How to Choose a Laptop

How to Choose a Laptop

By Elena Price

Laptop computers - also known as notebooks - offer the same features and specifications as desktop computers but in a portable form. A laptop computer consists of one unit, usually with a keyboard and hardware in one section, and a screen section connected to it, so the laptop can be opened and closed in a 'clam style' fashion.

Features to Look for When You Buy a Laptop

Those specifications differ widely between the models of laptop computer available to buy online or in the shops.

• Operating system: This is the basic software that makes use of the laptop's processing system. Both systems perform well and run most common software applications, including Microsoft Office, media players and Internet browsers. Windows is the largest selling operating system in the world, but while most laptops come with Windows, OS X is popular for its graphics and publishing capabilities.
• Processor: Processors are composed of chips that drive and control the laptop's functions. Your laptop will usually come with a powerful processor, though it's worth comparing the different types.
• RAM: This is Random Access Memory, which is used to run software. Consider buying more memory if you want to run several large software programs at the same time.
• While desktop computers usually have larger hard drives, most laptop hard drives are up to 80 gigabytes in size. If you are planning to store large amounts of music, video or other data on your laptop, consider buying extra hard drive storage space
• Optical drive: This is usually a combined CD and DVD drive, and is used for both playing and recording onto CD and DVD, though some laptops will be cheaper if the DVD option only plays.
• Wi-Fi: Wireless Fidelity enables your laptop to connect to the Internet without using wires.
• Ports: For printing, music amplification, and connecting to other devices, laptops use ports as well as wireless connections. Fire wire ports are ideal for camcorders, and Ethernet ports are great for high-speed Internet access.
• Battery: Battery life is usually up to about 10 hours, but it does vary between laptop models and depends on whether you run powerful software applications.
• Screen: Screen display sizes on laptops vary from 10 inches to over 17 inches.
• Accessories: Laptops can come with a range of accessories, or they may be available to buy separately. Accessories include: carry bags and cases - essential for protecting the laptop when on the move; speakers - to improve sound amplification; and web cams - unless your laptop has a built-in web cam, you will need to buy one if you want to use your laptop for video conferencing.

Do I Need to Buy an Extended Laptop Warranty?

Look out for laptops that include the types of software that will suit your needs. Apple Macintosh computers such as the latest Apple Mac Book come with a range of useful software already installed, but can be more expensive than Windows laptops.

Before choosing your laptop, find out what type of warranty is offered with it. Sometimes it's worth paying extra for an extended warranty, especially if you are buying a more expensive laptop.

Online retailers hold regular sales and discounts and offer reconditioned laptop bargains, so by taking advantage of these offers and comparing laptop prices between different retailers, you might end up with a better model of laptop for your money.

10 Reasons To Buy Notebook Computer

10 Reasons To Buy Notebook Computer

By Titus Hoskins

Notebook computer is becoming very popular. It is estimated that over 42 million notebook computer will be produced this year. It's more than just the next techno fad; notebook computers offer some very practical solutions to our computing requirements and needs.

So if you need convincing, here are those 10 solid reasons why you should consider buying a notebook computer:

1. Size. It's the main reason you should consider buying a notebook computer or laptop in the first place. Notebook computer come in a variety of sizes to match your needs or purpose. Just match the notebook computer size to the main purpose or use of your notebook computer and you can't go wrong.

2. Portability. Probably the second, if not the most important reason you're considering buying a notebook computer or laptop. This freedom of movement -- taking your office or vital data along on your business or personal travels is the main selling point of the notebook computer.

3. Performance. Not too long ago, many as second-class computers when compared to the performance and speed of the mighty desktop PC viewed notebook computer or laptops. Although still not on par with the desktop, thanks to the next generation notebook computer chipset, Intel's New Sonoma Platform, many notebooks come very close to providing the performance level of a desktop PC. Many notebook computers, especially the desktop replacements, already have impressive technical specs that would shame most ordinary desktops. Some of these desktop replacements even use desktop processors or CPU's.

4. Connections. The notebook will do for computers, what the cell phone did for the telephone industry -- make our communications wireless. The notebook computer will give you this wireless connection.

