Laptop minimums

Whenever you’re buying any kind of computer, think of tomorrow and try to get more than you need. Software, games, and multimedia have become more demanding of laptops in the broadband age.

With that in mind, look for a laptop with either a dual-processor AMD chip or a dual-core Intel chip. This new technology splits processor functions between two integrated chips, providing a laptop with more speed and power. You’ll see the speed of a laptop’s processor measured in gigahertz (GHz). Bigger numbers mean faster speeds. Look for laptops with processors that run at 2GHz or higher.

A new laptop should have 1GB of RAM and a 100GB hard drive at a minimum, and it’s worth paying extra for more memory. The newest Mac and Windows operating systems consume large amounts of RAM, so an underpowered laptop will struggle to run software. Larger laptop hard drives are needed if you’re carrying a lot of music or multimedia files with you, or if you download files from the Internet.

How much screen size?

All laptops have LCD screens, and the screen still adds considerable cost to a laptop, although prices have dropped significantly over the last three years. Because a laptop’s screen is integrated, the size of the screen determines the size, weight, and battery life of a laptop.

Laptop screen sizes range from 13 to 19 inches. You’ll be two feet away from the screen while you’re using the laptop, so a smaller screen will do unless you have poor vision or need the extra screen space to run applications.

Beware of budget laptops that have screens with low refresh rates. While these screens are good for writing or browsing the Web, they can’t handle fast-moving images, making them a poor choice for gamers or movie buffs.

Mac or PC?

Apple’s switch to Intel processors has enabled their laptops to run Windows with the purchase of Apple’s BootCamp software. You’ll need a powerful laptop to run both operating systems, so budget-minded consumers may prefer the flexibility and compatibility of a Windows-based laptop. At similar price points, Windows laptops typically offer more features and memory than Apple models.

Battery basics

You’ve probably seen or heard about the videos of laptops bursting into flames. This is very, very, uncommon, and the problem stemmed from faulty batteries, not the laptops themselves.

Laptops and batteries are as safe to use as any other household appliance. All batteries generate heat while they’re recharging and should not be left unattended.

A laptop may be rated for battery life, which is the amount of time you can run it before it needs to be recharged. While these ratings can help you choose between laptop models, they are general guides and shouldn’t be taken literally. Playing games and watching movies will empty the battery much faster than sending e-mails or building a spreadsheet.

Don’t charge laptop batteries too often. This can cause parts of the battery to become inactive, sometimes known as a “memory,” and reduces the usable space in the battery. It’s best to run a laptop until the battery is almost used up before recharging.

Additional features

Look for a laptop with a combination optical drive that can, at a minimum, read DVDs and write CDs. Laptops with DVD burners are increasingly common at lower price points, and these drives can write CDs as well as DVDs.

A laptop should have a built-in wireless modem for accessing the Internet, along with an expansion slot that allows you to add your own modem for faster broadband wireless. Look for laptops with multiple connectivity options. Two USB ports are a minimum requirement so you can connect the laptop to printers and external drives. An Ethernet port is essential for connecting to wired broadband Internet service.

Almost every laptop has a VGA port to connect to a standalone monitor. Newer models include DVI and HDMI ports that let you use the laptop as part of your home entertainment system. This is useful if you download movies or other content that you want to send to your TV, and it should be considered an essential if you’re replacing a desktop system with a laptop.

If you don’t like touchpads, look for a laptop with an alternate control system, such as a touchscreen or small joystick. You can also purchase a separate USB mouse to use with the laptop.

Finally, consider the size of the laptop’s keyboard. Smaller laptops may have keys set too close together for users with big hands.

Need to know more?

• Netbooks
  http://www.prontotech.com/netbooks-a5uzx
• Best Laptops Shopping Secrets
  http://www.laptopadvisor.com/best-laptop.html
• Digital Tech News
  http://www.digitaltechnews.com
• Laptop Magazine
  http://www.laptopmag.com