| So you want to buy a laptop but don't know where to | | | | enjoy downloading and enjoying the occasional movie |
| start. You're not alone. Buying a new laptop can | | | | so a DVD Multi Drive and a wide screen display were |
| present many challenges, especially if you're unfamiliar | | | | important. High quality graphics and sound was also |
| with laptops or notebook computers. | | | | important for what I needed. |
| Over the last little while so much new laptop | | | | * RAM |
| technology has hit the market... Intel Duo Processors, | | | | RAM is to computer what location is to real estate. |
| SLI, Dual Graphics... it can all be totally mind boggling to | | | | RAM or Random Access Memory is perhaps the |
| the average consumer. For the first time laptop buyer | | | | most important factor to consider when buying your |
| understanding all the techno jargon can be downright | | | | laptop or any computer. |
| scary. | | | | RAM will greatly determine the speed of your laptop |
| Mainly because a whole new generation of notebook | | | | or computer. How fast it will process your tasks and |
| technology comes around every two years or less; | | | | graphics. You must make sure you have enough for |
| probably much less when you consider all the new | | | | your needs. You can now find many laptops |
| advances made recently. It can even be a little | | | | pre-loaded with 1 Gig of RAM and capable of |
| overwhelming even for someone like myself who runs | | | | upgrading to 4 Gigs or more. |
| an online Laptop Guide and who has a keen interest in | | | | Compared to yesterday's computers that's a lot of |
| all things laptop. | | | | RAM. If you're not into gaming, handling large video files |
| Regardless of all these fancy new improvements, | | | | editing, all that RAM is not needed but it will make your |
| devices and notebook technology, you must | | | | laptop run faster. Also, remember if you're into gaming, |
| remember you're buying a new laptop for you and you | | | | Video RAM will be important -- you need a top of the |
| alone. You must first decide if all this new stuff is | | | | line (read expensive) Graphics Card and it will increase |
| important to you? Do you really need all this new | | | | the cost of your laptop. |
| notebook technology? | | | | Also it may be wise to buy a laptop with upgradable |
| But most of all before you can consider that question | | | | memory - since new applications, multi windowed |
| you must first figure out WHY you want a laptop? | | | | browsers, streaming video... of the very near future |
| Why are you buying a laptop? What chores or tasks | | | | may place high demand on your laptop's RAM. |
| do you want the laptop to perform? | | | | * Dual Core Processors |
| If you just want a laptop for simple web browsing and | | | | CPU or Computer Processing Unit is the heart of your |
| emailing, a laptop made five years ago will do the job | | | | laptop and in this case you have Two Hearts -- Intel |
| nicely and cost you a heck of lot less. You really don't | | | | Centrino Duo is the front runner in this area right now. |
| need a top of the line laptop unless of course, you're | | | | However, AMD is giving Intel some stiff competition in |
| keeping up with the Jones and want the latest top | | | | the dual core battle with its Athlon (TM) 64 X2 dual |
| model of everything. But that's moving into Dr. Phil's | | | | core processor. Either one would be a wise choice. |
| territory... lets not venture there! | | | | * Hard Drive |
| So what do you need the laptop for? | | | | The amount of space or size of laptop hard drives are |
| Do you need a lightweight portable laptop for business | | | | steadily increasing, a 100 Gig laptop is now common. If |
| trips or meetings? Do you need a student notebook | | | | you don't want a lot of storage, buying a smaller size |
| for classes? Or do just want a desktop replacement | | | | hard drive will save you money. |
| computer that you can easily move around in your | | | | Many laptop experts choose the SATA hard drive |
| home? | | | | with a high 5400 or 7200 RPM. |
| Your answer will greatly determine which type of | | | | * Weight or Size |
| laptop you should buy. | | | | Perhaps the major reason you're considering buying a |
| In my case, I needed a desktop replacement that I | | | | laptop is its size or weight -- otherwise you're better of |
| could easily move around my home and take on very | | | | saving your money and buying a desktop computer |
| infrequent trips or vacations. Long battery life was not | | | | instead. A laptop is portable, you can carry it |
| a major consideration because I would mainly be using | | | | anywhere... tuck it under your arm and cart it to class |
| it plugged into an electrical outlet. Besides, the laptop I | | | | or your next business meeting. It is ideal for taking your |
| wanted would be 7 or 8 pounds and I had no intentions | | | | information and work to wherever you want to go. |
| of lugging that baby around over any great distance. | | | | This portability is the main selling feature of a laptop. |
| I work full time at home and do a lot of web design so | | | | Obviously you must pick the best sized laptop to suit |
| I needed a solid machine with a lot of RAM. I also | | | | your needs. |