Purchasing a Laptop: What You Need and What to Look For

Buying a computer is a big investment, and for most people not an easy purchase to make. There are a number of things that should be taken into consideration before purchasing a computer whether it be your first, or your fifth, these guidelines still hold.

The first and most important thing to think about when deciding on a computer is how you will use the computer. One huge mistake would be buying the most basic computer when you're planning on using it to join in on the "World of Warcraft." So, decide what you want the computer for. Will you be using it for school? For work? Chances are if you're using it for school or work only, you'll only need Windows software, a web browser, and internet access of some sort (which may include a wireless card). However, if you're looking to play computer games, make music or movies, view and edit photos, as well as browse the web, do school work, and the like, you'll need a whole lot more. The point here: before doing anything, decide what you will be doing with your computer.

The next thing you might want to do is consider the price, how much can you pay for the system? As a rule of thumb, a laptop computer is going to cost you more than a desktop so you'll want to allocate a decent amount to your computer. While you don't need to max out the credit card to get a good system, it's a good idea to set aside a couple thousand and probably use all that to get the best system you can.

With those basic set aside, it's time to think about the screen of the laptop. As you have probably noticed, there are a number of different sizes available. For a typical workstation/primary computer type laptop, you'll probably want to choose a laptop with a 14 or 15 inch screen. This means that the computer will be in the larger or medium size range. If you're looking for a smaller, more portable style, you'll want to stick with a range of 11 inches to 13 inches. While the 11 to 13 inch range isn't common for a primary computer, it can be used and generally users get used to the smaller size. However, keep in mind that if you're looking to use your laptop for entertainment or multimedia purposes you'll probably want to get a larger screen, even if you'll be traveling often.

In choosing a screen there is another consideration as well, the display type. With LCD screens there are two types of techniques that manufactures employ to produce a color display. These two display options are passive matrix and active matrix. The most notable properties concerning these two options are that laptop LCD screens employing passive matrix displays are generally less expensive than those employing active matrix displays; however, passive matrix displays are generally inferior in graphics display and color than active matrix display units. What does this mean for you? Well really the most important thing to do is check the displays on laptops in a local shop. Chances are you'll be able to see differences in the displays very easily. Look for clarity, color vibrancy, and the reflection on the screen. You want a computer with minimal reflection, vibrant color (especially for entertainment purposes), and clarity (no pixilation of the screen, this can be adjusted to some degree through computer settings as well.) You should address all questions to local salespeople who can direct you toward the best display and the opposite end of the spectrum so you can make a proper comparison. Obviously getting a higher end display will cost you more than getting a mid to lower end display. My recommendation is get something within the mid to high range on the display.

With display taken care it's time to turn our attention to the computer itself. With companies like Dell and Hewlett-Packard offering customizable computers it's important to know what to look for and whether you can get a better deal by creating your own computer or by purchasing a computer from a local computer dealer. As such, it's time to talk about computer hardware.

Memory: Memory is generally also known as RAM (Random Access Memory). RAM is responsible for storing information that you access frequently; however, RAM is not a permanent memory system. Your hard disk will be responsible for that, but since the hard-disk takes longer to access than RAM, it is RAM that causes the computer's speed to be faster. A good system these days requires around 1GB of memory, but you can also get 2GB and above.

Processor: Your processor or CPU (central processing unit) is the brains of the computer. As you might imagine the CPU is also responsible for the speed of the computer and what sorts of programs it is able to handle. Good RAM and CPU are needed for running two or more programs at once and using the computer for multimedia purposes. For a top of the line processor look for a Duo Core. Of course, Intel is the name brand for Duo Core processors, but to take a bit off the price tag you can go with a lesser known brand that also makes a Duo Core.

Hard Disk: This is your permanent storage unit. The size of the storage you need will depend on what you're using the computer for. Basic disk space comes in at 80GB. This will be sufficient for very basic computing; however, anything else and you'll need more space. Companies like Dell and Hewlett Packard that allow customization often offer a free upgrade to a 120GB hard disk with certain systems. If not, this will cost you extra to add onto a system. Ready made systems also come with 120GB hard disks, but you'll have to look around a bit more.