5. Function. There are certain functions that are unique to the notebook computer. The tablet PC provides a convenient device for note taking and data gathering that's not practical on a desktop computer. For business professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and real estate agents...these tablet notebooks do very practical 'in-the-field' chores or tasks. Other notebook computer is very useful for PowerPoint presentations at meetings and other gatherings.

6. Backup. The notebook computer or laptop can be used as a convenient backup of your vital files and programs. Often overlooked, but the notebook computer can provide a rather cheap and safe way to protect your sensitive data. Having a separate system stored on a laptop or notebook computer can be a good way of working around this problem.

7. Variety. Notebook computer and laptops offer much more variety than the ordinary desktop PC. There is a greater range of systems to choose from; all the way from sleek custom designed notebook computer to huge monster gaming laptops, there's something to satisfy most tastes. You can also buy a notebook computer to match your style; from IBM black to Ferrari Red.

8. Price and Availability. Notebook computer is everywhere and they're getting cheaper by the minute. Notebook computer prices are coming down, as more and more notebook computer is sold -- the price will drop even more.

9.Sex Appeal. It has to be mentioned, notebook computer is sexy! The notebook computer's great looks will probably be the first drawing card for many people who are considering buying a notebook computer.

10. Last but not least, the main reason you should consider buying a notebook computer -- because you want one. Just for the convenience, portability, or the downright pleasure of owning a notebook computer.

Five Essential Accessories for Computer Notebooks

Five Essential Accessories for Computer Notebooks

By Lynn Chan

A Good Notebook Bag

Forget those that are bundled with your computer notebooks. Get yourself a good computer notebooks bag that is well padded both on its load-bearing straps, and 100% around the notebook itself. Aren't all computer notebooks bags built the same?

Carry the bag with your computer notebooks in it. Note also how the computer notebooks bag opens up for main access. The zipper types have none, and your poor computer notebooks will get whacked full-force if the bag topples headlong off an airport luggage cart. Roller bags are also less taxing physically, and the generous compartments in the bag means less luggage pieces to carry while traveling.

A Heat Dissipating Cooler Or Pad

Heat is the number one computer notebooks killer. Today's computer notebooks are little thermal generators, with internal temperatures that rise up to 150 degrees even with built-in cooling fans.

So help out your hardest working computer notebooks component and extend its lifespan. Invest in a computer notebooks cooler or a cooling pad. Computer notebooks coolers typically are low-rise, plastic or metal-faced pedestals on which your computer notebooks sits. Usually efficient enough to drop up to 15 degrees the operating temperature, notebook coolers however require power for its fans and would typically draw its power off your computer notebook's USB ports. Despite the lack of fans, these cooling pads do a surprisingly good job of cooling your computer notebooks.

An Optical Mouse

Computer notebooks are normally equipped with touch pads, which can be awkward. There's no substitute for the mouse. Computer notebooks are predominantly used on a static, flat surface.

Optical mice traditionally had problems with glossy, transparent, or light-colored surfaces, but technology has advanced to a level that these problems are almost non-existent. You don't need extra equipment in your already overloaded and heavy computer notebooks bag!

A Multi-Device Charger And Power Adapter Combo

Computer notebooks do come with their own AC-to-DC power adapters, but computer notebookscomputer notebooks. It’s almost impossible to carry the charging devices of all these things. Do yourself a favor by getting a multi-device charging/power adapter. owners typically carry a cell phone, PDA and digital camera in addition to the

Built-In Wireless (Wifi) Connectivity Or PC Card

Computer notebooks owners are generally mobile information warriors. Instant access to the Internet's unlimited resources and communicative offerings are just a little electronic card away.

Plugging in a WiFi PC card means you can access the Web, read and send your emails, instant-message your colleagues, family, buddies, broadcast your vacation video/photos or company presentations, and retrieve company information on secure virtual private networks anywhere, anytime you are around a hotspot, in broadband speed.

Refurbished Laptops

Refurbished Laptops
By Kenny Yong

Consider buying refurbished laptops. These are reconditioned or recertified laptops that were usually earlier sold and returned by consumers for a variety of reasons. They are sent back by the store to the manufacturer and then refurbished so they can look and work just as good as brand new laptop computers.

Compared to a new and feature-laden desktop or laptop computer, refurbished laptops are a lot more budget-friendly. The benefits of a portable computer are endless. Laptops are more practical since it’s portable and more convenient to use compared to desktop computers.

