Laptop Purchasing - What You Need to Know

With so many options out there now, it's pretty overwhelming when we go in search of purchasing a laptop. Below is a list of the main components and options that need to be considered when making your purchase. When looking at computers, higher numbers indicate just a little bit better or a little bit faster, thus 2.3MHz is definitely faster than 2.0MHZ, or 4GB of RAM is better than 2GB, but you need to consider if you really need a BMW when a Honda would work just fine.

Having more than two decades in programming and technical support roles, I embarked on this career when laptops still cost over $3000. Today, technology advances have made it possible for almost everyone to own one.

Years ago, we always recommended "go with the Hewlett Packard or the IBM". Today, you'll find many makes and models on the market and there's really not a whole lot that the average user needs to consider as far as make and model. As with a new car, the general look and feel of the laptop may play a role, but much of it has to do with our tastes and what we get used to.

Retailers tend to carry a number of models, but not all. In your search, you'll come across many brand names such as Toshiba, HP, ASUS, Dell, Gateway or Compaq. I've used all of the above (and many that I've missed here) and can't honestly say I prefer one over the other. To use the cliche, it's what's inside that counts.

Laptops come in a variety of sizes. The smaller ones, often referred to as Netbooks, are usually between 10" and 13" (diagonal measurement of the screen). They generally have the same functionality as larger laptops, but may have smaller keyboards, hard drives, may not have built-in CD/DVD drives and may have limited USB ports. They usually have the same network cards, webcams and other options as the larger laptops. These are great for travelling but not the best to work on for several hours at a time.

Average size laptops are anything between 14" and 16". These are fully-functioning laptops with a full size keyboard, several USB ports, built-in CD/DVD or blueray players and webcams. Larger hard drives are available and additional memory, enhanced graphics capabilities and powerful processing units make this category the most popular. Available options will meet anyone's requirements.

Larger laptops, with screens from 16" to 18" are very nice to work on but don't provide any additional functionailty than what is available in the average size category. If it's the only computer you plan on owning and you don't plan on travelling anywhere with it, the larger screen may be worth the extra cash.

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is kind of like the engine in your car. It determines how much processing the computer can handle at once and how quickly information is processed. The two standard processors are Intel and AMD. In my experience, either one will meet the requirements of the average home or business user. Processing speed is to be considered however. Most laptops these days have a processing speed of between 1.8GHz (gigahertz) and 2.8GHz. Faster is better when it comes to processing speed but the subtle difference between 2.5GHz and 2.8GHz is likely not worth the extra cash. This is not something that can be upgraded later (except by a costly certified technician), so you want to ensure that you get what you need initially.

Hard drives are the permanent storage location for your operating system, programs and files. Hard drives are measured in gigabytes (GB). Generally laptops in todays market offer a 250GB - 500GB hard drive but they are now starting to come out with hard drives as large as 720GB up to 1TB (terabyte). The amount of storage you require depends on what you are going to be using the laptop for. Hard drives can be upgraded later, but that requires backing up everything and reloading it onto a new drive plus having a technician configure and install the drive. It's better to plan ahead on this one.

Common graphic processors are nVidia, Intel and AMD (formerly ATI). Intel is best known for home or business use in processing Windows and business applications or surfing the internet. AMD and nVidia offer higher level graphic cards that are useful for demanding games or graphic applications. On laptops, graphic cards are generally built-in on the motherboard and therefore cannot be upgraded without replacing the entire motherboard (again, a costly option).

Random Access Memory (RAM) is measured in gigabytes (GB). RAM is the temporary storage area for programs and files while you are working. As you open additional files, the memory fills up. If it gets too full, the computer will slow down and sometimes hang up completely. The only way to clear the temporary memory is to completely shut your computer down and start over.

A standard laptop will come with a minimum of 1GB and some come with as much as 6GB. Most laptops have 2GB or 4GB and usually have additional slots so that you can add additional memory if you decide you need it later. Memory is relatively cheap and upgrading it will improve the performance of your computer.

Other components such as webcams, soundcards, network cards, usb ports, multi-card readers, cd/dvd drives etc. are usually standard.  When purchasing, review all of the specifications and make sure that you select a laptop that is going to meet your requirements.  Make sure you have a chance to look at the back of the laptop to ensure it has the number of usb ports, video (VGA or DVI) connections that you require as well as any additional options, such as HDMI or SVideo.

Hopefully this helps in explaining some of the key components and functionality you need to be aware of when purchasing a laptop. More is better, meaning higher numbers offer a bit more speed or storage space or processing power, but you need to weigh out what your requirements are versus the cost of the system. You pay quite a bit more for a faster processor or a larger screen. Memory is relatively cheap and adding memory can make up the difference between a slower processor and a slightly faster one. Figure out what your requirements are and ask lots of questions.