Notebook as two desktops : Understand it

In the beginning, computers were behemoths, and we went to them. These giant, mysterious systems were ministered to by highly trained groups of specialists. Only a handful of gurus knew the secret handshake and how to make these systems perform.
Slowly systems became smaller and more user-friendly. Computer technologies also started appearing as components in many of the products we purchase, such as cars, TVs, and radios. Systems eventually became so user-friendly that you didn't have be a programmer to make your system productive.

Back then, even if you had the best portable system available, you also needed at least one desktop system to handle any task that might come up. And "portable" was a loosely used term. Most of the systems were heavy enough to be considered a fitness program, and their battery life was often measured in minutes.

For the last decade, much of the creativity of the computer revolution has focused on making smaller, more portable systems. HP and Compaq have always led the way with their research and development of better batteries, lighter computers, and components that are smaller and require much less energy to run. Now you can carry more computing power in your briefcase than was available in any one system 30 years ago. The end result is that you can do a lot more now with a portable computer, and for a lot longer. Batteries are half the size they were ten years ago and have ten times the life. This keeps you online longer and vastly improves productivity.

While in the past nobody considered notebook computers a worthwhile investment unless they traveled regularly, that is no longer the case. Thanks to technological advances, the notion that notebooks are only for travelers is now obsolete. These advances have changed how you can do your computing. Now you must change how you think about it.

The continuing improvements in the size, weight, and functionality of portable systems have resulted in a new generation of notebook computers that have computing power comparable to that found in commercial-grade desktop systems. What does this mean for you?

You don't have to sacrifice functionality for portability, or maintain multiple systems to have the tools you need to get your job done. When you replace one or more desktop systems with a notebook, you give yourself the ultimate freedom of flexibility to work anytime and anywhere.

Replacing multiple desktop systems with a single notebook improves your productivity in several ways:
You won't have to take the time to pull information off one system to transport it to another.

You won't find yourself without important files or without access to the right software tools.

You only have to remember one set of passwords.

Backups are faster and easier because you have only one system to back up.

You won't have to purchase multiple software licenses, nor will you need to update and maintain multiple systems.

Over time, a single notebook with the right peripherals will cost less than multiple desktops and be easier to maintain. Combine that with improvements in productivity and you'll see a real and continual return on your investment.

Note: For many people, the idea of hooking a notebook computer up to a whole collection of peripherals each and every time they move to a new location is more than enough to make them willing to invest in multiple desktop systems just to avoid the hassle. If this describes you, rest assured that the power of technology makes moving from location to location a snap. Docking stations (sometimes called port replicators) give your notebook quick and easy access to peripherals and networks, as you'll learn in the Do It section.

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