| COST
Laptop computers vary in price from about $1,000 to $4,000 or
more, depending on the various features. Low-end laptops range from
$1,200 to $1,600. Many retailers are offering $30 to $400 in rebates
if you contract with a particular Internet
service provider (ISP). If you do not have a current ISP, this
might be a reasonable way to reduce the cost of your laptop. Note
that the contracts usually lock you into one particular provider
for two to three years.
WHEN YOU SHOP
We've created a Laptop Feature Comparison chart for you to use as
you research various models. Take it to the store with you and fill
in the blanks for each model you are interested in. You may also
want to keep an additional copy near your desk as you research models
on the Internet. The feature comparison chart is available to you
as a PDF. You will need the free
Adobe Acrobat Reader to view it.
Look Out!
When buying a laptop computer, there are several things you should
keep in mind to avoid buying one that won't meet all your needs.
Here are some of the most important things to think about:
Make sure the microprocessor meets your needs.
If you will be doing lots of graphics or programming, you will probably
need the speed of a Pentium III or G4 microprocessor.
If you will use your laptop for basic word-processing, Web
browsing or office management, then the AMD or Celeron microprocessors
will be fine.
The latest operating system may not be the best for your laptop.
Operating
systems vary in their use of power
management, security encryptions (in case your laptop is stolen)
and cost. The best operating system for a desktop may not be the
best operating system for a laptop. See the Links
section for information regarding the best operating system for
your notebook computer.
Make sure you have at least 64 MB of RAM.
Look for easily upgradeable memory.
Does your laptop have an easy access panel to get at the memory
chips? Do you have to open the case to get under the keyboard to
add memory? Do you have to send it to a repair technician?
Know your battery life!
Your battery
is essential to the portability of your laptop. Batteries will die.
You will need a minimum of two hours of battery life; of course,
four hours is even better. The battery life varies depending on
what type of rechargeable battery you use (lithium batteries tend
to hold their charge longer and have no memory effect) and how you
use your computer (frequent use of disk drives consume lots of battery
power). Also, look at the battery gauge in your software frequently
so that you are not in the middle of some important project when
your battery dies.
Count the input/output ports.
Computers send and receive information through various input/output
ports, which can include serial ports, parallel
ports and Universal
Serial Bus (USB) ports. At minimum, you should have a printer
port, which is usually a parallel
port, and one or two USB ports. One or two PC slots will help
extend the life of your laptop by allowing you to upgrade rather
than replace your laptop in the future.
Look for an internal fax/modem!
If you have to communicate with your company or customers while
on the road, access e-mail,
fax documents or access the Internet,
then you will need a modem. Look for a laptop with an internal fax/modem
(minimum 56 kps), because lugging a modem around with you is far
from ideal.
Test out the input device.
Laptops use either a trackball, trackpoint or touch-pad to move
the cursor across the screen. All of these devices have buttons
that act like the right and left buttons on a mouse. The type of
device you choose is totally a matter of personal preference. Some
people prefer the feel of a trackball to a touch pad. If you can,
try out the various input devices to see what feels right for you.
Remember, most laptops have a port that allows you to hook up a
mouse to your laptop, if you wish, but that will be another device
to carry around if you want to use it on the go.
Check the feel of the keyboard.
Laptop keyboards
tend to be smaller than desktop keyboards. If you can, try out several
laptops and see if the keyboards feel comfortable to you; this is
especially important for touch typists.
Look at the software.
Keep in mind what you intend to use your laptop for when you buy
it. Many laptops have software packages pre-installed or included
in the box. Most tend to be word processing software (Microsoft
Word) or integrated software (such as Microsoft Works or ClarisWorks).
Check to see if the included software matches your needs; otherwise,
you may have to spend several hundred dollars extra to get the appropriate
software. Also, does the computer have sufficient memory and microprocessor
speed to run the software you intend to use?
Check the warranty
Read the fine print. A good warranty will cover parts and labor
for three years. Also, toll-free, around-the-clock technical support
is great. Some warranties may have a 24-hour replacement/repair
policy (good when you are away from home). If these features are
not in your warranty, consider a supplemental extended service contract.
Keep your laptop with you!
Do not entrust your laptop to baggage claim on the airlines -- you
will run a high risk of damage. Also, laptop computers are prime
targets for thieves. They are easy to carry off and easy to resell.
WHERE TO BUY
MANUFACTURERS
COOL FACTS
- NASA uses a specialized model of the IBM Thinkpad (running Microsoft
Windows 95) for work in the space shuttle and in the International
Space Station.
- Apple's Air Port technology allows I-Book laptops, along
with Apple desktops, to connect to the Internet over a wireless
connection at a high speed.
- Compaq now offers an Eddie Bauer model laptop computer,
just as Ford offers Eddie Bauer model vehicles.
- New laptop computers can weigh as little as 3.75 lbs (1.7
kgs).
- Many newer laptops come with pre-assigned buttons that
automatically control a CD player or MP3 playing functions.
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