Processor:
The processor of a laptop determines how fast a computer and the speed is given in GHz.
Best: Intel Core Duo processor. 1.73 GHz processor is more than sufficient for everyday work like word processing, spreadsheets, email and internet surfing. The Core Duo provides a strong performance and great battery life. Other processors...
With the release of the Core 2 Duo E6700 Intel takes the crown from AMD and their dominant dual-core chips by creating a processor which provides superior performance and better power efficiency. for half the cost.
Pentium M
Pentium Celeron
Pentium 4
Athlon
AMD
Memory (RAM): Hard drive: Condition:
RAM refers to the amount of programs you can run on your computer without running into slow downs and causing your laptop to drag. 512MB RAM is the optimal amount of memory and the best option for gaming and if you plan to use 3-D graphics. Anything over 1GB is probably a waste of money since RAM upgrades are very affordable.
Laptop Buying Tip: The RAM the laptop supports tells you the most memory you will be able to upgrade to.
40-80 GB hard drive is more than sufficient unless you plan to generate multimegabyte music or data files or you want to install more than one office suite. Do not spend extra money on a bigger hard drive as a laptops internal hard drive is inexpensive and easy to replace if you ever needed to and external drives are very inexpensive and can always be added later.
NIB- refers to New in Box, brand-new never opened and never used. Factory Sealed New- This usually means refurbished in that it not new, fixed, checked and brought to new condition. This could include store displays, or an open box item that was never used. Used- A laptop that is being sold by an individual and has been previously used.
The advantage of buying a used laptop computers is that you could save a lot of money. Checking the feedback rating of a seller is an important determining factor in creating confidence in buying a used item.
Laptop Buying TIP: Shop safe at Laptop Best Buys where we pride ourselves on providing buyers with extensive feedback comments and ratings from previous customers. Whether you are looking for used, new or refurbished laptops we have a large selection of all brands and models.
Warranty:
A laptop with a warranty can save money down the road.
Laptop Buying TIP: If the laptop you wish to purchase comes with a warranty check to see if they cover shipping charges in the event you need to send it in for repair. There are also warranties that cover an in-home repair.
Screen size:
A screen larger than 14 is best to avoid strain on the eyes. The screen size dimension is measured diagonally across the screen. Larger screens or wide screens result in heavier laptops and are more bulky but do provide a more comfortable experience whether you’re surfing the net or watching movies. A smaller screen can be more beneficial for word-processing type of activity.
Screen Viewing:
An anti-glare feature is very beneficial when you don’t want to have part of your screen invisible due to a light source. Outside-readable screens are made to use in very bright light (outside) and are very costly. Wide Screen viewing angle is important if you don’t like decreased visibility when you move your head to the side.
Weight:
A 5 or 6 pound laptop is best. Ultra light laptops, below 4 pounds have cramped keyboards, less speed and memory, and usually no CD or DVD drive and smaller screens. If you buy an ultra-light laptop, its performance may be so compromised that after all of the accessories you carry with it are added up (a CD drive, a larger battery, a better keyboard, etc...) it may weigh as much as a regular 5 or 6 lb laptop. The better features and benefits of a 5 or 6 pound laptop outweigh the weight issue. Higher capacity hard drives and batteries add to laptop weight.
Battery:
Watt-hours determine the life of a battery. Lithium laptop batteries use cells to determine life, more cells equals more life. Usually a laptop needs a new battery every 1 to 5 years.
The way you determine battery consumption depends on how you use the laptop, most battery ratings are given for a computer running minimal processes which does not include Internet usage, graphics, power-save mode etc.
Latpop Buying TIP: If you want more more freedom from the outlet buy a notebook that has a modular bay capable of holding a supplementary power pack.
Wireless:
Wireless Internet Capability or Wi-Fi is necessary if you'd like to surf the net without being tied to a wire. Wireless cards are easily installed into most laptops. LAN Internet comes in three types: A, B and G. B being the slowest and A and G are the same speed. Wireless cards are written as 802.11 followed by a, b or g or a combination of such. Optimal is 802.11g and 802.11a/b/g is even better.
Keyboard:
The keyboard should be full size or it will take some time to adjust.
Laptop Buying TIP: Look for the % of full size when looking at the keyboard features of a laptop.
Mouse Options:
Option 1 is a touch screen, which is controlled with finger movements on a pad. Option 2 is a knob feature that lets you control the mouse by moving the finger in only one spot. This feature is harder to adjust and unless you have a preference get the touch panel, or both if possible. Option 3 is get both a touch screen and knob on your laptop.
Laptop Buying TIP: you can always hook up a standard mouse to your laptop.
Ports:
The more ports the more variety you will have. At least one USB (multipurpose, very useful port) and at least one VGA (video connection to external monitor/ projector) are very important. An Ethernet port for wired Internet. Headphone and microphone ports.
Other ports include:
FireWire port (generally used with Apple products such as iPods) S-video port for video output. Printer port for most printers. PC card slots (card bus), which provide a large variety of functions. You can usually buy a PC card to replace any type of port.
Audio:
Media Centers have higher quality speakers built-in. Computers that save weight and space will have small speakers which gives just an OK sound quality and quiet music.
Video/ graphics:
This is important for playing and editing movies and is crucial for 3D gaming. Dedicated memory usually comes with a graphics card (ATI Radeon, GeForce, etc...) and has its own memory in MB which includes 32MB, 64MB, and 128MB.If video is important to you pick the highest one you can afford.
Laptop Buying TIP: To get an idea of what you might need you can refer to the back of your games or media software CD-case or manual to see the “system requirements” for the video memory requirements.
Skins:
Personalize and dress up your laptop with decorative skins!
Laptop Case, Bag and Backpack:
A variety of bags are available for carrying your laptop, including "with wheels." Whether you like business leather, or bright pink suede there's a laptop case for you.
Tablet PC:
These are laptops that allow you to write on the screen. They also have detachable keyboards and a screen you can move to lay upside-down on your keyboard. These types of laptops are more expensive and usually these characteristics are not necessary for the average retailer.
Hopefully this Laptop Buying Guide was helpful and now you are an expert in how to buy a laptop computer!
