Tip: You might also want to check rotational speed of your notebook's hard disk as it can affect performance a 5,400rpm notebook disk is much faster than a 4,200rpm model. How fast disk spins, will also determine performance level of your notebook.

* Hard Drive: Check if it has a fixed drive; some units have drives you can swap. As for size; around 20GB for most notebook drives. You'll need only a 20GB or 30GB for most tasks on your notebook. If you handle large graphics or large amount of files (dvd, M3Ps,etc.) you need more -- 50 to 60GB or higher.

Also, keep in mind, that you also have external drive(s) option for storing and media-burning.

* Memory: How much do you need?

RAM (random-access memory). This is what computer uses to run applications and data on your operating system. It's generally agreed that you need at least 256MB for Windows XP and Mac OS X. You will only need 128MB for other operating systems in Windows or Mac.

* CD-RW Drive: You will need a CD-ROM for installing. And a CD-RW drive for burning your own CDs if that's one of tasks you want your notebook to do.

Keep in mind another option -- many notebooks can access or use external drives for data storage, cd burning, etc. * LCD Displays: Most have LCD screens; this is different from your desktop CRT (cathode-ray tube) monitor but most people are famaliar with this type of displays -- it's commonly found in digital cameras and camcorders.

Screen Size: You have to consider what size LCD display you want. If you're going to be viewing a lot of pictures or movies on your notebook -- a large 15 or 17 inch would be better suited for your needs.

Usually, LCD screens range in size from 12 inches to 17 inches (diagonal). Viewing is usually set at 1,024x768 resolution. Quality is almost standard in all these notebooks. But check them out at your dealers if picture quality is your main reason for buying a notebook.

Note-- Fujitsu LifeBook P ultraportable series has smallest displays 10.6 inches. The Apple PowerBook has one of largest at 17-inches.

* Modems: Most if not all notebooks have 56Kbps-modems and Ethernet connections. As well as connections (ports) for printers, VGA for external monitor and there should be one or more USB ports for keyboards, drives, MP3's and digital cameras.

* Antennaes: Most notebooks have built-in antennas for wireless networking and portability. But check before you buy!

* Portability: Might sound like a strange question to ask about notebooks. Not really, most notebooks are very portable, easy to carry -- what they were designed for. However; larger notebooks like 'desktop replacemets' with 17 inch screens and weighing over 7 pounds might not be best choice for heavy traveler. For example new HP Pavilion zd8000 weights a whopping 12 lbs!

* Accessories: Lastly, you should look at some accessories that you might need with your notebook computer. Many come with a Docking station or port replicator -- somewhere to store and access your computer. Check on functions of each before you buy.

You might consider buying an extra battery; especially if you're buying your laptop mainly for traveling and in field work.

Laptop bag is another accessory you should definitely consider buying. Again, notebooks might seem lightweight and small but if you have lug it around all day and you're going to wish you had bought that carrying bag.

Now Assess Your Computer Needs?

Finally, we come to main question that determines which notebook is right for you. (If money is no barrier!)

WHAT DO YOU NEED THE COMPUTER FOR? WHAT JOB OR TASKS DO YOU WANT THE COMPUTER TO Perform?

If you want something small to carry on a plane, or if you travel a lot, then go with an utralight -- often called ultraportables -- these are lightest and smallest notebooks, about size of spiral-bound notebook and weighing less than four pounds.

If you're a student and need something light weight but also a little sturdy with a large hard drive (hold MP3s) you might want to check out 'thin and light' notebooks.

If you want to replace your main desktop with something more portable -- go with a 'mainstream' or 'desktop replacements'.

If you want something you can use at home, work and traveling around then you need 'thin and light.' If you want an 'all-around' 'all-in-one' 'do-it-all' notebook ... then buy a notebook of this type.

Because it's so flexible, and covers most of your computing needs; this is one that's becoming most popular.

That's it - JUDGMENT TIME!

You have considered most of facts about buying a notebook computer. Now weight your options. Think about tasks you will be doing with your notebook. Look at checklist and check out specs. Is everything covered. Will one you choose -- have features to do job?

Keep that question in your mind. It's most important.

If you're considered all these points; buying your notebook should be just a little bit easier.

In no time at all, you may be walking around with one of those sleek, svelte - dare we say sexy - accessories tucked under your arm.

Titus Hoskins

Attach other end of tubing (which is attached to injector) to post inside carriage cavity. Be very careful not to break post. If you do, GAME OVER. There is very little room to work but do best you can. Try to get tubing on post firmly for an airtight connection. Slowly inject about 2cc of Windex solution into print head. Some of Windex might leak out around post, just try to get at least 2 cc injected into print head. It may offer resistance, just be patient. Repeat this procedure for any other color that is not printing. Make sure to wash tubing between each color.

Put in a brand new cartridge, not refilled. Don't ignore this step or chances are procedure will fail. New generic cartridges are ok.

Move carriage back to right position and plug in printer. Run three cleaning cycles with a nozzle check before and after. If there is still a problem try running another three cleaning cycles. Then try a test print. If it still has problems let printer sit over night and repeat procedure. If second day procedure fails then it's time for Epson repair shop, or buy a new one.

Sometimes this procedure will not work, we're not sure why. It may be because there are other problems with printer, not just clogged nozzles.