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OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®



Buyer's Guide: Ultra Mobile Computers

Need a computer for when you're on-the-go? The latest ultra-portable computers allow busy real estate professionals to slip a computer into their purses or briefcases and take it anywhere.
By Michael Antoniak May 2009

 

WHAT IT IS

An ultra portable computer is exactly what the name implies—a smaller breed of computers built for mobility, usually weighing three pounds or less. A sharp division exists in this class: At the high end are lightweight laptops, fully powered, fully portable PCs that are less than an inch thick, with full-sized screens and keyboards; the other class is the less expensive, even more compact netbook and mini notebooks. Netbooks and minis have smaller screens—usually less than 10 inches—with cramped keyboards but were developed as mobile, fully Wireless Web portals and best serve those looking for something a little bigger than a smartphone but smaller and even more mobile than a laptop.

 

DO YOU NEED IT?

If you're constantly heading to appointments and find yourself in need of a computer, you'll likely want to explore the growing ultra-compact segment of computer options. Plus, consider the price: Current models of netbooks start for $250, with the most expensive netbooks approaching $1,100. Expect to pay more for the latest ultra-portable laptops, somewhere in the mid- to upper-$1,000 range.

 

INSIDE THIS GUIDE

Learn more about the ultra-mobile segment of computers.

 

 

 

 

Michael Antoniak is a journalist and technology expert with a focus on real estate applications. Antoniak also writes about real estate technology at his blog, RealTechTools. He can be contacted at antoniak@dtccom.net.