Some Tips To Consider When Buying A Laptop

By: Dwayne Garrett

Many lap top computers are far more powerful than even high end desk top computers were just a few years ago. So let's take a look at some tips you'll want to be aware of when you go to buy a lap top computer.

As the capacities, power, size and lower cost of laptops continues to improve, laptop computers continue to represent increasing value for the dollar. But there are some important things to be aware of when considering a laptop. This article will focus on some of the primary issues.

The first decision to consider when purchasing a laptop is whether you need or want a Windows, Apple or Linux operating system.

Because the windows operating system has become so pervasive the majority will stick by with a Windows operating system. Windows XP Pro should be minimum and their new VISTA operating system if you can afford it. Keep in mind, if you are going to be dependent on friends and family to help you in getting used to using your new laptop computer, most of them will not have knowledge of the VISTA Operating system until even as late as 2010.

Those who have used Apple in the past, and are more familiar with Apple will have far more limited options, but are probably best off sticking with Apple.

Linux users will need to analyze compatibility issues on Linux forums online.

Again, if you are new to computing, and know you will be dependent on friends, family or even business associates for assistance as you get up to speed on using your computer, they are far more likely to be able to help you if you have a Windows Operating System on your laptop than a Mac or Linux operating system. Not that one operating system is necessarily any better than the other, but windows is known best by most computer users.

Assuming you know what operating system you are looking for, the next step is to set a budget, and determine whether you want a new or used machine. Used laptops represent a good value for machines in the $600 - $700 range and below. However they come with zero warranty. There are some excellent deals that can be found on "Refurbished" laptop computers, but you need to buy them locally, find out what the warranty and support conditions are and whether or not you can pay a little extra to increase the warranty and support period.

If you don't think you need all the bells and whistles of a brand new system, buying a used system through a seller at EBay or from a laptop refurbishing company can make a lot of sense economically. When scouring EBay, look for the Power Sellers who sell many used laptops, and make sure their customer satisfaction and return policies are solid.
Don't be tempted to buy systems without enough processing power just because they are cheap. Now days, anything below a Pentium 3 processor is best avoided, as Pentium 3 machines can already be found relatively inexpensively used or refurbished.

Once you have set your budget, determine the minimum memory capacity for your needs. Here I am referring to RAM or Random Access Memory. I would highly recommend setting 512 MegaBytes as your minimum memory capacity. If you are intending to do high end graphic presentations or video presentations 1024 MegaBytes should be your minimum. Stripping memory out of a computer is a common way to sell them at lower prices. But memory is often the weak link in personal computer systems, bringing the performance of the machine down significantly. Lots of memory is the great equalizer in computers, and many people fail to realize that a lower end laptop with lots of memory will often outperform a higher end one without the memory.

Once you have you memory needs and budget set, you can start to compare s for weight, ergonomics, and most importantly, screen size. Finding a size and weight that is acceptable to you is important, but finding the correct screen size should be your primary consideration.

Many people are excited by the larger screened laptops, but fail to fully appreciate the impact of resolutions. Most laptops come with a set with an ideal resolution, and switching to a higher or lower resolution can distort text. Some laptops with large 17 inch screens are set at very high screen resolution, making them difficult to read for long periods of time without some eye strain. Some of the inexpensive laptops with 15 inch screens can also be difficult to read and with on than laptops with larger screens. 1024x768 should be an acceptable screen resolution for most laptop monitors. Avoiding larger screens that require higher resolutions above 1024X768 can save a lot of money, and deliver a machine that is just as easy to work on and read from.

Finally, there are networking considerations. By now, it does not make a lot of sense to purchase any laptop without WiFi wireless networking capabilities. Most new laptops will come with this standard, but with older and used laptops it is an item you need to verify. With the constant increase in wireless accessibility, a laptop without this capability will become obsolete within a few years.

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Review of HP, Sony, and Compaq Laptops

By: Ajeet Khurana

So do you prefer to call them laptops or do you prefer to call them notebooks. I am partial to notebooks as I never keep them on top of my lap. Jokes apart, purchasing a new notebook computer is really tough.

If you were to read the ads then each computer sounds better than the cat's whiskers. But when you look close, they all look similar. At least the similarly priced ones tend to be similar. So, is there really a difference between one laptop and another? Or should I say one notebook and another?

