So you want to buy a laptop but don't know where to start.
You're not alone. Buying a new laptop can present many challenges, especially
if you're unfamiliar with laptops or notebook computers.
Over the last little while so much new laptop technology has hit the market...
Intel Duo Processors, SLI, Dual Graphics... it can all be totally mind boggling
to the average consumer. For the first time laptop buyer understanding all
the techno jargon can be downright scary.
Mainly because a whole new generation of notebook technology comes around
every two years or less; probably much less when you consider all the new
advances made recently. It can even be a little overwhelming even for someone
like myself who runs an online Laptop Guide and who has a keen interest in
all things laptop.
Regardless of all these fancy new improvements, devices and notebook technology,
you must remember you're buying a new laptop for you and you alone. You must
first decide if all this new stuff is important to you? Do you really need
all this new notebook technology?
But most of all before you can consider that question you must first figure
out WHY you want a laptop? Why are you buying a laptop? What chores or tasks
do you want the laptop to perform?
If you just want a laptop for simple web browsing and emailing, a laptop
made five years ago will do the job nicely and cost you a heck of lot less.
You really don't need a top of the line laptop unless of course, you're keeping
up with the Jones and want the latest top model of everything. But that's
moving into Dr. Phil's territory... lets not venture there!
So what do you need the laptop for?
Do you need a lightweight portable laptop for business trips or meetings?
Do you need a student notebook for classes? Or do just want a desktop replacement
computer that you can easily move around in your home?
Your answer will greatly determine which type of laptop you should buy.
In my case, I work full time at home and do a lot of web design so I needed
a solid machine with a lot of RAM. I also enjoy downloading and enjoying
the occasional movie so a DVD Multi Drive and a wide screen display were
important. High quality graphics and sound was also important for what I
needed.
* RAM
RAM is to computer what location is to real estate. RAM or Random Access
Memory is perhaps the most important factor to consider when buying your
laptop or any computer.
RAM will greatly determine the speed of your laptop or computer. How fast
it will process your tasks and graphics. You must make sure you have enough
for your needs. You can now find many laptops pre-loaded with 1 Gig of RAM
and capable of upgrading to 4 Gigs or more. Compared to yesterday's computers
that's a lot of RAM. If you're not into gaming, handling large video files/editing,
all that RAM is not needed but it will make your laptop run faster. Also,
remember if you're into gaming, Video RAM will be important -- you need a
top of the line (read expensive) Graphics Card and it will increase the cost
of your laptop.
Also it may be wise to buy a laptop with upgradable memory - since new applications,
multi windowed browsers, streaming video... of the very near future may place
high demand on your laptop's RAM.
* Dual Core Processors
CPU or Computer Processing Unit is the heart of your laptop and in this case
you have Two Hearts -- Intel Centrino Duo is the front runner in this area
right now. However, AMD is giving Intel some stiff competition in the dual
core battle with its Athlon™ 64 X2 dual core processor. Either one
would be a wise choice.
* Hard Drive
The amount of space or size of laptop hard drives are steadily increasing,
a 100 Gig laptop is now common. If you don't want a lot of storage, buying
a smaller size hard drive will save you money. Many laptop experts choose
the SATA hard drive with a high 5400 or 7200 RPM.
* Weight or Size
Perhaps the major reason you're considering buying a laptop is its size or
weight -- otherwise you're better of saving your money and buying a desktop
computer instead. A laptop is portable, you can carry it anywhere... tuck
it under your arm and cart it to class or your next business meeting. It
is ideal for taking your information and work to wherever you want to go.
This portability is the main selling feature of a laptop.
Obviously you must pick the best sized laptop to suit your needs. Laptops
are divided into different categories, here's a quick rundown:
Tablet PC (smallest) Size of a paper tablet or notepad, less than 3 pounds.
Ultra Portable (small) <11" x <10" Less than 1.3 inches thick,
less than 4 pounds.
Thin and Light (mid-size) 11-14" x <11" 1 to 1.4 inches thick,
from 5 to 7 pounds.
Desktop Replacements (largest) >13" x >11" More than 1.5
inches, more than 7 pounds and up.
Pick the size that suits your purpose and use.
* Price
Laptop prices are steadily falling, it is now possible to get a quality laptop
for well under a $1000. Many are selling at the $500 - $600 range. High quality
gaming laptops offered by such specialty laptop makers as Alienware, Rock,
will still set you back 3 to 4 grand. Ouch!
* Warranties
Don't overlook this factor, if you're buying an expensive laptop, you might
want to check out these extended warranties. If you do a lot of traveling,
you might need to purchase insurance against thief and loss.
* Dead Pixels Was the Only Thing I Feared!
If you can check your laptop for any dead pixels. A dead pixel will give
you white spots(pixels)on your LCD display screen. Most cases you're buying
your laptop straight out of the box, booting up and finding you have dead
pixels is not a pleasant experience. If you want to check your laptop screen
for dead pixels, just do a search for the free 'Dead Pixel Buddy' software
program and run it to check your laptop for dead pixels.
* Use The Internet For Information Or Even Purchase
I run a simple Laptop Guide on one of my sites and I also keep a laptop blog
so I am constantly using the Internet to gather information and compare prices.
You must shop around and check out the consumer reports on the different
laptop makers and the different laptop products. You must also check out
the service records/reputation of the major brand names.
I researched all the different laptops and found the one that met my requirements
and price. I bought it in the real world at a local Computer store mainly
because I wanted to examine the laptop's graphics and keyboard in the flesh.
However, I checked out all of the product's details beforehand on this store's
online site -- much easier than in a busy crowded store.
* Kick The Tires
Like buying anything, it is always a good idea to fully check out your purchase.
Sample the laptop's keyboard, does typing feel comfortable? Try the touchpad,
is it responsive? Open your favorite programs and check the processing speed
of your laptop. Bring along a DVD and sample the sound and graphics. Take
note of any problems or irritations that may pop-up, in my case it was a
small right shift key but this was so minor I knew I could get used to it
and it didn't stop me from buying my desired laptop.
* Research Your Laptop
Use the Internet to research your desired laptop, know exactly what components
it has and know what software is already preloaded. Be careful of salespeople
who will try to charge you extra for configuring or installing programs on
your laptop when these programs may already be preloaded at the factory stage!
I settled on a Toshiba Satellite P100-SD3: it has Intel Duo, 1 Gig of RAM,
100 Gig Hard Drive, 17" widescreen TrueBrite Display, compatible with
the new Windows Vista... it meets all my needs and I am quite pleased with
my new laptop. And I will be writing a full review after I have used it for
a couple of weeks... but that's another article.
If you consider most of the simple points and check out the factors listed
above then making your own laptop purchase will not only be quite painless
but it may even prove an enjoyable experience. Do a little homework and you
will easily find the perfect laptop for you.
