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Benefits of a Laptop Computer (back to top)

 

Major corporate offices, service industries, factories, etc. now depend on computers for critical as well mundane tasks. Using a desktop computer may be the choice of millions of people in the world, but those on the move definitely need the same functionality. After all, desktops definitely aren't light and small enough to fit in your briefcase. Laptop computers add the portability factor to the functionality offered by a regular desktop computer. For a student, shuttling from class to class is the foremost activity followed by jotting down notes. For professionals, a thin and light weight laptop with credible performance for presentations and office communication will be best suited. The occasional audio/video entertainment including photos and music or even DVD video playback can be accomplished through the thinner and lighter series of laptops offering heavyweight performance. Multiple varieties of laptops are available in the market with an array of features and functionalities. Choosing the right kind can be quite an overwhelming task. This guide helps explain the criteria for choosing the right model.

 

 

1. How Laptops Work (back to top)

 

A laptop, often referred to as a notebook, is pretty simple piece of techno-wizardry. A slim casing houses the base unit, the processing unit comprising of the motherboard, processor, RAM, hard drive and the ultra thin portable display screen usually manufactured with LCD or TFT-LCD technology. The very same components can be found in a regular desktop computer, except for the fact that the desktop version may occupy a good portion of a table top, the areas above and below it, probably weigh a great deal and require a direct AC power connection. The laptop generally weighs a maximum of 6 pounds, fits all the above mentioned components or even more, in a design almost similar to an average paperback workbook, and runs off a battery pack while still delivering a comparable level of performance.

 

Laptops are differentiated based upon their intended use. Basic laptops are smaller in size with hardware configurations to allow a user to run most common applications. They also tend to have long battery lives. Advanced laptops incorporate a host of features, including more advanced components delivering higher performance. These features may include: better processors, RAM and hard drive, wireless connectivity options, additional ports for connecting computer peripherals, longer lasting batteries, etc. The size and weight also differs among laptops depending on their brand, make, configuration, screen size, installed components and rated battery type.

 

2. Purchasing Criteria (back to top)

 

Before buying a laptop, one should consider the intended uses for the device. Though laptops are able to match many desktops performance wise, they may not last throughout the day on a single battery charge cycle. Careful analysis is required before making the correct buying decision. The following set of laptop criteria is a good guide in choosing a portable computer:

 

 

• Processor Speed and the Internal Components (back to top)

A laptop can operate on a variety of different processors from manufacturing companies such as Intel or AMD. Many of these name brand processors are available in different speeds and with special features such as power saving optimizations, multi-core and/or multi-threading capabilities and even 64-bit compatibility. Such features enable a processor to perform faster while saving on power, at times even shutting off certain functions in order to conserve battery power. The speed of the processor is directly proportional to the price of the laptop. The higher the speed of the processor, the higher the price of the laptop will be.

 

Other components complementing processor speed and performance are: the motherboard, the integrated chipset type, amount of installed RAM, hard disk capacity and speed, and the video sub-system. The chipset used in the motherboard can either make or break the overall performance of the system. An unknown chipset used with a high-end processor would ultimately bog down the whole system and at the same time eat up a lot of battery. A stable, high quality chipset from a reputable company coupled with a medium speed processor would deliver better performing results while saving on battery power.

 

• System and Video RAM (back to top)

Opting for more RAM in the laptop proves to be a beneficial in the long run. Though modern laptops allow the user to upgrade their RAM, a generous amount should be opted for. The rule of thumb is 'the more RAM the better'. Due to higher application requirements, a higher quantity of installed RAM prevents the operating system from using the virtual memory frequently. Thereby, reducing extensive battery usage, as virtual memory is a certain quantity of the hard disk where actual data in the RAM is swapped in and out, while running a heavy duty application. A minimum configuration should include at least 256 MB or 512 MB of installed RAM. Any amount higher than that would definitely prove to be useful, equipping the laptop for handling memory-intensive applications in the future.

 

The video RAM or graphics system RAM behaves in manner similar to the system RAM. The video RAM moves graphic data between the processor or the system RAM and the graphic sub-system or graphics card. All the details drawn on the screen passes through the graphics RAM first and is then processed and rendered onto the screen. In case, any user using animation or video editing software or any such multimedia-oriented applications should opt for a dedicated graphics sub-system with at least 128 MB or 256 MB or Video RAM. Larger amounts of Video RAM draws graphics faster at better quality while also saving time and battery power.

