what should i consider for buying a laptop?

Answer 1

Size, weight, cost, speed, reliability.

I recommend Toshiba, and here is why.

1. They are made well
2. They are sold locally, so you can SEE it before buying. I recommend Costco or Wal-mart, since they are friendly about RETURNS. (Up to 10% of all computers might have problems when NEW, so if yours is DEAD because someone dropped it during shipment, you won't have a hassle. Some stores are a huge hassle and insist that you send it to the company for repair)
3. Their tech support is awesome. They answer the phone, and know their product.
4. Toshiba makes many computer parts too. Hard drives, CD drives, LCD Monitors. (Dell notebooks suck).

You really have to see the computer before you buy it. As a second choice, get an HP or Compaq at a store like STAPLES.

Be sure to get a carrying case. Laptops break easily.

Be careful, Laptops are the most stolen item in America. That stereo in your car gets a drug addict just 5 bucks. That notebook computer is like a hundred dollar bill.

If you really do not intend to MOVE that computer around, then get a desktop computer with BIG LCD flat panel monitor. In this case, DELL is good. Their computers are OK.

Answer 2

What company do you trust? I personally dislike hp notebooks, acers and compaqs.

What is the computer going to be used for?
Gaming: alienware or Dell xps
Wordprocessing and buisness or school type work: Dell inspiron or a toshiba (though i havent heard great things about toshiba)
Graphic design or video work: definately get a mac

What operating system: for pc you should get windows xp professional edition rather than windows xp because it is a better os though more expensive, but worth the investment

What type of processor? Make sure it has a cache, I would suggest intel centrino duo, it is fast, and can run many programs at once. Pentium is out dated. There is also AMD which i do not know much about

How big of a hard drive? If you plan on storing all of the work you do directly to the computer you need a large hard drive, also if you are putting on a lot of programs. A usb flash drive is a good way to clear up hard drive space and a convenient way to store and transport documents. I would suggest nothing smaller than 80 gig hard drive

How much ram? This helps with the speed of the computer and how much information it can recall at one time. I would suggest atleast 1 gig but 512mb is acceptable though 2gig is so much better

What security are you going to get? This includes virus and spyware protection. Also security cables for your laptop when used in a public setting.

What type of wifi are you going to get? are you going to get one that is a/g/b compatable, it is also more expensive but the most compatable for a wireless network. You may also need a wireless router for home use. This hooks right to the modem and sends a signal to your laptop. It can also project to near by places (like a bubble of service) so you would want to secure that unless you pay a monthly fee for internet or live in the woods and then it isnt a big deal.

Other things to consider getting:
*laptop bag for safe transportation
*serge protector so that when on ac power in a storm the whole system wont short
*spare battery so that when one dies the other can be put in to replace the first. It is efficent in adding extra time that you dont have to have a plug
*external keyboard and mouse. Keyboards run expensive but may be worth it if you do a lot of number pad work. An external mouse is wireless and runs on rechargeable batteries and uses a laser to move from. This often requires a light colored mouse pad. The computer and mouse communicate through a radio reciever bar plugged into a usb port, ensure the mouse has multiple frequencies to avoid interferance.

I think that might be all of the big things.

Answer 3

When I sold computers, I always asked my customers these questions:

Is this going to be your primary computer, or a second machine?
If it's going to be your primary computer, you want as much speed, hardware, and features as you'd get on a desktop. Sometimes small form factor laptops or very inexpensive ones leave out things like optical drives or spare batteries, or they skimp on USB ports (or place them in a way that makes it impossible to plug in multiple USB devices). Check the system carefully for the hardware you need before purchase. Also, try out the keyboard before buying it. Some laptops have very cramped or otherwise difficult to use keyboards- it's good to learn this before you buy the system.

Are you going to be hauling it around a lot?
If you are, weight is a major consideration. You don't want to haul a 15 lb 'desktop replacement' machine around if you can help it. Also, those lovely widescreen machines like the Toshiba Qosmio are difficult to fit into standard laptop bags.

What sort of programs are you going to be running on it?
If this machine is going to be for serious gaming, video editing, or graphics work, you'd probably want to get a top end Voodoo or Alienware machine. If you're going to be using it to write, do spreadsheets, or light graphics work, you can get a less expensive machine.

