How to Buy a Laptop Computer
Laptop computers can't really substitute for desktop computers, but a good laptop can be a solid and convenient supplement to a desktop model.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Check the periodic surveys in top computer magazines for comprehensive information about the reliability of specific laptop brands and customer satisfaction with them. Choose a brand based on quality, price and limited warranty.
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2
Determine the core configuration you need, including processor and speed, amount of RAM, and hard disk size.
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3
Decide on the type of display. Choose a dual-scan display if your budget is extremely limited. Select an active-matrix display for the quickest response and best visual quality (especially under challenging condi-tions), though at the cost of shorter battery life. Choose an HPA (High-Performance Addressing) display if your budget rules out an active-matrix display but you need to use the laptop under challenging lighting and wish to maximize battery life.
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4
Compare weights of units you're considering. Think about how often and how far you'll need to carry the computer and its peripherals.
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5
Determine the size of display you want. Remember that bigger screens add to the unit's price, weight and bulk.
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6
Choose an ultraportable unit if weight is more important than price, reliability, battery life and ease of use.
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7
Buy a unit with built-in CD-ROM and floppy drives if convenience is more important than portability or reliability. Consider a model with removable internal drives for the most flexibility.
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8
Test the comfort and feel of the input device and keyboard. Choose between a touch pad, used by most manufacturers, and the pointing stick (also called the 'command point') used by IBM and Toshiba.
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9
Make sure the laptop comes with a lithium-ion battery. Be skeptical of manufacturers' battery-life claims.
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10
Decide what preinstalled software you want or need.
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11
Choose the length of warranty or service coverage you need.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Touch pads are more reliable than pointing sticks.
Get a laptop with a DVD-ROM drive if you would like to watch movies while traveling.
Consider leasing a computer if you need to upgrade often or spread out payments over two or more years. Keep in mind that leasing is, overall, more expensive than buying.
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Comments
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glacierblue
May 01, 2009
Here is something you definitely need to look into: Check prices for laptop batteries. I have a Dell Inspiron which costs $400 - $550 for the computer alone. It has been good. But, after 18 months (give or take), the battery DIES. (Only 1 year warranty on the battery.) The replacement battery is $155 - not including shipping. Can you say "WAAAAYYY OVERPRICED". Just wanted to let people know what they are in for. And, if you put another manufacturer's battery in it and you have problems, it is in your warranty that they are not responsible for problems. -
Jenny Powers
Mar 11, 2009
I thought I had bought a great laptop only to find not so good... grr.
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Feb 28, 2006
First off, if you want to use the laptop as a desktop, you may want to buy a docking station too. A docking station usually allows you to plug your laptop into a regular monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Second, don't feel like you need to pay extra for software, keep in mind, about 90% of all software has a free alternative. Third, consider what you will need when considering hardware. If you have a PDA or cell phone, with bluetooth, you may consider buying a bluetooth compatible laptop to sync with it. If you have a home wireless network, or if you plan on traveling a lot, or possibly using it at work if your work is wireless, you may want WiFi. If you are buying a used laptop running windows, keep in mind, WIFi is a tad tough to set up on PCs that are running Windows 95, 98, or ME. If you need wifi you should use 2000 or XP.
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Nov 22, 2005
When searching for a laptop, looking at a local store can rule out several of your prospective buys based on the quality, fit and finish of the materials used and questionable aesthetic details of the design.
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Nov 22, 2005
While choosing a notebook, the size of the hard drive and the amount of RAM are important. The amount of video memory is equally important. Video memory effects graphics and display properties and can not be easily upgraded. Most modern notebooks should have at least 64 MB shared.