To answer this very question, I am going to look at three popular computers that are currently on sale and compare them. The read can then take this to be the starting point and evaluate many other options to find the one that works best for them.

First of all, let us consider the HP Pavilion DV6426US, a machine that I powered by the Intel Core Duo Processor T2450. This multithreaded architecture based micro processor is well optimized for multi-tasking based performance. The fact that this notebook comes installed with 1 GB RAM should help run many of the contemporary popular applications at a good speed. It has a 160 GB Hard Drive which is nothing spectacular, but should do the trick in most cases. And the bundled operating system is the Microsoft Vista Premium. And I really like notebooks that come with an integrated WebCam. This HP laptop sure has one of those. In the absence of such a webcam, attempting Video IM becomes a serious pain.

Second let us consider the Sony VAIO VGN-FZ140E/B. This laptop too is powered by a Duo Processor, in this case the Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7100. It beats the HP one in terms of RAM, as it comes with 2 GB RAM. Its hard disk is bigger at 200 GB. So, if Freud was right and size does matter then, well, this one has the bigger Hard Drive. The duo-core multithreading micro processor will deliver performance similar to the HP machine. This laptop comes with Microsoft Vista Home Premium.

Finally let us look at the Compaq Presario F572US. Like both the previous machines, this one too has a 15.4" screen. Though it has a dual-core micro processor, the Compaq uses the AMD Athlon 64 Processor TK-53 and not an Intel based processor like the other two I wrote about. Also it has 1 GB RAM like the HP machine. Where I think it scores lower is in its hard disk capacity, a mere 80 GB. It also comes with the Microsoft Vista Premium.

All in all, the machines have pros and cons. I have not listed prices here, as they would change faster than I could type them out. But, make sure to look at the prices too.

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Simple Steps For Buying A Notebook Computer

By: Adrian Adams

Buying a notebook computer is quite an investment. Almost all of the modern ones cost more than 600 dollars, and so you want to choose one that will last you a while. Therefore, you should look for certain things when choosing your notebook computer that will allow you to choose something that fits your personal needs, and allows for the best usage of every single dollar that you spend. So if you have been thinking about buying a notebook computer, read on and find out how to do it best.

First you should go to your local computer store, and look at the laptop selection that they've got. Be sure to bring some paper and a pencil to record info about the laptops. Pick up a few different ones, and feel their weight in your hands. If you don't already have a thorough knowledge of computer lingo (IE, what kind of RAM and hard drive space to look for), familiarize yourself with it. Analyze your possible choices, and write down the names and numbers, along with any thoughts you have about them. Be sure to try out the keyboard and pointing device to see if they are comfortable to use.

Next, leave the store and go home to get on the internet. Go to a site that accumulates reviews for products, such as google shopping, or amazon. Use the numbers that you collected at the store, and research them on the internet. You can find out what other consumers opinions have been. You can find out if the general experiences have been positive, and you can find out any problems that you will want to look out for. Add all of this to your data that you have accumulated. Once you're done, you will probably have a good idea of what computer you will choose. When looking at reviews, you will most likely find information such as what sort of jobs the notebook is best for. Is it good for office work, or gaming? Compare the reviews with your own idea of what you want to use it for.

With so many choices, it is often easy to resign yourself and simply buy the first laptop that looks even moderately good. Avoid doing this as much as possible. As long as you take your time and look at all the information you can find on each individual laptop, you will surely find something that suits your needs.

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The Benefits Of Buying A Notebook Online

By: Roberto Sedycias

Notebooks are as accessible as they are useful, and the range available can make buying a product time consuming and complicated. Of course, before buying any laptop a consumer should be aware of the quality and advantages of the investment. For this reason, many devices are bought from high street retailers, where assistants can provide advice and provide demonstrations. Although it can be useful to be able to walk into a shop and view the product, there is a shift in the way that notebooks are being purchased. This is because buying online provides all the usual benefits, but there are also many further advantages to be gained.

The first advantage is that there is a better range available. When you buy from a high street retailer you are reliant upon the notebook range that they have in stock at that time. These retailers will only purchase a limited number of certain products as they need to be certain that there is demand. Online product retailers can be more responsive to their customers needs, and so provide a wider range and in bigger numbers using a supply and demand approach. The site will often provide information and reviews on its products also. The range is not limited only to what is currently on offer either; online notebook retailers now offer bespoke services where you can create a notebook that contains all the components that are specifically important to you. High street retailers do not have the demand or the capacity to be able to provide this service, unless it is of considerable size and a specialist provider.

