Buying Guide for Laptops

Looking for a new laptop? Confused by the innumerable brands, speculations and technologies which are publicized? Here's the information you need to be acquainted with to make an informed decision on buying the right laptop for your needs.

Below listed are some basics about laptops that you need to understand before you buy one.

1. Processor: This is the brain of the computer. All the data is processed here be it any manipulation, calculation or any other formatting. The choice of processor will depend on how you intend to use the laptop. The specifications are directly proportional to pace of executing the different tasks. Higher the specifications, faster will be the speed at which tasks will be executed. Same way, the powerful processor will help perform more tasks better. Core duo the latest technology is faster and more energy-efficient.
   
   
2. Software: Softwares act as the instruction manuals of the computer. They decide the actions of the machine. Some of these softwares come along with laptop. However for better and more comfortable usage of the same extra softwares have to be purchased and installed. To serve your basic needs on the computer you need to have at least the basic word processing and email enabling software.
   
   
3. Operating System: The most important software that enables other softwares and applications to run on your PC is called the operating system. Without this software no applications shall work. Most of the PCS across the globe run a version of Microsoft Windows. They may be either Windows Vista (the latest version of Windows) or an earlier version, such as Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me, or Windows 98. Apple computers run on an operating system called OSX.
   
   
4. ROM: A chip on the motherboard which stores a permanent set of start-up instructions for your computer is called ROM (read only memory). This chip is fixed when the system is manufactured and all the instructions in it do not erase even if the power is off.
   
   
5. RAM: This is the memory that the computer uses to run its operating system, applications and active data files. Higher RAM enables the computer to run complex programs and more of them at a time. RAM is highly responsible for the overall performance of the system. This memory makes your applications run faster and makes it possible to work with huge files. RAM starts at about 512MB; you can find some that can be upgraded all the way to 4.0GB.
   
   
6. Cache: This memory is similar to RAM but runs at a very high speed. The CPU makes use of it as a storage place for processing instructions. Information in the cache memory is not retained once the power is off.
   
   
7. Hard drive: Computer can take data from the hard drive to process information and also record the data back into the disk after the work is done. The sizes of the hard drive varies from 60GB, that is sufficient for basic computing needs, up to 120GB, ideal for multimedia, home entertainment and games.
   
   

Laptops based on your needs:

Below listed are the different user profiles and the kind of laptop that would suit each of them:

1. Home user:
   
   Most of the home users now prefer notebooks over desktop PCs. This is because these devices perform equally well and possess equally good features. Besides they can be easily carried to different locations.
   
   Undoubtedly all laptops would be suitable for home use; however there are two types of laptops that would best serve the purpose, the midsize notebooks, which are budget-friendly, and the desktop replacements, which are packed with features.
   
   Key features desirable in laptops for home use:
   
   A memory size of minimum 1GB is recommended for these laptops. A hard drive large enough to store digital photos and videos will be needed. The display should be 14.1 inch or larger. A fixed or swappable DVD burner will also be a necessity. Both wired and wireless networking will be needed. Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium or Apple Mac OS X is the operating systems recommended.
   
   
2. Student
   
   This is the kind of users who have strict budget constraints. Though this is a major factor, they expect a laptop that gives best performance for the money they pay. A laptop that should suit their need will be one that is light enough to be carried around, stylish enough to flaunt but tough enough to bear the wear and tear of each day.
   
   Key features desirable in laptops for student use:
   
   A memory size of at least 1GB is needed. A hard drive big enough to hold all those MP3s is needed. A DVD burner is needed as a backup for all those class projects, etc. Wired and wireless network will be needed as you can be in the network equipped classrooms or you may have to make use of the wireless in the other outside locations. Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium or Apple Mac OS X is recommended.
   
   
3. Frequent flier
   
   For those who spend a lot of time traveling, the size and the weight are key factors that have to be taken into consideration while selecting a laptop. These factors are so important that compromising slightly on the features and the performance wouldn't be a loss. Ultraportables are the smallest and the lightest notebooks. They weigh less than four pounds and as thick as a spiral bound notebook.
   
   Key features desirable in laptops for frequent fliers:
   
   A memory size of at least 1GB is recommended for these laptops. The display should be of maximum 13.3inch. Both wired and wireless networking will be needed here too. Extended battery is a must for those traveling far. An external CD-RW/DVD drive is recommended. A port replicator will be needed for the desk. Microsoft Windows Vista Business is recommended for this type of laptops
   
   
4. Business power user
   
   For those business people who make use of the same laptop in office, home and the road, a well balanced system is a must. The laptop has to be capable of delivering a performance that can gel with the wide range of applications that the business would make use of. A thin and light model would be the best option.
   
   Key features desirable in laptops for business users:
   
   A memory size of at the least 1GB is recommended. For those using Windows Vista, memory should be 2GB. A midsize hard drive will be enough. The display should be 14-inch or 15.4-inch. A dual-layer DVD burner will be more suitable. Both wired and wireless networking will give the desired comfort in using the laptop. An extra battery is undoubtedly a must for these users. Microsoft Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate are the preferred options.
   
   
5. Multimedia author or gamer
   
   If you have to make use of the laptop to design a Web site or edit home movies, the device will need a powerful processor, large memory, great graphics, and a healthy hard drive.
   
