If
you are considering buying a laptop (a.k.a. "notebook"),
there's a confusing array of options and choices. Companies
want to move inventory, so you should be able to find something
right at a price range that works for you. Anywhere from under
$1,000 to $4,00-plus.
Difference
between buying a desktop and a laptop:
Generally, laptops are more expensive than desktop machines.
You are paying for the portability and the convenience. First
thing you should do is evaluate your needs and decide whether
a laptop (of any kind) is right for you. I see too many people
spending money for a laptop, when all they need is a desktop.
So ask yourself how often are you going to need this on the
road. Once you determine that you are going to need it when
you travel, unless you are going to be traveling more than twice
a month, there is no need to get the smallest, lightest or most
eye-catching models.
Some
things to keep in mind while shopping...
- DEFINE
YOUR NEEDS
How often are you going to be on the road? Are you going
to need access while traveling or do you just need to be
able to get your files in multiple places? Will a desktop
-- combined with portable storage such a Zip
drive -- do instead to give you access to your files?
You need to ask yourself these questions.
- CHECK
OUT SCREEN SIZE & WEIGHT OPTIONS
Since you will be spending a lot of time staring at the
screen, you can harm your eyes if you get a substandard
one. A minimum size would be 13 inches. As far as weight
goes, try to keep it below 4 lbs -- between the batteries,
the cables, and the bag itself, the weight adds up fast.
- CHECKOUT
BATTERY AND KEYBOARD OPTIONS
Ideally,
you want a battery that can last 5 or 6 hours without recharging.
Unfortunately, most last just 1.5 hours. So look for one
that at least promises 3 hours -- then you might get 2.5.
Also consider buying a spare battery, too. Test out the
keyboard so that you are confortable with its "feel." And
to move your cursor, decide whether you want a touchpad
or one of the eraser-like pointing devices.
- SPLURGE
ON MEMORY & STORAGE
It's always safe to spend any extra money on buying more
memory and storage -- at least 128 megabytes and at least
10 gigabytes of hard disc storage space.
-
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
There are plenty of stores around town that sell PCs, but
do some research online. Sites such as Buy.com and ComputerShopper.com
offer good bargains, as do companies that sell directly
to you, including
|
Sree's
Site of The Week
Remote Central
http://www.remotecentral.com
Who knew there could be so much information
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much more, in one place. Also, if you lose a remote control,
you can shop for an exact replacement. If only it would help
me find the DVD remote I lost recently.
Remote Central
http://www.remotecentral.com
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