Aug 28, 2008
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Aug 28, 2008
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TOPICSTYPE RELATED OFFERS
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Buyers' Guide
The main reason to get a Laptop computer is its size and portability. Laptop computers range in size from the ultra-compact travel notebooks that weigh in at under 3 lbs., to larger laptops weighing 8 or 9 pounds. If you know what type of computer you're looking for, you can jump directly to the associated Buyer's Guide to find reviews and recommendations, or continue reading this guide for more information on how to buy a laptop. To see specific computer recommendations, click on the link below that best matches the type of Laptop you're looking for.
Desktop Computer or Laptop (Notebook) Computer?A laptop is a good choice if you are planning to take your computer to work or to a corner cafe, when you travel, or if you have very limited space, such as in a college dorm room or a small apartment. It's also nice to have as a second computer. With a wireless connection you can easily go from room to room in your house, and not worry about being tied to your desk to work or surf the web. Laptop computers are more expensive than similarly-configured desktop computers, are generally less upgradeable, and often don't last as long as a desktop because of the wear and tear they get. For the same amount of money, you can get a much more powerful desktop computer with more disk storage space and features than you would on a comparably-priced laptop. But you can't put a desktop over your shoulder and use it at the corner coffee shop, or take it on the airplane and watch a DVD movie during your flight. So if portability or a small footprint is what you need, then a laptop is for you. If you're on a tight budget, or you want more computing power for your dollar and you don't need to take it with you, then you'll be happiest with a desktop model. Laptops range from ultra-compact models that can weigh 3 pounds or less, to larger "desktop replacement" computers that weigh up to 12 or 13 pounds. Both have advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to first determine what you will be most often using your computer for. If you think a Desktop Computer is what you need, see the Desktop Computer Buyer's Guide to help you find the computer that's right for you. PriceIf you are on a budget, the price of your new computer may be one of the most important considerations. Laptop prices vary widely depending on the size of the machine, memory, storage capacity, screen quality, and peripheral equipment (such as DVD drive). The most expensive computer is not always the best for every user. For example, a machine that is very light-weight and small is often more expensive, but can also be more difficult to use, with a cramped keyboard and small screen. If you don't plan to take your computer with you everywhere you go, you may be happier with a less expensive larger laptop. Laptops range in price from about $600 for the most basic models, to over $2,500 for high performance computers, gaming laptops or ultra-compact models for frequent traveler. Determine your budget, and consider what you will use the laptop for. If you plan to use the laptop for general word-processing, email, web surfing and other tasks, and you want to have a computer that you can move around the house from room to room, and occasionaly take to the office or a cafe, a general use budget laptop is a good choice. These range from about $700-$1,200 depending on the configuration. For a high performance or ultra-compact notebook computers, you can expect to pay about $1,200 to $2,220 and up. For most general use such as email, web surfing and word processing, the budget computers should work well for you for several years. If you plan to use your laptop for graphics work, video or sound editing, or video gaming, you should get a higher performance laptop, or a desktop machine if possible. Mac or PC?It used to be that Macs and PCs were quite different, but they are now much more similar than they used to be. Apple Macintosh computers (known by loving admirers as Macs) have a strong and dedicated following. Macs have approximately 3% of the computer market share overall. In certain groups, such as graphic design, however, the Mac is still very popular. Macintosh computer also provide better customer service, and are less prone to get viruses and spyware—both because of the Mac's design, as well as because most virus and spyware programs are written specifically to infect PCs. Overall, there are more games and a larger variety of software available for PCs, and if a software package comes for both Mac and PC, it will likey be less expensive for the PC. You'll generally also get more computing power for your dollar with a PC. Macs are for Mac-lovers and are also most often used in creative fields, such as graphic design. If you already use and love Macs, by all means, get another one. They're great products, the new Mac OS X is much more stable than previous Mac operating systems, and you've got to love the Apple designs. But you already know that. See a list of Amazon's top Apple Macintosh computers. If you already have a PC and are looking to replace it, or if you have a PC at work and are getting a new computer for home use, you'd do just as well to stick with the PC, since it will be more familiar to you. If you don't have a computer at home, but have a PC at work, you'd probably be best off getting a PC for home use as well. If you want to use the computer for gaming or business a PC would also be a better choice. Laptop MemoryWhile computer programs and files are stored on the hard drive (see below), data that is accessed regularly is stored in Random Access Memory (RAM). The amount of system memory (RAM) your computer has affects the performance of the computer. The more RAM your computer has, the more efficient it will run. With most computers you should be able to add additional RAM at a later time, but try to be prepared for the future when you purchase your computer. 