So you want to buy a laptop but don’t know where to begin. You’re not alone. Buying a new laptop can present many challenges, Guest Posting especially when you’re unfamiliar with laptops or notebook computers.
During the last little while so much new laptop technology has to enter the world… 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 be a little overwhelming even for someone Pink HP Laptop like myself who runs an online Laptop Guide and who has an enthusiastic 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? You may not need all this new notebook technology?
But most of all which causes the area consider that question you must first figure out WHY you want a laptop? Why are you buying a laptop? What work or tasks do you want the laptop to perform? If you just want a laptop for simple web browsing and contacting, a laptop made five years ago will do the job nicely and cost you a heck of lot less. You really don’t demand a top of the line laptop unless of course, you’re checking up on the Jones and want the latest top type of everything. But that’s going in Doctor. 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 sort 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 Numerous 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 the 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, numerous windowed windows, streaming video… of the extremely 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 Spirits — Intel Centrino Duo is the front athlete in this area right now. However, AMD is giving Intel some stiff competition in the dual core battle with its Athlon™ sixty four X2 dual core processor. Either one would be a wise choice.
Hard DriveThe amount of space or size of laptop hardrives 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 SizePerhaps 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 computing 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:
Supplement PC (smallest) Size of a paper supplement or notepad, less than 3 pounds.
Ultra Portable (small) <11″ x 11″ More than 1. 5 inches width, more than 7 pounds and upPick the size that suits your purpose and use.
PriceLaptop 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 run you 3 to 4 grand. Ouch!
WarrantiesDon’t overlook this factor, if you’re buying a high-end laptop, you might want to check out these extended warranty specifics. If you do a lot of traveling, you might need to purchase insurance against thief and loss.
Dead Pixels Was the only thing I Presumed! 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.
Search online For Information Or even PurchaseI run a simple Laptop Guide on one of my sites and I also keep a laptop blog so i am constantly online to gather information and compare prices. You must shop around and investigate 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 this met my requirements and price. This breadmaker it in real life 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 swarmed store.
Kick The TiresLike 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 pain that may pop-up, in my case it was a small right shift key but he did this so minor I knew I could get accustomed to it and it didn’t stop me from buying my desired laptop.
Research Your LaptopUse the internet to research your desired laptop, know exactly what components it has and know what software has already been pre installed. Be careful of a sales person who will try to charge extra for setting up or installing programs on your laptop when these programs may already be pre installed at the manufacturing area 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, best 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 purchase it for a couple of weeks… but that’s another article.
If you consider most of the simple points and investigate the factors listed above then making your own laptop purchase will not only be quite easy but it may even prove an enjoyable experience. Do a little homework and you will easily find the perfect laptop for you.