Guide in Buying a New Laptop

Laptop computers can't really substitute for desktop computers, but a good laptop can be a solid and convenient supplement to a desktop model.

Step1Check the periodic surveys in top computer magazines for comprehensive information about the reliability of specific laptop brands and customer satisfaction with them. Choose a brand based on quality, price and limited warranty.

Step2Determine the core configuration you need, including processor and speed, amount of RAM, and hard disk size.

Step3Decide on the type of display. Choose a dual-scan display if your budget is extremely limited. Select an active-matrix display for the quickest response and best visual quality (especially under challenging condi-tions), though at the cost of shorter battery life. Choose an HPA (High-Performance Addressing) display if your budget rules out an active-matrix display but you need to use the laptop under challenging lighting and wish to maximize battery life.

Step4Compare weights of units you're considering. Think about how often and how far you'll need to carry the computer and its peripherals.

Step5Determine the size of display you want. Remember that bigger screens add to the unit's price, weight and bulk.

Step6Choose an ultraportable unit if weight is more important than price, reliability, battery life and ease of use.

Step7Buy a unit with built-in CD-ROM and floppy drives if convenience is more important than portability or reliability. Consider a model with removable internal drives for the most flexibility.

Step8Test the comfort and feel of the input device and keyboard. Choose between a touch pad, used by most manufacturers, and the pointing stick (also called the 'command point') used by IBM and Toshiba.

Step9Make sure the laptop comes with a lithium-ion battery. Be skeptical of manufacturers' battery-life claims.

Step10Decide what preinstalled software you want or need.

Step11Choose the length of warranty or service coverage you need.

In the past, a laptop computer was one thing, and a notebook computer was another. Laptops were larger, had more memory and more features, and they weighed more. Over time, though, notebook computers became more and more powerful and capable, so that they came to displace the traditional laptop. These days, most manufacturers have shifted to producing notebooks and not laptops. The public however, still insists on calling that computer they are carrying a laptop. But the trick is deciding which laptop to buy.