What do I need to know about buying a laptop?

Question

I am starting a medical transcription business, but I need flexibility where I set up the computer, so I was thinking a laptop will work. I could connect a regular keyboard for comfort when typing if needed, right? Also what is a port and what does it do? What does the stand do? I"m quite clueless.

I have a budget of about $1500. That includes the computer, the headset, the wireless network equipment I need to create a network in my home, a printer router, & Microsoft Office Small Business.

I will be typing about 4-5 hours per day.

Answer 1

I have found that the best type of computers overall are Macs. They do not succumb to viruses since the large majority of viruses are designed for Windows systems. They are light, durable, and are now programmed to accept most Windows programs (if you're used to having a PC).

A port is what you call anything that you can plug something into. For instance, you may have heard of a "USB Port." This refers to a little area, probably on the side or back of your computer, that you use to plug in various extra tools - i.e. handheld mouse, iPod, jump drive (flash drive - an object about the size of chapstick that can hold information seperate from a computer, similar to a disk or CD but with much more room).

The stand basically makes it easier for you to type or look at your screen. It is purely optional and isn't required for you to be comfortable with a laptop. However, despite my penchant for Macs, since you're going into the medical business, I would recommend the kind of laptop whose cover can double as a portable notebook. It basically has a screen that can be removed from the actual laptop and carried like you would a clipboard. It comes with a little "pen" that you use to electronically "write" on the screen. It's very handy, especially for those who have to move around alot and don't always have a place to put a laptop to type on. But these types only come in Windows.

I recommend that you go to a Best Buy (Circuit City is horrible service) or better yet, a Mac store and just ask around. Tell whoever is working in the computer department exactly what you are looking for. Another good option is to call Dell. Over the phone, they can build a computer to your exact specifications, but if you don't know much about computers, they can also answer any questions or basically tell you what you would need (based on what you plan to do with it).

Hope this helps =)

Answer 2

U can Go for any Branded Laptop, But since u have mentioned few things.. i preffer u should look for below mentioned configuration

Processor 1Ghz
Ram Minimum 512 MB
and screen size grater than 14"

and must have 4 USB ports.

Using a Ps2 to USb convertor, U can Plug external Keyboard and Mouse to ur laptop also, and also try to go for 1Gbps LanCARD since Internet is required for Transription


Want more info.. U can mail me

Answer 3

first u must know the budget , then only u check out the specification

1. CU speed
2. RAM
3 HD space
4 screen size
5 graphic card

Answer 4

1. For what you are buying for (you need TVS Gold Keyboard for special typing)
2. Good mic and speakers from Creative.
3. Your Budget
4. Any cheapest brand you can buy becoz all of them are centralized by IEEE

Answer 5

See the RAM, it must 512 MB or higher, the memory find the more than 20 GB, if you can, it's better if intel inside written, I think that is all I can help

Answer 6

1 How much you willing to spend
2 What Brand you wish to buy
3 What spec you wish
4 how you want to use the system
n so, on n on n on
Think b4 u buy mate

Answer 7

good ram, lot of hard disk space and preferably hp

Answer 8

Every accounting student needs a personal computer. Students receive many assignments that require electronic spreadsheets, electronic memos and correspondence, and electronic discussion groups. Access to a computer is essential. In fact, some accounting programs require their students to own a computer, whether it’s a desktop or a laptop. So the question of buying a personal computer is nearly irrelevant. What you need to know is if you should buy a laptop or desktop. This decision is completely personal and subjective. You should buy a computer based on what you want it to do. Most of the time, a desktop computer will do what you need. Accounting students typically need a computer that can easily perform fast Internet research and create normal business documents, such as spreadsheets and memos. If those tasks are all you want to do, then you will probably be satisfied with a new desktop computer, and you won’t have to spend as much as your colleagues who buy laptops. For instance, $1,000 at your local retail store can get you a moderately high-performing desktop.

Despite the great values in desktop machines, some students will want the extra capabilities that you can only get in a laptop. For example, you can do in-class presentations with your laptop connected to the classroom projector and present an impressive slideshow; if you have to commute to school, you may want the portability of a laptop, which can allow you to do homework between classes (without having to wait in line at the general-access computer lab on your campus); you can take your homework on the road with you during a weekend trip.

