Laptop Buying Guide - Better Than Consumer Reports...
Video provided by - techtomorrow
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Here are just a few notes I was working on while researching the Top Ten computers of 2012.
And, as I was creating this list, it dawned on me that - REALLY - there is no single "top ten" list of computers that could satisfy all users because of price range, use, features, size, etc. Think about it. If you're a mom (or dad) and all you do with your computer is pay bills online, type, Skype, check emails, and surf the Net to research products you're interested in buying, why would you care about ten computers or even eight computers that are over your budget and aimed towards business moguls, music producers, and gamers?
So, I'm going to do a little more exploring before I create a top ten list of anything.
And, now for the notes!
WARNING:
Before you buy a computer, remember that processor makes a huge difference. There are some processors out there adequate for light duty, but there are also some processors out there that are shitty as hell and ain't worth a butt-naked nickel. Make sure to do your due diligence of research and testing before you buy. And if that processor ain't worth a crap, take it back.
Now... Consider your computer habits.
What's your Primary Use? By the way, numbers in parentheses list the minimum gigabytes you should want without having to hook-up an external drive. Solid State Drive computers are the exception since they're pound-for-pound faster than a hard drive (HDD) computer. Right now, a lot of the solid state drive computers start off with 128 gb drives. But, you can always add more. In most cases, you will find MORE horsepower and trunk space than what I have listed - unless you buy your computer used or receive a blessing from a friend. And, remember! The processor is important if you hate lag time and stalling.
Anyway...
Light Duty (1gb RAM/120gb HDD) - Surfing the Net; Checking emails; Skype; Typing; Writing; Reading, Research, Creating spreadsheets; Uploading and saving pictures; Creating flyers, business cards, forms, Downloading small files/apps; Storing small files (resume; letters; emails; notes), Watching Videos and movies; Listening to music
Medium Duty (2-4gb RAM/250gb HDD) - Lot of travel; Fast and easy Internet Connections; Quick-start-up and response times; Streaming movies and Video; Downloading 100+ MB size files; Mobile Wireless Reception Important; Watching TV or Movies
Heavy Duty (4-6gb RAM/500-750gb HDD) - Creating and Editing Videos; Creating and Editing Music; Simple to Medium Video Games; Graphic Arts and Design; DJaying; Linked to Company System
Super Duty (8gb RAM and up/1tb (terabyte) HDD): Extreme PC Gaming Software; Video Studio; Music Studio; Movie Production
Also consider Routine Maintenance:
Defragmenting
Disk Clean-up
Updates (Updates have made me thoroughly sick and tired of getting free software stuffs. I'm so sick and tired of updates that I wish I had an update that would block the need for all those updates forever. Luckily, you can turn automatic updates off and on. The more software you install, the more "update" maintenance your computer will require. This is not a very bad thing, but the process can be annoying sometimes.
Dusting (If you keep your computer in a bag, you probably won't have to do as much dusting - but, it still depends on how long you use it.)
Working Environment:
Bedroom (desk), Bedroom (bed), Couch, Lobbies, Plane, Table, School, Home, Work, Wherever you can find a spot
- No matter what your laptop computer habits are, size and weight are important factors because of pricing and mobility. If you travel a lot, you might not want to lug around a big six pound 17 inch screen computer. You might want to go with a 14 inch or lower - and, save yourself money and the extra burden. Even if you don't mind the "workout", simply trying to fit the other stuff you need inside of your bag (without scratching up your computer) is a hassle.
Fifteen inch laptops are probably the most versatile because you get a size screen for viewing, the keyboard is the ideal size, and it's not as bulky as a 17 inch laptop. But, still be aware of the weight because some of those 15 inch laptops are also heavy as hell.
- Here, the running temperature of the computer is important. You don't want a hot computer on your lap. It's just uncomfortable. You can buy cooling pads but most are not shaped to rest on your lap. Cooling pads also add to the weight of the computer. Cooling pads are also great for keeping your computer cool and operating at optimum performance.
- Battery life should also be a major concern here - especially if you travel a lot with your computer and have to use it a lot. Invest in a second battery rather than hoping you'll get lucky and find a power source - unless you know the places you frequent have power supplies readily available to you.
- Mobile Internet Service pricing should be a concern if you need to (or want to) stay "connected". WiFi or Super WiFi is great if it's available. But, some places restrict logging on to certain sites. Some WiFi owners don't allow others to "piggy-back" on their WiFi without authorization, so you might end up paying 25 to 50 dollars a month for mobile wireless. I pay $50 a month for Clearwire "unlimited". They are now running specials at $35 per month. The connection time and Internet speed sucked like hell until I upgraded my Ram Memory. So, even if you get a low-budget or "light-duty" computer, consider upgrading the Ram. I get a little lag with large files (on my Acer Netbook), but now, I NEVER have an issue connecting or staying connected.
Warranty, Guarantees, and Service
- Check references.
- Read reviews
- Be aware of the return policy so that you can take that crap back to the store as soon as it starts acting up.
And, be prepared to contact the CEO or district manager if you can't get no satisfaction.
Well, I had more notes, but it looks like I got a little carried away so, I'll save the rest for later.
In the meantime, check out some of the reviews on the Web AND find out which laptops/ notebooks are the "best selling laptops" or "best selling notebooks" right now. That will definitely give you some ideas of what to buy.
