Buying a Notebook Computer
So you want to know what to look for when buying a Notebook Computer? First you need to figure out what you will be using the notebook computer for. Are you looking for a Notebook Computer for School? Is it for Business? Is it for entertainment?
If your looking to use Microsoft Windows Vista. Your computer will need lots of memory. The more memory the better. Look for a Notebook computer with at least 2GB of Memory (RAM). The memory is used for programs you run. The stuff you do while the computer is running. Side Note: You’ll need lots of Memory to run Windows Vista, but 32bit Vista will only handle at most 3GB of Memory. Most Notebooks/Laptop computers will only have 2 slots for the memory, and will only support up to 4GB of Memory so if you get 4GB of RAM for a notebook running Windows Vista, only 3GB will be used. The memory will be needed especially if you plan on using the computer to Create Videos, and manipulate Photos.
Many newer home entertainment (media) laptops/notebooks come with an embedded Webcam. Standard right now is a 1.3 Megapixel camera and integrated microphone. Unfortunately the business notebooks don’t have this standard yet. Which is kind of silly. If your a road warrior, always out somewhere with the family left at home it is really nice to have a laptop with a webcam. The webcam makes it possible for you to use Skype, Yahoo Messenger or other product of your choice to talk with and see your family each night for free. A webcam is also a great idea for the college student away from home to see and chat with family members for free.
You’ll also want a big hard drive. The bigger the better. Especially if you like to take photos. If you can’t afford a notebook with a bigger hard drive, you can always buy some external USB hard drives to make up for the difference in hard drive space.
Speed is another factor to look into when choosing a hard drive. Its common for laptops to have a hard drive speed of 5400 rpm. Which is pretty poor compared to better desktops with 7200 rpm. Some top of the line servers are at 10000 rpm. Some notebooks/laptops have gotten away from movable parts and use a solid state flash drive. Though you’ll pay way more for those right now. Speed becomes an issue if your doing something that is always using the hard drive. The hard drive is the slowest part of the notebook these days. Take Windows Vista for instance. If you don’t get enough memory, then your going to be using the hard drive a lot more. If your hard drive is slow, your going to be complaining a lot about how slow it seems, or how loud the computer always runs.
Another factor to look for when buying a notebook is display size. The how big is your monitor question. Do you need a 17″ monitor? Or you looking for a tiny 12″ display. Or somewhere in between? 14″ 15.1″ 15.4″? Do you plan on using the computer for entertainment? Watching a lot of movies? For that, a bigger display may suit your needs. Most laptops have gone to a widescreen display. It saves the computer manufacturers money.
Weight can also be a factor. Will you be carrying your laptop around all the time? Will your notebook spend most of the time in the dorm room? Are you a road warrior? The lighter the better if you have to carry it around all the time. But its a trade off. Usually lighter means a smaller screen (display) size.
So in summary here are some factors that will influence your buying a new notebook computer.
- Memory
- Webcam
- Hard drive
- Display Size
- Weight
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