Buying a Laptop computer is a significant investment, and for most of us selecting the right Laptop will require making difficult decisions and compromises.
There are a number of issues that should be taken into consideration before buying one, whether it is your first one or not.
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Making a list of all the ways you plan to use your Laptop will help you determine what features you will need your Laptop to have. People use Laptops for many different reasons and each type of use needs different Laptop features.
How are you going
to use your Laptop?
The most important issue to think about when buying a Laptop is how and when you will use it. So, decide what you want your Laptop for.
Will you be using it for school, work, or just pleasure? Chances are if you are using it for school or work only, you will only need Windows software, a web browser, and Internet access (which may include a wireless card).
However, if you are looking to play computer games, make music or movies, view and edit photos, in addition to browsing the web, and doing school work, you will need a whole lot more. The point being: before buying a laptop, decide what you will be doing with your Laptop.
How to Consider Price
When Buying a Laptop.
The next thing you might want to do, when buying a laptop, is consider the price, how much can you pay for the Laptop?
As a rule of thumb, buying a Laptop computer is going to cost you more than a desktop so you will need to be prepared to make a significant investment for your Laptop.
It is a good idea to budget $1,500 to $2,000 to cover everything you will need, although it is totally possible to get a quality Laptop for much less, if you have limited needs and/or are willing to make compromises.
For more information on refurbished Laptops please visit our review.
Your Laptop's Screen,
What to Look For.
Perhaps the next issue to think about when buying a Laptop is the size of the screen of the laptop. There are a number of different sizes available.
For a typical workstation/primary computer type laptop, you will probably want to choose a laptop with a 14 or 15 inch screen. If you're looking for a smaller, more portable style, you'll want to stick with a range of 11 inches to 13 inches.
While the 11 to 13 inch range is not common for a primary computer, it can be used and generally users get used to and comfortable with the smaller screen.
However, keep in mind that if you're looking to use your laptop for entertainment or multimedia purposes you'll probably want to get a larger screen, perhaps a 17" screen, even if you will be traveling often.
In choosing a screen there is another important consideration: the display type. With LCD screens there are two technologies. These two display options are passive matrix and active matrix.
The most notable properties concerning these two options are that laptop LCD screens employing passive matrix displays are generally less expensive than those employing active matrix displays; however, passive matrix displays are generally inferior in graphics display and color than active matrix display units. Most Laptops today employ the Active Matrix technology.
There are many different active matrix displays on the market. Each display is associated with a specific physical display resolution.
The display resolution signifies the number of dots (pixels) on the entire screen. The higher the resolution, the more dots or pixels on your display device.
The total number of pixels in an active matrix display is fixed. For example, a VGA display has a very low resolution at 640 x 480.Monitor ResolutionQVGA (quarter-video graphics array) 320 x 240VGA (video graphics array) 640 x 480SVGA (super video graphics array) 800 x 600XGA (extended graphics array) 1024 x 768WXGA (wide extended graphics array) 1280 x 800WXGA+ 1440 x 900SXGA (super extended graphics array) 1280 x 1024SXGA+ 1400 x 1050UXGA (ultra extended graphics array) 1600 x 1200WSXGA (wide super extended graphics array) 1680 x 1050WUXGA (wide ultra extended graphics array) 1920 x 1200WQXGA (wide quad extended graphics array) 2560 x 1600
What Brand Should You Purchase?
The next issue to consider, when buying a laptop, is the brand of laptop you want. With companies like Dell, Lenovo, Acer, Apple, Hewlett-Packard, Sony, and Toshiba offering customizable computers it is important to know what to look for and whether you can get a better deal by creating your own Laptop or by purchasing a Laptop from a local computer store. Next, we should discuss the computer hardware.
Laptop Memory, What is it
and How Much Should You Get?
Memory is generally also known as RAM (Random Access Memory), and it is also known as volatile memory, because the data it holds is lost when the laptop/notebook computer using it is switched off.
RAM is responsible for storing information that you access frequently; however, RAM is not a permanent memory system.
Your hard disk will be responsible for that, but since the hard-disk takes longer to access than RAM, it is RAM that causes the computer's speed to be faster. Keep that in mind when buying a Laptop.
A good business use Laptop requires around 1GB of memory, you can get by with 512 MB and work with Windows XP easily, however, do not purchase a computer with only 256MB of memory unless you plan on upgrading the memory.
If you plan to use the computer for Games you might want to consider 2GB and above. If you have a limited budget we suggest you start with a smaller memory, such as 512MB but make sure that your Laptop can handle additional memory.
Something to keep in mind when buying a laptop. Upgrading memory is perhaps the easiest thing to upgrade on a Laptop and there are a number of quality Memory manufacturers that provide memory, at a savings, over the original manufacturer.
There are several types of each type of RAM: with or without error checking (ECC), buffered or unbuffered, and several types of RAM - SDRAM, RDRAM, DDR RAM, etc., but at the moment, the DDR RAM is the most common, easier to find and most cost effective.
If you are buying a used computer and it has limited RAM make sure to check the price and availability of adding memory or you may find that you purchased a Laptop that has no growth potential.
