How to Buy A Laptop Computer
Buying a laptop computer can be an intimidating process for most people. There
are so many factors that need to be consider when buying any computer or laptop.
Major considerations when buying a laptop are usually price and the product's
obsolescence factor. Does the laptop have all the gadgets and gizmos that you
need, and is it within your price range?
Analyzing your personal and
business needs is the first step to be taken when deciding which laptop computer
to purchase. Is the laptop for your home-business, and will it be used on a
daily basis? Will the laptop be used during travel?
You can use process
of elimination when deciding on extras for a laptop. If you are not making video
presentations or editing musical videos, you can eliminate many of the options
that come with a standard laptop. Taking your requirements down a notch when
buying a laptop will also take the cost down.
Your laptop's memory
function should be a major concern. The cheapest way to improve your computer's
performance is to add more memory. Insist on at least 96 mb of ram, particularly
if you are a consummate multi-tasker with several programs running at once.
Also, make sure that you purchase a laptop with a built-in modem. You won't be
losing a valuable PC-card slot.
The actual weight of the laptop computer
is another important consideration. Do you want something as light as a
briefcase, or as heavy as a well-stuffed purse? Are you looking for a
lightweight laptop at four pounds or less? These lighter laptops can certainly
help prevent sore shoulders as you trudge through the airport trying to run for
your next flight. Although, lightweight laptops do have certain limitations. In
most cases, the lighter laptops have separate CD ROM and floppy drives which you
must also toss into your suitcase. Middleweight notebooks weigh in between six
and 7 1/2 pounds. These laptops are essential for those who need power wherever
they go. Heavyweights usually function as desktop replacements. They are not
intended for travel and weigh in at approximately eight pounds.
Screen
size and resolution of you laptop are more options that need to be considered.
If you are making a presentation via your laptop, you will want to have a screen
that's at least 15 inches wide. Having a laptop accessory called a built-in
Ethernet adapter is handy for quick plug ins into hotels or company computer
networks. An additional computer accessory option to purchase is a Wireless
Telephone Connector that allows you to surf the net while being away from a
phone line and in emergency situations.