Computers and The Internet
5 Tips For Buying The Right Laptop Computer
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t's easy to be intimidated by all the laptop models on
the market today. There are literally dozens and
dozens in every price range. The key to finding the
right one for you is to step back and consider exactly
how you plan to use your laptop. When you define
what you need before you go shopping, buying the
right machine becomes much easier.
Here are 5 basic factors to consider:
In the world of mobile computing, size definitely matters. The size of a notebook affects two key areas: portability and display size. If you're always on the go and will be using your computer only in short bursts, a so-called ultralight will save you some shoulder strain. On the other hand, if you're going to spend hours in front of your laptop, a larger display may be in order.
Speaking of size, what about the size of the hard drive? One way to approach this issue is to ask yourself the following question: Will this be my primary computer, or will it supplement my desktop system? If the former, you should look for a bigger hard drive - 60 GB or more. If the latter, you may be able to make it with a 20-30 GB hard drive. But even this isn't absolute.
In determining the right amount of system memory, or RAM, take a look at the ways in which you intend to use your laptop:
If your needs are somewhat mundane - email, spreadsheets, word processing, etc. - 256 MB of RAM should be plenty. This is a common configuration for many laptops, so it means you probably won't need to spend extra for more RAM.
On the flip side, if you're an aspiring mobile digital photographer or videographer, you should stuff your laptop with as much RAM as it can hold.
Thanks in no small part to the Internet, computing in the 21st century relies heavily on being connected:
Connected to the Internet, connected to a corporate network, connected to a wireless network, connected to a home network, connected to an online service. Your life will be easier if you buy a laptop that includes built-in means to connect to them all.
If you're considering a notebook computer, you're probably wondering how much money you'll need to spend.
A few years ago, you'd be hard-pressed to find one for under $2,000. Today, there are plenty of laptops to be had for under $1,000.
What's more, most of the major manufacturers offer a variety of financing options.
Laptop prices have come down, to be sure. However, a laptop still represents a fairly major purchase for most people.
The author, computer journalist John San Filippo, has created the definitive guide for buying a laptop computer. It's an easy read and explains everything you need to know. Check out ==> http://howtobuyalaptop.com/
