which
notebook is right for you. (If money is no barrier!)

WHAT DO YOU NEED THE COMPUTER FOR? WHAT JOB OR TASKS DO
YOU WANT THE COMPUTER TO Perform?

If you want something small to carry on a plane, or if you
travel a lot, then go with an utralight -- often called
ultraportables -- these are the lightest and smallest
notebooks, about the size of spiral-bound notebook and
weighing less than four pounds.

If you're a student and need something light weight but
also a little sturdy with a large hard drive (hold MP3s)
you might want to check out the 'thin and light' notebooks.

If you want to replace your main desktop with something
more portable -- go with a 'mainstream' or
'desktop replacements'.

If you want something you can use at home, work and
traveling around then you need 'thin and light.' If you
want an 'all-around' 'all-in-one' 'do-it-all' notebook ...
then buy a notebook of this type.

Because it's so flexible, and covers most of your computing
needs; this is the one that's becoming the most popular.

That's it - JUDGMENT TIME!

You have considered most of the facts about buying a
notebook computer. Now weight your options. Think about
the tasks you will be doing with your notebook. Look at
the checklist and check out the specs. Is everything covered.
Will the one you choose -- have the features to do the job?

Keep that question in your mind. It's the most important.

If you're considered all these points; buying your notebook
should be just a little bit easier.

In no time at all, you may be walking around with
one of those sleek, svelte -- dare we say sexy --
accessories tucked under your arm.

Titus Hoskins

About the author:
----
For An Illustrated Version of This Article Click Here:
Buying Notebooks Online Guide.
Copyright � 2005 Titus Hoskins of bizwaremagic.com
This article may be freely distributed if this resource
box stays attached. Visit www.bizwaremagic.com
for more simple solutions to your online marketing tasks.
----

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Tips to Build Your Email Address Database

WHY BUILD YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS DATABASE?

Gaining your customers' email addresses will:

Provide an additional channel for reaching your customers
Increase the ROI of your marketing investments
Significantly reduce your customer acquisition and marketing costs
Allow you to easily measure the impact of your marketing campaigns
Increase your customer participation and retention rates

With ongoing postal and telemarketing pressures impacting marketing budgets for many organizations this year, email marketing could become the "silver lining " for many marketers. But how do you create a successful email marketing campaign if you do not have a substantial email database? That question may be one of the largest Internet related challenges facing companies this year.

Research shows that the majority of organizations have email addresses for less than 10% of their postal files. So how do you level the playing field and start to add quality permission - based email addresses to your database?

Here are some tips that you can use to cost effectively build your email address database and increase your customer participation and retention rates:

START TO ASK FOR IT!

Every communication or touch point with a customer should start or end with a request for an email address. By utilizing the four points below, you should be able to add email addresses for 5% to 10% of your postal file over the course of one year.

1. Direct Mail Collection

Think about how much time and money you spent for copy and design on your last new direct mail piece. Most companies have started to ask their customers for their email address information within these mailings. This is a great step forward. However, companies need to look at one major improvement if they want to increase their email address collection rates.

To date, most requests for email address information have been pushed, shoved or jammed into whatever white space remains. It should be no surprise that the success rate has been less than stellar.

To improve on these efforts, you need to provide your members with a reason to release their email addresses to you. E-newsletters, purchase confirmations, petitions, and special discounts and offers are but a few of the benefits that will encourage your members to come on board.

2. Web Page Collection

Many companies have an email address collection function in place via the web. To improve your sign-up rates, add text below the email request box that informs your visitors of the special email benefits that they will receive (i.e. e-newsletters, purchase confirmations, delivery updates, etc.) upon registering. You can also utilize a pop-up link to inform users of these special benefits.

Finally, your email address request function should be available on your home page. Don't make your users go and look for it. Every click away from your home page reduces the chances of your users taking an action and providing you with their email address information.

3. Existing Email Database Collection

Don't forget to ask the members of your existing customer base for email addresses of their friends, family and associates. Viral marketing is a powerful tool to use and is extremely cost effective! You could ask them either to provide you with additional addresses or simply to pass on your newsletter, email specific offers, or other information to others they feel have similar interests.

4. Telemarketing Collection

Don't assume that your telemarketing agents are asking for email addresses from potential customers. Ensure that your agents have an updated script, which outlines the previously described benefits to potential customers of providing their email addresses.

The suggestions above are a great start! Yet they really should be viewed as a secondary plan for building your email database. To exponentially and expeditiously grow your email database, please read on!

EMAIL APPENDING

Utilizing an email appending service enables you to add email addresses for up to 25% of your postal file, all within 3-4 weeks.

Email Appending - is the process of adding an individual's email address to that individual's postal record in side your existing database. This is accomplished by matching the postal database against a third party, permission based database of postal and email address information.

Best Practices - Email Appending is not a prospecting tool. The DMA (Direct Marketing Association) and its interactive arm AIM (Association of Interactive Marketing) have guidelines in place that dictate that email appending only be used to append email addresses to your existing opt-in postal record house file.

The Process - Your opt-in postal file is securely transferred to an email appending provider, who will do an initial gross email address match of your file against its opt-in database of postal and email address records. Your appending provider will then send these matches a permission-based message prepared by you. All bounces and opt-out requests will be removed from the list. At that point a valid permission-based email address file of your customers will be delivered back to you.

Cost - Less than the price of a postal stamp!

IN SUMMARY

The first step of any successful email marketing effort is to build a permission-based email address list of your customers. The simplest, quickest and most cost-effective way to do this is through email appending, which will enable you to add email addresses for up to 25% of your postal file. Secondary efforts of email address collection via focused direct mail, web, viral and telemarketing practices are also important and will enable you to add email addresses for an additional 5% to 10% of your base on an annual basis.

Best of luck in building your email address database. As many companies have already learned, the ROI and cost savings to be achieved will far exceed your expectations.

Bill Kaplan
CEO
FreshAddress, Inc.

FreshAddress, Inc., The Email Address ExpertsTM, provides a comprehensive suite of industry leading database and email deliverability services to help companies increase their e-commerce revenues. For more information on how we can help "Build and Update" your email list, visit http://freshaddress.com/biz or email biz@freshaddress.com.

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Tips to Build Your Email Address Database