Processor Speeds and Brands,
What Should You Get?
Your processor or CPU (central processing unit) is the brains of the computer. The CPU is also responsible for the speed of the computer and what types of programs it is able to handle.
Enough RAM and CPU are needed for running multiple programs at once and using the computer for multimedia purposes. A processor’s speed is measured in hertz (Hz) or gigahertz (GHz). The largest the value the faster the processor.
For a high-performance processor look for a processor with Dual-Core. The dual-core processor consists of two complete execution cores in one physical processor, and therefore doubling the power of the processor without taking up extra power from the battery.
Intel is the name brand for Dual-Core processors, their processors are called the Intel® Core™2 Duo processors, but you might want to consider a lesser known brand such as the AMD® Turion 64 X2 dual-core processors with HyperTransport technology. Our experience is that the AMD processors often provide higher performance at a lower price.
How Large and Fast a Hard Drive
Should Your Laptop Have?
This is your permanent storage unit. The size of the storage you need will depend on what you're using the computer for. Basic disk space for new Laptops are 60 GB plus (GB is Gibabyte which means 1.024 billion bytes or characters).
This will be sufficient for most business computing, however, if you plan to use your computer for extensive multi-media such as Video and/or Music, you will need more, perhaps 120GB.
The only other key issue to consider on selecting a Hard Disk is the speed. Most Laptop hard drives have a speed of 5400 RPM (4200 RPM hard drives should not be considered unless you are looking for a very low end Laptop).
This is adequate, however if you are going to be involved in high processing, and want the top of the line, you might try buying a Laptop that has a 7200 RPM Hard Drive.
There is no specific formula, when buying a laptop, for determining how much Hard Drive you will need. The average user will not fill up a 60GB Hard Drive, but if you are into multi-media keep the following information handy: The average song is 4MB, the average picture on a 6 mega pixel camera takes up 4MB, and the average movie is 3 to 4 GB.
That is about 250 songs or pictures per GB. If you plan to store music, pictures, and movies on your Laptop you will have to allocate that much space on the hard drive.
That will be an advantage of having a DVD Writer so you can backup your files to a DVD and thus free up disk space.
Keep in mind that if you outgrow your Hard Disk upgrading will not be easy since you will have to reload the Operating System (such as Windows) and in many instances will need to transfer the License, which will involve contacting the Operating System manufacturer.
Caution before buying a Laptop!
Make sure that you have the CD's for the Operating System and you always know the License Number of the Operating System.
If you do not know that and you install a new Hard Drive you might have to purchase a new license, which will become very expensive (more than the cost of the Hard Drive).
Upgrading a Hard drive on a Laptop is perhaps the one thing you want to avoid. If you run out of space you might want to consider moving files not often used to an external storage, such as an external hard drive or to a CD or DVD.
What About Optical Storage?
This includes drives such as the CD drive or DVD drive. It will be hard to find a new laptop these days without a CD/CD-R drive. (CD-R is CD recording or burning technology).
It's also typical to see a DVD player. You'll also have the option of getting a DVD-R or DVD-RW drive for recording and re-writing DVDs.
For multimedia computers you will definitely want a CD-R/DVD-R/RW drive. For anything else, you can weight prices and options. One thing to note is that having DVD-R capabilities is also good for mass storage, so even if you're not planning on making videos, you can always back up programs, files, and photos, and the like more efficiently. DVD’s provide much more storage than CD’s so the price difference might be well worth it.
The Optical Storage drives speeds are measured in "X" otherwise known as times. In other words 1X is real time (the speed as if you were watching the DVD or listening to the CD) and 2X is twice as fast as real time.
The faster the drive the better since you can make copies to hour hard drive, or write to your CD DVD faster. Currently the maximum speed for burning a DVD is 16X and for a CD is 52X.
Your Laptop's Internet Connection.
Depending on the Internet connection you plan to use, you will need certain features. Most users today use wireless or cable/DSL.
If you are still on dial-up you will need to make sure your new Laptop has a Modem port with a telephone type connection. For a cable/DSL connection you will need an Ethernet port.
Both of these features are standard features on laptops and you will most likely not have to pay extra for them.
For wireless connection you will need to either purchase a wireless card that will fit your USB or PCMCIA port, or have one built in. While researching Wireless card you should find out which type of wireless it has.
Also find out before buying a Laptop, if it automatically detects Hot Spots (this could be a plus for some users and potentially dangerous for others, since you might link to a network other than the one you intended and will be subject to potential Identify Theft).
Currently the following two are available with the main difference being speed:
802.11g wireless cards are compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g wireless networks and provide maximum data rates of 54 Mbps2.·802.11a/g wireless cards have the flexibility to connect to 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11a networks at peak data rates of 54 Mbps2. 802.11n (also called Wireless-N) * is a next-generation wireless standard that uses the transmission and receipt of multiple simultaneous data streams (called MIMO for Multiple Input, Multiple Output) to enable data throughput and range that far exceeds the single-stream capabilities of today’s 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g technologies. Wireless-N cards have peak data rates from 150Mbps to 300Mbps2 when used with Wireless-N routers.
