( 
)So you want the right laptop, correct?
If you answered yes, then this might just be your lucky day. In this guide I will be explaining the differences and components of each laptop that makes every notebook out there unique. I will suggest certain components that will tackle anything that comes before you in the most effective way.
First, all computers as you may know have several key components that make a computer what it is. Some of those main things include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), and a HD (Hard Drive). While some people may dispute me on this, those four main components are what makes up any computer. The specifications of each component varies but ultimately affects the overall performance of a computer.
A CPU is like the brain of the computer. It processes all of your commands and relays the proper responses. A really good CPU is not required to browse the web and do the occasional messenging. CPUs are judged by their operating speed usually in Gigahertz (Ghz). The higher the gigahertz the faster the processing. TIP: Stay away from budget processors (Intel Celeron and AMD Sempron). Make sure the Processor has at least a 1MB L2 Cache.
The GPU is like your eye sight. It affects the imaging and visuals on a computer. GPUs have a a main core clock and stream processors that allow visuals to load and generate quickly. Graphics cards nowadays have something called dedicated memory to help the performance of the GPU. You will not need a very sophisticated GPU to go about your daily computing. TIP: Stay away from integrated GPUs and Intel Graphics Accelerators.
RAM is like being very articulate and fluent. RAM in my opinion is the reason why everyone gets upset when their computer starts to crawl at slow speeds. It affects the processing of the commands you place. If you have ever clicked the start button and it took several seconds for the menu to open, you might want to consider a memory (RAM) upgrade. A lot of times a simple upgrade can boost your computer's overall performance. You can resurrect it out of the 20th century. When you do upgrade your ram be sure to check the exact specifications of the memory stick by reading the information on it. Make sure you note the "DDR PC - ####" when upgrading.
Hard Drives also play a critical role in your computer's performance. If you're a pack rat or just like to save everything you might want to aim for at least 80 gigabytes of hard drive space on your laptop. As of right now, I believe the fastest hard drive for a laptop is 7200RPM. The RPM of a hard drive can alter the performance greatly. The faster the RPM the quicker the boot time.
If you're the type of person that only needs a notebook for browsing the internet (checking stock, emails, ebay) , instant messenging, occasional music then you would not have to reach deep into your pockets. The notebook for you would consist of a single core processor with 512 megabytes of ram and 40 gigabytes of hard drive space. Anything more and you'd be treating yourself to a buffet. You can buy new and used laptops on ebay that have these components for as little as $200, which isn't bad at all.
As for the type of person that multi tasks and enjoys playing music while instant messenging nonstop, you may want to consider a notebook with a dual core processor (preferably an Intel Core [2] Duo) and at least a gigabyte of memory with an easy to fill 100 gigabyte hard drive. Dual Core processors allow you to comfortably multi task to your hearts content. A good notebook with these specifications would run you about $800. TIP: Try to get a notebook with a GPU consisting of at least 128MBs of dedicated video memory.
For all you graphic artists, flash editors, website designers, video editors, and PC gamers you will be looking at steeper prices in the upwards of $1500. You will most definitely want a dual core processor with an operating speed of 2Ghz or more with at least 2GB of ram and a large hard drive to tackle the massive amount of strain the notebook would be facing. Be sure to include a graphics card with at least 256MB of dedicated video memory (I prefer Nvidia over ATI).
As a TechNet member of Microsoft testing the builds of Vista before release, it is unfortunate that I must recommend XP over Vista. Vista is visually elegant with a very advanced interface and appearance. However, it is very resource intensive and causes even the most expensive computers to fall prey. Vista is still in need of patching, so if that is the only option available be sure you get a computer with a dual core processor and at least a gigabyte of ram regardless.
As for a brand preference, everyone is entitled to their opinions and likeness towards a particular company. I've used computers from a wide array of companies including Dell, Hewlett Packard, Acer, and other brands that are rarely ever heard of anymore. Dell offers a somewhat of a decent product but their support is sickening. They are very lousy when it comes to that. Don't get me wrong but, every incident I have personally encountered with Dell always ended with my dissatisfaction and frustration. Acer offers products at cheaper prices, however I cannot comment on their support as I have never had the chance to. Hewlett Packard in my opinion is the best computer manufacturer known to mankind. Their products are very durable and all of their laptops come with a one year standard warranty. Their support is just not comparable to anything else. I've had problems with an HP laptop before, but I mean any physical object is subject to wear and tear over time. If your adapter, hard drive or DVD drive ever fails you would not need to worry. HP will send you that part via next day Fedex air all for free while under warranty. If you have a problem with your notebook that requires attention, HP will send you a box with packaging material and a prepaid Fedex slip by tomorrow morning (10:30AM) all for free once again. Fedex will pickup your laptop and it will arrive at their service center the very next day by 10:30AM. I called to have my notebook repaired on Monday and received the box on Tuesday morning. I packaged the notebook and sent it out Tuesday night and HP repaired and returned it to me by Friday of that same week. The most remarkable thing about HP is the three strike rule. They truly believe in customer satisfaction. If your laptop is repaired three times throughout your warranty period and it still does not meet your expectations, do not grow agitated because they will replace it with a newer model laptop that BEATS the specifications of your current laptop. TIP: Always get the extended warranty. The standard warranty does not cover the LCD display, the laptop casing and damage done by yourself.
If you need anything else, advice or assistance please feel free to email me at switriol@gmail.com.
If you need help selecting the right computer please be sure to include the following information when emailing me:
Price Range:
Where you are from:
What you plan to do with your notebook (be descriptive):
Why you need the notebook (classes, at home, work, etc):
I hope you enjoyed the guide! Sorry for the horrible English! Make sure you mention if this guide was helpful or not!
