1.Consider whether a laptop has the advantages you're looking for.
If you haven't had a laptop before, it can be a good idea to consider the possible benefits of owning one. When compared with a desktop, laptops have the following advantages.
- You can take a laptop with you wherever you go, even abroad provided that you take a power adapter as well.
- Laptops are becoming more affordable and smaller with nano-technology.
- Many laptops can do what we expect most desktops to do.
- Laptops save on space and are easy to move out of the way.
2. Set your budget.
It's important to know how much your budget is before you start looking or you might be swayed by long-term interest-free sweeteners to purchase something beyond your means. There is a large range of laptops available and setting a limit will ensure that you enjoy the laptop you can afford, without being prevented from upgrading later on because you're still paying off the old one! Decide what aspects are important to you and fit these within your budget:
If you're only after a laptop that can cope with sending emails and browsing the internet, then you will be fine getting a netbook or laptop that doesn't cost a lot. A refurbished laptop with a good warranty is great for this purpose.
3. Consider what Operating System (OS) you prefer: Linux, Mac OS or Windows.
It is really up to your personal preference, but these are some important considerations:
Go with what you know. If you're used to one OS it'll be 'easier' to continue with a familiar interface than give something new/fresh a chance. But don't let your first OS decide every subsequent OS and computer buy.
Why stay with an OS that doesn't fit you? Some programs you may need/want are only available for your old OS but can be made to work through an emulator. Others can't. Your mileage may vary.
If you are inexperienced with computers and will need help, buy the type of computer that helpful family members or friends know and will help you with. Otherwise you'll have to rely on call-center 'tech support'.
4.Think about the size of laptop that will suit you best.
There are three different size/weight ranges for a laptop: a netbook, a laptop, or desktop replacement.
- Netbook (also known as a mini notebook or an ultraportable) - with a portable small screen of 7"-13"/17.79cm-33.3cm. This has a compact size, is light in weight, and is usually suitable for emailing and browsing or light internet usage as their memory is small. Since netbooks tend not to have as much RAM as laptops, their ability to run sophisticated applications is limited. However, changes are occurring all the time, so always ask the retailer's advice.
- Laptop - with a screen of 13"-15"/33.3cm-38.1cm. This is of medium weight, is still thin and light, and is able to hold a lot of memory. The decisions to make about a laptop's capacity really come down to your own preference as to screen size, and the amount of RAM you think you'll need.
- Desktop replacement - screen of 17"-18"/43.8cm-45cm. This is larger and heavier, has full features, and tends to be bound for the desk rather than being lugged around in your backpack. While not as portable as the other two, however, it's still very mobile when needed and the added weight when carrying it isn't really a big issue for many people. If you're not sure about this size, weigh up your desk and portable needs, noting that it is possible that the desktop replacement will eventually do away with desktop computers altogether.
5. Consider your durability needs.
Decide on whether you'd prefer a metal or plastic exterior. Nowadays the choice of casing is mostly an issue of personal preference, as the weight of each outer-casing is fairly similar, with well-made metallic laptops being no heavier than plastic ones. In terms of durability, metallic casing is probably best for a laptop liable to get knocked around a bit but it's still best to ask your retailer for advice.
If you are doing fieldwork or a lot of "rough travel" with a laptop, you might need customized extras to protect it. Ask for a stronger screen, shock mounting of internal components and "ruggedizing" of the whole laptop against water, spills, and drops.
Most consumer model laptops in retail showrooms are not built for durability. Look for a corporate model laptop built from metal or composite materials if durability matters.
6. Look for features to match your needs:
Check the CPU or central processing unit. Higher end, faster processing laptops will have a multi-core CPU such as Intel, AMD, and now ARM. This won't usually be found in netbooks or lower-end laptops. The difference impacts the speed of your laptop's performance. Your laptop can perform some tricks, know how to sing, dance harlem shake and whatsoever.
Consider how much RAM you actually will need in your new unit. While it may be tempting to get a whole ton of RAM when you purchase the laptop, often retailers will put massive amounts of RAM in a unit to disguise the fact that the rest of the components are sub-par (slower processor, etc). Since it is quite easy to upgrade RAM (even in a laptop), this should not be a huge consideration for a specific laptop. The amount of RAM memory can be an important spec to consider. Often the amount of memory can limit the applications that you can run. Large applications will require more memory to run. In general, the more memory you have, the faster the laptop will run. The typical memory numbers come in amounts like 1 GB, 2 GB, 3 GB, and 4 GB, where GB means gigabytes.
7 Find a suitable retailer for purchasing a laptop.
The main thing is that you find knowledgeable people or adequate information to satisfy your questions about the laptop you'd like to own. There are a number of options for a retailer:
- Specialized stores that sell only computers and/or computer parts.
- Brand stores that only sell that brand.
-Generalized electronics stores that sell everything from fridges to computers rarely have staff with specialized computer knowledge.
- Department stores with specialist computer sections.
-Online electronic or specialist retailer stores. You can even check out the laptop in a real brick-and-mortar store and then order it online if preferred, though be prepared to pay shipping charges, of course.
8 Know what to avoid.
There are some laptop products you should avoid buying:
- Know the risks before you buy used, re-certified, or refurbished laptops. It is very important that the laptop comes with a good warranty and from a reputable dealer. Durable, corporate grade laptops can be a bargain when refurbished. The risk is that the laptop has been mistreated and is in poor condition. If the price is right, and especially if their is a one year warranty, then the risk may be negligible.
- Don't buy discounted floor stock laptops unless they come with a good warranty from a reputable dealer. These can be several generations older than current models on full sale, and it's likely that they have been powered up all day every day, as well as being exposed to store dust, grimy fingers, and endless pressing and banging from bored kids or confused customers.
9 Once you have your laptop, take good care of it. While it depends on the brand and type of laptop, a laptop that is cared for well should last a good few years before you need to invest in another laptop.
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