1 - Introduction
In addition to size there are other features that differentiate a laptop from a personal computer. Foremost among them is its screen technology. The other differentiating features are the use of the computer mouse (or the lack of it) and the difference in power source. In terms of computing power there is hardly any differentiating factor between PCs and laptops.
If you think you’re the kind that can’t do without staying connected to your computer all the time or you’re often on the move and belong to the kind that considers the computer an intrinsic part of your life/extension of yourself, then yes, a laptop is a necessary possession. |
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To choose a laptop, one must first have a fair share of information on the essential features to look out for. This will in turn help you make reasonable differentiation/comparisons between the many laptops being offered by various manufacturers. In this article we will be looking into the various components of the laptop and the critical factors that affect the buying decision of those components. It must be remembered that when buying a laptop you can have a hardware and software configuration of your choice. By understanding the components and their functions you can make an informed choice while buying a laptop.
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2 - Primary Components
The following are some necessary components to consider before purchasing a laptop. The importance of each may vary depending on what you will be using the computer for.
2.1 - CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Available processors such as Intel Centrino M, Celeron M etc are the most commonly used. They differ in the speed offered
as also the heat dissipation and long term durability. So you must choose your laptop depending on what purpose you intend
to use it for. Those who consider themselves average users and have budget constraints should choose middle range processors
such as Celeron, for extensive and high end computing applications go for an Centrino or Pentium processor.
2.2 - RAM (Random Access Memory)A system with more RAM will perform better, however it will come to you at an additional cost. If you are
a compulsive gamer or the type of person who would use advanced graphics and programs on your computer, you should you opt
for higher RAM. If your utilization of the laptop is restricted to spreadsheets and the occasional games that you play,
generally 512 MB is considered adequate to meet your current and future needs.
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2.3 - Hard Disk Drive
For those who store a lot of data, MP3 files, pictures, programs, applications, etc, a hard disk with excess storage
capacity is always preferable. Extra disk storage space is a good thing to have on your computer – considering need for
storage space increases over time. Today most laptops are available with disc storage space between 40-60 Gigabytes (GB).
This is good enough. There are laptops with hard disk storage capacities in excess of 80 GB. The speed at which hard disk
operate is also important. A speed of 5400RPM is considered standard and suitable for most uses. A speed of 7200RPM helps
access data quickly and is good for video editing and software heavily dependent on graphics.
2.4 - Monitor
The screens of laptops come in different types, sizes and resolutions. In terms of size, laptops are available with screen
sizes ranging from 8” to 17”. For those interested in watching movies or playing games a large screen size is always
advisable. The screens of laptops are mostly LCD displays. LCD displays are either DSTN (Double-Layer Supertwist Nematic)
or TFT (Thin Film Transistor). The TFT screen is not only more expensive but is also more delicate than DSTN. If the crystal
in the TFT screen is damaged you will be left with a permanent black spot on the screen. The good point with TFT technology
is the fact that it provides better resolution. It must be noted that with regard to resolution, the higher the resolution
the screen offers the better/sharper will be the image displayed on screen. Resolution is expressed in pixels, i.e. a point
containing one determined color. Laptops are available in 4 different resolutions: VGA (640x480), SVGA (800x600), XGA
(1024x768) and SXGA (1400x1050). Another aspect that should be taken into consideration when purchasing a laptop is the
way the screen is attached to the keyboard. Some screens have a feature that enables them to be swiveled around, ideal for
those interested in some degree of flexibility in their screens.
2.5 - Batteries
Laptops can be powered by chargeable batteries as well as an external power source. As far as the battery life is
concerned the longer the life the better. Ideally a battery should last for 10 hours. Those who would require longer
battery life should either try and get batteries with more than 10 hours battery life or invest in an extra/spare
battery.
2.6 - Ports
Ports are found on the sides of laptops, and are input and output channels. They are used to connect the laptop with other
external devices.
There are the different kinds of ports:
- Parallel ports – connects to a printer or scanner, s erial ports – mainly used to connect modems and handheld computers/PDAs,
- Universal Serial Bus (USB) – Connects to printers, scanners and other peripherals like digital cameras and handheld computers.
- Firewire/IEEE 1394 – It offers higher transfer speeds than USB. To make use of this, your computer and accessory will need a Firewire/IEEE 1394 port. This is helpful when transferring video images to and from digital camcorders.
Your laptop should have sufficient ports of the right type for the accessories you intend to connect to. However,
in case it does not have the sufficient number of ports or the right port you can always buy a docking station which
could increase the number of ports.
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3 - Additional Components
The following are components that are usually bundled with the machine when you purchase, but can be easily upgraded
or purchased seperately.
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3.1 - Operating System
It is essentially the interface between the user and the computer. Apple Macintosh or Microsoft Windows are the two
main OS software available. There is of course the Linux OS; but it is considered less user friendly. Choosing between
Mac OS and Windows Os is tough decision to make. Both have their pros and cons. It is advisable to choose whichever
software you are comfortable with based upon past usage or your intended usage might require you to go for a Linux OS. |
3.2 - Flash Memory Drive
These are essentially memory sticks and can be plugged directly into a USB port on the laptop. It serves as is an
inexpensive and easy way to transfer files. It is more in the nature of an accessory.
3.3 - CD/DVD ROM Drive
Laptops today, have CD-ROM or DVD-ROM players built in to the chassis. The high end ones have multi-combo drives built
in that can not only read but also burn CDs and DVDs. Those with a desire to burn DVDs or CDs must choose laptops with
multi-combo drives, thereby doing away with the need for multiple drives or external drives (drives external of the
laptop/computer that is plugged to it). The speed with which the CD-ROM, DVD-ROM OR multi player drives read and burn
disks is important. The reading and burning speeds of the drives differ.
3.4 - Graphics Card
The graphics card works together with the processor and the internal memory to create the image displayed on the monitor.
If you are interested in using your laptop for web browsing and word processing purposes, a less advanced graphics card
will suffice. The cards come with embedded memory which hover around 64 MB.
3.5 - Wireless Card
Ideal for those who want to extricate themselves out of the tangle of wires they’ve got themselves stuck in. Wireless
cards enable one to connect to a hotspot without the use of wires (wirelessly). Today most laptop have Bluetooth
technology, connecting to devices such as; printers, cell phones, scanners etc.
3.6 - Sound Cards and Speakers
Most laptops come with sound cards and in-built speakers. The audio quality though would not on par with the quality
of PC speakers.
3.7 - MouseLaptops have mouse or mouse like devices such as trackball,
track point or touch-pad that imitate the movements of a mouse and have left and right buttons similar to the buttons
found on the mouse. Alternately one can use a normal mouse, by connecting it to the required ports.
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3.8 - Warranty & Weight
Most laptops come with a warranty of at least three years. The longer the warranty period the better it is for you.
Warranty is just like a life line for your laptop, so the longer it stretches the better.
The weight of a laptop would/should not exceed 6 pounds. However the lighter the laptop, the more expensive it gets. So if you’re not the type of person who pumps iron, then perhaps you should spend that extra bit of money. The weight of the batteries should also be taken into consideration. Battery weight generally hovers around 6 ounces/192 grams.
With advancement in technology laptops provide almost the same processing and storage capacities as PCs; and all this at a size that is a fraction of desktop PCs.
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