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1) Every purcahse begins with an assessment of
exactly what it is that you want and need for your particular set of
needs. Computers are, for the most part divided into two catagories- Desktop and Notebook or Laptop Computers. Notebooks are divided into 3 main types of
notebooks:
A) All-Purpose: These models are your 'standard grade' models and can be used for general purpose functions such as word processing and general Internet access.
B) Desktop Replacement: These models are the large screen types that handle higher end functions such as online gaming, large software program functioning, and non-travel business utility functions.
C) Ultra-portable: Generally the highest price models on the market, these very slim, very sleek models are a favorite of the on-the-go business traveler. They offer high speed internet access, ultra-easy Internet access capability, as well as massive staroage capacity. If you are a Regional Sales Rep, or your job requires high travel times, and computing needs, these models are for you. The caveat to this, is that they are far and away the most expensive of all laptop options so be prepared for sticker shock.
It should be a fairly easy decision to select a catagory of laptop that fits your needs based on the above criteria. Once the catagory of laptop has been decided, it is time to look at brand names.
There are four primary names to keep in mind. Dell, Sony, Hewlett Packard and Toshiba. Dell has the highest sales off all laptops, for several years running. They offer the widest selection and the best pricing. They also offer unparalleled customer service. Sony offers, by most pundits estimation, the 'prettiest' laptops on the market. Functionality is good, but if you are into designer look, you might want to look at Sony. Hewlett Packard and Toshiba represent the Chevy and Ford models of the Laptop world. They make solid Laptops, with a good product support team.
Laptop Specifics
Screen Size: Two words - LCD screen. Size is relative to your desire for portability. You will find a wide range of sizes for display screens, but bottom line, if portability is your need, remember screen size dictates true portability.
Screen Resolution: Higher Resolution is a must. A standard rule of thumb - 15.4" display 1280x800 resolution, for a 14.1" display 1024x768 resolution, 12.1" display either 1024x768 or 1200x768 resolution. At the time of this writing, the highest resolution available for the aforementioned screen sizes are 15.4” screen 1920x1200, 15.0” screen 1600x1200, and 14.1” display 1400x1050.
CPU/Processor: The CPU is overhyped in most cases. A computer is about the multiple systems working together, not unlike the human body. Intel makes arguably the best, widest used, most compatible microprocessors on the market.. AMD also has a very solid product and has experienced an increased market share in the last several years. These two manufacturer's are the '800 pound gorillas' of the Processor World. I would not purchase a computer of any kind without one of the two of these 'under the hood'.
Memory: 512 MB minimum memory is the rule for Windows XP - this operating system eats memory like a fat relative on Thanskgiving. 384 MB is the minimum requirement for Windows XP for basic functionality.
Storage/Hard Drive: 30-40 Gigabytes is more than just about any standard user needs for storage capacity. This is another component of a PC that is over-hyped. Most people do not come close to using even 50% of their storage capacity. 30-40 gb is more than enough for most, unless you are running your computer as a business server...and one should never use a laptop for such a thing. Servers should be 'stationary objects'. Hard drive speeds range from 4200 RPM, 5400 RPM to 7200 RPM. 4200 RPM's can run slow. Most run at 5400 RPM, and is recommended. 7200 RPM drives can get pricey.
'Optical' Drive: Make sure your optical drive can to the following: Read and write CD's, and read and write DVD's. This is the standard for drives these days, and no new laptop/PC should come without these capabilities.
Wireless Internet (Card) - Recommended for all Laptops in today's day and age.
Modem - Also recommended for Laptop purchases. They are an inexpensive option that will allow for increased Internet accessability.
Pricing:
Obviously an inportant consideration for your laptop. This is where the beauty of buying from Dell comes into play. You can build your PC and watch your cost as you build. The most important thing to do is to head into your purchase knowing how much you can spend - not unlike buying a car - know what you can afford.
A Note about Buying on eBay:
There are a lot, and I mean a lot of scams on eBay - be it Laptops, IPods, or XBox 360's. How do you get scammed? The biggest problem is with inflated shipping costs. If you see "Calculated Shipping" charges, RUN YOUR ZIPCODE first. Rouge sellers love to stick it to you when it comes to shipping, and many incorporate their profits into shipping charges. Also, make sure a computer is not refurbished, or if it is, make sure it was refurbished by the manufacturer, and COMES WITH A WARRANTY. Do not trust small-business-refurbished items.
