10 Things You Should Consider Before Buying A Laptop
Purchasing technology of any kind can be a daunting task and confusing at the best of times especially, when products are changing and updating at such a fast pace.
Where do you go for advice?
A really good question and for those who are not very technically savvy or even have a basic understanding of the different hardware specifications, these 10 things should help you cut through the jargon and buzzwords when you next consider buying a laptop.
So let’s break them down point by point:
1. Power
Battery life is the most essential element to a laptop. After all, this is generally the main feature buyers’ look for when they seek to purchase a laptop. A longer life battery enables greater flexibility for the end user.
In the past, there has been much conjecture over the battery performance in many laptops with sustainability in their lifespan often under delivering. That said, the convenience of maneuverability often outweighed the shorter battery life and laptops became very popular. With the recent introduction of the Ultrabook, manufacturers have taken battery life to a whole new level offering 5+ hours of battery. These batteries are stored in the chassis of the machine which allows for greater capacity.
2. Screen Size
Often the screen size of a laptop is very much a personal choice. Some consumers will choose the size of the laptop based on their needs whilst others go for a particular resolution. The best on the market at present is Apples’ Retina Macbook Pro with 2880 x 1800 resolution. I suggest before leaping straight in and choosing this model, do a full review to ensure this is exactly what you are looking for because each machine does have its drawbacks! This one is quite pricey.
One essential element to consider with the screen size is the technology used to make them. The majority of laptop screens are made from Twisted Nematic (TN) panels, ironically this technology is also used in the making of most desktops monitors.
Another thing to consider is whether or not you are getting a matte or glossy finish. Glossy finishes look great but can catch reflections, so watch out for this one. Again, it usually comes down to personal taste and the look you are after.
3. Storage
Most modern laptops have their technology “sealed” thereby restricting the ability to upgrade the hard drive. A great feature of most of these newer laptops as an alternative solution, is that installation of the USB 3 which allows for an external hard to be connected for extended storage. This is a real bonus.
4. Memory
How much memory is really enough, that is very much an individual question for the intended user. The biggest trap to watch out for here is to find a laptop that will suffice and service your needs. The latest release of most laptops on the market don’t allow the option to increase their memory which was basically sacrificed for weight. So if you purchase one of these laptops, you’re done!
Don’t fall into the trap when purchasing one of these laptops with the idea of upgrading the memory down the track because you could be in for a whole lot of heartache and expense purchasing a new one. For the majority of user’s 4GB is ample capacity but for those who are serious contenders and user their laptop in a business capacity, I would tend to recommend 8GB. Both the Apple and Ultrabook are two models which come with 8GB. Remember, always do your research and before you buy your laptop ensure that it will fit your needs.
5. Graphics
Big decisions need to be made here! If you use programs like Photoshop and play around with a lot of graphics in general, enjoy playing lots of games, video editing etc. then you will need a laptop with high performing graphics features. It is suggested that when you are looking to purchase your laptop, consultation with the Retailer is recommended given the complexity of options available. For example, AMD’s APU’s will perform marginally better than Intel’s processor graphics.
6. CPU’s
Are you aware that laptops have increased their market share and are now dominating the marketing place over desktops!
If you are looking for a processor with plenty of grunt, you can’t go past Intel’s Core I series of CPU’s or AMD’s A series APU’s. There are plenty of options on the market. To distinguish, some of the higher end Core i7 models will end with the suffix QM, an example might be Core i7-3610QM. Whilst mainstream dual-core laptops will have the suffix M, an example might be Core i5-3360M. What does this mean? Generally speaking, these processors have a TDP of 35W and will run between 2GHz and 3GHz. The bulk of mainstream laptops will contain these processors and will provide a solid mix of performance and battery life.
7. Expandability
It is always a good idea to look at the types and numbers of ports available on the laptop. This will have significant impact over what you can and can’t do. The introduction of the UBS 3 has minimised the impact this issue may have had in the past. So what is a UBS 3? The USB 3 controller has the ability to run up to four ports whereas the majority of laptops only have three.
8. Networking
Technology sure has come ahead leaps and bounds. The use of Wi-Fi and desire to build laptop chassis’ far thinner than ever before has pushed the boundaries. Consequently, the new Ultrabook doesn’t require Ethernet to qualify under Intel’s specifications. On the market at present, the best available wireless standard is 802.11n and is supported by all modern laptops wireless chips.
9. Software
Always check out the software packages offered with your intended purchase of the laptop. Windows 8 is now out on the shelves and available for the comsumer to purchase. I suggest you take a good look at the operating system you are purchasing. The newer laptops will be loaded with either Windows 7 and an upgrade option to Windows 8 or Windows 8. Usually the operating system will be the Home Version but with business products this is usually upgraded to the Professional Version. Often trial versions of other software are thrown into the deal as a nice little bonus eg. Microsoft Office, Antivirus Software, other smaller utility programs, all which are designed for the upsell to the full version. You are not obligated to upgrade from a trial version to a full version of software especially if you already have your own license.
10. Chassis Design
Comfort, style, feel, does it all really matter? Of course it does! Generally, one of the biggest reasons a consumer purchases a particular item is based on looks, touch and then overall suitability. Always give the laptop you are intending to purchase a thorough test drive before you buy. Ensure that they keyboard suits your hands and that the layout of the laptop underneath the lid is positioned how you like. With constant use, if these things aren’t to your liking then it won’t be long before you are again looking for another laptop.
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