Buying Guide to Laptop Computers
The laptop market has grown even larger in recent years as more and more college students are looking to portable computing to fit their mobile lifestyles. With Wi-Fi becoming a force in portable communication, students now regularly bring their laptops on campus and to class, helping them stay connected no matter where they are on campus. Some schools even require students in select majors to have one for use during in-class assignments.
But whether you’re a student, a business person, or someone simply looking for a way to go mobile, finding the right laptop for you can be a daunting task. With such a range of brands, features, and prices, it’s easy to get lost in the fray. So before you go diving into the laptop market, take a little time to consider these questions so you can get the most out of your shopping experience.
What kind of user are you? This question is crucial, as knowing the kind of use you will get out of your laptop will help narrow the field on what kind of laptop you purchase. For example, students looking at laptops will likely want a solid combination of size and power, which can be tricky because having more power generally means more space. Those needing a computer for business on the road will likely be in much the same situation as students. Both will need built-in Internet accessibility, a moderate amount of memory and processing power, and portability so that carrying the computer around is less than a chore.
Remember, though, that identifying your usage is only a rough guide as to which direction you should go in choosing a laptop. After all, this is your laptop, so you should build it based on your needs. Those looking for a replacement for their desktop computer will likely want more power and less portability, for example, than those who may never set their laptop down at home. But depending on your individual needs, you may need to modify the specs on your computer, so keep the guide in mind, but don’t let it limit you from getting features that you really do need. And speaking of what you needâÂ?¦
What do you need? And want? After deciding what kind of user you are, it’s important to figure out what you’re looking for in a laptop. Based on your projected use, try to figure out some minimum features you think you would have to have on a computer, including hard drive space, RAM, video cards, and CD/DVD drives. Once you better understand the minimum of what you need in your computer, you can start looking at models that also exemplify what you want (after all, everyone loves a little extra). Depending on your minimums, you may be surprised to find better or bigger specs on computers for a price that fits your budget (see below). Whether or not you find that holy grail of laptops (big performance, little price tag), it’s vitally important that you understand not only what you really want, but also what you really need.
Will you want to expand? This can be a big deal, especially with laptop computers. While they have become more flexible in recent years, laptop computers are notoriously difficult to add parts to, due in large part to their size. Regular users aren’t usually advised to service their laptops, and some computer techs won’t even touch them, saying they should be send directly to the manufacturer instead.
Thus, while there may be some room for expandability in your laptop, it’s important to remember that it may not be an option in some areas of the computer, especially those that would take up additional space if you decided to upgrade. This means that you should strongly consider not only what you want in your laptop right now, but what you might want to use it for in the future, so you can buy a computer with the correct features in case you happen to modify your use in the years to come.
What’s your budget? More than other products, laptop computers can be very strictly limited by budget, so it’s especially important to be aware of how much you’re paying for yours and how you can best make your hard-earned cash work for you. Because of their size and portability, laptops are often more expensive than desktop computers, and though their price is gradually coming down, they still remain on the higher end of computing products.
It can be difficult to find deals on laptop computers, but keep your eyes peeled. Generally speaking, auction sites like Ebay will be less than helpful here, as it is all too easy to get shorted in terms of quality with little accountability. The better option is to keep an eye on manufacturer sites like Dell and HP, as well as big box electronics distributors like Best Buy and Circuit City. Such sites often offer special Internet only deals that will allow you to buy new and better quality products at a discount. While they probably won’t sell you a laptop for peanuts, you’re likely to find a decent deal if you keep your eyes open and your mouse clicking.
While it can be tough to find a replacement for a desktop computer at an inexpensive price, a good laptop can mean the world in terms of portability. Whether you’re a business professional on the go or simply a student looking to make the grade, finding the right laptop for you can help you get more work (and play) done in more places. And despite a slightly higher price than desktops, there’s a lot to be said for having the world at your fingertips.
