| "body"> | | | | that will be able to withstand any accidental knock or |
| Laptop computers are one of the most desirable | | | | minor bump. There are models available with |
| techie gadgets. A laptop is a portable computer that | | | | shock-resistant hard drive mounts. It has to be |
| could comfortably be used while on a person's lap - | | | | durable enough if it will be taken outdoors often. |
| hence the name. It contains all the basic and | | | | 3. Internet connection. One has to be in touch with |
| necessary software (like Office System and Internet | | | | the rest of the online community. There are wireless |
| access) and hardware (like CD-Rom drive and | | | | connections offered already. To one with budget |
| Modem) features of an ordinary computer and still | | | | constraints, an ordinary 56Kbps modem would do to |
| fits in an ordinary briefcase or backpack. | | | | connect to the rest of the world. |
| Advantages of Owning a Laptop | | | | 4. USB port. This should also be carefully checked out |
| 1. Portability. | | | | so that the laptop can be used in many more ways. |
| Being portable, it can be brought along and used | | | | There should be at least one USB port if not more, |
| anywhere - school, work, vacation trips, unlike the | | | | for future expansion of adding other hardware. The |
| ordinary desktop computer. This is especially handy | | | | USB port can be used for external keyboard and |
| to a person with a very hectic schedule and busy | | | | mouse, but it is most useful to create connection |
| lifestyle. In this regard, a computer addict doesn't | | | | with digital cameras, external drives, and MP3 players. |
| have to be a hermit anymore! He or she can go out | | | | 5. Battery life. The battery life of the laptop must |
| under the glaring rays of the sun and still hold on to | | | | allow the user to use and enjoy it outdoors or in |
| the best technological breakthrough product. | | | | areas that do not offer power resources for the |
| 2. Convenience. | | | | public. A reasonable battery life should not be lower |
| It is useful for the working person, for the student, | | | | than 5 hours. The battery life will determine the |
| for the hobbyist, and for a computer addict too. One | | | | extent of freedom that can be enjoyed with the |
| can take notes in class, type and print assignments | | | | laptop. |
| and reports, access the Internet and communicate | | | | There are 3 kinds of batteries available. |
| with another person on the other side of the globe. | | | | The Lithium-ion (Li+) is usually chosen. Li+ batteries |
| Teachers and public relations officers can make use | | | | have range that can offer the best quality. |
| of the laptop to give a different dimension to their | | | | Nickel metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries are less |
| presentations. Some teachers also find students are | | | | expensive, although they do not excle in terms of |
| more motivated when using a laptop. | | | | battery life. |
| 3. Size and Weight. | | | | Nickel cadmium (NiCad) batteries are the ones to |
| The dormer and studio type apartment lessee would | | | | stay away from. They require constant recharging. |
| agree that a laptop would save them more space. | | | | 6. Technical specifications. There should be enough |
| 4. Image. | | | | RAM, storage space / hard drive and computing |
| It cannot be denied that a laptop is cool. With its | | | | speed. The technical specifications would depend on |
| sleek shape and form, it can be very eye-catching. It | | | | the most probable purpose of the laptop to the |
| also gives the statement that the owner is not | | | | owner. If the laptop would be used for playing 3D |
| outdated, that he or she is in keeping with the times, | | | | games, it is ideal to get at least a 256 RAM. If |
| and finally, computer literate. | | | | several music or video files will be stored, a larger |
| Laptops are not that expensive anymore, but this is | | | | hard drive should be considered, 40 gigabyte is ideal. |
| not the kind of item a person would shop for every | | | | 7. Price. Finally, the laptop should be reasonably priced. |
| other week. Each and every laptop has its own | | | | There are refurbished laptops available out there for |
| demands, requirements and features. Features you | | | | those with strict budgets but there is a way to save |
| may want to look for: | | | | money and still get the ideal laptop. |
| 1. Size and weight. Laptops are portable, but their | | | | First, the purpose that the laptop will serve must be |
| sizes and weight still vary. To be very portable, it | | | | properly ascertained. This will avoid purchasing laptops |
| must be small and lightweight. They usually weigh 5 | | | | with expensive features that would end up being |
| pounds. If it will be used outdoors more often, the | | | | unused. Don't buy 80 gigabyte of storage space if |
| weight should not be more than 5 pounds. | | | | only 3 gigabytes will be used for documents. |
| The size of the screen is also important. The usual | | | | Stick to your budget. There are many attractive |
| sizes are 12.1, 13.3 and 14.4 inches. Tiny screens, as | | | | add-ons in the computer shop like glow-in-the-dark |
| small as 8 inches, are ideal for portability, but the | | | | mouse pads or wireless mouse. These may not be |
| demands of the eyes - to have a squint-free screen | | | | necessary and can add to the total cost. |
| - should also be considered. | | | | Negotiate for add-on features. Lastly, it wouldn't hurt |
| 2. Sturdy. A laptop must be taken care of, but it | | | | to try to negotiate for the price. 5% off can go a |
| would be more ideal to have a tough and sturdy one | | | | long way. |