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| Buying a a Laptop Computer |
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Conveniences
Between processors, RAM, graphics
card, screens, drives, and networking options, all laptops have pretty much the
same components. However, it's "the conveniences" that set certain laptops
apart. Everybody has the one thing they can't live without, but most laptop
reviewers concentrate on three factors; the keyboard, the navigational technique
(touch pad vs. pointing stick), and inputs/outputs. Figure out which of these
conveniences you need and you can narrow down your options. |
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The
Keyboard - Desktop keyboards are generally standard across
all manufacturers, with few differences. However, laptop keyboards vary in size,
key depth, and space between keys. Many online reviewers seem to think that the
ideal laptop keyboard should resemble the desktop model as close as possible.
But that is not possible. Laptops come in a variety of widths and thickness, and
the keyboards must be made to fit. Take consolation in that whatever laptop you
get, you will get used to the keyboard in no time. But like a good old pair of
jeans, a new one just doesn't feel right...until it too becomes old. This is
actually one the main reasons people become loyal to a brand.
Navigation
- Most laptops have adopted the touch pad, which is a touch-sensitive square
just under the space bar. It takes up space, so IBM introduced the pointing
stick, which is a little knob that sticks up between the "G" and "H" key on the
keyboard. Both are good enough once you get familiarized. But the touchpad has
evolved in some models to include a scroll bar. You run your finger along the
edge of the touchpad, and the screen scrolls. Some models now have an up/down
scroll as well as a right/left scroll. Let's hope this catches on because it is
very convenient.
Inputs/Outputs
- All laptops have a VGA output, which which most people will use to connect to
a projector. All also have at least one USB port. USB (Universal Serial Bus) is
the connection that almost any peripheral item can use, such as printer,
scanner, digital camera, or PDA. Two things to consider for USBs. If you have a
choice, the more the better (most have at least 2). And, if you can, get those that are USB 2.0 compliant, which is faster than USB 1.0.
Some laptops have an S-video output, which is useful if you want to connect to
your TV and watch DVDs for example. |
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Laptop Touchpad |
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Pointing Stick |
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Touchpad scroll pad |
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VGA port (right)
Ethernet (left) |
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USB ports (right)
S-Video (far left) |
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| Best Affordable Laptop
As always, if you want the best you'll probably have to pay through the
nose. However, since now you know about laptop components, you can
decide on what to sacrifice in order to get what you need. It is, in
fact, possible to get a VERY good laptop these days for as low $700 to
$800. Each manufacturer produces an "affordable" model, but they are not
all created equal. Next we review some "affordable" laptops and see how
much you can get for your money. I will start with what is currently my
favorite model, the DELL Inspiron 600m. |
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