Portable Computers: Specs: Buyer's Guide: REALTOR® Magazine

Portable Computer Guide

Specs That Matter for Real Estate: Portable Computers

What features should you look for? Here are three main items you'll want to consider.

By Michael Antoniak May 2009

Ultra-portable once described a pricy sub-category of laptops that packed full performance in the most diminutive package. While that definition still applies to a selection of sleek, light laptops—like Dell’s new Adamo or Apple’s Macbook Air—over the past year, the ultra-portable group has grown to encompass an emerging class of Web-centric netbooks and “mini” notebooks.

These smaller versions may be half the size of a traditional laptop, so expect some differences in how they operate. Here are some questions to consider when contemplating a netbook or mini:

1. Will this be your primary computer? Can a netbook or mini replace your traditional computer? You probably won't want to view these computers as a replacement. Perhaps, the netbook can serve better as a secondary rather than primary PC. Book-sized, they exemplify ultra portable. Their displays and keyboards offer improvements over a smartphone when composing text, browsing the MLS, or viewing tours. Some users, however, will find data entry on netbooks awkward due to the more cramped keyboard size.

2. How much memory do you need? Netbooks demand further deliberation with how much computing power is really needed in the field. Some netbooks lack a true hard drive. Instead, there’s a limited amount of internal memory for data storage, sometimes as little as 8 GB. Of course, you can boost storage with high-capacity flash cards or external drives, but you shouldn't expect a huge amount of memory (such as a comparable 160 GB in a laptop) built in to these miniature systems.

3. Is it worth the cost? The low cost certainly enhances the appeal of netbooks: Current models start around $250, and the most expensive netbooks approach $1,100, still well below the price range on the latest ultra-portable laptops (which fall in the mid to upper $1,000 range). With so many bulkier—and more powerful—choices available of computers, you should consider whether it’s worth the extra expense to be able to tote a lighter PC.

4. What software and applications do you need it to run? Since you can’t load software resources on a netbook, make sure whatever applications and data resources you need are available through a Web browser. With the growing catalog of Web-based real estate and general productivity solutions, and online availability of forms and contracts, Internet access may be all that’s required. You'll want to consider how comfortable you are with working with Web-based applications since this will be the main option for you in using a netbook.

Remember, netbooks are a relatively new category and will be sure to evolve and improve over time. Even with these early versions, they may be a practical solution for those who require something more than a smartphone but less than the full power of a true laptop for mobile productivity.

“I like the idea of a netbook, something small, inexpensive, and really portable,” says Shane O’Gorman of Eau Claire Realty, Eau Claire, Wis. However, after exploring options last year, O'Gorman opted for the laptop over an ultra-mobile option—but now he has regrets.

“The way prices have fallen, I would probably buy a netbook today,” says O’Gorman, who believes netbooks now deliver as much power as most real estate professionals require. “Unless you’re doing video editing, you don’t need a fast processor or a lot of memory.”

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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.