Buying Laptop Computers

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Buying Laptop Computers for Beginners

When you're buying laptop computers, there are certain things you want to look at.  First you need to know how you'll be using your computer. Do you need something lighter for work because you travel often. Do you want a larger screen for gaming or watching movies? Will you be using it for college, or is it for business. Will it be your main computer, or will you be using both a laptop computer and a desktop computer?

 

When you know what you want from your laptop computer, then you can start looking at what you'll want when you're "buying your laptop computer"

You'll need to figure out what type of processor you want and how much RAM you'll need. Don't panic, even if it sounds like a foreign language to you now, you'll understand more by the time you're done here. 

Below you'll find a list of things you'll need to know, as well as some great videos that help you sort out the lingo

Another thing to ask yourself is Mac of PC? Mac stands for Macintosh or Apple products, PC stands for everything else - such as HP, Dell, Toshiba, etc.. While there are people on both sides of the MAC or PC rally, it comes down to what you want. Both are "similar" enough that you'll be working on a laptop computer, being able to get your email, surf the web, and do things that you want. They are just accomplished a little bit differently. Don't get swayed to think that there's a massive difference. When you are just starting out, it's not a debate you need to worry about!

How to Buy a Laptop

EXCELLENT VIDEO

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Lingo: How to Buy a Laptop

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Laptop Lingo

Understand What You're Buying

When you're looking at laptops there are a couple things you want to keep in mind...here's a basic break-down of what you need to know.

Your CPU or Processor is the "thinking" part of your computer, or the brain. The better your brain, the better it's going to work for you.

RAM, also called Memory determines how your computer works. Will it be fast enough, or will it be sluggish? Aim for 1 to 2 GB of RAM for the best experience with your laptop.

Storage is how much you can store on your computer. Most people will never use all the storage on their computer, so unless you plan on needing tons, this shouldn't be too much of an issue.

Lastly, think about how you're going to use your computer. Someone like me who writes, is going to look at different things than someone who is a gamer. A great keyboard is more important to me, than a wide monitor. Know what you want going in, and you'll have an easier time making the final decision.

Buying Laptop Computers? Here's Help

Learn the Basics First!

For excellent information on understanding processors and what you'll want, this is a full force, explain it all article. Be sure to poke around their great article bank.

For basic computer terminology with very simple definitions that anyone can understand, check out this Basic Computer Technology list.

Tips and pointers on buying a laptop computer.

Here's an ABC Guide from PC Mag for buying laptops.

Still not sure if a laptop is for you? Here's a quick article and video that will help you.

Lingo for the New User

This talks about computers in general

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What are YOU Looking For?

Buying a Laptop

When I first went to buy a laptop computer, I needed to figure out what I wanted it for. Was I going to want a computer for general playing online and email, or was I looking for the latest graphics for gaming or entertainment.

Asking yourself what you want out of your laptop computer is the first step in finding one that will leave you thrilled with your purchase.

You'll also need to figure out if you want a wide screen or a regular screen, and if you need an ultra-light model or not. Will you be traveling with it often?

Is it for business or college? Will it need to be tough and resistant to damage? When you know how you'll use your laptop, you can then start looking at other details.

RAM? Figuring out what type of processor you want matters to some people more than others. If you don't know anything about RAM, check some of the links offered here, and learn everything you need to know. The forum mentioned in the links section is an awesome place to learn more.

How big is that keyboard? How much memory does it have? What programs do I want to run? Do I want a PC or an Apple?

Ask yourself these questions before jumping in!

Buying Laptop Computers

Buying a Laptop Computer

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Apple, Mac Laptops

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HP and Compaq Laptops

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Sony Laptops on eBay

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Toshiba Laptops on eBay

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IBM and Lenova Laptops on eBay

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