What software do you want on it?
Sometimes laptop manufacturers leave off important software, like MS Office, firewalls and antivirus, to keep costs down. Or they put a 'trial' version of the software on the system, which can be frustrating if you're using it and it locks you out when the trial period expires. Factor in the cost of all the software you want when you buy a system.

Are you an Apple or a PC user?
This is a 'no-brainer. Most users tend to stick with operating systems and brands they are accustomed to. Macs tend to be more expensive, though.

What form factor are you interested in?
Laptops come in several form factors, from the traditional 'clamshell' style machine, to the convertible tablet style machines, and the 'slate' style machines. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. If you can 'test drive' a slate or a convertable tablet, you might want to do so, because you can learn if that form factor 'fits' your needs with some hands on time with it.

Those are some basic questions. Happy hunting!

Answer 4

Take a piece of paper & a pen. Think carefully what u want this laptop 4 . Then u start writing down your requirements. Example: If u need 2carry it around alot , u should consider its weight. If u need 2 store alot of infomation, u should consider a higher number HDD. Ofcourse when coming 2 speed u go 4 the right processor & RAM. What is your usage again, 'cos certain brands & models ar good 4 certain jobs. Shop around & read their brochures.

Answer 5

both maximum significant issues are what are you going to apply the computer for, and what's your funds? in case you purely favor something accessible and conveyable to do e mail and cyber web surfing, then a netbook is high quality, because that's light-weight, low-priced and straightforward to carry round. funds $three hundred-$500. in case you want to do slightly extra, like possibly watch DVDs and play song, run Microsoft place of work, take to the library for interpreting (ordinary student stuff), then an common complete length computer will manage maximum of what you want. funds $450-$600. in case you want a operating laptop or computer similar device which will be your important device for all regardless of the indisputable fact that the most stressful projects, then you want a fifteen.4" visual show unit, 2Ghz or swifter middle Duo processor, 250GB complicated force, 3GB RAM, DVD burner, possibly a extra perfect pictures adapter. discern $500-$750. A gaming device will value a lot extra. you'll want extra memory, a extra perfect pictures adapter, more suitable show. cost $1500+. an complete computer alternative which will function your in ordinary words computer can run everywhere from $750-$3000. you'll want a more acceptable complicated force, 4GB memory, likely on-website service, backup software, more suitable battery and a powerful decrease back. once you elect what class of computer you're searching at, the alternative is fairly extra in accordance to which sort you want or trust and which device promises the perfect performance for the greenbacks. many of the manufacturers use the same or similar aspects so the alternative (in my on thoughts) comes down extra to cost than something else. make efficient the device has the aspects you want both outfitted-in, or common to characteristic. including a DVD burner to a device that would not have one is ordinary; replacing video playing cards isn't achievable.

Answer 6

laptop computers can be a rather tricky buy at times, I would suggest that you look out for the cheapest and yet latest desktop on the market,

the best way to do this is on what they call warehouse sale markets some of them are online.

these warehouse owners have a service where they sell laptop computers to normal customers like you and me, however with very reduced prices due to the fact that they do not have as much costs as normal shops do, such as rent and a employees etc. as you know most online shops have rather competitive prices sometimes cutting the laptop price to a half.

one such website for laptop computers is :

http://umgarticles.atspace.com/laptop-computer.htm

Answer 7

The first thing to consider is what you will be using it for. The requirements for someone who will only be using basic office functions and web browsing are much different than someone who is going to be running games. The size of the hard drive you need will depend on what you will be using it for - do you store a lot of pictures/video? Do you have a lot of programs you want to put on? Get a computer that meets your needs and potential needs - a lot of people get oversold with the latest and greatest.

Answer 8

Ok:
a) Buy a brand name such as HP/Compaq/Dell/Lenovo for the ability to access back-up.
b) Get one with either and AMD Turion or Centrino Duo processor
c) At least 512Mb RAM
d) A memory card reader is very useful
e) At least 60Gb HDD space

Answer 9

It depends what is the purpose of the laptop.

If u r buying it for number crunching then look for processor
(TOSHIBA)

if u r looking for studies then look for cost effectiveness
(IBM THINK PAD)

if u r looking for graphics then look for graphic cards , pipe burst , cache and built in system support
(IMAC)


If u are looking for fancy looking then looks of style
(IMAC and PREASREO)

Answer 10

1st thing you should consider. Are you going to use it as much as you think you will. (Mine has sat turned off on mt desk for more than 2 weeks now, it's only 4 months old)