   Key features desirable in laptops for multimedia users:
   
   A memory size of 2GB and a display size of at least 15.4 inch or more is a must in these laptops. To serve the need an advanced graphics card with 256MB or 512MB of its own memory or dual SLI graphics is needed. The hard drive has to be the largest and the fastest, in order to enable the laptop to perform according to your needs. Dual-layer DVD burner, possibly HD-DVD or Blu-Ray compatible is recommended. Multimedia connectors, such as S-Video, HDMI, FireWire, S/PDIF, external keyboard and mouse can make the use more comfortable. Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium or Ultimate, or Apple Mac OS X is recommended.
   
   

Laptops based on its size:

The varied sizes available in laptops have their respective pros and cons. While you take benefit of one feature, you have to compromise on some other. With the decreasing size though the laptop becomes comfortable to carry, some features have to be compromised. Conversely the full featured laptops become difficult to carry. Below given details will help you learn more about what each type of laptop has to offer.

1. The Ultraportable
   
   Ultraportables are the smallest, most lightweight laptops. This compactness that the ultraportables offer is the most beneficial factor for the frequent business travelers and all others who need to have their PC with them all the time. Though these types of laptops offer excellent portability, users have to compromise on its features, its performance, size of the keyboard, display, etc.
   
   Weight: Up to 4 pounds.
   Thickness: Less than 1 inch?
   Display: Smaller than 14 inches (diagonal)
   Processor: Slower, low-voltage mobile processors; some dual-core CPUs
   Features: Fewer ports and connections; 60GB to 120GB hard drive
   Networking: LAN, modem, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (optional), WWAN (optional)
   Other things to note: Small keyboard and touch pad; may lack an internal optical drive
   
   
2. Thin-and-light
   
   This type of laptop offers a balanced combination of portability, performance, features, and cost. Its power-tuned mobile processors give enough power to keep the work go on smoothly. The thin-and-lights offer a more reasonably sized keyboard and display, a larger hard drive, and a built-in optical drive. Though these models are more expensive than slightly larger, heavier midsize laptops, they are the best choice if you need maximum productivity in a portable package.
   
   Weight: 4 to 6 pounds
   Thickness: Approximately 1 inch
   Display: 12 to 14 inches (diagonal), probably wide screen)
   Processor: Midrange-to-fast dual-core processors
   Features: Most ports and connections; 80GB to 120GB hard drive; optical drive
   Networking: LAN, modem, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (optional), WWAN (optional)
   Other things to note: Small keyboard and touch pad
   
   
3. Midsize (mainstream)
   
   Most inexpensive laptops are the midsize ones. Typically a midsize laptop delivers everything you need for basic computing like word processing, storing digital photos. Everything for home entertainment like burning CDs, watching DVDs, and everything for online communication like e-mail and Web surfing are offered in midsize laptops. These models are slightly smaller than desktop replacements and have a limited battery life therefore midsize laptops aren't suitable for regular travel.
   
   Weight: 6 to 8 pounds
   Thickness: More than 1 inch
   Display: 14 to 15.4 inches (diagonal), possibly wide screen
   Processor: Slow/budget AMD Sempron or Intel Celeron, midrange AMD Turion 64 or Intel Core Duo, or fast Turion 64 X2 or Core 2 Duo processors
   Features: Most ports and connections; 60GB to 100GB hard drive; DVD burner; memory card reader; decent software package
   Networking: LAN, modem, Wi-Fi
   Other things to note: May be less attractively designed; may suffer from mediocre performance and battery life
   
   
4. Desktop replacement
   
   The largest and the heaviest of the laptops are the desktop replacements. They are capable of delivering the features and performance like that of a desktop PC. As the features suggest these models are not easy to carry around. This model offers the best performance, the largest screens and keyboards. Overall this model offers the most complete set of features available in any laptop. This model is most common among home and business users. These systems have enough computing muscle for serious gaming, multimedia authoring, and even high-level digital audio and video work.
   
   Weight: 7.5 pounds or more
   Thickness: More than 1 inch
   Display: 17 to 20 inches (diagonal)
   Processor: Fast dual-core processors
   Features: Wide array of ports and connections; 80GB to 240GB hard drive space; double- layer DVD burner.
   Networking: LAN, modem, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (optional)
   Other things to note: Large keyboard, separate number pad, large touch pad; batteries not designed for lengthy mobile use.
   
   
5. Tablet PC
   
   The tablet PCs were once used as a tool for the specialized industries. With its portability, flexibility, and wow factor, this range of laptops is gaining wider audience. In terms of size and weight this model is very much similar to the ultraportable and thin and light. On this tablet PC you can take handwritten notes and navigate menus, documents, and Web pages using a stylus directly on the screen. The most common type of this range is the convertible tablet. The convertible tablet is like a traditional laptop but has a display that swivels 180 degrees and folds flat over the keyboard. Slate tablets another of this range, lack keyboards--they're all screen. The smallest of the tablet range are the, ultramobile PCs. With the 7-inch touch-screen displays and enhanced media player features the ultramobile PCs bridge the gap between PDA and ultraportable.
   
   Weight: Usually 4 pounds or less, with some slates weighing as little as 2 pounds; UMPCs weigh less than 2 pounds; some larger laptops incorporate tablet functionality
   Thickness: Less than 1 inch
   Display: 12 inches (diagonal) or smaller digitized display
   Processor: Moderate mobile processors
   Features: Fewer ports and connections; 30GB to 60GB hard drive
   Networking: LAN, modem, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (optional), WWAN (optional)
   Other things to note:Microsoft Windows Vista OS; handwriting recognition software