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Laptops are fast becoming the computer of choice over the standard desktop PC especially with the widespread use of Wi-Fi. From students to business travellers, more and more people seem to be opting for the freedom of using a laptop.
Buying a laptop can be a frustrating and intimidating experience, but if you know what to look out for and what considerations you need to make, then you’re ready to make an informed choice when buying a new laptop.
Know what you want in a laptop
Before you even start looking for a laptop it’s important to think about what the laptop will be used for. If you are just surfing the web and checking email, then a fairly low spec laptop will probably suit your needs. If however, you plan to use your laptop a lot on the road then you will need something light weight and with a good battery life. If you are doing graphic design, video editing or online gaming then you will probably need something with quite a big spec.
Screen Size
The size of the laptop screen is probably not one of the more important factors but it does still need some consideration. Most laptops will have a 14.1” – 15.4” screen which is fine for most day to day use. However, for those doing graphic design work or even those who like playing games, a 17” widescreen will probably be a better buy.
Battery Life
If you plan to use your laptop on the road then the battery life is critical, the longer the life the better. However, if you plan to use it at home or from your office then the battery life is not so relevant.
Processor
A laptops processor is like its engine, most of the time the more powerful the better, so it is probably worth getting the most powerful processor your budget will allow. CPU speed should be something you pay particular attention to, it is CPU that determines whether you get a couple of years out of a laptop or if you get 3 or 4 years. Unlike memory and RAM a laptops CPU cannot be changed and it is essential to give this aspect some serious consideration.
Memory (RAM)
Most laptops nowadays come with a good amount of memory. Most home PC’S function well with 2 GB of RAM. When buying a laptop 1 GB of RAM is probably the minimum you would really want to buy typically on a small netbooks designed to run Linux.
Hard drive space
Hard drive space is fast becoming more and more important in laptops, with people downloading mp3s and music videos, storing photos and family videos. A laptop with 250-320 GB should be fine for most people; however 500 GB+ would be better and can eliminate the need for additional external . However, if you buy a laptop and run out of space you can always buy an external hard drive or replace the disk in the laptop in most cases.
Internet / Networking
Most laptops come with WiFi capabilities now, but it’s always worth checking before you buy. The same goes for an Ethernet port if you want to be connected to the internet using a wired router or connect to a network.
Ports etc
Most laptops come with at least two usb ports (used to connect the mouse, external hard drives etc) and a multicard reader so you can download photos quickly.
Drives
DVD readers / writers are now common place in laptops. If you want to be able to watch BluRay on your laptop then make sure you add a BluRay drive, just keep an eye on the prices.
Ask for help
Most places you can buy laptops from you can ask for advice, even the big e-commerce sites such as ebuyer have phone numbers you can call for advice.