This article will discuss the four different forms that laptop computers come in and the strengths and weaknesses of each. The four types that I mentioned are tablets, netbooks, midsize and desktop replacement. I will cover topics such as screen sizes, memory and cost. The article will end with a summary or the main things to remember and what the main tradeoff is when considering all of the factors discussed.

Tablet computers have been around in some form for a while but it is the arrival of products such as the Apple iPad which has reignited interest in them. They used to be hard to use, underpowered, lacking in functionality and expensive. But, new processor, battery and touch screen technology has led to the possibility of a tablet device offering affordable usefulness.

Since this is a new emerging market companies are still trying to gauge the kind of features and specifications that customers require from such a device. Therefore there is a wide range of sizes and performance available. By 2011 however we can expect the tablet sector to be much more clearly defined.

Netbooks usually either have a 10.2 or an 11.6 inch screen. This makes them very portable. The processors used on this style of laptop tend to be low voltage to aid battery life. The result of this is that it is often still possible to get above 5 hours battery life from many netbooks. The trade off for this is that due to their size, and the need for them to last a long time on one battery charge on the move, netbooks are less powerful than larger laptops. Expect to get either 1Gb or 2Gb of memory and a hard drive of between 160Gb and 320Gb. Price wise, netbooks are on the lower end of the scale with prices as low as 200 pounds.

One thing to bear in mind with netbooks is that they often don't include an optical drive. This is another side effect of their size. In order to watch a DVD or rip a CD to the computer you will need to invest in an external optical drive. These start at around 40 pounds. While this may sound like an inconvenience, the improved speed of the internet has caused the need for an optical drive to diminish somewhat.

Midsize laptops have screens from 12 inches to 17 inches. The iconic example of a midsize laptop is the MacBook Pro from Apple. Midsize laptops are generally offered with between 2Gb and 4Gb of memory and a hard drive of 250Gb or above. This style of laptop is usually left in one room or building but it has the ability to be transported if necessary. This versatility has led to this category becoming one of the most popular available.

The added size of a midsize laptop over a netbook means that it is able to accommodate an optical drive. Instead of the low voltage CPU used in netbooks, larger laptops are more likely to have the now widespread dual core processors.

Finally we have the category known as desktop replacement. These laptops have screens that are larger than 17 inches. Such a machine is almost certainly going to remain in one building. But, unlike the desktop it would replace it could be easily transported between bedroom, kitchen, living room and home office.

It is most likely that, of all the types of laptops I have covered, it would be a desktop replacement that would come with a BluRay player built in. This is because the larger screen is more likely to have the resolution to deal with HD playback. In terms of specification these laptops are also likely to be ahead due to quad core processors with up to and even beyond 8Gb of memory. This all means that battery life can be expected to be worse as it is expected that the laptop will be plugged in to the mains for most of the time anyway.

So, in summary, laptops come in all shapes and sizes and, depending on your requirements, will differ in their usefulness to you. The main tradeoff is battery life and portability versus power and features. If you need a device to take with you everywhere you go a tablet of netbook would be best. However, if you need a laptop for around the home for the whole family to use perhaps a midsize or desktop replacement is right for you.

I wish you all the best in finding the right machine for you!