New Year = New laptop. Simple. Some things are devoid of logic- or then again- the logic is so simple that it does not merit debate.

The debate with yourself (or your spouse or your parent…depending on your age/marital status and mental stability) goes something like this:

I want a new laptop!
Why?
Coz it’s the new year. That’s why..
Silence on the other side (maybe a ‘door bang’ a little later)
End of discussion. Not exactly a “happily ever after” scenario..but will live with it. A New notebook can afford small compromises.

Apart from a cordial family atmosphere, technology is also changing mindsets and preferences- nowadays you do not sigh over “that pretty looking thing”- with perfect specifications- 36-24-36 (you preferred 40-26-38? Well, to each his own). Nowadays you’d rather drool over “that thin beauty with 4 gigs of RAM and 12 inch display- Oh! And yes- she has a quad core processor”

In marketing speak- if pre 90s was about FMCGs- the Fast Moving Consumer Goods, the new millennium is about FMTGs. The Fast Moving Technology Goods

Technology has become so accessible and commoditized that brand perceptions make a difference more than the actual products themselves.

It has to do with not only “technology accessibility” but even “information accessibility”.

The new media offers various sources of information- comparison sites, discussion forums and blogs- offering third party advice that could really make a difference in the purchase decision.

Truely, Recommendation (and source influence) matters more in today’s media fragmented, communications deluged environment than ever before

I find myself giving (and seeking) advice regarding the right tech stuff (from laptops to podcast microphones). This time, I decided to do some extra procrastination, dig a little deeper and give a ‘different’ perspective- on choosing a gadget on the likeability by the public.

There will be three parts to this post about likeable laptops for Small Medium Businesses:

• The first post sets a base- on the brands and models in my consideration set. I give out some links to you to see the models yourself, in case you want to take a look. I evaluated two ends of the spectrum that could be used by a small business owner or a business executive to make a decision- both with different priorities

• The second post will evaluate the perception around these brands- what do people think of when it comes to these computer brands- and hence what do they think of you when you are seen with these brands. The analysis will go beyond the technical and cost-benefit aspects- which are aplenty on the internet.
• And then maybe, if need be, seal it with a third post summarizing the above

Basically, the study is about brands and the perceptions that surround them. One arguement can be the fact that even within brands, there are various sub-brands or models. I first thought of evaluating models within both the high and the low end of the spectrum. I later realized that so much granualrity was not possible by the study, but what the heck, let us just have them in the consideration set.

So here we go- at one end of the spectrum, there is a new breed that we are beginning to see at all expos and tech malls- the Netbook.

It answers the question: Do you need a notebook for primary but essential “computer stuff” like surfing and “no-frills” activities like creating documents? Has mobility, style and gets the work done. Think about your purpose- do you need a bicycle to ride around on the beach or do you need a BMX style power bike to make those demanding jumps? (This post is again getting to be a SEO nightmare). If you buy a BMX for strutting your stuff on your evening rides with the missus- you are pretty much wasting your money.

If you have too much extra dough, do me a favor-adopt me.

In the Netbook category, some models that I have seen and will dig deeper in the coming days are LG X110, MSI Wind U100, Samsung NC 10, Lenovo ideaPad S10, Acer AspireOne and Asus Eee PC series. HP has a Mini 1000 and for Asia/Singapore they have a special one called the HP mini Vivienne Tam edition. They are quite cool, portable and are in the sub $1000 range- some even like $600 or so. (You will have to excuse me- I did try to give you as many links- but some company websites are simply difficult to find- MSI seems to have a blog but their site seems to, well, not exist. Samsung corporate website does not seem to have laptops- or maybe they have somewhere but could not find out- less patience- a Geminii trait)

At the other end of the spectrum are the Notebooks for SMBs. In case you are a small business owner or a business executive with more discerning needs, you would prefer style along with mobility, connectivity, security and longevity (battery life).

In this category, there are models like Dell Latitude Eseries/D series, HP Compaq small business series- HP Compaq mobile workstations and elitebook, Sony Viao Z series and G series, Lenovo Thinkpad X series and W series, Acer or even NEC. Did I forget Mac book Air?

I needed to evaluate various parameters: On one hand- I had my ideal specs: At least 3 gig RAM, thin, portable (2-2.5 kg, 12 -14 inch display), “cool” looking, preferably at least a dual core, 200+ gigs disk, 5+ hours back up, all ports, connectivity and burns a smaller hole in the pant pockets. If I can afford to wear pants after buying this, that is. But then working from home has its advantages. (Do call first in case you decide to visit me in the new year ok?)

On the other hand, the netbooks are smart, cheap and get most work done, I would presume.

On this subject, there is too much to cover. I don’t intend to do an expansive cross section analysis. Just some brands that I fancy currently.

But apart from the technical specs and the practicality of it, I’d like to see what do other people ‘think’ of the brand. Apart from fun, in today’s business environment- these things have their own value- the car you drive, the suit you wear and even the laptop you carry.

So the real test will come after three parameters: My perception audit (next post- part 2) around the main brand, the deep diving into listening in forums and blogs and thirdly the in-store (point of purchase) reality checks.

Either ways – in the next post, I decided to follow the wisdom of the crowds. What do people think of- when they see you with a particular brand of laptop? Next post soon.

thumbnail: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bekathwia/2414194397/sizes/s/