Which Laptop is right for me?
This is one of the questions we are asked all the time. The answer is simple, the right laptop for you is the one you can afford and you are able to do what you want with. So, let’s take it from the top.
Most of our customers start the process by trying to figure out how much a good laptop would cost. I usually advise you decide how much you are going to spend TOTAL first. If you know your target budget, and the sales person or technician you are working with is knowledgeable and cares, you will end up getting the right product. Obviously, if you want a gaming computer and decide your budget is only $500, you are not going to find it anywhere. So, be reasonable about your expectations and you’ll find what you want.
After you decide on a budget, you should make a list of the things you want the laptop to do. Here are some examples:
· How many people will use it?
o The more users, the bigger the HDD (Hard Drive) and more RAM needed.
· Are you going to save videos, music and pictures on it or not?
o Again, bigger HDD
· Will it connect to your network at work (domain network)?
o Determines Pro or Home OS(Operating System)
· Do you need a super long battery life or will it usually be plugged in when you use it?
o How many cells does your battery need to be, 6, 9, or 12
· Do you do a lot of presentations?
o Determines the type of outputs you need depending on projector or LCD TV.
· Any gaming or graphics editing?
o Needs a good video card.
· Do you want a clear bright screen or matt finish?
o Matt finish is good for fighting glare, ultra bright just looks beautiful with videos and games.
· If you need to type a lot of number or not
o Some laptops have number pads
· Will you carry it everywhere with you?
o Laptops vary in weight anywhere from 1 to 14 lbs.
Once you decided on all the different characteristics, then it’s time to think about functionality, upgradability, and so on. There are a couple of things you should be looking for:
· What is the max amount of RAM supported; you want it to be 4 or better (8 preferred).
· How fast is the HDD, 5400 RPM is a lot slower than 7200 RPM?
· How many USB ports are available?
· How many cooling fans, and where they are located? Laptops can get extremely hot and break if you don’t make sure they are cooled down properly, one small fan in the corner is not enough for a 17” laptop.
There are some features that are now becoming standard on most if not all laptops. Most laptops today will have a web cam, a wireless card (Wi-Fi, wireless B G N, 902.11a, b, g, n), and a memory card reader.
If you have any questions about this article or would like some help picking the right laptop for you, please feel free to call or email.
Date: 6/23/2010
Author: Basem A.
Email: cosah00@computerguild.com