Laptop: Buying tips!

The following features will help you decide which is the right one for you before buying a Laptop computer:

1. Although there are many factors that influence the performance of a computer, the most important one is its microprocessor, also known as its CPU (central processing unit). Currently, speeds range from 300MHz up to 800MHz or more. It's also important to consider the type of processor, for example, a 400MHz Intel Celeron microprocessor may be slower than a 400MHz Intel Pentium II microprocessor. For most common use, a 400MHz Pentium II is sufficient.

2. Memory is very important part. RAM is the computer's work space. More of it lets the computer work faster and lets you run more programs at the same time. Of course given the same processor, more memory will make the computer perform faster. Memory is measured in MB (megabytes). Notebooks usually come with atleast 32MB of memory to start. Almost all of them can be upgraded to hold more memory, up to 128MB or more. Never get a notebook with less than 64MB of memory.

3.Cache: Cache memory, is another form of work space for the processor. The larger the cache, the more likely it is that a specific action you want to perform is in the cache, and the faster the notebook will run as a whole. There are two forms of cache: internal cache (also called Level 1, L1, or CPU cache), and external cache (also called Level 2, L2, or secondary cache). Most notebooks have 16KB (16 kilobytes) or more of internal cache; 32KB or 64KB are large internal caches. More cache is always better.

4. The "hard disk" or "hard drive" is where the operating system, all other software programs, and all your own information get stored. Its size is measured in GB (gigabytes). Most notebooks have at least 1.6GB, and it can go up to 15GB or more.

5. The screen or display, or Liquid Crystal Display, or LCD, of a notebook, is an important element of the notebook. The size of the screen, the type, and the resolution, can all be important. The smaller screens (10"and less) can be great for traveling as they are very light.

6. Resolution measures the number of dots on the screen; a higher resolution means more dots. Every notebook screen supports at least a resolution of 640x480. Newer notebooks can also support higher resolutions, such as 800x600 (also called VGA) or 1024x768 (also called SuperVGA or SVGA).

7. Notebook batteries are either Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) or Nickel Metal Hydride (NIMH). Lithium batteries are lighter in weight, and have a longer life, than NIMH batteries, but they also cost more. However, if you expect to run your notebook off the battery a lot, the convenience of lithium will be worth the investment. Battery life is usually expressed as a wide range, because it is highly dependent on how you use your notebook. Remember that a battery, after lying on the shelf for some time, usually takes 2-4 full charges and discharges before it achieves its full potential again.

8. Notebook modems either come built into the notebook, or it's very common to have to add your own as an external option.The modem is the device that transmits data to and from your notebook so you can use email and the Internet. Modem speed is measured in KB (kilobits of data sent or received per second). Generally, the faster the modem speed - especially the first number - the better.

9. The CD-ROM drive reads compact disks (CDs) that store music, software, data etc. But it's a different story if you're into multi- media. If games, music, videos or movies are important, you'll need 32X, or higher speeds.

10.Ports lets the notebook connect to a wide variety of devices, such as digital cameras, speakers, external hard disks, scanners, printers, etc.


Make sure the weight, size and feel of the machine are right for you. You'll be carrying your laptop around a lot. Also, try out the keyboard and pointing device to make sure they're comfortable. Get what you need when you need it. There will always be something better, cheaper, and more feature- laden coming along always in the market.

Here are some models from the major brand laptops:

COMPAQ: Armada, Business Notebook, Evo, OmiBook, Pavillion, Presario
SONY: VAIO
DELL: Inspiron, Latitude, Precision, XPS
IBM: Thinkpad
TOSHIBA: Satellite, Satellite Pro, Dynabook, Portege, Qosmio, Tecra
APPLE: MacBook, iBook, PowerBook
ACER: Aspire, Travelmate, Extensa, Ferrari
HP: Pavilion, Armada, COMPAQ Presario