Buying a Laptop Computer
By Logan Rokwild
The following key points to consider when you are deciding which laptop to buy.
Size
In general, laptops are classified into three broad categories – one, the subcompact or ‘thin and light’ type, which are very portable, do not weigh much and have the most compact overall dimensions. The next size is the type that is also very portable, but will have a larger screen and keyboard.
The size that is one bigger than the previous type is what is called the ‘desktop replacement’ type. This will have an even larger screen and an almost desktop-size keyboard. It will be more versatile than the smaller systems.
Screen
The size of the screen is also a consideration for the type of laptop best suited for you. Those who prioritize portability over other factors will prefer the smallest screen. Generally the size of laptop screens ranges from 12” to 17”. For those working with graphics or video, the bigger the screen, the better the performance. Display with a widescreen format is best for working with spreadsheets, multimedia and of course watching movies.
Processors and memory
It is sensible to invest in a state-of-the art processor even if you are a basic user so that it is good for the coming few years.
A good, value-for –money proposition would be the Intel® Celeron ™ if your computing needs are basic. The Pentium® 4 would handle your needs even better. Intel ® also has a specialized notebook processor tailor-made for mobile technology, called the Pentium M.
As for RAM, 512MB is a must, considering the sophisticated applications that are available today. A laptop with upgradeable RAM would be good if you anticipate running short of RAM in the future. Buy the maximum RAM capacity that you can afford, as the amount of memory that a laptop can handle is limited.
Hard Drives and Optical Drives
The drive size depends mostly on how much you plan to use it. Today, an 80 GB hard drive with a 5400 RPM speed would be optimum, if you can afford it.
As far as removable storage goes, optical drives are the choice today. CD-RW/DVD combo drives are available economically. They are ideal for data storage as back-up.
Networking
Intel Centrino ® Mobile Technology, combines mobile processing power with built-in wireless networking capabilities. Computers that are equipped with this technology can easily connect to wireless networking areas in the house or office and an increasing number of locations all over the world. This technology also saves battery thus prolonging battery life.
Logan writes about various topics. This article is free to re-print as long as nothing is changed, the bio remains, all hyper links remain intacked and the rel="nofollow" tag isnt added to any links. Thank-You Visit:
Related Article
Getting A Great Refurbished Laptop
By Cody Kahl
Are you sick of all the high priced notebooks out there? Does getting a used laptop seem like a better choice to you? Refurbished laptops are everywhere these days, and the word itself seems like a “buzz word” of the industry. But do these used machines actually hold up to the strict standard of the word “refurbished”?
In this article I will discuss exactly what
process a used notebook should go through before it is called “refurbished”, as well as the advantages and disadvantages purchasing one brings.
Ok, so you see refurbished or recertified laptops being touted everywhere online these days, but are they all the same? The answer is no. Each company has a different process of restoring a notebook, and they aren’t all equal. This is what a good restoration process should look like:
- An examination of all hardware components
- Diagnostic and performance test
- Cleanup
- Cut & scratch repair (not always necessary)
What this process should equate to is a machine that runs just as good as when it was brand new, (and sometimes look just as good).
The most important thing you can do if you are looking at a particular “recertified” laptop is find out about the company selling it. Are they reputable? How long have they been in business? What process do their refurbished laptops go through?
These are the most important questions you must ask. I’ll be honest here; there are many companies that claim that their notebooks are recertified, but this is really a lie. There is a risk involved when buying a reconditioned notebook, and checking a company out before you purchase can go a long way towards your peace of mind.
That being said, good deals and quality notebooks can be found, and are found daily.
Before I conclude this article I would like to go over a few of the advantages and disadvantages buying a refurbished notebook can bring. For one, the obvious advantage is that you can save a lot of money on a mobile PC that runs just as good as ever -- as long as the laptop is of good quality. This is the advantage that appeals to everybody when it comes to getting a reconditioned laptop.
As for disadvantages? Well, as I said above, there is a risk when purchasing these notebooks. By doing proper research you can minimize this risk, but it will always be there. Another down side to these machines is that you are limited to whatever is available. With a new notebook your options are endless –- With a refurbished one, you have to take what you can get.
All in all, I think buying a refurbished laptop can be a great idea; provided you take the time to ask questions such as the ones above. If done correctly, you can get a great portable PC that will last you a long time to come, and save you a lot of cash as well.
Cody Kahl is creator and writer of Toshiba Laptops Guide – A site
dedicated to providing only the best used toshiba laptops information.
Cody believes in quality, and this free resource proves it.
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