Five Things to Consider When Buying A Laptop-5
WIRELESS OPTIONS (CONNECTING TO THE INTERNET AND OTHER GADGETS)
WI-FI: The wireless mess of 802.11a, b, g, n -- that mysterious set of letters and numbers you see on computer wireless spec lists -- is actually much simpler than it would appear. "802.11n" is the latest and greatest, but still not widespread. "802.11g" is the standard and "802.11b" is the original standard. "802.11a" is the red-headed step child that never quite took off, and you probably won't miss it if your laptop won't support it. We strongly recommend making sure your laptop has "n" installed to future-proof your purchase. It's twice as fast as 802.11g -- ideal for streaming or downloading even HD-quality video over Wi-Fi -- but will still work on "g" networks. If the laptop doesn't have WiFi, then don't buy it.
There are other connectivity options to consider when shopping as well. Bluetooth will allow you to use a headset with your PC for placing voice calls over applications like Skype, Google Talk, or Gizmo. It will also allow you to sync your smart phone or use your mobile handset as a modem for getting online when Wi-Fi isn't an option. If you plan on being out and about, but always need to be able to get online, then think about adding a built in 3G cellular WAN (Wide Area Network) connection for broadband speeds from just about anywhere there's a cell phone signal (many ultraportable and thin-and-light notebooks offer this option). You can also get add-on cards for WAN access on laptops that don't have the feature built-in. You'll need a PC card slot or a USB slot for these add-on cards to work. Sprint and Verizon offer 3G EVDO mobile broadband cards, while AT&T Wireless offers 3G HDSPA cards, which will work overseas if you plan on traveling internationally.
As far as ports (a.k.a. inputs on your computer) go, make sure that the laptop you choose has at least 2 USB ports, but the more the merrier. You'll need these to plug in the aforementioned mobile broadband cards, but also printers, Webcams, mice, and cameras. A DVI output is also good to have, since most external computer monitors will work with it as will many HDTVs. If you plan on watching HD movies on a TV, consider getting a laptop with an HDMI output. VGA outputs will also work with most computer monitors, but may be the most limiting option. If you're getting a Windows-based laptop, you'll want to get a model with a built-in multi-format memory card reader, which lets you transfer images, video, and music much faster than with a USB cable.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
hamrammr @ Feb 5th 2008 3:30PM
With the advent of Window's Vista be sure to get at least a 2 GB Hard-drive and a 2.4 Ghz Processor. Lessor configurations, although widely advertised, fall far short of real life speed requirements.
Bill Flick @ Feb 5th 2008 11:03PM
The next laptop I purchase will not be a Dell...I've had one for 5 months and they are considering installing the third hard drive...I've also had to reset to factory settings on three occasions..the fourth will be tonight. Problems began a month after it delivered...I've asked for a new unit...told they can't do that. No way in hell I ever give them another dime...trying to talk to someone in the states to appeal is also impossible...Never Again...try calling India once a month for the last five months and spending hours on the phone...
Scott @ Feb 6th 2008 11:41AM
In response to hamrammr, I believe that he would mean 2GB worth of RAM, as 2GB hard drives haven't been made in quite a number of years, and wouldn't even hold your operating system. XP's "sweet spot" is 2GB of RAM, and Vista's is 4GB. However, both will run with less, I likely wouldn't run Vista with less than 2GB. The writer of the article (probably to keep from being too techincal) doesn't mention that laptops also share the video memory with the RAM, so a 2GB laptop with a 256mb video card only really has 1.75GB of RAM.
MIGUEL @ Feb 20th 2008 12:31AM
i realy enjoy your article on five to consider,
when buying a laptop. how can i print it? so i can take it with me when i buy my laptop?
thank you
miguel
ALLEN GREENWOOD @ Feb 22nd 2008 8:34AM
THE 5 THINGS ARTICLE IS VERY HELPFUL.HOWEVER,ALL I NEED A LAPTOP FOR IS USING THE KEYWORD TO BOOT UP MY APPRAISAL DISTRICT AND EMAILING MY ASSOCIATES. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO VIEW MY DIGITAL CAMERA IMAGES. THAT'S ALL FOLKS. BEST SUGGESTIONS ? ALLEN