There are almost as many types of I/O interfaces as there are brands of computer. When you buy a customized laptop, you're often confronted with a host of options for ports, including USB 3.0, FireWire, Displayport, DVI and VGA. But the one you'll need to know for sure is Thunderbolt.

A Thunderbolt connection, which is currently available on all Apple Mac computers and a few Windows PC's, is unlike the other connectors we listed because it can handle both data transfer and display monitor connections. In other words, rather than having one port for hooking up external hard drives and peripheral devices like keyboards, and another for your monitor, Thunderbolt would allow you to plug in all of these devices using the same connection.

This will be useful because computer manufacturers can now design models that devote less physical space to i/o ports that aren't being used. You'll be able to buy peripheral devices and monitors without having to worry about whether your computer has the right interface.

Possibly the biggest benefit of Thunderbolt is the 10 gigabit per second data transfer speed, which is twice as fast as USB 3.0 and 20 times quicker than USB 2.0. According to Intel, which developed the technology, this means you could copy a full-length HD movie in less than 30 seconds. Backing up data from your computer to an external drive would become a much quicker, painless experience.

Currently, the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air feature a Thunderbolt connection. If you have devices that require a USB 3.0, FireWire, DisplayPort or other connection, you can purchase an adaptor that will allow you to use them.

If you're looking to take advantage of the blazing transfer speeds of Thunderbolt technology, check out PortableOne's lineup of Apple MacBook Pro and MacBook Air notebooks.