Buyers Guide to Choosing the Right Laptop
Laptops are increasingly replacing desktop computers as they offer excellent performance capabilities but have the added major advantage of being mobile.
The following easy guide will look into the main factors that you need to be on the lookout for when buying a laptop.
Size and Weight
Since most people choose a laptop over a desktop because it offers mobility, their size and weight is highly important. Netbook models are best for this in terms of being ultra light and slim, but to achieve this they sacrifice on drive and performance capability. Laptop desktop replacement models pack a bigger punch, but their added power makes them bulkier to carry around. In addition, you need to factor in having to lug the AC adaptor. Thus, if lightweight portability is your main priority, you’ll want to head to a High Street and physically lift different models to see how they feel.
Processing Power
Processors (CPUs) in laptops were traditionally slower than desktop PCs but this has changed, especially in higher end models. They now commonly have dual-core processors which significantly speed up the processing speeds when multitasking. Be aware however that processing power varies immensely across different models, which will have a direct impact on their performance, battery life and weight. You’ll need to be clear on your priorities to make the right choice for your needs.
Memory (RAM)
In the name of keeping laptops compact for mobility, they have less memory capacity than most desktop computers. If this is an important factor for you, be sure to check the maximum RAM that different models can handle as well as the amount that is installed on them. Nevertheless, there are also ways around the storage limitation – from a memory upgrade (this can sometimes be done yourself or in other cases only a technician can do it) to simply storing files you don’t use every day on en external hard drive.
Drives
Hard drives affect the amount of storage space your laptop can handle and their rotation speeds impact on performance. In addition, optical drives play a crucial part in laptops – these enable features such as DVD burning, dual layer media and blu-ray.
Network Capability
Basically, networking amounts to how effectively your laptop connects to the Internet. It’s a good idea to look for systems that include a built in Fast Ethernet and Wi0Fi. The minimum WiFi connectivity would be with 802.11b/g, as with many notebooks. If you’ll be needing to go online in remote locations, you’ll also want a built-in modem or a cellular (WWAN) card.
Video Display
The video functionality on laptops is comprised of the display and the graphics processor. The display boils down to the screen size and the resolution of images. In other words, the larger the display, the higher the resolution will typically be, however bear in mind that this will impact how compact the laptop is. That being said, wide screen displays are now standard in laptops. As for the graphics processor, this will determine the performance of your computer when it comes to 3D graphics and high definition video acceleration.
Battery Life
There’s no point in choosing a laptop over a desktop for its mobility if you’re only able to go 30 minutes before you have to plug it in again. For this reason, it’s important to check the battery life on models you’re interested in – look for at least 2 hours of capacity under normal conditions. If this factor is a priority, you’ll want to choose a laptop that has media bays, since these can double as extra battery slots. Many laptop manufacturers also sell extended life batteries.
Warranty
Due to their mobile nature, laptops are more prone to wear and tear and thus breakdowns than desktop computers. For this reason, it’s highly advisable to look for a model with at least a 1 year warranty from the manufacturer. If you intend to use the laptop extensively and as your main computer, it’s wisest to get a 3 year warranty. Third party extended plans are not recommended unless the service is done through the manufacturer.
Conclusion
Choosing the most suitable laptop will come down to it complimenting your lifestyle and your budget. From the lightweight models to the most powerful in terms of processing power, the above factors will have different priority levels for different people. When shopping around, in addition of course to searching out the specifications that are important to you, it’s always a good idea to read lots of laptop reviews to see what people such as yourself have to say about the models they own.
About the Author: Michael Dehomme is a laptop repair shop owner.
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