| Many lap top computers are far more powerful than | | | | EBay, look for the "Power Sellers" who sell many used |
| even high end desk top computers were just a few | | | | laptops, and make sure their customer satisfaction and |
| years ago. So let's take a look at some tips you'll want | | | | return policies are solid. |
| to be aware of when you go to buy a lap top | | | | Don't be tempted to buy systems without enough |
| computer. | | | | processing power just because they're cheap. Now |
| As the capacities, power, size and lower cost of | | | | days, anything below a Pentium 3 processor is best |
| laptops continues to improve, laptop computers | | | | avoided, as Pentium 3 machines can already be found |
| continue to represent increasing value for the dollar. | | | | relatively inexpensively used or refurbished. |
| But there are some important things to be aware of | | | | Once you have set your budget, determine the |
| when considering a laptop. This article will focus on | | | | minimum memory capacity for your needs. Here I am |
| some of the primary issues. | | | | referring to RAM or Random Access Memory. I'd |
| The first decision to consider when purchasing a laptop | | | | highly recommend setting 512 MegaBytes as your |
| is whether you need or want a Windows, Apple or | | | | minimum memory capacity. If you are intending to do |
| Linux operating system. | | | | high end graphic presentations or video presentations |
| Because the windows operating system has become | | | | 1024 MegaBytes should be your minimum. Stripping |
| so pervasive the majority will stick by with a Windows | | | | memory out of a computer is a common way to sell |
| operating system. Windows XP Pro should be | | | | them at lower prices. But memory is often the weak |
| minimum and their new VISTA operating system if you | | | | link in personal computer systems, bringing the |
| can afford it. Keep in mind, if you are going to be | | | | performance of the machine down significantly. Lots of |
| dependent on friends and family to help you in getting | | | | memory is the great equalizer in computers, and many |
| used to using your new laptop computer, most of | | | | people fail to realize that a lower end laptop with lots |
| them will not have knowledge of the VISTA Operating | | | | of memory will often outperform a higher end one |
| system until even as late as 2010. | | | | without the memory. |
| Those who have used Apple in the past, and are | | | | Once you have you memory needs and budget set, |
| more familiar with Apple will have far more limited | | | | you can start to compare models for weight, |
| options, but are probably best off sticking with Apple. | | | | ergonomics, and most importantly, screen size. Finding |
| Linux users will need to analyze compatibility issues on | | | | a size and weight that is acceptable to you is |
| Linux forums online. | | | | important, but finding the correct screen size should be |
| Again, if you are new to computing, and know you will | | | | your primary consideration. |
| be dependent on friends, family or even business | | | | Many people are excited by the larger screened |
| associates for assistance as you get up to speed on | | | | laptops, but fail to fully appreciate the impact of |
| using your computer, they are far more likely to be | | | | resolutions. Most laptops come with a set with an ideal |
| able to help you if you have a Windows Operating | | | | resolution, and switching to a higher or lower resolution |
| System on your laptop than a Mac or Linux operating | | | | can distort text. Some laptops with large 17 inch |
| system. Not that one operating system is necessarily | | | | screens are set at very high screen resolution, making |
| any better than the other, but windows is known best | | | | them difficult to read for long periods of time without |
| by most computer users. | | | | some eye strain. Some of the inexpensive laptops with |
| Assuming you know what operating system you are | | | | 15 inch screens can also be difficult to read and with |
| looking for, the next step is to set a budget, and | | | | on than laptops with larger screens. 1024x768 should |
| determine whether you want a new or used machine. | | | | be an acceptable screen resolution for most laptop |
| Used laptops represent a good value for machines in | | | | monitors. Avoiding larger screens that require higher |
| the $600 - $700 range and below. However they | | | | resolutions above 1024X768 can save a lot of money, |
| come with zero warranty. There are some excellent | | | | and deliver a machine that is just as easy to work on |
| deals that can be found on "Refurbished" laptop | | | | and read from. |
| computers, but you need to buy them locally, find out | | | | Finally, there are networking considerations. By now, it |
| what the warranty and support conditions are and | | | | does not make a lot of sense to purchase any laptop |
| whether or not you can pay a little extra to increase | | | | without WiFi wireless networking capabilities. Most new |
| the warranty and support period. | | | | laptops will come with this standard, but with older and |
| If you don't think you need all the bells and whistles of | | | | used laptops it is an item you need to verify. With the |
| a brand new system, buying a used system through a | | | | constant increase in wireless accessibility, a laptop |
| seller at EBay or from a laptop refurbishing company | | | | without this capability will become obsolete within a |
| can make a lot of sense economically. When scouring | | | | few years. |