ii. Build: How well a notebook computer is built will likely determine whether you still own it three years from now or whether it gets sold off for parts.

The unfortunate fact is that as competition has forced manufacturers to offer notebooks as rock-bottom prices, quality of exterior construction has suffered.

If you'll be doing a lot of travelling or will be buying a notebook for a youngster, think about buying notebooks that were made to take some abuse.

iv: Heat factor: Combine a powerful processor, fast hard drive, and hefty battery, and what do you get?

Heat - and lots of it.

There's a good reason why the moniker 'laptop' has all but disappeared: Some notebook computers are really not suitable for resting on your lap because they get too hot on the underside to hold comfortably.

But some notebook computers are still designed for those who wish to work from their lap.

That's why it's important to find out just how hot a laptop gets on the underside.

Either contact the manufacturer and ask specifically about this or visit a store in which the notebook is running, and feel the underside.

v. Noise: Noise is less of a problem with notebooks than it once was, but it can still be a factor - especially if you're easily bothered by noise while working.

Noise in notebooks generally comes from two sources: the hard drive and the cooling fan. If you want to eliminate the source of hard drive altogether, consider a new notebook with a solid-state drive.