Optical Storage: This involves drives such as the CD drive and the DVD drive. It'll be hard to get a laptop these days without a CD/CD-R drive. (CD-R is CD recording or burning technology). It's also typical to see a DVD player. You'll also have the option of getting a DVD-R or DVD-RW drive for recording and re-writing DVDs. For multimedia computers you'll definitely want a CD-R/DVD-R/RW drive. For anything else, you can weight prices and options. One thing to note is that having DVD-R capabilities is also good for mass storage, so even if you're not planning on making videos, you can always back up programs, files, and photos, and the like more efficiently.

Bluetooth is also widely available now and generally comes with your optical drive. If not, you might want to pay a little extra to get it. Bluetooth is a piece of short-ranged internet technology that aims to synchronize devices and the internet (Juniper Media, 2007). This is not a necessary piece, but is a nice extra if you can afford it.

Internet Connection: Depending on the internet connection you use you'll need certain computer features. Most people these days use wireless or cable/DSL. If you're still on dial-up you'll need to make sure your new computer has a telephone cord port. For a cable connection

you'll need a cable port. Both of these features are typical features on a laptop and you probably won't have to pay extra for them. For wireless connection you'll need to either purchase a wireless card for the wireless port, or have one built in. It used to be that you always had to purchase a wireless card, but these days most laptops come with a built-in wireless card giving it wireless capabilities. Most internal wireless connections will work with your local internet, but you'll want to check with sales representatives if you're not sure.

Video Card: For basic uses you won't need any special video card. For multimedia purposes you'll want to upgrade to a more advanced card option. GeForce cards make the best for graphics and are suggested. Depending on the computer certain cards will be available.

Pointing Device: What type of pointing device you use probably isn't the first thing on your mind, but you'd be surprised at just how much it affects your computing experience. There are three basic types of pointing devices: track ball, touch pad, and joy stick. The best thing to do is try them out yourself. Even is someone was to tell you their preference, that doesn't mean you'll agree. Since the pointing device makes such an impact on your computer experience, you'll want to make sure that you're getting the type of pointing device that you're most comfortable with.

While you'll find there are a great deal of other specifications listed when looking at computers, these are the most important to look at before purchasing. The next important point if your operating system. The latest operating system from Windows is Vista, but you can also purchase a computer with XP if you're not ready for the change yet. There are several considerations you need to make when choosing between the two. 1) Are all your programs Vista compatible? 2) Are you prepared to learn or figure out Vista? If you're answering no, then are you willing to pay extra for XP? XP was Microsoft Window's previous edition. Many programs are still only compatible with XP, but that is sure to change as Vista becomes more prominent. The good thing about a newer system that is specially made with XP is that is will be Vista compatible when you're finally ready to change over. One suggestion, if you purchase a system that runs off XP, make sure you purchase the XP Professional system. XP Professional has better security and networking features. For a Mac, you'll want MAC OS 10.4.

Accessories

When purchasing a computer you have a variety of accessories you can choose from to enhance your system. Below are some of the most common.

• Webcam
• Mouse
• Car adapter
• Airplane adapter
• Extra USB ports

The 5 most popular laptops as of May 2007 were the Lenovo Thinkpad T61, Hewlett Packard dv600t, Dell Inspiron 31505/Dell Inspiron 6400, Lenovo Thinkpad T60, and Sony VAIO SZ (Notebook Review, 2007). These options will cost you around 1,400-1,700 dollars. For cheaper options with similar specs check out Asus, Accer, and Fujitsu.

References:

Notebook Review. (2007). Most Popular Laptops for May 2007. Retrieved June 1, 2007, from Notebook Review Website: http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3739&article=most+popular+notebooks+may+2007

Juniper Media. (2007). Bluetooth. Retrieved June 1, 2007 from Webopedia Website: http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/b/bluetooth.html