LAPTOP BUYING GUIDE

This simple laptop buying guide is an easy "how to buy a laptop" without the techie jargon because let's face it life is just too short!

Yes I know you probably know this but I'll say it anyway. Simply put a laptop also known as notebook is just a portable computer that is battery powered wireless Internet capable to be used anywhere without being stuck to an electrical plug.

Learn all about the new and popular mini laptops at: Mini Laptops 101 | Cheap Laptop Computers.

Looking for gaming laptop guide, see it here: Laptop for Gaming | Cheap Laptop Computers.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A LAPTOP- LAPTOP BUYING GUIDE DETAILS

Weather you are buying refurbished laptops or pink laptops, or brand new, these features are all important too look at when considering the best laptop for you.

Processor:
The processor of a laptop determines how fast a laptop is and the speed is given in GHz.
Best: Intel Core 2 Duo processor
The Intel Core 2 Duo is one of the best if not THE best. Provides superior performance at half the cost of other similar types.The Core Duo provides a strong performance and great battery life.
1.73 GHz processor is more than sufficient for everyday work like word processing, spreadsheets, email and internet surfing.

Memory (RAM):
RAM refers to the amount of programs you can run on your laptop without running into slow downs and causing your laptop to drag. 512MB RAM is the optimal amount of memory and the best option for gaming and if you plan to use 3-D graphics. Buying Tip: The RAM the laptop supports tells you the most memory you will be able to upgrade to.

Hard drive:
40-80 GB hard drive is more than sufficient unless you plan to generate mass amounts of music or data files or you want to install more than one suite like Microsoft Office. Browse cheap Replacement Hard Drives.

Virus Prevention: Like all computers laptops need to be protected from the ever irritating and costly damages that can come from virus attacks and spyware/adware. Anti-Virus software is essential for the health of your data and laptop. Learn more about viruses and spyware at: What is Malware.

All-in-one design Unless you really need a lightweight notebook, choose one with an internal bay for the optical drive. Simply put this drive lets you to swap in other devices, such as an extra hard drive or a second battery.

Warranty:
A laptop with a warranty can save money down the road.
BUYING TIP: If the laptop you wish to purchase comes with a warranty check to see if they cover shipping charges in the event you need to send it in for repair. There are also warranties that cover an in-home repair.

Screen size:
Buying a laptop for portability does not mean you should sacrifice viewing pleasure. A screen larger than 14 is best to avoid strain on the eyes. The screen size dimension is measured diagonally across the screen. Larger screens or wide screens do result in heavier laptops but do provide a more comfortable experience whether you're surfing the net or watching movies. A smaller screen can be more beneficial for word-processing type of activity.

Screen Viewing:
An anti-glare feature is very beneficial when you don't want to have part of your screen invisible due to a light source. Outside-readable screens are made to use in very bright light (outside) and are very costly. Wide Screen viewing angle is important if you don't like decreased visibility when you move your head to the side.

Weight:
A 5 pound plus laptop is best. Ultra light laptops, below 4 pounds have cramped keyboards, less speed and memory, and usually no CD or DVD drive and smaller screens. If you buy an ultra-light laptop, its performance may be so compromised that after all of the accessories you carry with it are added up (a CD drive, a larger battery, a better keyboard, etc...) it may weigh as much as a regular 5 or 6 lb laptop.

Battery:
Watt-hours determine the life of laptop batteries. Lithium batteries use cells to determine life, more cells equals more life. Usually a laptop needs a new battery every 1 to 5 years.
The way you determine battery consumption depends on how you use the laptop.
Most battery ratings are given for a computer running minimal processes which does not include Internet usage, graphics, power-save mode etc.
BUYING TIP:If you want more more freedom from the outlet buy a notebook that has a modular bay which is capable of holding a supplementary power pack.

Wireless:
Wireless Internet Capability or Wi-Fi is necessary if you'd like to surf the net without being tied to a wire. Wireless cards are easily installed into most laptops.

Keyboard:
The keyboard should be full size or it will take some time to adjust.
TIP:Look for the % of full size when looking at the keyboard features of a laptop.

Mouse Options:
Option 1 is a touch screen, which is controlled with finger movements on a pad. Option 2 is a knob feature that lets you control the mouse by moving the finger in only one spot. This feature is harder to adjust and unless you have a preference get the touch panel.
Best Option:Option 3 get both a touch screen and knob on your laptop. BUYING TIP: You can always hook up a standard mouse to your laptop.

Ports:
Simply put a port is a specialized outlet on the back of a computer to which a plug or cable connects. (If you'd read the techie definition you would have passed out by now).
The more ports you have the more variety you will have.
At least one USB (multipurpose, very useful port) and at least one VGA (video connection to external monitor/ projector) are very important.
An Ethernet Port for wired Internet connection.
Headphoneandmicrophone ports.

Other ports include:
FireWire port for iPod connections
S-video port for video output.
Printer port for printers.
PC card slots (card bus), which provide a large variety of functions. You can usually buy a PC card to replace any type of port.

Audio:
Media Centers have higher quality speakers built-in. Notebooks that save weight and space will have small speakers which gives just an OK sound quality and quiet music.

Video/Graphics:
This is important for playing and editing movies and is crucial for 3D gaming. Dedicated memory usually comes with a graphics card (ATI Radeon, GeForce, etc...) and has its own memory in MB which includes 32MB, 64MB, and 128MB.
TIP: If video/gaming is important to you pick the highest one you can afford.
BUYING TIP:To get an idea of what memory you might need you can refer to the back of your games or media software CD-case or manual to see the "system requirements" for the video memory requirements.

Laptop Security: Laptops are vulnerable for the obvious reason that they are mobile, read the complete guide at: Laptop Security | Cheap Laptop Computers.

Skins:
Personalize and dress up your laptop with decorative skins!

Laptop Case, Bag and Backpack:
A variety of cases and bags are available for carrying your laptop, including "with wheels." Whether you like business leather, or bright pink suede there's a laptop case for you. Get very cheap laptop bags and cases at: Laptop Cases | Cheap Laptop Computers.

I hope this laptop buying guide was helpful, will assist you in buying a laptop and most important didn't make your head hurt.

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