A) All-Purpose: These models are your 'standard grade' models and can be used for general purpose functions such as word processing and general Internet access.
B) Desktop Replacement: These models are the large screen types that handle higher end functions such as online gaming, large software program functioning, and non-travel business utility functions.
C) Ultra-portable: Generally the highest price models on the market, these very slim, very sleek models are a favorite of the on-the-go business traveler. They offer high speed internet access, ultra-easy Internet access capability, as well as massive staroage capacity. If you are a Regional Sales Rep, or your job requires high travel times, and computing needs, these models are for you. The caveat to this, is that they are far and away the most expensive of all laptop options so be prepared for sticker shock.
It should be a fairly easy decision to select a catagory of laptop that fits your needs based on the above criteria. Once the catagory of laptop has been decided, it is time to look at brand names.
There are four primary names to keep in mind. Dell, Sony, Hewlett Packard and Toshiba. Dell has the highest sales off all laptops, for several years running. They offer the widest selection and the best pricing. They also offer unparalleled customer service. Sony offers, by most pundits estimation, the 'prettiest' laptops on the market. Functionality is good, but if you are into designer look, you might want to look at Sony. Hewlett Packard and Toshiba represent the Chevy and Ford models of the Laptop world. They make solid Laptops, with a good product support team.
Laptop Specifics
Screen Size: Two words - LCD screen. Size is relative to your desire for portability. You will find a wide range of sizes for display screens, but bottom line, if portability is your need, remember screen size dictates true portability.
Screen Resolution: Higher Resolution is a must. A standard rule of thumb - 15.4" display 1280x800 resolution, for a 14.1" display 1024x768 resolution, 12.1" display either 1024x768 or 1200x768 resolution. At the time of this writing, the highest resolution available for the aforementioned screen sizes are 15.4” screen 1920x1200, 15.0” screen 1600x1200, and 14.1” display 1400x1050.
CPU/Processor: The CPU is overhyped in most cases. A computer is about the multiple systems working together, not unlike the human body. Intel makes arguably the best, widest used, most compatible microprocessors on the market.. AMD also has a very solid product and has experienced an increased market share in the last several years. These two manufacturer's are the '800 pound gorillas' of the Processor World. I would not purchase a computer of any kind without one of the two of these 'under the hood'.
Memory: 512 MB minimum memory is the rule for Windows XP - this operating system eats memory like a fat relative on Thanskgiving. 384 MB is the minimum requirement for Windows XP for basic functionality.
Storage/Hard Drive: 30-40 Gigabytes is more than just about any standard user needs for storage capacity. This is another component of a PC that is over-hyped. Most people do not come close to using even 50% of their storage capacity. 30-40 gb is more than enough for most, unless you are running your computer as a business server...and one should never use a laptop for such a thing. Servers should be 'stationary objects'. Hard drive speeds range from 4200 RPM, 5400 RPM to 7200 RPM. 4200 RPM's can run slow. Most run at 5400 RPM, and is recommended. 7200 RPM drives can get pricey.
'Optical' Drive: Make sure your optical drive can to the following: Read and write CD's, and read and write DVD's. This is the standard for drives these days, and no new laptop/PC should come without these capabilities.
Wireless Internet (Card) - Recommended for all Laptops in today's day and age.
Modem - Also recommended for Laptop purchases. They are an inexpensive option that will allow for increased Internet accessability.
Pricing:
Obviously an inportant consideration for your laptop. This is where the beauty of buying from Dell comes into play. You can build your PC and watch your cost as you build. The most important thing to do is to head into your purchase knowing how much you can spend - not unlike buying a car - know what you can afford.
A Note about Buying on eBay:
There are a lot, and I mean a lot of scams on eBay - be it Laptops, IPods, or XBox 360's. How do you get scammed? The biggest problem is with inflated shipping costs. If you see "Calculated Shipping" charges, RUN YOUR ZIPCODE first. Rouge sellers love to stick it to you when it comes to shipping, and many incorporate their profits into shipping charges. Also, make sure a computer is not refurbished, or if it is, make sure it was refurbished by the manufacturer, and COMES WITH A WARRANTY. Do not trust small-business-refurbished items.
Guide created: 06/23/06 (updated 10/31/09)
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