Guide to Electronics Purchasing

In the early nineties few people could image the impact that notebook would have in the computer industry. Its unique portability made the notebook a product in a class by itself. Soon, it became a must-have product, to those who were constantly moving from office, home or school. Nowadays, it is one of the best selling computer hardware items of all times.

With a Notebook, you can carry your work around conveniently, without having to worry about the myriads of wires, hardware and space needed to keep a desktop. Also, you can choose whether to work from office or home. A Notebook is really handy in any situation.

Portability and mobility are the great advantages of having a Notebook, or laptop. In your Internet search prior to buying a Notebook, you will be presented with a great variety and quantity of information. This can be quite bewildering, so you have to know what features you need in a Notebook.

Upgradabeality is an important consideration: the Notebook you choose now may be the one best suited to your current needs; but in future, you may find it necessary to upgrade it. You will not want to invest valuable time and money in purchasing a Notebook which you will have to discard or sell off in the near future, because of what you might feel as the inadequacy of your current one. When you consider upgradabeality, you have to think of memory or RAM, and hard disk space.

The CPU, or Processor, is the engine which will drive your Notebook`s performance. So you should choose the fastest CPU that is available, depending on your budget and on what you will be using the Notebook for. Tasks like word processing, emailing and surfing the Net do not require a fast CPU. But using CPU intensive applications, such as processing spreadsheets or playing games will work better with a fast CPU.

The RAM, or memory is another important feature, and the more memory you have, the better. Your Notebook`s performance will be greatly affected if you do not have sufficient memory. The minimum recommended these days is 1 Gigabyte of memory. Some experts recommend a minimum of 2 Gigabytes. The more memory you have, the better the performance and multitasking you can expect from your Notebook.

The speed and capacity of the hard disk of your Notebook are important, for this is where you will install all your software and your data (documents, database, photos etc). Make sure that you have enough room to store all your information which can be readily accessed. 40 Gigabytes of hard disk space is considered the minimum these days. Consider getting a Notebook with 80 Gigabytes of disk space.

Do note that Apple Notebooks are now using Intel processors, which means that if you have a hard disk with sufficient disk space, you can partition your disk drive and install both Apple Mac software and Windows software, and switch between the two.

You also have to consider the screen of your Notebook, for this is what you are going to be staring at, and you have to be happy with its resolution and size. You will want a crisp, bright screen with good viewing, especially for photos. You can go and look at different screens at a local electronics store, and try to figure out which size and resolution you like best. Just be sure that the screen is an Active Matrix one and not Passive Matrix.

The other features you will be looking at to connect to your Notebook are external devices such as a mouse, printer, portable disk drive, scanner etc. Good luck!

This article is under GNU FDL license and can be distributed without any previous authorization from the author. However the author's name and all the URLs (links) mentioned in the article and biography must be kept.

This article can also be accessed from page Notebook_Review


Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for polomercantil.livejournal.com

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We are always looking for new ways to save on the bigger purchase - irrespective of whether this is a new PC or notebook, a digital camera, or a big screen LCD HDTV for the living-room entertainment area.
Seasonal and clearance sales are always on the agenda of bargain hunters, but there is a further option - that of buying refurnished products. For example, a refurbished LCD TV may sell online for anything from 50% to 70% of its retail price.

Still, even at these big savings, it is not easy to get someone to buy a refurbished product for the first time.
To the uninformed, buying a refurbished product may seem like a compromise; it is as if buying a car with dents and scratches on the paintwork, or unknown problems with the mechanics. However, in the electronics world, things are somewhat different. It is unfortunate that to many, it is not so obvious what the tag 'refurbished electronics' does actually mean.

Refurbished electronics can be either third-part refurbs or manufacturer (factory) refurbs. Third-party refurbs offer greater savings and do come with a warranty but it is only factory refurbished electronics that come with a manufacturer warranty. For the smart shopper, buying factory refurbished electronics is a way to enjoy substantial discounts and still have a product that is essentially 'like new', but...

You need to exercise constant vigilance when buying refurbished electronics.

This is only possible if you have a thorough understanding of what the 'refurbished' tag, once assigned to a product, implies in the electronics world.

What 'refurbished' products are not?

Before we delve further into what may qualify as refurbished electronics, it is important to get a clear understanding of what cannot be labeled as 'refurbished'. In particular, there is the misconception that 'refurbished' and reconditioned' are the same.

A refurbished product may or may not have been installed, repaired, or slightly used for reasons given further on in this article. On the other hand, a reconditioned item is a used product, that may have been used for an extended period by a first owner - often under lease - but then was repaired (not necessarily by the manufacturer), and resold by a retailer.

