As it happens, notebook-laptop computers have been catching up to their desktop based cousins in terms of affordability and performance while taking up a lot less space. Once notebook-laptop computers were rarely used except by those who had a genuine need for them, such as business people headed out on the road for meetings. These computers were far less powerful and their battery lives left a lot to be desired, to understate the case. Older laptops were really not all that useful beyond being able to run basic word processing programs and access email on the go.

All that is changed now. Notebook-laptop computers come in all shapes and sizes, and while you can still find them on the market for outrageously high prices, you can also easily find models for sale at prices equal to or even sometimes lower than those of desktops of similar quality. You can find models specialized for many different kinds of use, from working on text documents to playing games to watching movies on long trips and even doing high end graphic design. Notebook-laptop computers have been optimized for portability without sacrificing too much power through the use of special, high efficiency processors and ultra small components.

Modern notebook-laptop computers fit comfortably into a standard briefcase or backpack, with sizes from ten inch netbooks to widescreen models which are ideal for graphic design work or watching movies. The smallest of the newer notebook computers can weigh as little as two pounds – some of these models are incredibly streamlined as well, being less than an inch thick! These ultra streamlined models are of course the high end of the market, but it’s easy to find notebook-laptop computers which fall into the middle, offering a manageable size and weight and high performance at low prices. With the technology used in portable computers becoming increasingly sophisticated and the competition ever fiercer, prices will continue to drop.

The biggest complaint people have historically had about notebook-laptop computers has been battery life. This is something which was genuinely the case until recently, with improvements in battery technology and efficient use of power giving the newer generations of laptop computers greatly improved batter life. Many new notebook-laptop computers can run between five and eight hours on a single charge – something unthinkable only a few years ago! These new batteries allow users to work on their computers all day and simply recharge at night – with no more scurrying to find an open outlet.

Notebook-laptop computers also are far more efficient than desktops. They run on far less energy, requiring less electricity to charge their batteries and helping you save on your power bill. Why have a 300 watt monster chugging away all day in your basement when you can have a quiet and sleek notebook-laptop computer quietly plugged in in the corner.

A newer notebook-laptop computer also is much more quietly than a desktop since engineers have managed to solve the issue of heat management. Thanks to their improved designs, laptop computers are no longer prone to overheating issues and have smaller, quieter fans; and many have no fans at all! This alone allows a laptop computer to use far less energy than a desktop model.

All in all, there is no reason not to have a notebook-laptop computer. They are affordable, portable, efficient, and with more and more wireless hot spots popping up around the world, they can help you stay connected while you are on the go. Why even bother with a desktop anymore?