Being an Information Technology (I.T.) Consultant – or a “Computer Guy” as I choose to be known as – maybe a risky profession. Sometimes when people find out what I do for a dwelling, I nearly get tackled! “Hey, I’m approximately to shop for a new computer…What should I get?” After being a laptop guy for nearly 20 years, I’m a terrific person to ask. In this article, I will percentage with you my recommendation on how to buy a new laptop.
There is nothing extra frustrating than spending your hard-earned cash on a new laptop and finishing up being annoyed because you did not get what you wanted. Following a few simple suggestions, you could purchase a suitable pc for your needs without spending an arm and a leg. If you are considering shopping for a laptop, please study my article “Should I Buy a Desktop or Laptop pc?” (to be had on my website) that will help you make up your thoughts. If you’re sure that a desktop is the right desire for you, then right here is my advice on the way to choose the correct new laptop to fit your wishes.
What Kind of Computer?
There are many manufacturers of computers to be had. (I manifest to be an unabashed fan of Dell Computers. I have advocated Dell computing device, pc, and server computer systems to my friends, own family, and clients for decades and remain impressed with their nice fee and performance. Each Thursday, I check out the trendy Dell offers as they arrive out and submit the deal of the week on my internet site.) However, if you choose another brand, take the following tips into account, and you will be excellent.
What approximately WinXP Media Center version and Windows VISTA? I’m not keen on either. WinXP Media Center turns your computer right into a jukebox, Tivo, and DVD participant. If you are a college pupil with confined space for your dorm room, this might be adequate. But my enjoy is, human beings put money into a WinXP Media Center laptop, and after the newness wears off, they pass back to the usage of their TV to watch TV once more. I do not trust in clogging up your laptop with software that you are not using on a normal basis.
Windows Vista is too new, and even as it indicates promise, I don’t endorse a new working machine until Service Pack One is launched. As the old saying is going, “You can constantly tell the pioneers by the arrows in their backs.” Let someone else debug Vista. My opinion on this can probably change later in 2007 or early 2008 whilst some of the problems were worked out.
How Much RAM??
Get not less than One Gigabyte (1024 Megabytes) of RAM. The unmarried maximum vital factor you can do to speed up your laptop is to make certain it has lots of RAM. Invest in a GIG now, and you will by no means remorse it. Your computer might also run fast whilst you first pull it out of the field, but when you start putting in software, browsing the Internet, downloading a song, or doing whatever it is you do…Believe me; things are going to begin to gradually down.
512Megs is the naked minimal for a Windows XP laptop with Service Pack 2 mounted (my rule, no longer Microsoft’s). 768Megs is better, and a Gig is most appropriate. If you are into video modifying, CAD/CAM, or Photoshop, you would possibly want to invest in more than a Gigabyte. Another cause to shop for extra now could be so you can improve to Vista later. If that is your plan, get Gigabytes now.
What Kind of Processor??
The minimum processor and tough power are probably ok. For most people, the “slowest” processor presented is probably extra than good enough. Faster processors are regularly available for $50-$500 more. Still, I suppose you are losing your money if you are like most customers and want to surf the web, examine email, do some word processing, etc. Spend that extra money on greater RAM or an external hard disk for backups rather!
How Big of a Hard Disk??
Similarly, unless you absolutely plan on downloading heaps of songs and movies or take LOTS of big virtual pics, the “smallest” difficult pressure to be had might be ok. As an instance, Windows XP and Microsoft Office mixed soak up less than 4 Gigs. Most of the difficult drives I see have much less than 20 Gigs used. Just go for the minimum drive (it is in all likelihood 60-80 Gigs) and, if you run out of space, you could usually put money into 2d inner or outside difficult pressure later.
An exception to this rule is that lately, I have observed Dell charging the simplest $10 to upgrade from an 80Gig hard force to a 160Gig hard drive. Obviously, it’s far really worth a mere $10 to double your difficult power space.
Summary?
By following only a few hints, you can shop yourself quite a little money and buy the nice laptop that will serve you well for decades to return. Remember to noticeably do not forget Windows XP Pro, get a GIG of RAM, and go along with the minimal processor and smallest hard pressure. For extra advice, recommendations, and hints, visit my website.
