How to Choose a Laptop Computer
Laptops are such personal items, and come in so many different variations; it can be confusing to choose one from all the models offered. Learn how to find the best one for you, and avoid expensive mistakes with this easy guide on how to choose a laptop computer.
How do you use your Laptop?
Answering this question will cut down the dozens of possible models to a manageable short list. Basic needs such as email, browsing and regular office tasks require a minimum of 2G Ram and 160G of memory.
If you plan for extended use away from a power source other than your battery, make sure your choice has enough power. Get this information from online pro reviews, not manufacturer’s (A 6 cell battery will give a significantly longer power supply than the 3 cell one).
What Features do you Need on a Laptop?
Check what features are offered, eliminating any that do not meet your requirements. A DVD player is useful not only to play movies and music, but to back it all up to disk. If you use other methods, this is not a requirement.
Business people on the move need less memory for activities like spreadsheet editing and composing documents than others such as graphic artists who typically use more memory hungry programs. Pick the level of performance that suits your needs.
How do you like to Work at Your Laptop?
If you like to rest the laptop on your knees, make sure you try a possible model out, leaving it turned on for at least 30 minutes, because some laptops get uncomfortably hot, underneath.
For accurate rendering and editing of photos or graphics work, choose a laptop with 4G Ram instead of 2G.
How Big a Screen do you need?
Larger screens add to overall weight and cost, so it’s a trade-off between getting a widescreen laptop, great for opening two documents side by side, and playing videos and games, or a smaller screen and less strain on your pocket and shoulders. Screens vary from 15” through 17’ to rarely 19’ or even 20”.resolutions, the screen’s quality is typically between 800 x 600 pixels and 1600 x 1200 pixels. If you need to see a screen that is easily visible in bright lighting, test it under some in the store.
How much do you want to Pay for a Laptop?
Depending on which models and features chosen, prices vary between $2,000.00 for top of the line models and just over $300.00 for basic one from local box stores. The middle ranges of price have some excellent laptops at around $650 to $900, offering full features and 4G Ram and 320G memory.
Buying last year’s model of laptop can give significant savings, only if it has what you need.