'Used' re-conditioned products represent greater savings over refurb units as these sell cheaper, but then such products constitute a higher risk. This risk is even more pronounced when dealing with expensive electronic products such as rear projection TVs, home theater projectors, flat-panel HDTV sets and the like. You can never really tell what has been the impact on the aging of the respective electronic components inside the unit as a result of the previous use.

We say: Be wary of such products. Instead, if you are after a smart buy and a great bargain, opt only for 'factory certified' refurbished products. These still represent substantial savings over the normal retail price, and carry a manufacturer's warranty.

So... what qualifies as 'Refurbished Electronics'?

In general, refurbished electronics are items that were returned for one reason or another, to the manufacturer. These items are then re-tested at the factory to make sure they are in tip-top shape. Any defective or damaged parts - if need be - will be replaced in order to restore the product to its original specification, and then the product is repackaged 'like new'.

Consumer laws prevent manufacturers from selling anything considered factory refurbished electronics as 'new' since the original factory seal has been broken; hence these items are sold as 'refurbished products' often at deeply discounted prices.

More specifically, reasons for returns include:

Customer Return: Most major retailers offer a 30-day money back guarantee; during this period, a customer may return the product for whatever reason and still get full refund. If there is nothing wrong with the product, most stores will simple reduce the price and resell it as an 'open box' special. However, if there is some sort of defect, the product is returned to the manufacturer were it is inspected and/or repaired, and then repackaged for sale as a refurbished item.

Shipping and Exterior Damage: These include damaged packaging due to mishandling, the elements, etc., in which case the product itself may be perfectly fine. These may also include minor damage to the product exterior casing, such as dents, scratches, etc., and any other exterior damage that in it self would not affect the product performance. Retailers would normally return these products to the manufacturer. The manufacturer would then inspect the product, replace any damaged casing, etc., and then repackage the item just like new. However, these items cannot be sold as new; hence they are tagged as refurbished electronics.

Demonstration Units: Sometimes demonstration units at major retail stores, trade shows, and even returned items by product reviewers, are often returned to the manufacturer where they are inspected and/or repaired if needed, and repackaged as refurbished units.

Opened Box: Sometimes, if a box was simply opened, the item is returned to the manufacturer where it is re-tested and repackaged. Even though technically, there is no issue here, yet the item cannot be classified as new; instead, it will have to be sold as refurbished electronics.

Defect during Production: If a specific component is identified as defective once the product leaves the factory - say as a result of an abnormal number of customer returns during the warranty period, a manufacturer may recall a product from a specific batch or production run that exhibits the same defect. When this occurs, the manufacturer can repair all the defective units and send them back out to retailers for sale as refurbished units.

Overstock Items: While most retailers with an overstock of a particular item would simply reduce the price and put the item on sale for clearance, yet there are instances when a manufacturer wants to introduce a new model on the market at a time when there are still a substantial number of older models on stores shelves. In these circumstances, the manufacturer may opt to collect any remaining stock of the older model and redistribute them to specific refurb retailers for quick clearance. Overstock items are brand new items; these can be sold either as a 'special promos' for quick clearance, or can be labeled as refurbished electronics and sold at deep discounts.

To strike the best deal, you have to act fast, but not too fast!

Fast... because when it comes to refurbished electronics, you cannot expect to simply walk into a store and pick up your favorite refurbished LCD TV or plasma unit off the shelf. Major refurb retailers like Second Act, work with manufacturers and distributors to acquire as many products as possible, yet the quantity they acquire can vary from just a few units to a couple of hundred units. In other words, you never really know how long they will last, and at the big savings associated with refurbished products, inventory levels change all the time. Additionally, you never really know if a particular model will be available as refurbished item.

But... do not just jump on the first deal. Act too quick and you may equally miss on the right deal. Act only when you feel you have got the right product at the right price. Once you think you have found what you want, then it is time to check with the retailer about return policies and warranty issues. If the refurbish item is factory-refurbished and comes with a full manufacturer warranty, then it is time to act!

Finally, remember: Purchasing a refurbished item can be a great way to a smart buy. There is no reason why the 'refurbished' tag should lead to a negative connotation to the product under consideration. At the same time, it is important that you inspect the product yourself within the return policy period. This is especially important since with refurbished electronics, you are getting a bit of a hit on product warranty in that you are only getting a typical 90 days warranty against the one year or so associated with standard products.

Happy bargain hunting!

This article is an excerpt from a detailed informative guide appearing on Practical-Home-Theater-Guide.COM, and that discusses at greater length the issue of 'Buying Refurbished Electronics'. It provides additional tips and advice that should help you transform the risk into a great buy - one that results in a big reduction in price. This additional information should also prove useful especially when buying online.

Read the complete article at http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com/refurbished-electronics.html.



Andrew Ghigo - A Telecoms/Electronics engineer by profession, with specialization in digital switching and telecoms fraud management systems; a keen home theater enthusiast, with a lifelong interest in home electronics and a devoted audiophile for the last 25-yrs.

