Laptop Buying Tips

What is a Laptop Computer?
Laptop PCs have now become faster, slimmer, and cheaper. With powerful processors and accesories, laptops now offer almost everything a desktop PC can offer
Laptops can be divided into two weight categories :Ultralite and Regular. Ultralites are thin, small and weigh under 5 pounds but the drawback is their limited built-in features. Regular laptops, on the other hand, are bigger and heavier but they include such nice features as large bright screen; long-life battery; CD-ROM and floppy drive. Many portables also make room for optional DVD or Zip drives with USB and other interfaces for external devices.
Before buying a Laptop computer the following features will help you decide which is the right one for you:

CPU: Although there are many factors that influence the performance of a computer, the most important one is its microprocessor, also known as its CPU (central processing unit). The microprocessor is a silicon chip (with millions of circuits) that is the brain of a computer. Its speed is measured in MHz (megahertz).

Memory:RAM or Random Access Memory is the computer's work space. More of it lets the computer work faster and lets you run more programs at the same time. Of course given the same processor, more memory will make the computer perform faster. You will be able to start programs more quickly, scroll through long documents quickly, or switch more quickly between two tasks, such as typing a letter and opening email.

Cache: Cache memory, is another form of work space for the processor. Memory (RAM) and video memory are other types of work space. A processor can access items stored in cache very quickly, more quickly than in any other form of work space. The processor uses the cache to store the most frequently requested instructions and data. The larger the cache, the more likely it is that a specific action you want to perform is in the cache, and the faster the notebook will run as a whole.

Hard Disk: The "hard disk" or "hard drive" is where the operating system, all other software programs, and all your own information get stored. Its size is measured in GB (gigabytes).

Make sure the weight, size, feel and power of the machine are right for you. You'll be carrying your laptop around a lot. Also, try out the keyboard and pointing device to make sure they're comfortable.

Screen: The screen or display, or Liquid Crystal Display, or LCD, of a notebook, is an important element of the notebook. The size of the screen, the type, and the resolution, can all be important. Most people focus on the size of the screen, since that is the most obvious element. If you are a graphic designer or an avid game-player, you might want to carefully check out the type and resolution as well. Screen SIZE is measured diagonally, just like for TVs. While you can get screens as small as 7", full-size notebook screens measure at least 12" diagonally, and can go up to 15" or more. A 14.1" notebook screen will give you almost the same viewing area as a 15" monitor on a desktop computer. The smaller screens (10"and less) can be great for traveling as they are very light. A notebook screen displays an image as a pattern of many small dots.
Resolution: measures the number of dots on the screen; a higher resolution means more dots. Every notebook screen supports at least a resolution of 640x480. Newer notebooks can also support higher resolutions, such as 800x600 (also called VGA) or 1024x768 (also called SuperVGA or SVGA).

Batteries: Notebook batteries are either Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) or Nickel Metal Hydride (NIMH). Lithium batteries are lighter in weight, and have a longer life, than NIMH batteries, but they also cost more. However, if you expect to run your notebook off the battery a lot, the convenience of lithium will be worth the investment. Battery life is usually expressed as a wide range, because it is highly dependent on how you use your notebook. If you are going to be away from a power supply for a long time , you might invest in a second battery and make sure to charge that battery before you need it. The expected length of time it will take to recharge a fully discharged battery can vary widely because people don't always begin with fully-discharged batteries. NIMH batteries should initially be charged for 16 hours; lithium batteries need only 6-8 hours at first. Thereafter, charge the batteries according to the notebook manufacturer's recommendation. This may be as short as 6 hours, or as long as 12 hours. Remember that a battery, after lying on the shelf for some time, usually takes 2-4 full charges and discharges before it achieves its full potential again.



TV means a Television connection, allowing the notebook to be connected to a TV screen.
Port replicators and dock stations are like power strips for a notebook where you plug in monitors, keyboards, printers, etc. You push one button to attach or detach the notebook, and all the devices stay connected to the replicator or station. Besides being convenient, this lets you neatly arrange your cabling, and helps avoid breaking a notebook connector. One should get a notebook that can accept a port replicator or dock station, even if you don't need it right away you have the option in the future.