How to Compare Models of Notebooks

By Chris Carmichael

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Shopping for a new notebook can be very time consuming. There are many more models out now compared to just a few years ago; it can be difficult to decide which notebook model is the best one for your lifestyle. However, if you know what you are planning to use the notebook for and how much money you are willing to spend, you can drastically reduce the time spent comparing models of notebooks.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Internet Access

How to Compare Models of Notebooks

Step1
Determine the highest amount you are willing or able to spend. Most sites that sell notebooks offer a search option with price ranges. For instance, if you don't want to spend over $1,000, then you can click on a link that will take you to notebooks that fall in your lower price range.
Step2
Decide what you will be using the notebook for the most. This is one of the most important aspects to keep in mind when comparing notebooks. Whether you plan to use the new computer mainly for word processing or for storing a lot of photos, for instance, determines the hard drive capacity you will need.
Step3
Compare hard drives. An 80 GB (Gigabyte) hard drive should be more than sufficient if you will use the notebook mainly for word processing. If you plan on storing a lot of videos, games, and images on your new laptop, however, consider getting one with a higher capacity hard drive.
Step4
Compare the notebook model’s weight with other similar models. Six pounds might not sound like much, but it gets heavy if you are toting the notebook through a crowded airport. Weight won’t matter much if you plan to use the notebook exclusively at home. It will matter significantly if you plan on traveling with the notebook.
Step5
Check out the notebooks' screen size. If you intend to watch movies on your notebook, you might wish to invest in 17 inch screen. The 15 inch screen size is not overly small, however, and you should find a better price on a notebook with the smaller screen.
Step6
Make note of the microprocessors. If you intend to surf the internet and download anything, get the fastest processor you can find for the money you are willing to spend. Currently, dual core processors are among the fastest processors marketed for consumer use.

Tips & Warnings

  • Most big computer retailers allow consumers to customize a notebook when ordering online.
  • Remember to fill out the factory warranty information when you receive your notebook
  • Some companies offer refurbished notebooks at cheaper prices
  • Many online notebook sites will offer links to follow depending on whether you are shopping for a gaming, word processing, or general notebook.
  • Even if you plan on buying a notebook in person, shopping around on line first will give you a better idea of your options

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eHow Article: How to Compare Models of Notebooks

Article By: Chris Carmichael

Chris Carmichael

Novice Novice | 0 Points

Category: Computers

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