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5 Tips For Buying The Right Laptop Computer - By John San Filippo




It's easy to be intimidated by all the laptop models on the market today. There are literally dozens and dozens in every price range.

The key to finding the right one for you is to step back and consider exactly how you plan to use your laptop. When you define what you need before you go shopping, buying the right machine becomes much easier.

Here are 5 basic factors to consider:

========
1. SIZE
========

In the world of mobile computing, size definitely matters. The size of a laptop affects two key areas: portability and display size.

If you're always on the go and will be using your computer only in short bursts, a so-called ultralight will save you some shoulder strain.

On the other hand, if you're going to spend hours in front of your laptop, a larger display may be in order.

Today, some laptop displays exceed 17 inches, rivaling the display size of many desktop systems. The down side is that these monsters can easily weigh three times as much as an ultralight.

==============
2. HARD DRIVE
==============

Speaking of size, what about the size of the hard drive? One way to approach this issue is to ask yourself the following question:

Will this be my primary computer, or will it supplement my desktop system?

If the former, you should look for a bigger hard drive - 60 GB or more.

If the latter, you may be able to make it with a 20-30 GB hard drive.

But even this isn't absolute.

If, for example, you plan to copy a huge MP3 library from your desktop system to your laptop to make your music library portable, you'd be well advised to err on the side of too big.

==========
3. MEMORY
==========

In determining the right amount of system memory, or RAM, take a look at the ways in which you intend to use your laptop:

If your needs are somewhat mundane - email, spreadsheets, word processing, etc. - 256 MB of RAM should be plenty. This is a common configuration for many laptops, so it means you probably won't need to spend extra for more RAM.

On the flip side, if you're an aspiring mobile digital photographer or videographer, you should stuff your laptop with as much RAM as it can hold.

In fact, exactly how much RAM your laptop can hold may in part drive your purchase decision. Applications for editing and manipulating multimedia content are notorious resource hogs.

=======================
4. NETWORK CONNECTIONS
=======================

Thanks in no small part to the Internet, computing in the 21st century relies heavily on being connected:

Connected to the Internet, connected to a corporate network, connected to a wireless network, connected to a home network, connected to an online service.

Your life will be easier if you buy a laptop that includes built-in means to connect to them all.

=========
5. PRICE
=========

If you're considering a laptop, you're probably wondering how much money you'll need to spend.

A few years ago, you'd be hard-pressed to find one for under ,000. Today, there are plenty of laptops to be had for under ,000.

What's more, most of the major manufacturers offer a variety of financing options.

Laptop prices have come down, to be sure. However, a laptop still represents a fairly major purchase for most people.

If you take the time to search for a laptop that meets your specific needs, you should get many years of use and enjoyment from this important investment.






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The author, computer journalist John San Filippo, has created the definitive guide for buying a laptop computer. It's an easy read and explains everything you need to know. Check out: http://howtobuyalaptop.com/

