Important features

Important features (二):

A 14- to 15-inch display, measured diagonally, should suit most people. Displays that are 17

inches are becoming more common. A resolution of 1,280x800 (WXGA) pixels (picture

elements) or more is better than 1,024x768 (XGA) for viewing the fine detail in photographs or

video, but it might shrink objects on the screen. You can use settings in Windows to make them

larger. Most models are offered with a display that has a glossy surface instead of a matte one.

Those look better in bright ambient light as long as you avoid direct reflections. Try to view the

screen in bright light before buying. A "wide aspect" display (WXGA or WSXGA) fits wide-

screen DVD movies better.A new display technology called LED-backlit LCD is making its way

into laptops. It's supposed to be more power-efficient and provide a brighter picture.Most

laptops use a small touchpad in place of a mouse-you slide your finger across it to move the

cursor. You can also program the pad to respond to a "tap" as a "click," or to scroll as you sweep

your index finger along the pad's right edge. An alternative system uses a pointing stick the size

of a pencil eraser in the middle of the keyboard. You can attach a USB mouse or trackball, if you

prefer.Laptops usually include at least one PC-card or Expresscard slot for expansion. You might

add a wireless-network card or a cellular modem if those are not built in.