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Computers - laptop/notebook - what to ask before you buy

If you're in the market for a laptop or notebook computer, but you're not sure what to ask before you buy, here are some things to think about. The questions will help you get the right information when deciding which type of laptop or notebook is the one for you.

Click on a question below for more information.

1. Cost: How much does a laptop/notebook cost?
2. Type: Should I buy a PC or Mac laptop/notebook?
3. Size: What size laptop/notebook suits me?
4. Processor: What processor should I get in the laptop/notebook?
5. RAM: How much RAM do I need in a laptop/notebook?
6. Hard drive: What about the hard drive in the laptop/notebook?
7. Battery: What about the battery in the laptop/notebook?
8. USB ports: How many USB ports do I need on a laptop/notebook?
9. Temperature: How hot does the laptop get?
10. Software: What software do I need on the laptop/notebook?
11. CD/DVD: What about a CD/DVD burner for the laptop/notebook?
12. Accessories: What other stuff do I need for a laptop/notebook?
13. Insurance: What about insuring the laptop/notebook?
14. Warranty: What's the warranty on the laptop/notebook?

1. How much does does a laptop/notebook cost?

The first thing to decide is how much you can afford to spend. You can buy a computer for whatever price you decide. The question is to get the best value for your money. Generally, bigger screens tend to cost more than smaller screens, and as other specifications increase, so does the price.

2. Should I buy a PC or Mac laptop/notebook?

There is no clear choice. If you have a preference, buy what you prefer. Otherwise, price will probably determine what you get.

3. What size laptop/notebook suits me?

• The size of a laptop is a function of the size of the screen. If you want a big screen (15.4 inches, measured on the diagonal) then you're laptop won't be any smaller than that.
• If you want to watch movies, check that the screen provides wide screen display.
• If you're going to travel a lot with your laptop, find out how much it weighs. Mini notebook computers have a screen size of around 9-13 inches and a weight of 1.5-2.0 kilos but may cost more than the standard size laptop (15-17 inches).

4. What processor should I get in the laptop/notebook?

The processor is the heart of the computer. It determines the speed at which things happen. Do your research about what's available, but as a rough guide? Minimum 1.6 GHz (for really basic computer use) but miinimum 2.0 GHz if you play games etc.

5. How much RAM do I need in a laptop/notebook?

RAM, which is 'Random Access Memory' is the short term memory that helps the processor when it's sorting out what to do. More RAM means the processor can work more efficiently. The more you spend on your computer, the more you should spend on RAM - rough guide, aim for 2GB of RAM for your laptop (not less than 1GB).

Find out if all the RAM slots are already filled up with the memory that comes with the laptop, or are there free slots for future upgrades - just so you know if you can upgrade later or not.

6. What about the hard drive in the laptop/notebook?

• Capacity: The bigger the better. Newer software requires more hard drive memory, so if you want to run new software (e.g. Windows Vista or high end games) you need a big hard drive. Aim for at least 250GB - you can do with less if you don't store a lot of photos or music or games. Remember you can add an external hard drive for a reasonable price if you run out of storage space.
• Speed: Laptop hard disks come in two speeds: 7200rpm and 5400rpm. The 5400rpm drives are slower, but they use less power. If your aim is to get maximum battery life it might be worth getting a lower speed drive - the difference is only rarely noticeable. Conversely, if you're nearly always going to be running from mains power there's no reason not to get the faster drive - it will make a modest improvement to speed across the board, and the cost isn't normally significantly more.

7. What about the battery in the laptop/notebook?

• How long will the battery last? Both in terms of 'between recharges' and 'before it can't hold a charge and needs to be replaced'. Laptop battery lives as stated by manufacturers are outrageously optimistic - in actual usage conditions you can nearly always expect to get less than half the advertised time. If it says 3 hours on the box, it probably will only last an hour or so, which can be frustrating (not enough to even watch a whole movie without ac power!)
• Can you get extra batteries when you buy the laptop?
• Can you buy an extra charger (so you can have one at work and one at home)?
• Can the charger be used to charge the batteries externally, or do you need to put the battery in the laptop to charge it? Most laptops need to charge the batteries internally, but it can be quite handy to have one charging back in the hotel while you're attending a meeting!

8. How many USB ports do I need on a laptop/notebook?

The USB ports allow you to plug in things like a printer, camera, scanner, whatever. This is less of an issue now that you can buy cheap USB hubs (mulitple adaptors) to increase the number of ports, but you'll probably want at least 3.

9. How hot does the laptop/notebook run?

Some machines will run so hot that you can't keep them on your lap. If this is the case, you may need to get a laptop stand so that you're legs don't get really hot, and so that as much air as possible is circulating underneath the machine, either on your lap or on your desk..

10. What software do I need on a laptop/notebook?

Some software will be provided with the machine. At the very least you'll get an operating system (e.g. Windows XP or Windows Vista) and possibly a word processing program (e.g. Microsoft Office). Internet browser programs (e.g. Firefox and Internet Explorer) can be downloaded for free. You can get an email account with Yahoo Mail or Gmail. Google also provides photo editing software Picasa which is a really easy way to fix your pix.

11. What about a CD/DVD burner for the laptop/notebook?

Look for a 16x dvd burner. Note that some mini notebooks don't have a CD/DVD player/burner.

12. What other stuff do I need for a laptop/notebook?

Probably a carry case to protect your laptop if you intend to travel with it. A wireless mouse is good if you can't get used to the touch pad. A laptop stand if it runs hot. Does it have the capacity for wireless and/or ethernet networking? Does it have Bluetooth for wireless connection to other devices such as mobile phones etc.?

13. What about insuring the laptop/notebook?

You can get insurance for laptops. Some vendors sell insurance, though it's often expensive. Some home-contents policies will cover them, though normally as an added extra (and at an additional premium, especially if you want cover outside your home). But some come with theft cover for free for a short initial period. In some cases, if you pay by credit card, your credit card vendor may even offer additional loss-or-theft cover for a month after purchase (on everything you buy, not just your laptop). Also, some insurance policies are only valid within the country of purchase, but not internationally.

14. What's the warranty on a laptop/notebook?

Usually 1 - 3 years. Some warranties are labour only, or parts included for 90 days. Some are on-site, some return-to-base.

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