Laptop Buying Guide

Many factors are important in finding the right laptop. Before starting to pore over system specifications, though, take a moment to decide whether convenience or specs are of primary importance. Often, portability is a key factor, and these systems are more lightweight and easy to transport, but typically have less powerful systems than heavier, less portable laptops.

The pricier laptops are typically either more portable or more powerful than competitor's models. While desktop replacements offer all of the features a standard desktop PC does, these are heavier, and much harder to carry. Likewise, bargain notebooks or thin-and-light notebooks are similar in many ways, but the bargain notebooks are much less expensive.

Used Laptops 

People who are concerned about cost and want a model with good features often opt for bargain notebooks. Those who are concerned most about portability may select either ultraportable or thin-and-light models. Typically, ultraportable models weigh less than 4 pounds, while thin-and-light models weigh between 4 and 6 pounds. In contrast, a bargain notebook weighs between 6 and 8 pounds, while a desktop replacement may weigh over 7 pounds.

In addition to the weight of the laptop, factor in the weight of the carrying case in addition to all necessary accessories. Some accessories might include power cords, extra batteries, USB cables, and flash or external drives.

One of the most important considerations when purchasing a laptop is evaluating what purpose the new computer is expected to serve. Home users may want a laptop that's portable enough to carry into another room or upstairs. They typically want many of the features of a standard desktop PC, but are concerned about price. A bargain laptop is often the best choice, and many people today prefer models that feature internal Wi-Fi capabilities for accessing the Internet.

Used Laptops

Students may want a lighter weight laptop that is portable enough to take to the library after class. Some colleges are more particular about specification requirements than others, so check with the university to determine what systems or user platforms are supported through the institution's network system.

If the university doesn't have particular requirements, a thin-and-light or ultraportable laptop may be the ideal choice. Many students prefer to purchase models with software packages like Microsoft Office. Internal Wi-Fi is probably essential, and a minimum of 1GB of ram, as well as either a CD or DVD burner, are also highly important features.

For those who are frequently on the go, traveling for work-related reasons, a lightweight computer is almost certainly the way to go. Think thin-and-light or ultraportable. Internal Wi-Fi, a software package like Microsoft Office, and a minimum of 1GB of RAM are essentials.

Business users require laptops that are travel-friendly, but will help them to create the presentations and spreadsheets essential for their work. Network connections are also a prime factor. Thin-and-light or desktop replacement laptops that offer software applications like Microsoft Office, as well as internal Wi-Fi or an external Wi-Fi card, as well as a larger hard drive and at least 1GB of RAM will generally help business professionals meet their computing needs. Those with minimal travel requirements will probably find that a desktop replacement best meets their needs.

Gamers will want laptops that feature high-speed processors, superior graphics resolution, and at least 2GB of RAM. Desktop replacement laptop with a large display screen and a 512 MB 3D card for graphics will probably be the best option for gaming.

Brand New Laptops 

Multimedia buffs will probably be best served with a desktop replacement model that offers at least 2GB of RAM, as well as a hard drive offering at least 80GB of free space, and a monitor screen at least 15 inches in size. Select a model with multiple USB ports for downloading via digital camera, uploading to an MP3 player, or connecting via other media devices. Movie buffs will probably enjoy the features of a DVD RW drive, which will allow them to burn movies.

Choosing the Right Laptop Processor

Many of the processors used in laptops are made by AMD or Intel. Some offer optimization of batter capacity, while others maximize CPU performance. Generally, mobile processors require less power than desktop processors do. Persons who are not purchasing a desktop replacement model should strongly consider a mobile processor. This will also help reduce the risk that the laptop will overheat. Some of the processors available include:

• Celeron: Made by Intel, this processor is budget friendly, but offers speeds of up to 2.5 GHz. They are faster than the Pentium M chip, but slower than the Pentium processor.
• Celeron M: One of the most budget friendly processors on the market. This processor can achieve speeds of up to 1.5 GHz, and is ideal for basic web surfing, word processing, and email.
• Pentium M: This processor is designed to maximize battery life, but offers processing speeds up to 2.1 GHz.
• Pentium 4: These are primarily used for desktops, and can cause overheating. In addition, they wear down the battery quickly. The trade? Processor speeds of up to 3.33 GHz.
• Intel Duo Core: These feature multiple processors in a single chip, and are helpful for persons who use simultaneous applications that require higher processor speeds.
• AMD Sempron: AMD's most budget friendly option, this processor is best for those who don't have heavy computing needs.
• AMD Athlon 4: Ideal for gamers, this processor is typically used with desktop replacement laptops.
• AMD Athlon 64X: This is a popular chip for those who favor over clocking, and is very similar to other processors in the Athlon 64 line.