256 MB of RAM is the minimum you should get in a new laptop computer, but it would be preferable to start out with at least 512 MB, or more if you plan on using more memory-intensive applications. Laptop Hard DriveThe computer's hard drive is where you will store all the programs and files that you use regularly. Your new laptop should have at least 40-60 GB of storage space, unless it is an Ultra-compact model, in which case you'll likely have to sacrifice storage space for size and weight. Make sure to get a hard drive with adequate space for future needs, especially if you plan to use the computer for storing a lot of photos and music. You can always remove files that you're no longer using, such as old photographs, and burn them onto a CD, but you'll want to be sure to have enough space for the programs and files you use regularly. Laptop KeyboardsSmaller laptops often have to squeeze the keyboard into a more compact case. If you don't plan to travel much with your laptop, you'll be happy to have a larger keyboard to use on a regular basis, and you should consider a larger unit. You'll save money, and you'll have a much easier time typing. If necessary, you can get a supplemental keyboard to plug into your laptop. Laptop Display Screen (Monitor)Screen Size: Laptops come with LCD screens, and range in size depending on the overall footprint of the computer. Screen sizes range from about 10" on an ultra-portable machine, to 17" on a desktop replacement model. Like the keyboard, you'll be most comfortable with a larger screen, so you have to weigh your preference of weight versus usability when you decide what size laptop to get. Active-Matrix (TFT) Display: Most laptops will come with a TFT display. An active-matrix screen will have sharper images and won't ghost moving images like a passive-matrix screen does. Just be aware that there is another (cheaper) type of screen, though you may only find it on older used models. Passive-Matrix (Dual-Scan) Display: This is the older and cheaper display. Images that run on this display react more slowly. It's not a pretty sight, but if you're strapped for money, it's tolerable. If you need a laptop purely for word processing, it won't prove disastrous. Screen Resolution: Resoultion correlates to the number of pixels (dots) on the whole screen. For example, a 1024 x 768 resolution can display 1,024 pixels on each line of a 768 line screen. See below for some common screen types and corresponding resolution:
Laptop ProcessorsThe main power behind every computer is the CPU (or processor), which determines the speed and power of the entire computer. Some of the higher-end laptop computers have CPU's that are comparable to good desktop models, while others are good only for basic computing such as email, web surfing, word processing and similar lower memory applications. Overall, the range of different processor types is somewhat daunting if you're trying to determine which computer will be fastest. It used to be that the processor with the fastest clock speed was the best performer, so it was easier to compare across various models. Now there are a number of other features that also play a role in determining overall performance, so direct comparisons are not as effective. With some high-performance desktop processors such as the Intel Pentium 4 Extreme Edition now featuring on-board L3 cache and mobile processors such as the Pentium M providing better performance at lower clock speeds than the Mobile Pentium 4, simple clock-speed comparisons between processors are more misleading than ever before. To make matters worse, Intel, whose processors are in most laptop computers, has recently devised a new processor naming scheme (see Intel Processor Numbers) for more detailed information. Many laptops, particularly in the budget price range, carry the old names. Regular Celeron (as opposed to Mobile Celeron) processors at the lower end, and Pentium 4 processors at the higher end. Intel now has two main processors for laptops—the Pentium-M (Centrino), and the Mobile Pentium 4-M. The Centrino is usually found in the Thin or Ultra-Compact models, while the Pentium 4-M would be for the standard or desktop replacement laptop. If you don't need the smaller size coupled with improved battery life that the Centrino has to offer for a compact laptop, you can save a few hundred dollars if you stick with a Pentium 4-M machine. A basic home-use PC laptop should have at the very least a Mobile Celeron, though we recommend a Pentium 4 desktop processor or a Pentium 4-M, such as the Pentium M-725 or M-735. Don't just look at clock speed as it's not always the best way to determine performance. For example, a 1.6 GHz Pentium M provides equivalent performance to a 2.4 GHz Mobile Pentium 4. Some computers might have an Athlon processor. If so, look for a 2200+ Athlon XP mobile. Minimum should be 1900 Athlon XP mobile. If you're buying a Mac, get one with a PowerPC G4 processor. Overall, as a general rule, the higher the prices, the faster the speed. For general computing, try to find a laptop within your price range that has a Pentium 4, Mobile Pentium or Pentium M. At the lower end, the Mobile Celeron is a better choice than the regular desktop Celeron. If you really want to delve into the gritty details of clock speed issues surrounding the new Pentium naming schemes, see Understanding Intel's New Processor Number System. Laptop BatteryGet a Lithium Ion battery, which has several advantages over an NiMH battery. The Lithium batter will be lighter, and won't have a shorter hold time if you re-charge it before it is fully drained. It's also a good idea to get a spare battery as a backup if you're going to be traveling often. Laptop Computer RecommendationsNow you should be ready to check out specific laptop models, so be sure to look at the following useful links:
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