| Today, a laptop computer is becoming a necessity for | | | | rated computer with gazillions of ram, but if you don't |
| many busy people. If you travel or are away from | | | | need it, why pay for it? |
| your office, you can't beat the convenience of a laptop | | | | Software |
| or notebook computer. If you are thinking of getting | | | | Consider what software programs you need and, |
| one, I will provide you with some ideas about what to | | | | before buying, make sure they are included in the |
| look for when you buy a laptop computer. You have | | | | package --unless you find a computer that is such a |
| to consider your own needs and budget when | | | | good deal that it makes sense to buy the software |
| deciding which of these factors is most important to | | | | separately. In general, though, it's more convenient to |
| you. | | | | have programs that you need, such as Microsoft |
| Price | | | | Office, on the computer when you buy it. |
| I mention this first, because you have to consider your | | | | Other Features |
| budget. There's no point in even looking at computers | | | | Think about what uses you will be putting your laptop |
| that may have great features but that you cannot | | | | computer to. Some laptops come with a webcam. |
| afford. On the other hand, you should think of a laptop | | | | Does this matter to you? If you want to make videos |
| computer as a long term investment. So don't cut | | | | it might be a good feature to have. Computers also |
| corners just to save a few dollars. You may end up | | | | vary in wireless capability. Does the laptop you are |
| having to upgrade or buy a new computer soon, which | | | | looking at have a dvd drive? If this is something you |
| will cost you more in the long run. | | | | want, make sure it does. This can be a very annoying |
| Hardware: Memory and Processor Speed | | | | feature not to have if you want to play a dvd! You |
| The hardware will determine how powerful your | | | | should also ask about anti virus and other security |
| computer, how fast it runs and how much you can | | | | features, as you want to keep your new computer |
| store on it. If you use applications that take up lots of | | | | secure! |
| memory, you may as well get a laptop computer that | | | | This should give you some idea of what to look for |
| has what you need to start with, so you don't have to | | | | when you buy a laptop computer. There are so many |
| go out and buy memory a few months from now. | | | | options nowadays that you should take your time and |
| The other side of the coin is, don't buy more computer | | | | find the right one for you. |
| than you need. It might sound great to have a top | | | | |