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Subscribe to newsletter Email Address First Name Last Name Sign up for his newsletter and get one of Rick's ebooks for free!   Rick Saldan is an excellent inspirational speaker who tailored the seminar to the needs of the individual students being instructed. This office thanks the Mayors Office of Information Services for having such a vendor.   Timothy K. Lynch Office of Fleet Management City of Philadelphia     Rick has a magical approach that provides a clear and concise message specifically designed to the needs of his audience. Rick will provide all the motivational magic you will ever need, propelling your organization to the next level of greater success.   Thomas Mulhern Frontier Communications     Rick Saldan is a compelling and absorbing motivational speaker and magician.  I have been to five of his Motivational Magic presentations and it is amazing how he keeps our college audiences on the edge of their seats. A highly entertaining performer with great comedy flair. Rich content to increase students' productivity, peak performance and motivation. If you need an outstanding motivational speaker for colleges, Rick is definitely one of the world's greatest speakers and magicians! Dr. Rob Gilbert, Sport Psychologist, Montclair State University     Rick Saldan has the wit, wisdom and sorcery of a wizard. He has a dynamic personality, and all will enjoy his captivating stories, comedy and magic! Dennis Slaughter Credit Suisse First Boston     Rick Saldan delivers a first-class show! A pro in every sense of the word. Funny, unique, entertaining and polished. Brian Letscher, Actor Hawaii Five-O, NCIS, Cold Case, Law & Order and The Mentalist.     Rick Saldan is a wonderful combination of master magician, comic improviser and first class speaker. The audience loved his program, which was music to our ears. If you love celebrity motivational speakers such as Tom Hopkins, Dale Carnegie and Zig Ziglar, then you'll love Rick! Dottie Burman, President Burtley Productions, Inc.   Rick Saldan is an incredibly talented performer and motivational speaker with great insight. He shares many powerful motivational messages that will enhance your life for the better! Jack Murray, President Dream Illusions   Rick is one of the best inspirational speakers on the scene today. Funny, fun loving and highly energetic. If you want to make your next event into an extraordinary one, then invite professional speaker  Rick Saldan and his amazing  Motivational Magic.   Andres Lara, President Inspiration Times Magazine     SelfGrowth.com > Complete Article Director Author: > Article please visit our sponsor 5 Tips For Buying The Right Laptop Computer - By John San Filippo It's easy to be intimidated by all the laptop models on the market today. There are literally dozens and dozens in every price range. The key to finding the right one for you is to step back and consider exactly how you plan to use your laptop. When you define what you need before you go shopping, buying the right machine becomes much easier. Here are 5 basic factors to consider: ======== 1. SIZE ======== In the world of mobile computing, size definitely matters. The size of a laptop affects two key areas: portability and display size. If you're always on the go and will be using your computer only in short bursts, a so-called ultralight will save you some shoulder strain. On the other hand, if you're going to spend hours in front of your laptop, a larger display may be in order. Today, some laptop displays exceed 17 inches, rivaling the display size of many desktop systems. The down side is that these monsters can easily weigh three times as much as an ultralight. ============== 2. HARD DRIVE ============== Speaking of size, what about the size of the hard drive? One way to approach this issue is to ask yourself the following question: Will this be my primary computer, or will it supplement my desktop system? If the former, you should look for a bigger hard drive - 60 GB or more. If the latter, you may be able to make it with a 20-30 GB hard drive. But even this isn't absolute. If, for example, you plan to copy a huge MP3 library from your desktop system to your laptop to make your music library portable, you'd be well advised to err on the side of too big. ========== 3. MEMORY ========== In determining the right amount of system memory, or RAM, take a look at the ways in which you intend to use your laptop: If your needs are somewhat mundane - email, spreadsheets, word processing, etc. - 256 MB of RAM should be plenty. This is a common configuration for many laptops, so it means you probably won't need to spend extra for more RAM. On the flip side, if you're an aspiring mobile digital photographer or videographer, you should stuff your laptop with as much RAM as it can hold. In fact, exactly how much RAM your laptop can hold may in part drive your purchase decision. Applications for editing and manipulating multimedia content are notorious resource hogs. ======================= 4. NETWORK CONNECTIONS ======================= Thanks in no small part to the Internet, computing in the 21st century relies heavily on being connected: Connected to the Internet, connected to a corporate network, connected to a wireless network, connected to a home network, connected to an online service. Your life will be easier if you buy a laptop that includes built-in means to connect to them all. ========= 5. PRICE ========= If you're considering a laptop, you're probably wondering how much money you'll need to spend. A few years ago, you'd be hard-pressed to find one for under ,000. Today, there are plenty of laptops to be had for under ,000. What's more, most of the major manufacturers offer a variety of financing options. Laptop prices have come down, to be sure. However, a laptop still represents a fairly major purchase for most people. If you take the time to search for a laptop that meets your specific needs, you should get many years of use and enjoyment from this important investment. Subscribe to newsletter Email Address First Name Last Name Sign up for his newsletter and get one of Rick's ebooks for free!   