Editor and publisher of http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com - a comprehensive home theater guide to home th

I truly believe that many people are confused by the words used in home theater equipment such as AC3, Aspect Ratio, Bridging and many others. Almost all of the terminology regarding home theater audio and video components is confusing for most people and is primarily intended for technical reasons. Therefore do not be intimidated by the language used to name and describe home theater audio and video components. Utilize our Home Theater dictionary to learn the meaning of the words used to describe the electronics of home theater systems.

The two most important thing in your home theater is to know what viewing quality you want and what sound you desire. By visiting your local Electronics store you can get a good idea from viewing the equipment up close for picture and sound quality and most sales people have the knowledge of there equipment that can convey to you in laymen terms. Once you have decided on a practical system you can buy from the Electronic store, or go online where the best deals are made. The components described below are most important and are what should be focused upon when buying a home theater system.

Video Selection #1 in Level Of Importance

1. Choose a TV at least 27 inches, preferably the bigger the better that will fit in your home theater area with plenty of room left over for comfort and a screen size that you do not have to strain to view. Most larger TVs are as cheap as the smaller TVs today...so get what you want the first time around. The components described below are most important and are what should be focused upon when buying a home theater system.

2. Flat screen TVs are the most common for good non glare viewing and are LCD (liquid crystal display) and have optional Plasma screens which is a display technology that you may not notice unless you have the two side by side.

3. Some TVs have built in DVD/VCR and we recommend purchasing a DVD/VCR as a separate component in case of failure.

4. Rear projection TVs are available in TVs with larger screen size of 42 inch and above and is not a advantage in viewing quality.

5. DLP (Digital Light Processing) projection system bring more light from lamp to screen. It also features better color uniformity over time--no burn-in, screen aging or color-shifting possible and is recommended feature for crisp, clear picture viewing.

6. HDTV (High Definition TV) is on the way is and will be the future of TV and is recommended as a must have.

7. HD TV (High Definition Television) are televisions that can process high definition signals thru the use of a separate set box.

8. AVR Receivers(see audio section)for TVs relate more to audio, but do play a role in the refresh rate of the screen, provide video input for games, other devices and synchronizes the sound to the picture. Other type receivers are satellite and HDTV.

9. DVD player/recorder/VCR play and or, record from DVD disks and can be separate components, or all in one unit called combo units. Some DVDs support Windows media such as CD/CD-RW for playing music and, or showing your stored pictures and music.

Sound Selection #2 In Level Of Importance. Audio is not that crucial to many as compared to the core of the home theater....which is the picture they see. TVs have speakers built in that will suffice for the better part of us, but add a few good speakers and you have quality sound. Your home theater room, or area plays a major part in how the sound is interpreted in relation to the acoustics of the room,size, furniture, walls, curtains, carpet etc that absorb the signal. As an example a long rectangle room with carpet will have better acoustics than a square room with hardwood floors. The typical entertainment room in your house can not be expected to exactly replicate movie theater sound since a commercial movie cinema is expressly designed for this purpose, unless you are design and construct a special custom home theater room in your home. Whatever your decision you will experience better audio with the proper equipment.

1. AVR Receivers manage all aspects of your audio system and video and considered the brain that controls the video portion and transforms signals into sound. AVR Receivers come in various watts that have separate channels to control and balance speakers.

2. The sizes and shapes of speakers vary significantly and are a wise investment if you want the highest quality sound . The quality of sound is determined by the watts of power they produce..ie a 100W will produce more sound quality than a 50W. The receiver is matched in wattage to correspond with the wattage of the speaker. Of all the audio components below, speakers are the most important of all so get the best you can.

3. Sub woofers increase the bass capabilities of your sound system. Not a requirement except if you prefer the sound of explosive blasts in an action movie.

4. Surround Sound will deliver a cinematic sound quality to your home theater, but is not an essential component.

Home Theater Mini System ("In A Box") With a mini system all you need is the TV and installation is much easier than using separate components which may require you hiring a professional. You can get a mini system with just about any feature you want to include DVD/DVR/VCR/AVR/CD, speakers, sub woofers, surround sound etc...The systems are much cheaper in cost than purchasing separate components and the drawbacks are you may be limited on what you can output if you want additional add-on such as video games,extra speakers etc. The mini home theater is basically to run the components provided in the kit and if you want to add on you may not be able to. Another drawback is you may be sacrificing superior video and sound quality for lower a price. Just like anything else there are good mini home theaters and better ones...So get the best if you go this route.

Managing companies in the low voltage products industry has been the focus of John Leo's career. He has managed companies which either manufactured or distributed low voltage products especially coaxial cable, security alarm cable, home theater audio products and fire alarm cable. webmaster@worldwide-products.biz http://www.worldwide-products.biz

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