Regardless of whether you want a laptop or desktop, you should consider some specifications and know how they will affect your computing experience. These specifications generally apply to both laptops and desktops.
Hard Disk Space: This depends on how many files and programs you plan to store on your computer. Many students store their files on the Internet in free, secure web space. A machine with about 6 gigabytes will usually suffice. You’ll likely need even more space if you plan to store music and video files on your computer.
Internet Connection: Universities typically give students access to the Internet through Ethernet ports. You can buy a PC card to make your computer Ethernet compatible. Also, a high-speed modem (56K) is a necessary item for students. A fast modem can make Internet research assignments more tolerable than they otherwise would be. There is nothing worse than waiting an infinite number of seconds for a web page to load.

Memory: Don’t cut corners here. The amount of memory is a positive correlation to task speed. Be sure to get a computer with at least 64 megabytes, which is becoming standard, but 96 or 128 megabytes would really speed things up.

Monitor: For a desktop, make sure you get a large monitor. Some of you may feel comfortable with a 13-inch screen, but most likely your eyes will appreciate a 15- or 17-inch monitor. Laptop users have different monitor issues to consider, and we’ll discuss those separately.

Now, for those of you who think you want a laptop. The first thing you should do is decide how you plan to use your notebook computer–in other words, what will your computing lifestyle be? Will you be commuting often? Do you want a desktop replacement? For example, if you will be doing a lot of walking to and from campus, then you will probably want a machine that weighs 4 pounds–not 6 or 7 pounds. Depending on how you plan to use the laptop, your choices will change significantly. As we look at the options available, you will notice how each option can affect different computing lifestyles.

Weight: This is probably the most decisive factor for many of us. If you don’t plan on carrying the laptop too far, then you can probably get away with a machine in the upper weight range; i.e., 6 1/2 -8 pounds. At this weight, you can likely get a laptop with an internal floppy drive and an internal CD/DVD drive. On the other hand, if you plan on carrying your machine a lot, then you will obviously want a lightweight machine. Luckily, laptop makers have produced some extremely lightweight notebooks with heavy-duty specifications–but they tend to carry some heavy price tags too. If you think you want a laptop with external drives, keep in mind that if you’ll need the accessory drives when you leave your home or office, then you should factor in the weight of each accessory. You may find that you’re best off getting built-in drives instead of packing the drives separately.

Screen Size: The most common screen sizes are 12.1-inch, 13.3-inch, and 14.1-inch. Again, depending on the way you want to use your laptop, your screen size choice will change. Of course, the larger screens are usually found on the heavier models. And the price of the machine increases with the screen size. If you plan on looking at your machine for long hours each day, then a larger screen might be best for you.

Screen Type: Laptops come with either an active-matrix display or with a dual-scan display. An active-matrix screen will give you a brighter display and a fuller color than the dual-scan screen, but the dual-scan screens use less battery power. Active-matrix will cost more than the dual-scan display. While you’re shopping at a local retail store, look at both types of displays attentively and from all angles–both straight on and from the sides. Then decide how important the screen quality is to you and to your computing lifestyle.

Warranty/Service Coverage: Laptop manufacturers offer various types of warranty coverages. Before you rate a warranty, get detailed information about it. For example, you might want to know the following:

* Can you get your laptop serviced locally–if not, will the company send you a temporary replacement?
* Which day does the warranty begin and end?
* Who pays for service labor and replacement parts?
* Are the warranty services offered at convenient times?


Every warranty is different, but you should identify the factors that are important to you, and try to find a warranty that is right for you. Keep in mind that many retailers will offer service plans for laptops in addition to the coverage offered by the manufacturer.

Battery Type: All laptops made in the last year should have lithium ion batteries. There is no reason to settle for a nickel battery anymore. Most batteries will extend to about two hours of use, but be aware that manufacturers sometimes offer unrealistic estimates of a particular battery’s endurance. You may want to consult a consumer product report, such as the reports at www.zdnet.com, to find out what typical users think of different manufacturers’ battery models. This factor is especially important if you plan on frequently using your notebook while you’re away from a power outlet, as somebody would who travels a lot.

