Laptops
Why choose a laptop?
Buying a laptop PC can be a confusing experience - no matter how much you know about computers. Changing technology and complicated specifications often make finding the right laptop PC difficult. Our laptop computer guide helps you understand what to look for.
A laptop is a small portable computer that can run on batteries for short periods. Laptops used to be the reserve of businessmen and professionals, but as technology has developed and prices have come down, they are now a serious consideration over a desktop PC. Our laptop guide helps you understand the different types of laptop and what to look for in a new computer. The main advantage of a laptop computer is that you can use it anywhere - depending on the weight of your chosen laptop of course. Most laptops are now capable of running for several hours on battery power and the very best can now run for 5-6 hours. Perhaps the main disadvantage is that, aside from adding more memory, laptops are hard to upgrade, which makes it more important to choose the right model to begin with.
Laptop Terminology Explained!
One of the most difficult things to understand when buying a laptop computer is the terminology. Here is our guide to some of the key terms you'll encounter:
Processors
The processor (or CPU) is the brain of the machine, controlling all aspects of the desktop computer and greatly influencing the speed. The speed of any PC processor is measured in Gigahertz (GHz) and faster the processors the quicker iit can handle the things you ask it to do. You can also opt for processors with more than one core, this will often result in things getting done quicker if you or the software you use does more than one thing at once. There are two types of processor - Intel and AMD. Each manufacturer has different models for laptops:
- Intel Celeron M - for basic tasks and performance
- AMD Sempron Mobile - for basic tasks and performance
- Intel Centrino - General performance
- AMD Athlon 64 Mobile - General performance
- Intel Centrino Duo - General performance
- AMD Turion/Phenom - High-end performance
- Intel Core 2 Duo or Quad - High-end performance
Memory
Memory is temporary storage used by programs and files currently running on your computer. Memory is known as RAM, or Random Access Memory, and needs power to be able to store information. So, when your computer is switched off, the information is forgotten about. Memory or RAM is not to be confused with your hard drive; that's permanent storage for programs and files. Memory is measured in Megabytes (MB) and Gigabytes (GB).
Hard Drives
Desktop computers generally offer more hard drive space than laptops. The size of your hard drive is important if you want to store lots of music and videos, photos, games, software etc.
Optical Drives
Optical drives are the tray drives in the front or side of a computer, similar to those found on your stereo or DVD player. Drives allow you to load and install software and write (or "burn") data to a disc. New computers usually have a DVD-RW drive. Optical drives come in many formats:
- CD-ROM - only reads CDs
- CD-RW - Record and play CDs
- DVD-ROM - reads CDs and DVDs
- DVD RW - Record and play CDs and DVDs
Operating Systems
An operating system is what allows you to use applications and generally access all of the information you have on your computer. By far the most popular operating system in the world is Microsoft Windows, the most recent of which is Microsoft Windows 7 but others you may have heard of include, Windows Vista and Windows XP.
Graphics Cards
Graphics cards enable the laptop to display both 2D and 3D graphic information. They can either be integrated, or dedicated. Integrated graphics cards share memory with your laptop, as they do not have their own. Dedicated graphics cards on the other hand do have their own memory and operate faster and at higher quality when displaying 3D applications or games. If you are looking for gameplay and video playback, make sure you get a laptop with a dedicated graphics card.
Connectivity
Laptops can link up with all of the same types of accessories that a desktop can. They have USB ports for easy connectivity to peripherals such as printers and webcams. Both laptops and desktops also include Ethernet ports for connecting to a wired network, and are likely to have a built-in modem for connecting to the Internet. Every laptop we sell has Wireless capabilities built straight in.
What will you use your laptop for?
Laptops differ in price and performance depending on what they're used for. For example, there is no point spending thousands on a state-of-the-art gaming computer if you only use it for occasional Internet browsing and word-processing. Laptops can be separated into three categories:
- Budget Laptops
- Ultra Portable
- Media and Gaming Laptops
Budget
A budget laptop can still deliver surprisingly fast performance with a range of extra features. A good choice if you expect to only use your laptop for word-processing and simple applications, and don't have to carry it around too much.You should look for:
- A reasonable dual core processor anything above 1.8Ghz will be more than enough.
- At least 1gb of RAM, 2 is desirable. 3 or 4gb will allow you to run a large amount of applications at once.
- At least a 160GB Hard Drive.
- Integrated Graphics Card.
- DVD-RW Drive.
- 15 inch Display.
- Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium.
Ultra Portable
These compact laptops are ideal for the business traveller or for someone who is regularly on the move. Some of the smallest weigh less than two kilos; yet still offer good performance and memory. You should look for:
- A reasonable dual core processor anything above 2Ghz will be more than enough.
- At least 2gb of RAM. 3gb or 4gb will allow you to run a large amount of applications at once.
- At least a 160GB hard drive.
- Integrated Graphics card.
- DVD-RW Drive.
- The screensize should reflect your needs, trading portability and usability.
- Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium.
Media and Gaming
These are laptops for the most demanding users - but users that don't mind a larger size of computer. Desktop replacements are not designed for commuting or regular travel. Instead they can offer everything from digital TV recording and online gaming to video editing and multimedia storage. Most laptops are now widescreen which is perfect for watching films, playing games and using software with positionable toolbars. You'll probably need a larger hard drive to store all of your information. You should look for:
- A high-end dual or possibly quad core processor.
- 2-4gb RAM.
- 250GB - 500GB hard drive.
- Graphics card with at least 256 MB memory.
- 15-inch display or larger.
- DVD-RW drive.
- Multimedia connections, FireWire, HDMI, Bluetooth.
- Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional or possibly even Ultimate.
