Below are the things
you consider in buying a laptop or notebook computer.
1. Determine the SIZE .
|
Your Need and Purpose will determine the SIZE.
Below are the group of laptop or notebook computer that are categorized
according to its SIZE. |
Tablet PC (smallest) -
|
size of a paper tablet or notepad. Less than 3 pounds. You
get a fully equipped PC in the form of a letter sized notepad
that you can carry to meetings. Some have special digital pens
that you can write with - very practical for students, salespeople,
teachers, researchers, engineers, health related workers, and
other people who find a notebook too cumbersome in a meeting
or office setting.
Tablet PC can come in two designs - Convertible and Slate Models.
In the convertible model - a small tablet-sized screen folds over
like a notebook with an integrated keyboard while in the slate model
- the screen can be removed from the keyboard. Most models carry
Windows XP Tablet PC Edition.
Pros - Very lightweight,easy to carry anywhere and great for PowerPoint presentations!
Cons - Don't have all the features of a larger notebook, hard to read outdoors in bright light
|
Ultra Portable (small) <11" x <10" Less than 1.3
inches thick Usually Less than 4 pounds.
|
These notebooks are very portable. Designed to be easily carried anywhere - airports, meetings, hotels, etc. -- its light
weight makes it a favorite of the business traveler. Even though it doesn't have the full functionality .
Pros - It's Portability, easy to conceal (theft is a problem with
most notebooks), excellent for the business traveler.
Cons - Many don't have an internal optical drive or floppy drives
so you many have to carry these external drives or a docking bay
- add 2 or 3 pounds for these extra devices. Don't have all the
functions of larger notebooks. |
Thin and Light (mid-size) 11-14" x <11" 1 to 1.4
inches thick From 5 to 7 pounds.
|
Thin and Light Notebooks offers more features or functions than
the Utraportables. Thus, they are somewhat heavier and bulkier. If size
and weight is not a consideration for your needs - you should try
a Thin and Light Notebook.
Pros: Lightweight and portable, more functions than an UtraPortable.
Cons: Theft may be a problem (keep an eye on it, make sure it's
insured, stencil your ID on it!).Less functions than a full
desktop replacement
Desktop Replacements (largest) >13" x >11" More
than 1.5 inches More
than 7 pounds and up.
Growing in popularity as these desktop replacement computers now
offer most if not all the functions of your regular desktop PC plus
with
the addition of portability. Worth considering before you purchase
your next PC. Especially if you just want a portable PC to move
around in your home - from room to room. However; the major
drawback - these systems are not suitable for extensive traveling.
Since most weight in at over 10 - 12 pounds; sitting with these
in your
lap for any extended period of time will be slightly uncomfortable!
Pros: Full functions, large screens, and portable.
Cons: Not really suitable for traveling.
|
2. Determine the speed of the Processor and the size of RAM
Computer with high processor speed and large memory unit has a higher speed
of computing and
processing performance.
Processors
|
The Processor is the brain of your computer. In general, the faster
the better. Processor speeds are measured in gigahertz (GHz) and
as of this writing, the fastest models available operate at about
4 GHz or more. Processor choices are a bit more difficult now then
they were before. It is still really a choice between an AMD and
an Intel processor. But Intel processors are currently faster and
more efficient than the offering from AMD. But, going with AMD may
save you some money and this is where the choice depends on your
budget. |
Memory
|
Memory or RAM is the temporary working memory that your computer
uses to perform calculations and manipulate files. When you open
a document, it is copied from the hard drive into RAM. As you and
your word processor work on the file, the modified copy exists only
in RAM. When you save the file, it is copied from RAM back to the
hard drive, or permanent storage. And as with CPU power, the more
RAM you have, the better your computer will perform. It's generally
agreed that you need at least 256MB for Windows XP and Mac OS X
and atleast 1GB for Windows Vista. |
3. Determine the storage size
Hard drives
|
The hard drive is your permanent file storage. All of your personal
files, such as word processor documents, photos, music, and emails
are stored here, in addition to software packages and the operating
system. 80 gigabytes (GB) hard drive are excellent choice for notebook
computers. |
4. Determine the quality of display
|
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. |
5. Determine Additional Drives you need: CD-ROM, DVD-ROM.
|
A DVD-rewritable (DVDRW) drive is essential today for making backups
and drive images should you find the need to restore your system.
A DVDRW drive will allow you to burn to almost any type of writable
DVD media (DVDR, DVDRW) and erase DVDRW discs and use them over
again.
A CD-ROM is needed for installing software. A CD-RW drive is
needed to back up data on CDs.
|
6. Determine what external ports available
|
Most of notebook computers 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, and digital cameras. If you handle large video
files or data - make sure your notebook has a FireWire Port. Plus, most notebooks have built-in antennas for wireless networking
and portability. Check if all these ports are present. |
7. Determine what pre-installed software you need
|
Most of the software you need will come pre-installed on your new
PC. Windows comes with Internet Explorer (for web browsing) and
Outlook Express (for email). Many PC systems include a word processor,
such as Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, or OpenOffice and spreadsheet
like Excel. Ask the vendor if this software is pre-installed already
on your notebook.
Look for a computer that comes with anti-virus software pre-installed.
If yours doesn't come with any anti-virus package, check with your
vendor to see if they offer anything for free |
8. Choose a computer brand based on quality, price and technical
support
|
There several computer manufacturer such as Dell, HP (Compaq),
Gateway. Some of them provide a web-based configuration tool for
customizing a PC before you purchase it. This may be a more relaxing
experience than being rushed by a sales representative over the
phone. If there is something you don't understand when configuring
your PC, call that company's sales line for answers. |
9. Know your retailer
|
The last, but most important aspect in purchasing a computer is
the retailer. Many companies may be cheap, but they cut many corners.
When the time comes you are better off searching for the cheapest
and most reliable retailer. Every component should be tested for
compatibility before it is installed in your computer, resulting
in a reliable, error-free system that can provide you years of happy
computing. |
|
Choose the length of warranty or service coverage appropriate to
your needs. |
|