Ask for Jill…Tell Her I Sent Ya!

by Doug Smith

http://web.archive.org/web/20000411112435/www.ed2go.com/news/laptop.html

Let's say you wanted to buy a notebook computer to augment or even perhaps replace your desktop computer. Before you invest at least $1,000,  you might want to do a little research and even a bit of comparison shopping. You're a bargain hunter, right? Why do all that driving in all that holiday traffic when you can learn about, compare prices on, and even purchase a  notebook computer online?

I know what you're thinking: Why do I need a notebook computer? What are the advantages and disadvantages? If only there was some sort of area where you could go on the Web that could be sort of an advisor...somewhere you could delve into the world of the notebook and see if that world is one you want to enter.

Open your Web browser and go to Cozone.com. This is a great place to start if you're looking to buy a notebook, computer, or any other related accessory. Today we're shopping for notebooks, so click the "Notebooks" link. This will take you to the section of the site dedicated to notebook computers.

Click on the "Price and Performance" link in the center of the page to see if a notebook really is for you. This will take you to an area were you can find out more about notebooks. For example, if SPEED is important to you, a desktop is recommended. A notebook will give you "adequate" speed. If BUDGET matters, desktops are more affordable. If SCREEN size is important, a desktop is recommended. So, overall, notebooks are a bit slower and more expensive, and their screens are much smaller and harder to see than desktop monitor screens.

So what ARE the advantages of a notebook computer? Without a doubt, the biggest advantage of notebooks over desktops is their portability and convenience. Notebooks are extremely portable and durable, weighing five to eight pounds. Notebooks can fit in a briefcase and can travel with you on an airplane, or from your office to your living room. Notebooks can also run on batteries so they don't always have to be plugged in. Overall, you'll find that a good notebook has nearly all of the capabilities of a decent desktop, just in a smaller, portable package.

Now you know some of the advantages and disadvantages, but you're still not sure a notebook computer is for you. Cozone has another resource for you: Jill the  Notebook Advisor.  She can help you make your notebook decision, see if notebooks are for you, and help you find the right notebook.

Jill will personally help you learn more about notebooks, help you browse the catalog, or help you buy a notebook. By using interactive FAQs, Jill answers questions you might have. Jill is actually a composite of the Cozone tech staff, but available 24 hours a day.

"Help Me Learn About Notebooks" features sections on a notebook overview, buying a notebook online, and notebook features.

"Show Me Some Notebooks Now" brings up some notebooks for you to take a peek at, including links to sections on "Why This Notebook is Right For You." From here you can give Jill specific requirements, and she'll even help you pick out the best notebook for you.

"Help Me Choose a Notebook" allows you to go through and tell Jill about yourself, your requirements and how you plan to use the notebook. Then, a few notebooks will be shown and the advantages and disadvantages of each, based upon the preferences you entered. You can view the specific qualities that make a particular notebook right for you, or compare the multiple notebooks displayed.

Of course, the primary purpose of all this is to get you to buy a notebook, which you can easily do here as well. All you have to do is hit "Buy Now" and the purchasing process starts. Give them your credit card number and in a couple weeks you should have your new notebook computer!

There are many other sites that sell fine notebooks online, and can tell you about the features of what you're buying. I like Cozone for its presentation. This is one of those instances where you KNOW an actual person isn't helping you, but the personal touches add to the shopping experience. The informational value of the site is also a plus. It seems that they want you to make an informed decision when buying from them. It's useful and fun to visit here whether you buy your notebook from Cozone  or not.

So, you don't need to drive down to the local computer store or giant electronic store to get a notebook. Why leave the comfort and safety of your home when you don't have to? Log on to the Web and go to www.cozone.com, and look for Jill.