Laptop PC Buying Guide
January 29, 2008
Like many other things, electronics and computers are shrinking to meet the discriminating demands of computer users from all walks of life.
Whether you are a student doing your school research, a web professional making regular updates to the web accounts you are maintaining, a graphic designer doing print and online ads, or a businessman keeping track of transactions online, choosing a laptop PC should be done carefully to suit the main purpose of buying one.
The main advantage of having a laptop over a desktop is mobility. But laptops, compared to desktops, are significantly higher in price. So you need to know what suits your budget without sacrificing the productivity of your main line of work.
There are pre-packaged laptops which can be bought in minutes from the show window of a computer shop. Then there are laptops which have parts that are mixed and matched by the buyer. The latter can be the better choice – but one must be well-versed with the technical aspects of computers. Here is a guide on choosing the parts of the laptop PC to buy:
Processor:
To put it in layman’s terms, the processor, which is sometimes called the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the computer. It is in this chip that calculations take place with the arithmetic and logic unit. The famous brands for processors include Intel and AMD, and competition among these brands is very stiff. The most significant way to gauge processor power is its clock speed, and today’s processor clock speeds range from 1.4 to 3.0 Gigahertz. When it comes to laptop processors, the processors with the M label like Athlon XP Mobile and Mobile Intel Pentium 4 are top choices of IT professionals because these processors use less power (and therefore give longer battery life) and they also run cooler. Processors under the Centrino
label are also excellent choices especially in wireless connections.
RAM:
RAM stands for Random Access Memory and is one of the most important considerations in buying a laptop PC. In fact, many IT professionals are giving more careful thought in choosing RAM than in choosing CPUs. Computer applications and data are stored in the RAM as they are running, so the less RAM space, the slower the computer runs because it will be forced to use hard disk as the RAM extension and hard disk access and performance is much slower.
Most laptops ship with 256 MB RAM and this is already more than enough if you are using text applications like documents and emails. But if you are using graphics, video and multimedia, or if you do editing, then you might want to consider getting more than 1 Gigabyte of RAM.
Hard Disk:
The hard disk is the storage of all applications and files when they are not used. Laptops usually come with 40 Gigabytes of hard disk space. Photos and videos occupy much larger spaces, so if you are storing lots of them, then you might want to go higher. Some laptops ship with 120 Gigabyte hard drives. But you should not worry much about hard disk space because in case your hard disk runs out of space, you can always buy an external hard drive for back up. Many external hard drives are USB enabled, making it very easy to move files from laptop to the external drive.
Screen Size:
Laptop screens come in liquid crystal display (LCD) and the sizes can range from 12" to 17" measured diagonally. Choosing a screen size can be difficult if you are mobile graphic designer (presumably you are because you are buying a laptop), and because a bigger screen is advised for you, it can be bulky and heavy. For those who are merely doing documents, a smaller screen size may be perfect and the laptop will just fit into your bag like a notebook.
Graphics Card:
It is common in laptops to share display memory with RAM. But if you are a graphic professional or a heavy video gamer, it is strongly advised to get a separate graphics card. A graphics card with at least 128MB capacity is good enough to process your display data so that your computer does not slow down due to RAM sharing.
Wireless technology
For many years, people using laptops were content with plugging their laptops into other networks with wires. However, the introduction of the wireless LAN card, which up until now is still fairly commonly used, connects the laptop via hotspots. The easiest way to use wireless technology in laptops now is through Intel’s Centrino which integrates wireless networking into its circuits. Make sure you get the latest standard in wireless internetworking which is 802.11g, which can give you speeds of up to 54MBPs.
Operating System
Two of the most famous commercial operating systems are Windows and Mac OS. As a general observation, Windows is the better choice for many when it comes to internet applications while the Mac OS is the preferred choice for those doing computer graphics. These operating systems come at a price but for those who want to save money and have technical capabilities, they usually settle for the Linux operating system, which comes free under open source licensing.
Battery Life
Longer battery life is very important to be a truly mobile computer user. Newer batteries include the now ubiquitous Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) batteries. Other kinds include the Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) batteries and the older type Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries.
CD / DVD Reader / Writer
Most laptops have built in CD or DVD drives. A few years ago, DVD writers were exceedingly expensive. But these days, adding a few extra dollars can get you a laptop that has a DVD writer built in. Bear in mind that a regular CD can only contain up to 800 MB of disk space while a regular DVD can have up to several gigabytes.
Mouse
Many laptops have built in finger sensitive pads that can act like a mouse. This is beneficial for those who do not want to add bulk to their load with an external mouse. But this can be difficult to use, especially if you are editing graphics or video where you need precise control for pointing with your software graphical tools. If you really need a mouse badly, you might consider buying a wireless optical mouse. Eliminating yourself from extra cords can help you unload your bulk significantly.
