| With such a wide range of laptops on the market | | | | (5) Processor - This is the heart of your machine, it's |
| today, choosing a new laptop can be confusing and | | | | a bit like the engine in a car, the bigger more |
| difficult. | | | | powerful it is the faster your commuter will go. |
| Here are some suggestions to help ensure you get | | | | There are a number of factors influencing the speed |
| the one that is best for your needs: | | | | of your machine but always ensure it has at least |
| (1) Price - Generally the best value machines are in | | | | two "cores" or is a dual processor machine. Next look |
| the middle of the price range. The lower priced | | | | to buy the fastest "clock speed" for your money. |
| machines will be slower and have lower quality | | | | Clock speed is generally measured in Mega or Giga |
| displays, while those at the top end may offer | | | | hertz. Gigahertz is quicker and the bigger the number |
| features that you just don't need. | | | | the better. |
| (2) Manufacturer - Durability and reliability are | | | | (6) Display - To display information on your screen |
| important if you want to ensure you get the | | | | the machine needs to use some RAM or memory. In |
| maximum life out of your machine. Some | | | | older machines, the system shares the computers |
| manufacturers are better than others in this regard. | | | | main memory with the display. This uses system |
| A good rule of thumb is to stick with that are used | | | | RAM and generally slows the machine. Newer |
| by the largest companies in your area. Because they | | | | systems have dedicated, separate video memory |
| deploy large numbers of laptops they will not buy | | | | which usually makes for a faster machine. |
| equipment from manufacturers with a poor track | | | | (7) Hard Drive - this is where the programs and your |
| record for reliability. | | | | data are stored. The bigger the better. Anything |
| (3) Weight - If you don't travel much then weight | | | | under 80Gigabytes will probably lower the useful life |
| probably isn't a huge factor in your purchase. If this is | | | | of your machine, look for 120Gig or more. |
| the case then one of the more bulky desktop | | | | Our last suggestion is that you try using your |
| replacement machines will probably do well for you. | | | | prospective laptop before you buy. Most computer |
| However if travel is a consideration look at the | | | | shops are laid out so it is easy for you to do the |
| option of a slightly smaller screen to lower the bulk | | | | basics with the machine on the stand. Be certain you |
| of machine and make travelling easier for you. | | | | feel comfortable with the look and feel (keyboard) |
| (4) RAM - Your machines memory. Always buy a | | | | of the machine overall. |
| laptop with a minimum of 2 Meg of RAM. Anything | | | | We hope these tips help ensure your next laptop |
| less will slow a Windows machine. Three or four | | | | provides faithful service for many years to come. |
| Megs is probably ideal. | | | | |