Imagine working on a report while on a perfect island vacation, attending a videoconference while at home or preparing homework while stargazing on veranda these are luxuries you cannot enjoy using a bulky desktop computer. All these are possible only with a laptop. Now add more savings to those benefits and that’s what you get if you buy refurbished laptops.

Apart from its very affordable value, you can also expect refurbished laptops to give you excellent performance. Many refurbished laptops work just as good as new ones; they got the most up-to-date features since they are just a few months old.

If you are in need of a second computer, which you are going to use for only a few applications and which you may need to bring outside your office, you can get by with low-spec refurbished laptops.

Specifications that you need to be particular about in buying refurbished laptops include the processor speed, the memory, and the hard drive. If you want your computer to run faster and execute commands quickly, you should get laptop with higher processor speed, say 2.0GHz. This is especially important if you usually connect to the Internet and upload or download large files. The memory holds the data that are in use so if you want to use the latest operating system, you would need a bigger memory, at least 256mb.

The hard drive is also a very important specification to consider in buying refurbished laptops. As your second computer, you may not be saving too much information in your refurbished laptops, so you may get a hard drive with 10GB storage space.

Laptop Repair

Laptop Repair
By Lal Bolaki

These days, many IT businesses are incorporating laptops & LCD Monitor desktops into their expertise infrastructure. These lovely & handy laptops allow you to do your work at your own ease even when you are not in your work place. They attach flexibility and anyplace, anytime access to your business. Moreover, these laptop computers are absolutely useful while traveling. Not only in work places, these laptops are fast becoming popular among educational institutions & students.

An ever-increasing number of schools are now endorsing the use of laptop computers. We generally are constantly vexed by the question "How to fix a damaged laptop?” then please proceed & read this article in order to get most solutions to your laptop repair related problems. That is in case we are looking for do-it-ourselves instructions about laptop or notebook repair? USER ERROR “believe it or not” causes frequently experienced problems in any laptops!

One laptop failure that is usually worth repairing is the hard drive. Laptop hard drives have a higher failure rate than desktop hard drives, assumedly because they get bounced around more. The first step to take when working on any laptop or notebook computer is to remove the battery. In some ways, laptop troubleshooting is easier than PC troubleshooting. The basis is that laptops are so highly integrated that many problems you can fix on a PC require replacing the main board of a laptop, Replacing the battery is often a solution to power related problems (though costly) or you may use reconditioned batteries, but repairing the charging circuitry is beyond the average home user.

While operating Technicians generally are able to perform system board level repair on laptops, there are not too many problems, which they cannot diagnose. Some common problems encountered each day are blank screens, systems that don't power on, or turn on then off, systems that cannot charge batteries, ac adapter sockets, which are broken and similar problems.I would first look for a local shop that can fix my laptop. If my laptop is older and the screen has either been broken or damaged or just does not switch on it might better considering to replace the entire laptop.

Replacing the L.C.D screen can be the most expensive affair of the laptop. Also one more thing that we need to always remember is that since laptops help us carry valuable data across different places, companies & countries, we need to protect the unit without compromising on the quality of the laptop case or bag. Laptop cases are no longer simply about getting your laptop from one place to another; you can do that with a plastic grocery bag.

Gaming Computers Improve Eyesight

Gaming Computers Improve Eyesight
By Kirk Jensen

Playing such first person shooter games, like F.E.A.R., Halo, Gears of War or other action shooter the involve using a gun have been tested to improve one depth perception.

Sedate games (games that claim and cause a person to focus) such as board games do not work to help the depth perception in this case.

The Study

University of Rochester professor conducts a study with 60 people where 30 people whom started out as non gamers received thirty hours of training playing the first person gaming computers.

So what the professor concluded was that playing the first person gaming computers improved what is know as spatial resolution meaning the ability to see very small object in a large area like a letter. So playing these gaming computers changed the way the brain processed visual information.

These types of gaming computers push the visual system of the brain to its limit, causing it to adapt to new situations, which carries over to actual life.

The study also suggested that playing these first person gaming computers could help to rehabilitate people with certain visual problems such as lazy eye and simple effects of aging.So according to these studies it may be possible who have visual problems to play these first person gaming computers to build their depth perception and spatial resolution.