Gokhiel Weblog: Are You Buying the Right Laptop Computer?

If you need to use your computer on the road you may be considering purchasing a laptop or notebook computer. However, the technical specifications of these portable computers can be bewildering. If you want to buy the best laptop for your needs, it's a good idea to start by becoming familiar with the major features and specifications. But what do they all mean?

Here's a list of some of the most common specifications with an explanation of how it relates to usage. By working your way through this list you can select out the specifications you'll need.

For instance, if you have simple computing needs, by working through the list you'll see that a 1.4 to 1.6GhZ CPU, a memory of up to 516MB and a hard drive up to 80GB will met your requirements. You can then consider other options like weight and batteries.

Central Processing Units (CPU)
• Dual or single core processor
• 1.4 to 1.6GHz - basic computing functions including word processing, email, watching movies, uploading photos, small document files.
• 1.8 to 2.0GHz - installing presentation software, editing photos and graphics, and basic computing functions.
• 2.6GHz - editing movies, gaming, other multimedia production

Weight
• 5 to 6 pounds - used by those who travel often.
• 6 to 7 pounds - used by those who travel less often or shorter distances.
• 7 to 8 pounds - used by those who use their laptop primarily at home.

Memory
• 256 to 512Mb - watching movies, viewing photos, basic computing functions.
• 1Gb - multiple computer applications at one time, editing movie and graphics files, spreadsheets and presentation software, gaming.
• 2Gb - gaming, creating DVDs, using graphic design software.

Hard Drive - Basic, built-in storage
• 40 to 80Gb - Storing documents, financial software, spreadsheets
• 80 to 240Gb - Music, movies, photos, games

Disc Drive
• DVD/CD-RW combo drive - watch DVDs, burn CDs
• DVDR/RW with double-layer support - burn both DVDs and CDs.

Graphics Card
• Standard graphics card - 32Mb: spreadsheets, basic computing functions
• Mid-range graphics card - 128Mb: viewing movies and photos
• High-quality graphics card - 256Mb and better: video editing, graphic design, gaming

Batteries
• 12-cell Li-Ion battery - 1 to 4 hour run time depending on size of computer, 1 to 2 hours when viewing a DVD
• 8-cell battery - 3 hour run time depending on size of computer, 2 hours when viewing a DVD
• 6-cell lithium battery - 2 to 3 three hour run time depending on size of computer, 2 hours when viewing a DVD

Tip: Try to test each laptop under the type of conditions you will be using it. If you plan to work outside a lot, check how the screen looks outside on a bright sunny day. If you will be working inside under fluorescent lamps try to view it under that type of lighting.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Block

Gokhiel Weblog

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Are You Buying the Right Laptop Computer?

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