Looking for a Laptop?

Since I've had an article regarding desktops, I thought it was rather appropriate to follow it up with an article on laptops. Laptops can make your life more mobile -- and I'm even beginning to see that many - those that are more casual home users are opting for laptops.

As you can imagine, there are many different sizes and capabilities, but with anything, you need to know the basics of what is available. Granted, though this article is not extensive in nature, it does give you a starting point before you purchase a laptop.

There is one thing I did not go into and that is battery life -- I felt that was not necessary to indulge someone's time with the obvious. Why? I have yet to find someone completely satisfied with the battery life of their notebook.

Here is my article "Buying a Laptop-the Basics?".

Buying A Laptop- The Basics

By Vickie J. Scanlon

Buying a laptop can be confusing, because there are many to choose from-and many are adapted to fit different individuals' circumstances and lifestyle. So what are the basic things you should consider?

Determine Your Needs

Before even considering buying a laptop you should consider how you are going to use your laptop and for that matter, what you need or want your laptop to do. For example, are you using it for school? Are you using it for business? Will you be traveling? Do you want to replace a desktop with a laptop?

Types of Laptops

Tablet PCs -- tablet PCs allow you to "write" on the touch-sensitive screen with a stylus. They are light, but normally lack a CD or DVD drive. This in itself, limits their usability.

Desktop Replacement -- If you are going to be using your laptop as a desktop replacement, you can go larger, with more of a feature-packed model -- and that of course will add weight in most cases.

Laptop for Travel or on-the-go -- If the laptop is going to be a constant travel companion, weight is going to be an issue -- go light.


Processor Speed

Again, this will be determined by your needs and also your pocketbook. Here are some suggestions:

1) If you are looking for a Value PC then the Celeron D or Pentium 4 will be adequate.
2) If you are looking for performance the Pentium D (first Intel chip with dual core technology) or Athlon 64 (high-end 64 bit processor) mid to high-end would be adequate.
3) Core Duo is your high-end processor.


Operating System
There are two new operating systems to consider now. In most cases the companies are offering both: Windows XP or Vista. The thing to remember now is how much memory do these systems take up. For Windows XP 512 MB is needed, so 1 GB of memory should be considered for better speed. If you're going with the Vista, 1 GB of memory is required -- so if you can 2 GB or better is a better option.


Screen
The average size of a notebook screen is between 14" and 15"; above average screen is from the 17"and larger. To determine what size of screen you want is dependent upon what you will be using it for. Here are some thoughts on the matter:

Travel -- If you are going to be traveling with your laptop the size of the screen will matter. So the average size of 14 to 15 would be the way to go. Why? If you are planning on using your laptop at airport terminals than you may find that sometimes the larger units will be difficult to open in a cramped airport workspace.

Desktop replacement-- If you are planning on using the notebook as a desktop replacement, and will not be using it as your traveling companion, without no airport travel than the larger screen shouldn't be a problem. Obviously as the size of the screen does up, so does the weight. And some laptops can be up to 18 lbs-but these units will have some little extra luxuries.


Hard Drives
20GB hard drives are current standard for laptops, but 60 GB or more will give you more space-- if you're planning to download music or videos.


Other pieces to the notebook puzzle
1. DVD drive will be needed
2. Laptops come in most cases with built-in ethernet ports so you can connect to a network or an internet connection.
3. consider built-in wireless support
4. USB ports -- if you are using it for a desktop replacement you should have at least 4 USB ports. In most cases, there are only 2 USB ports, so my advice would to purchase a USB hub for any additional peripherals for your laptop.


To conclude, a laptop is a great tool to use, if know what you will be using it for, as well as, your mobility needs -- because those two questions alone will help you to determine what you should buy.

Click the link if you need a little more specific details -about buying a laptop.

Vickie J Scanlon -- Visit her site at:
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