LAptops Buyers Guide
A Handy Solution to Computers
Technology has been instrumental in bringing about handy and compact alternatives to several things. The invention of laptops was a similar attempt in bringing forth a computer in a much more compact and portable form. There are several advantages that a laptop has over a desktop computer and it is due to these advantages that numerous people are opting for laptops these days. There are various things you need to keep in mind before buying a laptop. Some of them are discussed below.
Mobility
Being a portable variety of computer, the laptop aids mobility to a great extent. However, you need to decide how frequently you will be carrying your laptop around. The kind of laptop you buy will greatly depend on this. The laptop may weigh anything between one kilogram and six kilograms. A light one will be more convenient if you are planning to carry your laptop around with you frequently. Again, there are various sizes of laptops that you could opt for.
The size you select will also affect your mobility with your laptop. If you are likely to move around too often you should certainly opt for a small laptop. A larger laptop may have several features and may be a good option if you are not always on the move.
The battery life is also an important factor. When you are frequently moving around with your laptop you may not be able to avail of power outlets and may have to use the battery in the laptop. Hence, you mobility will also affect the kind of battery life you opt for.
Use
The kind of use that you will put your laptop to will help you to determine the kind of laptop you are purchasing. Your application of the laptop will be deciding factors when it comes to selecting the display size, the processor, the memory and the various features that your laptop should have. For instance, if you need your laptop for extensive works of graphics, you should go for a laptop that has a bigger and better display unit.
Price
The cost of your laptop would greatly depend on the features you wish your laptop to possess. If the use of the laptop is limited to accessing the Internet and word processor, your laptop will not cost you much. A laptop that has multimedia applications, games, etc. are slightly more developed and therefore will cost more than the basic models. Additional features like higher capacity memory, CD and DVD burners, larger screens, etc., are those that you can avail of at a higher price. If the laptop is packed with a great number of features and the technology used is highly advanced, it can indeed cost you a fortune. Laptops are available at a wide range of prices and your desire, necessity and budget will help you to decide the price you want to pay for it.
Important features to be considered
There are a few important features that you will need to consider while buying a laptop. Firstly you need to decide on the type of display you wish to opt for. Present laptops generally come with LCD monitors. These are excellent for sharp text displays. However, in case you are looking at using your laptop for a lot of graphics related work, you may prefer to opt for a CRT monitor. Owing to the fact that a desktop computer offers better graphic solutions than laptops, it is better to opt for a desktop computer or a laptop with discreet graphics controller for extensive graphic requirements.
The storage capacity of the laptop is also something you need to consider. The capacity of your laptop will depend on your requirements for storage. Also, u need to judge how much removable and how much irremovable memory u require. Check the modem, the network connections, compatibility of various accessories, etc. and then decide on the laptop you wish to buy for yourself.
Key Features
| Key Features | | | Display | | | Processor | | | Installed Memory |
| | With over 1100 laptops on the market, key features such as Display, Processor & Installed Memory are important factors when buying. These features not only effect the performane and quality of the laptop you choose, but also the price. Shown below are price guides for a selection of laptops focusing on the key features: Display, Processor & Installed Memory. |
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| Display | | 15 in. XGA TFT Active Matrix | £351.00 | | 15.4 in. WXGA TFT Active Matrix | £740.00 | | 15 in. TFT Active Matrix | £1,102.00 | | 14.1 in. SXGA TFT Active Matrix | £1,290.00 | | 15.1 in. WSXGA+ TFT Active Matrix | £1,529.00 | | * | 15.4 in. WXGA TFT Active Matrix | £740.00 |
| | | Processor | | 533 MHz | £377.00 | | 166 MHz | £757.00 | | 1.8 GHz | £931.00 | | 2 GHz | £1,284.00 | | 1 GHz | £1,867.00 | | * | 1.73 GHz | £841.00 |
| | | Installed Memory | | 256 MB (DDR2 SDRAM) | £548.00 | | 512 MB (DDR2 SDRAM) | £917.00 | | 1 GB (DDR SDRAM) | £1,133.00 | | 1 GB (DDR2 SDRAM) | £1,283.00 | | 128 MB (SDRAM) | £1,867.00 | | * | 512 MB (DDR2 SDRAM) | £917.00 |
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* Taking into account all current laptops on the market the most desirable would be a laptop with 15.4 in. WXGA TFT Active Matrix Display, 1.73 GHz Processor and 512 MB (DDR2 SDRAM) Installed Memory.
Price Guide
| Min | £24.09 | | Avg | £966.90 | | Max | £3,079.57 |
| | LAptops cost anywhere from £24.09 for a basic laptop with few features to around £3,079.57 for a fully featured laptop. |
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Brand Guide
| Popular Brands | | | Acer | | | Hewlett Packard | | | Toshiba | | | Sony | | | ASUS | | | Lenovo |
| | The most popular laptops brand is Acer. The most expensive laptops brand is British Telecom. If you're looking for a bargain then look out for Packard Bell branded laptops as generally they offer the cheapest laptops. |
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