Rick Saldan is an excellent inspirational speaker who tailored the seminar to the needs of the individual students being instructed. This office thanks the Mayors Office of Information Services for having such a vendor.   Timothy K. Lynch Office of Fleet Management City of Philadelphia     Rick has a magical approach that provides a clear and concise message specifically designed to the needs of his audience. Rick will provide all the motivational magic you will ever need, propelling your organization to the next level of greater success.   Thomas Mulhern Frontier Communications     Rick Saldan is a compelling and absorbing motivational speaker and magician.  I have been to five of his Motivational Magic presentations and it is amazing how he keeps our college audiences on the edge of their seats. A highly entertaining performer with great comedy flair. Rich content to increase students' productivity, peak performance and motivation. If you need an outstanding motivational speaker for colleges, Rick is definitely one of the world's greatest speakers and magicians! Dr. Rob Gilbert, Sport Psychologist, Montclair State University     Rick Saldan has the wit, wisdom and sorcery of a wizard. He has a dynamic personality, and all will enjoy his captivating stories, comedy and magic! Dennis Slaughter Credit Suisse First Boston     Rick Saldan delivers a first-class show! A pro in every sense of the word. Funny, unique, entertaining and polished. Brian Letscher, Actor Hawaii Five-O, NCIS, Cold Case, Law & Order and The Mentalist.     Rick Saldan is a wonderful combination of master magician, comic improviser and first class speaker. The audience loved his program, which was music to our ears. If you love celebrity motivational speakers such as Tom Hopkins, Dale Carnegie and Zig Ziglar, then you'll love Rick! Dottie Burman, President Burtley Productions, Inc.   Rick Saldan is an incredibly talented performer and motivational speaker with great insight. He shares many powerful motivational messages that will enhance your life for the better! Jack Murray, President Dream Illusions   Rick is one of the best inspirational speakers on the scene today. Funny, fun loving and highly energetic. If you want to make your next event into an extraordinary one, then invite professional speaker  Rick Saldan and his amazing  Motivational Magic.   Andres Lara, President Inspiration Times Magazine     SelfGrowth.com > Complete Article Director Author: > Article please visit our sponsor 5 Tips For Buying The Right Laptop Computer - By John San Filippo It's easy to be intimidated by all the laptop models on the market today. There are literally dozens and dozens in every price range. The key to finding the right one for you is to step back and consider exactly how you plan to use your laptop. When you define what you need before you go shopping, buying the right machine becomes much easier. Here are 5 basic factors to consider: ======== 1. SIZE ======== In the world of mobile computing, size definitely matters. The size of a laptop affects two key areas: portability and display size. If you're always on the go and will be using your computer only in short bursts, a so-called ultralight will save you some shoulder strain. On the other hand, if you're going to spend hours in front of your laptop, a larger display may be in order. Today, some laptop displays exceed 17 inches, rivaling the display size of many desktop systems. The down side is that these monsters can easily weigh three times as much as an ultralight. ============== 2. HARD DRIVE ============== Speaking of size, what about the size of the hard drive? One way to approach this issue is to ask yourself the following question: Will this be my primary computer, or will it supplement my desktop system? If the former, you should look for a bigger hard drive - 60 GB or more. If the latter, you may be able to make it with a 20-30 GB hard drive. But even this isn't absolute. If, for example, you plan to copy a huge MP3 library from your desktop system to your laptop to make your music library portable, you'd be well advised to err on the side of too big. ========== 3. MEMORY ========== In determining the right amount of system memory, or RAM, take a look at the ways in which you intend to use your laptop: If your needs are somewhat mundane - email, spreadsheets, word processing, etc. - 256 MB of RAM should be plenty. This is a common configuration for many laptops, so it means you probably won't need to spend extra for more RAM. On the flip side, if you're an aspiring mobile digital photographer or videographer, you should stuff your laptop with as much RAM as it can hold. In fact, exactly how much RAM your laptop can hold may in part drive your purchase decision. Applications for editing and manipulating multimedia content are notorious resource hogs. ======================= 4. NETWORK CONNECTIONS ======================= Thanks in no small part to the Internet, computing in the 21st century relies heavily on being connected: Connected to the Internet, connected to a corporate network, connected to a wireless network, connected to a home network, connected to an online service. Your life will be easier if you buy a laptop that includes built-in means to connect to them all. ========= 5. PRICE ========= r />