Five Things to Consider When Buying A Laptop-3
BATTERY LIFE
Part of the appeal of a laptop is its ability to travel with you, so battery life will play an important factor in choosing which computer you buy. There is no reason to accept any less than three hours of operation, and at least four would be preferable. If you're going to be carrying your laptop with you everywhere, you should aim for one of the ultra-portables that can often offer seven hours or more of active computing.
Battery life is tied tightly to a couple of key components, namely screens and processors. The larger the screen and the faster the processor, the less life you can expect to get from a charge. If battery life is key for you, look to those 12-inch ultra-portables and keep an eye out for LV (Low Voltage) or ULV (Ultra Low Voltage) processors from Intel that sip power and stretch a battery as far as it will go. You'll be able to identify them by the model number, which will start with an 'L' or a 'U,' such as U7600 or L7200. Also look for Energy Star certification, a set of standards the ensure power-efficiency (4.0 is the highest rating a computer can get). All the major manufacturers offer a number of laptops that achieve this rating, including most of Dell's Latitude line of business laptops.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Bob Hougland @ Feb 5th 2008 4:39PM
Very good orientation on laptop performance versus battery life and weight variables, especially for the first-time shopper. It appears to this novitiate that if the laptop user wants to benefit from the mobility function for strictly business purposes the small screen is the key variable on which to base one's choice among the alternative brands. One thing I'm still wondering about is the safety factor. Are the batteries still likely to catch on fire; and what should the buyer look for in this regard and safety in general?
V. Bingham @ Feb 5th 2008 5:14PM
This information doesn't help me much. I want a laptop that is not expensive, doesn't need frequent repairs, has a lot of capabilites and storage. I got a compact that I have it fixed every four to six months and it is less than a year old.
Dylan @ Feb 5th 2008 7:51PM
I loved Microsoft Windows......but no way was I going to Vista, especially when my bank freaked I even considered it. I do all banking and stocks online. I am also a surgeon and keep all physician/surgical records on computer. The house computers were 8 years old and dying. The office computers are 3 and hanging in.
For my home, I went with the Apple MacBook Pro, Leopard OSX and Bootcamp that let me Install Windows XP Professional Service Pack2. I run all my Windows Programs and use many of the Apple programs. It's literally the best of both worlds. I never, ever, ever thought I would turn traitor and buy anything but Apple Stock........but I truly love my Apple MacBook Pro with the WindowsXP side by side.
barb @ Feb 5th 2008 8:11PM
IS IT REALLY TRUE THAT MICROSOFT IS DISCONTINUING HELP WITH WINDOWS XP? PLEASE, DONT REPLY UNLESS YOU REALLY KNOW THE TRUE ANSWER..... THANKS.......... BARB
Justin @ Feb 6th 2008 7:58PM
Barb:
First off, Barb there's a button on the left-hand side of your keyboard labled as "Caps Lock" Please press it once - and never again. Microsoft only does this when they've finally worked all the bugs and issues out of a Windows release. They release a new Operating System; full of bugs and problems; and then strike fear into the heart of John Q. Public by threatening him with the prospect of "No Support" for the product he paid good money for a few years prior. Yes it is true that Microsoft will be discontinuing support for Windows XP. That is their game-plan to grow their buisness and to "utilize the newest technology to enable you (the end user) to perform your daily tasks to the fullest". It's basically a way to force you to buy a product you don't actually need or want. However, because they will no longer support it, that simply means that they will not release new updates for it. In no way does this mean you have to upgrade, unless you really want to blow the extra money and deal with the hassles of learning a new Operating System. If you have a good firewall and anti-virus program, and you're content with using only Windows XP compatible software; don't bother with worrying about upgrades.
V. Bingham:
Might I suggest an IBM Thinkpad T42. I've seen them online recently for as little as $500. It is compact, sturdy, rich in useful features such as built in wireless, DVD/CD burner, etc. (accessories and specs vary depending on the options you prefer). My first experience with a thinkpad was a few months ago. My first impression was how much sturdier it seemed then other laptops; it didn't have that "cheap" feel like it was going to snap in half if I picked it up by a corner. The next thing i noticed was their forethought into user's needs; the built in keyboard light, the 1-button wireless configuration, the big, blue "HELP" key. Then I began to discover more about it, like how it has and icon in the system tray that will not only notify you of shocks and jolts that can damage your hard drive, but it will actually STOP your hard-drive if it believes that data-loss/damage are possible! I work as a Field technician repairing copiers and networks they are on, so my laptop gets more than it's fair share of being thrown around. No problems as of yet.
-Justin
Betty @ Feb 24th 2008 7:01PM
I called Microsoft about a week ago, and went direct o Washington state and ask about Windows XP. I was told that they have no plans to discontinue it, and why dod away with something that is working great. They says yes there is lots of bugs still in Windows Vista, and for that reason the are still selling XP.
Betty @ Feb 24th 2008 7:03PM
I called Microsoft about a week ago, and went direct o Washington state and ask about Windows XP. I was told that they have no plans to discontinue it, and why dod away with something that is working great. They says yes there is lots of bugs still in Windows Vista, and for that reason the are still selling XP.