So you can have your primary work tool with you on the road or at home. The spectrum is short indeed. Another class-blurring technology is based on the new multispeed processors from AMD and Intel. The SpeedStep-equipped portables saw a performance degradation of less than 11 percent but delivered only 9 to 17 minutes more of battery life. With Windows 2000, it's easier to manage power in other ways and add or remove hardware.
Connectivity is also an area that's seen some welcome improvement.
In addition to integrated Ethernet, some notebook makers include a customized wireless networking solution, the result of careful interaction between the notebook manufacturer and a networking vendor. Look for other vendors to follow suit. So whether you're on the road or in the office, whether you need to connect to a network or not, today's notebooks are more likely to perform when you need them in the way you need them to. And you'll never miss that big beige box under your desk. Find out how.