Sincerely,
Scott
If you answered yes, then this might just be your lucky day. In this guide I will be explaining the differences and components of each laptop that makes every notebook out there unique. I will suggest certain components that will tackle anything that comes before you in the most effective way.
First, all computers as you may know have several key components that make a computer what it is. Some of those main things include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), and a HD (Hard Drive). While some people may dispute me on this, those four main components are what makes up any computer. The specifications of each component varies but ultimately affects the overall performance of a computer.
A CPU is like the brain of the computer. It processes all of your commands and relays the proper responses. A really good CPU is not required to browse the web and do the occasional messenging. CPUs are judged by their operating speed usually in Gigahertz (Ghz). The higher the gigahertz the faster the processing. TIP: Stay away from budget processors (Intel Celeron and AMD Sempron). Make sure the Processor has at least a 1MB L2 Cache.
The GPU is like your eye sight. It affects the imaging and visuals on a computer. GPUs have a a main core clock and stream processors that allow visuals to load and generate quickly. Graphics cards nowadays have something called dedicated memory to help the performance of the GPU. You will not need a very sophisticated GPU to go about your daily computing. TIP: Stay away from integrated GPUs and Intel Graphics Accelerators.
RAM is like being very articulate and fluent. RAM in my opinion is the reason why everyone gets upset when their computer starts to crawl at slow speeds. It affects the processing of the commands you place. If you have ever clicked the start button and it took several seconds for the menu to open, you might want to consider a memory (RAM) upgrade. A lot of times a simple upgrade can boost your computer's overall performance. You can resurrect it out of the 20th century. When you do upgrade your ram be sure to check the exact specifications of the memory stick by reading the information on it. Make sure you note the "DDR PC - ####" when upgrading.
Hard Drives also play a critical role in your computer's performance. If you're a pack rat or just like to save everything you might want to aim for at least 80 gigabytes of hard drive space on your laptop. As of right now, I believe the fastest hard drive for a laptop is 7200RPM. The RPM of a hard drive can alter the performance greatly. The faster the RPM the quicker the boot time.
If you're the type of person that only needs a notebook for browsing the internet (checking stock, emails, ebay) , instant messenging, occasional music then you would not have to reach deep into your pockets. The notebook for you would consist of a single core processor with 512 megabytes of ram and 40 gigabytes of hard drive space. Anything more and you'd be treating yourself to a buffet. You can buy new and used laptops on ebay that have these components for as little as $200, which isn't bad at all.
As for the type of person that multi tasks and enjoys playing music while instant messenging nonstop, you may want to consider a notebook with a dual core processor (preferably an Intel Core [2] Duo) and at least a gigabyte of memory with an easy to fill 100 gigabyte hard drive. Dual Core processors allow you to comfortably multi task to your hearts content. A good notebook with these specifications would run you about $800. TIP: Try to get a notebook with a GPU consisting of at least 128MBs of dedicated video memory.
For all you graphic artists, flash editors, website designers, video editors, and PC gamers you will be looking at steeper prices in the upwards of $1500. You will most definitely want a dual core processor with an operating speed of 2Ghz or more with at least 2GB of ram and a large hard drive to tackle the massive amount of strain the notebook would be facing. Be sure to include a graphics card with at least 256MB of dedicated video memory (I prefer Nvidia over ATI).
As a TechNet member of Microsoft testing the builds of Vista before release, it is unfortunate that I must recommend XP over Vista. Vista is visually elegant with a very advanced interface and appearance. However, it is very resource intensive and causes even the most expensive computers to fall prey. Vista is still in need of patching, so if that is the only option available be sure you get a computer with a dual core processor and at least a gigabyte of ram regardless.
As for a brand preference, everyone is entitled to their opinions and likeness towards a particular company. I've used computers from a wide array of companies including Dell, Hewlett Packard, Acer, and other brands that are rarely ever heard of anymore. Dell offers a somewhat of a decent product but their support is sickening. They are very lousy when it comes to that. Don't get me wrong but, every incident I have personally encountered with Dell always ended with my dissatisfaction and frustration. Acer offers products at cheaper prices, however I cannot comment on their support as I have never had the chance to. Hewlett Packard in my opinion is the best computer manufacturer known to mankind. Their products are very durable and all of their laptops come with a one year standard warranty. Their support is just not comparable to anything else. I've had problems with an HP laptop before, but I mean any physical object is subject to wear and tear over time. If your adapter, hard drive or DVD drive ever fails you would not need to worry. HP will send you that part via next day Fedex air all for free while under warranty. If you have a problem with your notebook that requires attention, HP will send you a box with packaging material and a prepaid Fedex slip by tomorrow morning (10:30AM) all for free once again. Fedex will pickup your laptop and it will arrive at their service center the very next day by 10:30AM. I called to have my notebook repaired on Monday and received the box on Tuesday morning. I packaged the notebook and sent it out Tuesday night and HP repaired and returned it to me by Friday of that same week. The most remarkable thing about HP is the three strike rule. They truly believe in customer satisfaction. If your laptop is repaired three times throughout your warranty period and it still does not meet your expectations, do not grow agitated because they will replace it with a newer model laptop that BEATS the specifications of your current laptop. TIP: Always get the extended warranty. The standard warranty does not cover the LCD display, the laptop casing and damage done by yourself.
If you need anything else, advice or assistance please feel free to email me at switriol@gmail.com.
If you need help selecting the right computer please be sure to include the following information when emailing me:
Price Range:
Where you are from:
What you plan to do with your notebook (be descriptive):
Why you need the notebook (classes, at home, work, etc):
I hope you enjoyed the guide! Sorry for the horrible English! Make sure you mention if this guide was helpful or not!
Sincerely,
Scott
Guide created: 02/27/08 (updated 03/11/08)
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