Web Camera
Some laptops have a built in web camera for easy communication. You might want to have this if you need to talk face to face virtually with your clients, boss or loved ones. Remember that there are many free international calls on the internet. There are external web cameras though if your pre-packaged laptop of choice does not include one.
Universal Serial Bus (USB)
While most laptops this have built in, the number of USB ports varies. Some have two ports while some have more.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth allows you to connect many peripheral devices like your cellular phones, head sets and hand held personal digital assistants (PDA) to your laptop wirelessly. Bluetooth is designed for low power consumption so it is perfect for laptops.
Warranty
Of course nobody wants to buy a new laptop after a new purchase breaks down in less than one year. Make sure that you get at least a one year warranty for parts replacement and repair. Make sure that a service centre for the item is near your place, otherwise you would have to ship it and wait for many days before it arrives.
Lenovo 3000 C200 8922 - Core 2 Duo T5500 1.66 GHz - 15in TFT Notebook
January 25, 2008
Renowned manufacturing company Lenovo has recently introduced Lenovo 3000 C200 8922 - Core 2 Duo T5500 1.66 GHz – 15 inch TFT Notebook with necessary components like
• Stereo speakers
• Wireless LAN aerial
• Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 processor
• 64-bit computing
• 2 MB cache memory
• 512 MB RAM
• 80 GB hard drive
• Integrated DVD writer
• 5-in-1 reader
• TFT active matrix screen
• Intel GMA 950 graphic processor
• Sound card
• Microphone
Features in detail
The manufacturer has embedded stereo speakers and wireless LAN aerial with the stylishly designed unit. It has been manufactured with the dimensions as 27.8 x 3.7 x 33.4 cm as depth, height and width. You can buy the elegantly designed device with silver colour coating which weighs just 2.8 kilo grams.
Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 processor integrated in this compact notebook processes data with the highest speed up to 1.66 GHz. Lenovo 3000 C200 8922 Notebook has the maximum data bus speed up to 667 MHz and it comes with 64-bit computing. It also has a 2 GB L2 type cache memory. It comes with 4 GB RAM and 80 GB Hard drive with the revolution speed up to 5400 rpm. You can quickly write DVDs using integrated DVD writer.
Users can use different types of memory cards using card reader like:
• SD Memory Card
• Memory Stick
• Memory Stick PRO
• MultiMediaCard
• xD-Picture Card
A display has been designed with TFT active matrix support to procure maximum resolution up to 1024 x 768 pixels within the 15” screen. You can view content on the display comfortably as it comes with ‘anti-glare’ option. Intel GMA 950 graphics processor and Dynamic Video Memory Technology 3.0 video memory have been equipped to support video functionalities. Sound card plays as an audio output and microphone as an audio input.
The device supports a transfer rate up to 56 kbps and also comes with a network adapter. Lenovo 3000 C200 8922 TFT Notebook requires power up to 120 volts for effective functioning. 6-cell Lithium Ion technology has to be used for offering power externally and the batteries have 2400 mAh capacity to support 3.8 hours running. Microsoft Windows XP Professional Operating System is needed to perform effectively.
Toshiba Satellite 2410-S403 Notebook
January 23, 2008
Toshiba, a brand leader in electronic notebook, has recently introduced Toshiba Satellite 2410-S403 Notebook with useful features like
• Built-in speakers
• Intel Pentium 4M 2.2 GHz
• Data bus speed up to 400 MHz
• 512 KB installed L2 cache memory
• 512 MB RAM
• 1.44 MB integrated floppy
• 40 GB hard drive
• TFT active matrix display
• 24-bit colour
• 32 MB video memory
• Sound card
Users can enjoy high quality audio support with the help of sound cards and the embedded speakers. The electronic unit has come with the smart dimensions as 32.8 cm width, 28.7 cm depth and 4.6 cm height. You can get effective performance though it weighs just 3.4 kilo grams. You can execute all your calculations faster as it has come embedded with Intel Pentium 4M 2.2 GHz processor with the highest Data Bus Speed up to 400 MHz.
Toshiba Satellite 2410-S403 Notebook is available in the UK market with 512 KB installed L2 cache memory and 1 GB installed RAM which uses DDR SDRAM technology. IDE storage controller also has also been equipped with the device. You can use integrated floppy memory up to 1.44 MB. The device comes with 40 GB hard drive. It is simple to read and write DVDs using DVD-RW drive.
TFT active matrix technology has been used for displaying high quality content with colours using the 15 inches screen. The display has the potential to display maximum resolution up to 1024 x 768 pixels. Users can enjoy richer display experience using 24-bit colour support. NVIDIA GeForce4 420 Go - AGP 4x graphics processor offers to get separate memory up to 32 MB to store videos. The product has the stuff to support distinct standards namely Microsoft WSS 1.0/2.0 and Sound Blaster Pro audio technology.