Input Device: Laptop users have a choice when it comes to pointing devices. Instead of a normal mouse, you can get a touch pad or a pointing stick. This choice is strictly one of personal preference. Just try both devices to see which one you’re most comfortable using. If you’re getting a notebook as a desktop replacement, then you might consider buying a mouse to hook up to your laptop. If you think you might do that, then make sure your computer has a port for your mouse, or that your mouse can plug into your computer.

Processor Speed: As long as you get a CPU with a speed of about 350 MHz or better, then you will be satisfied. The most important factor when it comes to processing speed is actually the amount of memory your laptop has available, which is why 64MB of RAM should be your lowest limit. Do try to get a laptop with a high-speed processor, but don’t brake your budget for it. You probably won’t have to. Manufacturers are making laptops with 500MHz processors or faster that are being sold in mid-level price ranges.

Ports: Most laptops come with sufficient ports for the average user’s needs. Nevertheless, figure out how many and which types (USB, serial, parallel, etc.) of ports you’ll need for your printer, zip drive, scanner, joystick, etc., and make sure you find a laptop to fit your specific port requirements. The same caution should be used to identify the number of card slots you’ll require, such as whether you’ll need an ethernet card, or video card.
Price: Your personal price range will play a big part in your decision, but don’t view a reasonable budget as a limit on your options. While $3,000 can definitely buy you an adequate laptop, maybe $1,500 can too.

Software: Find out which software programs are included with your laptop. A software bundle that includes word processing and spreadsheet programs will be more helpful than a package full of photo-editing and video game software. Know which programs you need, and add their costs to any laptop you consider buying that doesn’t include the programs as part of the computer purchase.

Buying Your Laptop
Although buying a laptop through a mail-order catalog is an option, if you are like most students, you will probably buy your laptop through a local brick-and-mortar retail shop or through the Internet. Both types of vendors have their advantages. In a local retail shop, you can physically examine the machines: watch them operate multiple applications, test the different pointing devices, view the screen sizes and types, and test their weights. The Internet allows you to search quickly through multiple retailers and to find consumer reviews for various laptop models.

One strategy is to use both the Internet and physical retail stores. Then you can take advantage of both types of retailers. Keep in mind that throughout the entire shopping process, from investigation to final purchase, you should note the prices for the laptops you see on the Internet and in physical stores. Price is going to be a major factor, not only in deciding which model to buy, but also in deciding where to buy it. Nevertheless, whatever your budget, don’t settle for a laptop that won’t meet your needs. You may have to sacrifice several less-important needs to get one of your high-priority requirements, but get something that does everything you need it to do.
As you start shopping, you should prioritize your laptop requirements. This prioritized list may change as you shop, but it will keep you focused throughout the process.

A good first step in your process is to browse some manufacturers’ web sites on the Internet, such as the following:

http://www.ibm.com
http://www.compaq.com
http://www.dell.com,
http://www.micronpc.com
http://www.toshiba.com
http://www.gateway.com
http://www.hp.com

From the manufacturer’s site, you can learn about the latest products, and see some suggested retail prices.
Next, read online guides and reviews about the latest laptop models. Find out all the information you need: warranty coverage, battery life, etc. You might try some of these web sites:

http://www.zdnet.com/computershopper/
http://computers.cnet.com/
http://www.aol.com/webcenters/computing/
http://www.zdnet.com/pcmag/special/vendor-profiles/notebooks/_open.htm
http://www.zdnet.com/pcmag/

After reading the reviews, you should be able to narrow your choices to a few laptops. Then you can go to some local retailers and physically examine the specific machines in which you’re interested. While you’re in the retailers’ stores, check out their prices.

By now you should have all of the information you need to trim your list to one or two models that you want. Now you will have to get the best price on your model. This is where the Internet can help. Here are two sites that will compare laptop prices:

http://www.mysimon.com
http://www.dealtime.com

Before making a final purchase, understand in detail the warranty services available to you, and understand any conditions you agree to in connection with rebates. In addition, don’t forget to factor into the total price the costs of accessories, extra software programs, and shipping charges that might apply.

Finally, make sure your laptop is something you’re satisfied with, because the ultimate quality of a laptop computer depends on the buyer’s preferences–not on this column’s preferences or any other recommendations you might read.