 

• Display Screen (back to top)

The laptop needs to have enough screen area so as not to make a user struggle to view content on the screen. A respectable screen size dictates a minimum of 12 inches diagonally to display most application windows, any screen size larger than that is considered a luxury. Laptops with 17 inches or 19 inches display screen are now commonly available in the market. Entry level screens offer a maximum resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels. While the resolution is fine enough for regular use, high resolutions such as 1280 x 1024 pixels are now supported by screens such as 17 inches or 19 inches as the demands of multimedia applications has increased. Consider the resolution when opting for larger screens, as a larger display at lower resolutions severely impacts the final output of the screen. Apart from the screen size, the type of technology used to manufacture the screen also makes a lot of difference in the final quality of visual output. The old-generation LCD displays though still in the market are fast being phased out by the newer TFT-LCD display technology. The newer TFT-LCD technology displays a wider range of colors at higher resolutions. Greater clarity and overall picture details are displayed with better contrast and brightness ratios for a true to life experience. Consider a laptop with TFT-LCD display screen versus a regular LCD technology screen for a better viewing experience.

 

The laptop manufacturer may incorporate high-end components for added functionality to necessary to complement the larger display screen. On the other hand, a larger display screen marginally adds to the weight as well as draining the battery considerably even when displaying simple data. Additionally, multimedia-rich content such as presentations, animations or videos tend to take up more battery power. Finally, the deciding factor should be the kind of use expected out of the screen. For regular word-processing or simple presentations, a small screen size will do, whereas for heavy multimedia content, larger screen sizes should be considered as a necessity.

 

• Connectivity Options (back to top)

Most modern laptops include a host of connectivity options such as: LAN, Bluetooth, Infra-Red, Wi-Fi, modems, etc. for seamless connectivity with surrounding devices or networks. For the regular traveler or people in need of uninterrupted connectivity to the Internet, Wi-Fi, LAN or Wireless LAN (WLAN) ports are highly recommended. A Wi-Fi enabled laptop will automatically configure itself and connect to the Internet. With an additional Bluetooth functionality, the laptop can be used to connect with smaller devices equipped with Bluetooth such as: mobile phones, digital cameras, headphones, other Bluetooth enabled laptops, etc. Even the Infrared port can be used with similar devices as a mode of data storage. Built-in modems facilitate connecting to the Internet using telephone lines. For users on the move, all such functionality is of prime importance.

 

• Battery Type (back to top)

The type of battery offered also makes a difference; NiMH batteries have enough power to run decent systems, but will not last the day. On the other hand, the newer Li-Ion or Li-Polymer batteries can power a fully loaded system and manage to last longer as well. Additionally, a user may purchase additional battery packs to keep a laptop running all day. Additional battery packs can be easily replaced in the laptop, much like in a battery powered toy.

 

• Extras (back to top)

Extras such as full-sized keypads, extra scroll buttons, quick access keys, number of connectivity ports - USB or FireWire offer convenience when simultaneously connecting multiple devices. Additional scroll buttons, quick shortcut keys, and buttons reduce the time taken to access a particular application or function such as opening email. Numerous other extras include free software or pre-installed operating system, office suites, trial ware applications etc. for the user to evaluate and make further software purchase decisions.

 

3. Making the Decision (back to top)

 

Due to the varied nature of hardware technologies and constantly evolving software, the exact specification of a laptop is difficult to determine. One needs to evaluate hardware specifications according to one's needs and budget. Simply purchasing a laptop with the fastest processor will deter usability in the long run. Faster processors do save time but tend to cost more. It makes more sense to invest in other laptop hardware such as additional system and video RAM, larger hard drive space, multiple connectivity options, upgradeable components, and large display screens for better viewing area. Such a system would still deliver better performance due to the complementary components delivering better performance paired along with such a processor.

 

Buying a good laptop requires investment of a reasonable amount of time in researching and evaluating the various contenders. The trick is to strike the perfect balance between price and functionality; and the best way to begin is to find out exactly what your needs are and compare various laptop computers in the market that match those requirements offered by leading brands at a comparison shopping site such as www.smarter.com. Hopefully now you have more information to help make your purchasing decision more informed, now go find a great laptop!