Manufacturer offers a keyboard, Toshiba Scroller and a touch pad with the package which play as input devices. Data can be transmitted with the maximum transfer rate up to 56 kbps. Network adapter can be used for networking needs and the device can support 2 distinct data link protocols namely Ethernet and Fast Ethernet. Lithium Ion battery technology offers adequate battery power to run Toshiba Satellite 2410-S403 Notebook up to 2.7 hours. You have to be in Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition platform for successful operations.
Sony Vaio FX405 Notebook
January 21, 2008
Electronic notebooks have been very popular in the UK which offers high speed performance to use distinct applications. Different types of manufacturers
have designed and introduced innovative models of electronic notebook PCs. Sony Vaio FX405 AMD Athion Notebook, a recently launched product to the UK market offers numerous advantages to the users in multiple ways.
Technical Details and Features
• You can buy the device to fulfil the needs of persons who indulge in corporate business as well as small business.
• Sony Vaio FX405 Notebook has been constructed with components like stereo speakers, display and touch pad and they are in-built within the system.
• Sony has designed the model with compact dimensions as 32.4 x 27 x 3.9 cm as width, depth and height.
• You can carry the portable business supporter easily as it weighs just 3.3 kilo grams.
• AMD Athlon 4 1 GHz processor has equipped to offer high processing. It supports a processing speed up to 200 MHz.
• It has come with both RAM and L2 cache memory. Users can save up to 256 KB memory in cache and up to 512 MB in RAM memory. RAM supports SDRAM memory which comes with SO DIMM 144-PIN form factor.
• ’Integrated Drive Electronics’, shortly known as IDE is supported by the device.
• You can use the floppy drive to get secondary storage capacity up to 1.44 MB by using 3.5” floppy.
• A hard drive has been embedded to offer storage space up to 20 GB.
• You can easily remove DVD-ROM combo optical drive if needed.
• Sony Vaio FX405 Notebook can support distinct standards like:
1. Kodak PhotoCD
2. CD-DA
3. CD-XA
4. Cdi
5. CD-Bridge
6. Video CD
• TFT-enabled display has come with the screen size of 15 inches which can procure maximum resolution up to 1024 x 768 pixels.
• 24-bit colour support offers impressive colour images or pictures on the screen.
• ATI RAGE Mobility M1 AGP graphics processor offers stunning speed of processing.
• The device also supports memory up to 8 MB for videos using SDRAM technology support.
• The display has the ability to support both VGA and SVGA format to display graphics.
• Realistic audio can be enjoyed using sound card.
• The package contains 2 input devices namely keyboard and touch pad.
• The highest data transfer speed supported by the device is up to 56 Kbps.
• PCI network adapter is offered with Sony Vaio FX405 Notebook and users can make use of Ethernet and Fast Ethernet Data Link Protocols.
• EPA energy star rating has been given which needs Lithium Ion battery support to run maximum of 1.25 hours.
• Manufacturer has suggested the users to have Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Operating System to access Sony Vaio FX405 Notebook successfully.
List of pre-loaded software’s
1. Drivers & Utilities
2. Adobe Acrobat Reader
3. Norton AntiVirus
4. WinDVD
5. Sony PictureGear
6. Quick Time 4
7. RealJukebox
8. Sony Dvgate
9. Sony MovieShaker
10. Sony PictureToy
11. Sony Smart Capture
12. Sony VisualFlow
13. Sony SonicStage
14. RealPlayer
Dell Inspiron 5150 Notebook
January 19, 2008
Dell, the company that leads the world with innovative ideas and design has arrived with yet another sleek design Dell Inspiron 5150 Pentium 4 Notebook. With ultra modern design and smart features, one can surely opt for this notebook that comes with functions beyond one’s thought wanders!
This Dell notebook comes with Intel Pentium 4 Processor with a speed of 3.06 GHz and 512 MB SD RAM and it also has 60 GB Ultra ATA Hard Drive. High-end processors, advanced graphics and super sharp displays position the Inspiron 5150 as the multi media work horse. The Lithium Ion Battery technology ensures complete satisfaction while the hard drive with 60 GB can store variety of contents. Display is in 15” which is an UXGA TFT Active matrix display and the perfection of images and letters are worth mentioning. Operating system of Microsoft windows XP Home Edition is promises real value for the money you spend on this Dell Inspiron 5150 15” TFT notebook.
CD-RW and DVD-ROM type with Optical Drive Read Speed of 24 x CD and 8 x DVD and Optical Drive Re-write speed of 10 x (CD-RW) assures complete satisfaction for the Dell Inspiron 5150 Notebook users. The Modem type with analogue Modulation Protocol supported in this laptop is ITU V.92. Every care has been taken in to account to provide only the best for the customers while years of trusted sales and service vouched for the company’s credibility.
Installed Video Memory of 64 MB in the PC Platform has networking type of Integrated Network Card and is supported with Data Link Protocol of Ethernet and Fast Ethernet. This Dell Inspiron 5150 notebook is a one of-its kind available in the market for quick and easy access to the entire world!