Often, the information you receive about your notebook is clearer and more honest online. Technology improvements are fast and furious, and as soon as a is released it immediately becomes dated. High street electronic retailers need to be able to sell their older notebooks before they become too old to sell. Furthermore, the advice given is the opinion of that particular person only, and part of their wage may be based on commission from sales. Online reviews have the benefit of being from a variety of audiences. If you do not want to know the site reviews, there are many independent notebook review sites that can utilized to help you make an informed decision. Another major benefit is that the notebook reviews can be browsed, whilst looking at the desired potential purchase.

When purchased online, the notebook can also be purchased from anywhere in the world. This means that anyone can have access to the latest and most advanced notebook and accessories, regardless of where they reside. Make sure that import taxation is taken into consideration in this scenario when pricing the cost. Another advantage is that the laptop can be delivered to you, making this a convenient option. The notebook will be carefully packaged and guaranteed to arrive in optimum condition. Delivery options can often include free shipping, depending upon where you live. The online laptop retail site will display their regulations regarding this clearly.

The usual advantages of special offers when buying a notebook from a high street retailer can be gained when making a purchase online. Many notepad retail sites have the same buy now pay later options available, with clear contracts and terms and conditions. However, it is worth noting that online notebook retailers have fewer overheads such as rental space and cost of equipment. This means that they can often offer better special offers available than those in the shops. These can range from free notebook accessories, reduced cost of further payments, free shipping, and price reduction. The provision and support is excellent, and so buying a notebook online may be an excellent investment opportunity.

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Notebook Buying Tips

By: Roberto Modesto

Why notebook became so popular? It has been estimated that notebook sales has increased an average of 20% per year in the United States alone. Among the many advantages it offers, portability is one of the main reason people end up making a purchase of it. However before any purchase is made, other features should be considered as well.

Notebook was first made available in the early eighties. Although much heavier and bulkier than today's notebooks, it had the unique portability feature that put this innovative product in a class by itself. Although not much of a commercial success then, it gave the computer industry a goal to pursue in manufacturing this item with better weight, size and performance ratio and making one of today's most wanted computer hardware.

Notebook size has got much smaller, however big enough to make one feel very comfortable in handling and operating computer related tasks. One can find it in sizes best categorized as: 1 - Tablet Pc has the size of paper tablet and weighs no more than 4 pounds; 2 - Ultra Portable is a little bigger than Tablet Pc and weighs around 4 pounds, no internal CD or DVD drive, display of 12 inches or smaller; 3 - Thin and Light is a mid-size notebook, 10-14" x 10", 1 to 1.5 thick, and weighs around 7 pounds, wireless network capability, 14-inch displays, combo CD-RW/DVD; 4 - Desktop replacement is the largest category of notebooks, more than 12 x 10" and weighs more than 7 pounds, 15-17 inches displays or larger, wireless network capability, combo CD-RW/DV.

Also an important feature one should look for is performance. Notebooks provide very close performance in comparison with traditional desktop computers, and should handle all computer related tasks with great ease. Whenever purchasing a notebook, make sure it has the latest cpu , large ram memory and hard disk space. Notebook performance is directly related with cpu clock, ram memory and hard disk space. For these items, big is never enough.

Another feature one should look for is the dvd player. It can come in handy for entertainment purposes, enabling one to watch movies while traveling. Wireless connection is also a feature to look for in a notebook. Some notebooks feature an infrared port, which can be used to connect a mobile phone. Also there are other wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which allows mobile phone, printers and PDA to be connected at certified public and private network. The ability to have a mobile connection is definitely a plus in today's connected world.

Expansion capability for notebooks can be done thru the use of plug-in pc cards. Although there is a new standard called ExpressCard, which is smaller and faster plug-in card that provides more features for multimedia tasks.

Notebooks have certainly become an item required for one's mobile computer related tasks, whether it is used for public, private, personal or professional purposes. Its portability and small size make an attractive all around computer hardware item. For those looking for mobile computer hardware, notebooks can certainly become a good solution at affordable prices.

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