Here are a few pointers for beginners on what to look for
when buying a laptop computer. Learn to match configurations to suit needs.
Buying a laptop computer is easier now than it was even a
couple of years ago. Most manufacturing companies have sales representatives
who advertize their products aggressively. Companies rush to entice new
customers, the flurry of offers and wide choices they present leave the common
man confused. This article contains a few guidelines on what to look for when
choosing a computer for personal needs.
Why Buy a Laptop Computer?
Laptops or notebooks are lightweight portable devices that
are handy in logging on to the internet, keeping in touch with family, friends
and colleagues over long distances, booking tickets online, playing online
games or even as a viable means of livelihood for many. It is the fact that
laptops can be carried around even while moving outside city limits, and yet
remain connected to the world, that attracts potential customers to them.
To know what to buy one must know what their requirements
are. For instance, students studying outside their home towns will most
definitely benefit from having their own laptops to do their homework and stay
connected with parents over Skype or other messenger services. The elderly may
need one to play games, shop, stay connected with friends, do online research
and stay abreast with the world.
In these scenarios, the laptop must definitely come with a
webcam and an inbuilt microphone system. For photographers, the ports that are
integrated into the system (like fire wire ports, the SD cards, and USB ports)
are of prime importance so that they are able to upload pictures on their
laptops as and when they want to. For high end users the configuration will be
more sophisticated and expensive.
Points to Remember
·
Memory: Most laptop computers come with 2 GB to
4 GB memory; therefore choosing one within this range will not be difficult.
·
Higher memory will be required if work is done
on a lot of windows and games, movies and downloads are taking place
simultaneously.
·
Storage space: Most hard drives will also come
with the latest 160 GB to 1 TB (5200 rpm or 7200 rpm).
·
One needs to look only at the hard drive size,
depending on whether one would like to store games, pictures or movies, in
which case a bigger hard drive is preferable. To merely check emails and access
online facilities a 160 GB hard drive will suffice.
·
Graphics cards: Considering upgrades from the
default ones will depend on whether the consumer will need the computer for
high end use like designing and playing games.
·
Optical drives: Most of the CD/DVD drives
offered are dual layer reader writer combos and an upgrade for a Blu-ray drive
is optional.
·
LightScribe
(http://www.ehow.com/how_6456702_laser-engrave-cds.html) is a new technology to
custom label the cover for CDs, which again is optional.
·
Screen size: Deciding upon a suitable screen
size will depend on the purpose of buying the laptop. Watching movies and
painting will require larger screen size.
·
However, larger screen sizes make the computers heavier
and less portable.
·
Ports: USB, IEEE and RJ 45 and RJ 11 are most
often present on all laptops, but it is a good idea to be sure. A VGA or HDMI needs
to be considered if viewing is done on parallel screens.
·
Another thing to consider is the internet
connection; whether the manufacturing companies have tie ups with DSL, cable or
mobile broadband companies.
·
TV tuner cards are a good addition if one wants
to watch TV on a laptop.
A
couple of things buyers may want to consider are the deals on warranties and
free accessories and the financing deals offered by various manufacturing
companies. Opting for credit facility should not leave anyone feeling dissatisfied.
Warranty specifications should not be neglected and timely warranty extensions
should be availed for a hassle-free computer using experience.
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