Video Card For A Laptop.
For basic business uses you will not require any special video card. For multimedia purposes you will want to upgrade to a more advanced graphics, you might look for a Laptop that offers 128MB or 256MB NVIDIA® GeForce®.
Additional Ports,
a Must For Your Laptop!
A minimum of one USB 2.0 port is absolutely necessary. USB devices are becoming the standard for interface. Printers, mice, flash drives, hard drives, digital cameras, and many other devices come with the USB interface.
This is important when buying a laptop.
If your Laptop only has one USB port you most likely will need to acquire a USB Hub, which will extend this port into multiple ports.
USB hubs are relatively inexpensive so that would not be a major problem. Check out for additional ports available, including S-Video, VGA, and a Consumer IR,
Laptop Pointing Devices.
When buying a Laptop, what type of pointing device you use probably is not the first thing on your mind, but you would be surprised at just how much it affects your computing experience.
There are three basic types of pointing devices: track ball, touch pad, and joy stick (small joystick in the middle of your keyboard, such as those provided by Lenovo and IBM).
The best thing to do is try them out yourself before buying a Laptop. Even is someone was to tell you their preference, that does not mean you will agree.
Since the pointing device makes such an impact on your computer experience, you will want to make sure that you are getting the type of pointing device that you are most comfortable with.
Operating System for Your
Laptop - Windows or Not?
The next important point if your operating system. The latest operating system from Windows is Vista, but you can also purchase a computer with XP if you are not prepared to deal with the pains of a new Operating System.
There are several considerations, when buying a laptop, you need to make when choosing between the two.
1) Are all your programs Vista compatible?
2) Are you prepared to learn or figure out Vista? If you're answering no, then are you willing to pay extra for XP? XP was Microsoft Window's previous edition.
Many programs are still only compatible with XP, but that is sure to change as Vista becomes more prominent. The good thing about a newer system that is specially made with XP is that is will be Vista compatible when you're finally ready to change over.
For either XP or Vista, the Home edition will be sufficient for 90% of the users. If you are not aware of differences between the Home Edition and the Professional edition, chances are the Home Edition will be sufficient for your needs.
If you are buying a used computer and your needs are basic, then a computer with Windows 2000 would be acceptable. If your needs are more than the basic needs you should only consider buying a computer with Windows XP or Vista.
Consider the fact that the upgrade (if you choose to upgrade at a later date) will cost you $200 plus, so it is important to make the right decision.
Laptop Batteries Are Important!
Although you will not have a choice as to what battery your new Laptop computer comes with (it comes with a battery) it is important that you look at the cost of a replacement battery.
Most of us do not think of replacement battery cost since we think it will be 2 years before I will need one, however, many of us will want to purchase an extra battery right away.
Battery prices vary significantly and it is always desirable if the additional batteries can be purchased from a Third Party that manufactures batteries. You can save significantly by considering Third Party new batteries for your new Laptop.
If you are buying a used Laptop this is even more significant since most likely you will have to buy one right away. Check-out the cost of replacement batteries.
For more information on laptop batteries please visit our comprehensive batteries review guide.
Software For Your Laptop.
We already discussed the Operating System, which must be included in the price of your Laptop, however, many Laptop manufacturers offer additional software bundled-in with the price of the Laptop (or at a reduced price). This could provide you with significant savings.
As an example, if you need to use a Word Processor and Spreadsheet, it is commonly available with a number of Laptops, however, if you do not have it and need to buy it as an add on, and you want the Microsoft Word and/or Excel you must be prepared to spend $200+ for just this capability.
Microsoft® Office® 2007 Basic Edition is often available with the Laptop at a much reduced price compared to what you would pay later on.
What About Bluetooth® Technology?
Bluetooth® wireless technology enhances the personal connectivity market by providing freedom from wired connections - enabling links between mobile computers, mobile phones, portable handheld devices, and connectivity to the Internet. Interface, synchronize, exchange.
Bluetooth technology is relatively new in Laptop computers and not yet widely used, however you might want to check into its availability when buying a Laptop if you have a specific need.
Accessories, Get the
Most Out of Your Laptop.
When buying a Laptop you have a variety of accessories you can choose from to enhance your system. Below are some of the most common.
For more information on laptop accessories please visit our comprehensive accessories review guide.
Warranty When Buying a Laptop.
Although we left this for last, we do not want to minimize the importance of warranty. When buying a Laptop most come with a minimum of 1-year warranty from the manufacturer, covering only defective equipment.
Most major manufacturers and Computer/Retail stores offer extra protection ranging from extending the manufacturer’s warranty to covering any accidents you may have.
Since most defective equipment shows itself after the first year, extending the basic warranty is highly recommended.
Some repairs can cost as much as the Laptop itself. If that is the case, most warranties will just give you a brand new Laptop (or refurbished which is as good as new). This is important when buying a Laptop.
Before getting any extended warranty review the terms and conditions so you know what they cover and how much you are paying for that coverage. We hope you found this article about buying a Laptop valuable.
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