Some Tips for Finding the Perfect Laptop or Notebook Computer

The good news is that the price of laptop and notebook computers has never been lower than it is today. The prices of laptops have continued to fall even as the prices for other electronic equipment has stagnated, providing consumers with a wealth of computer power at their fingertips.

The bad news is that there are so many different kinds of laptop and notebook computers on the market that it can be difficult to sort through all the hype in order to find the best possible laptop at the lowest possible price. Every manufacturer claims that their particular product is the best around, and this can cause a great deal of confusion.

Fortunately there are some simple rules that consumers can use to get the most bang for their laptop or notebook buck. Each person will have a different set of needs when it comes to choosing a laptop or notebook, and there is no one model and brand that will be perfect for every consumer. The key to getting a great laptop at a great price is to understand your own needs and choose the laptop that best meets your specific criteria.

Size Matters

When it comes to laptops and notebooks, size matters in more ways than one. One important way that size matters is in the size and weight of the laptop. Those users who plan to tote their notebooks around with them on a regular basis may want to opt for a lighter laptop, while those who plan to use their new laptop as a desktop replacement may want to look for a larger and sturdier unit.

The screen size matters a great deal as well, and it is a good idea for those in the market for a first laptop to look at several different models with a variety of screen sizes. The largest laptops and notebooks on the market boast a large 17" screen, perfect for replacing a traditional desktop computer. Many users love the large screen size, finding it easier to navigate and more comfortable to use every day.

Of course the big 17" screen will increase the weight of the laptop, and those who will be carrying their new purchase with them may be willing to sacrifice a bit of screen size in exchange for a lighter weight. Depending on the user a 15", 14" or even a 12" screen may be fine for mobile use. And the fact that 12" laptops are frequently the lightest and most portable can make them a very attractive alternative. For home use, a docking station can be used, allowing the laptop to make use of an existing large monitor, as well as a traditional keyboard and mouse.

Speaking of keyboards, those who plan to use their laptop or notebook computer at home frequently may want to consider purchasing a wireless mouse and keyboard combo. The most frequently used units are designed to plug into a USB port on the laptop, providing users with a convenient way to wirelessly use an external keyboard and mouse. Considering the fact that small keyboards and hard to use touch pads are frequent complaints by laptop users, such a purchase makes a lot of sense. The keyboards on many large 17" laptops are quite comfortable, but the keyboards on 14" and especially 12" laptops can be small and difficult to use for many users. Adding an external keyboard and mouse can solve these common problems and make the laptop or notebook much easier to use.

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7 Questions You Need To Ask Before Buying A Notebook Computer

If you are planning to purchase a notebook computer, then there are seven key questions that you will need to ask yourself. Doing this will enable you to arrive at the kind of quality notebook that best suits your purposes and current budget.

1 - How portable, how powerful?

The issue of size and weight will determine how easily you will be able to carry around your notebook computer. After all, one of the reasons why you may have decided to purchase a notebook computer in the first place, is most probably based on the issue of portability. You will need to strike a balance based on your needs and requirements between ultra-portables and desktop replacements. The former offer very small-sized and light weight computers but will often sacrifice a number of items in achieving this. For instance they will tend to get rid of optical drives, among other items that may be important to you. With desktop replacements they will usually tend to be heavy and bulky making them a little difficult to carry around.

2 - What should be the processor speed and type?

The processor speed will contribute heavily to how fast you will be able to accomplish tasks on your notebook computer. If your notebook is meant to be mainly a web browser, with word processing and maybe a DVD player, then any processor that has a speed of 1 GHz or more should work. However if you have in mind a desktop replacement then you will need a high-end processor of 1.6 GHz or higher.

Secondly the type of processor is an important consideration too. Processors based on Centrino technology consume less power and yield improved battery lifetime.

3 - What Screen size, what resolution?

It is important to check the resolution of the screen on the notebook you are purchasing. Everybody would like a larger screen but some large screens have such a high resolution that it is counterproductive and makes the reading of standard fonts difficult. You will also have to remember that the larger the screen the heavier and more difficult to carry your laptop computer will be.

4 - Should the notebook have a convincing optical drive?

In laptops nowadays, the choice of optical drives is important. Laptops have these days been turned into portable DVD players with the DVD-ROM or CD-RW/DVD combo drive. They can even be plugged into a home theater system. The problem is that many ultra-portable laptops quite often lack an internal optical drive to save on space.

5 - Do you require redundant ways to access the Internet?

Ability to connect to the Internet is a key feature. You should be careful to look for systems that include a built-in 56 Kbps modem and Fast Ethernet. If you wish, you can go further and look for a computer with an integrated 802.11 b/g wireless adapter because locations with hotspots for connectivity are rapidly and constantly growing.

6 - How long would you be away from the mains on average?

A portable computer with less than two hours of computing time on a single charge is a big waste. You should look to get a system with at least 3-4 hours of battery life.

7 - What Warranty options should you be looking at?

Because laptops are moved around a lot, they are much more likely to break down. Many people make this mistake with laptops because we hardly follow up on the warranty for PCs. Remember that laptops are different because they take much more abuse on the go. So you should ensure that you get at least a one year warranty from the manufacturer.

Sabir Rizvi is a seasoned IT professional who writes for Notebooks Guide, an informative guide for laptop buyers. Visit the website to read more of his articles and reviews at http://notebooks.alwaiz-arts.com.