Video provided by - techtomorrow
.........................................................................................................................................
Here are just a few notes I was working on while researching the Top Ten computers of 2012.
And, as I was creating this list, it dawned on me that - REALLY - there is no single "top ten" list of computers that could satisfy all users because of price range, use, features, size, etc. Think about it. If you're a mom (or dad) and all you do with your computer is pay bills online, type, Skype, check emails, and surf the Net to research products you're interested in buying, why would you care about ten computers or even eight computers that are over your budget and aimed towards business moguls, music producers, and gamers?
So, I'm going to do a little more exploring before I create a top ten list of anything.
And, now for the notes!
WARNING:
Before you buy a computer, remember that processor makes a huge difference. There are some processors out there adequate for light duty, but there are also some processors out there that are shitty as hell and ain't worth a butt-naked nickel. Make sure to do your due diligence of research and testing before you buy. And if that processor ain't worth a crap, take it back.
Now... Consider your computer habits.
What's your Primary Use? By the way, numbers in parentheses list the minimum gigabytes you should want without having to hook-up an external drive. Solid State Drive computers are the exception since they're pound-for-pound faster than a hard drive (HDD) computer. Right now, a lot of the solid state drive computers start off with 128 gb drives. But, you can always add more. In most cases, you will find MORE horsepower and trunk space than what I have listed - unless you buy your computer used or receive a blessing from a friend. And, remember! The processor is important if you hate lag time and stalling.
Anyway...
Light Duty (1gb RAM/120gb HDD) - Surfing the Net; Checking emails; Skype; Typing; Writing; Reading, Research, Creating spreadsheets; Uploading and saving pictures; Creating flyers, business cards, forms, Downloading small files/apps; Storing small files (resume; letters; emails; notes), Watching Videos and movies; Listening to music
Medium Duty (2-4gb RAM/250gb HDD) - Lot of travel; Fast and easy Internet Connections; Quick-start-up and response times; Streaming movies and Video; Downloading 100+ MB size files; Mobile Wireless Reception Important; Watching TV or Movies
Heavy Duty (4-6gb RAM/500-750gb HDD) - Creating and Editing Videos; Creating and Editing Music; Simple to Medium Video Games; Graphic Arts and Design; DJaying; Linked to Company System
Super Duty (8gb RAM and up/1tb (terabyte) HDD): Extreme PC Gaming Software; Video Studio; Music Studio; Movie Production
Also consider Routine Maintenance:
Defragmenting
Disk Clean-up
Updates (Updates have made me thoroughly sick and tired of getting free software stuffs. I'm so sick and tired of updates that I wish I had an update that would block the need for all those updates forever. Luckily, you can turn automatic updates off and on. The more software you install, the more "update" maintenance your computer will require. This is not a very bad thing, but the process can be annoying sometimes.
Dusting (If you keep your computer in a bag, you probably won't have to do as much dusting - but, it still depends on how long you use it.)
Working Environment:
Bedroom (desk), Bedroom (bed), Couch, Lobbies, Plane, Table, School, Home, Work, Wherever you can find a spot
- No matter what your laptop computer habits are, size and weight are important factors because of pricing and mobility. If you travel a lot, you might not want to lug around a big six pound 17 inch screen computer. You might want to go with a 14 inch or lower - and, save yourself money and the extra burden. Even if you don't mind the "workout", simply trying to fit the other stuff you need inside of your bag (without scratching up your computer) is a hassle.
Fifteen inch laptops are probably the most versatile because you get a size screen for viewing, the keyboard is the ideal size, and it's not as bulky as a 17 inch laptop. But, still be aware of the weight because some of those 15 inch laptops are also heavy as hell.
- Here, the running temperature of the computer is important. You don't want a hot computer on your lap. It's just uncomfortable. You can buy cooling pads but most are not shaped to rest on your lap. Cooling pads also add to the weight of the computer. Cooling pads are also great for keeping your computer cool and operating at optimum performance.
- Battery life should also be a major concern here - especially if you travel a lot with your computer and have to use it a lot. Invest in a second battery rather than hoping you'll get lucky and find a power source - unless you know the places you frequent have power supplies readily available to you.
- Mobile Internet Service pricing should be a concern if you need to (or want to) stay "connected". WiFi or Super WiFi is great if it's available. But, some places restrict logging on to certain sites. Some WiFi owners don't allow others to "piggy-back" on their WiFi without authorization, so you might end up paying 25 to 50 dollars a month for mobile wireless. I pay $50 a month for Clearwire "unlimited". They are now running specials at $35 per month. The connection time and Internet speed sucked like hell until I upgraded my Ram Memory. So, even if you get a low-budget or "light-duty" computer, consider upgrading the Ram. I get a little lag with large files (on my Acer Netbook), but now, I NEVER have an issue connecting or staying connected.
Warranty, Guarantees, and Service
- Check references.
- Read reviews
- Be aware of the return policy so that you can take that crap back to the store as soon as it starts acting up.
And, be prepared to contact the CEO or district manager if you can't get no satisfaction.
Well, I had more notes, but it looks like I got a little carried away so, I'll save the rest for later.
In the meantime, check out some of the reviews on the Web AND find out which laptops/ notebooks are the "best selling laptops" or "best selling notebooks" right now. That will definitely give you some ideas of what to buy.
