| If you are in the market, then you'll want to find the | | | | the same warranty a new machine has. I've used the |
| best laptop computer for you. Note that last phrase | | | | same factory reconditioned notebook daily for close |
| "for you" because it is a critical part of the purchase | | | | to 5 years - it was an incredibly good deal so keep |
| process. Too often people interpret "best" in the | | | | the possibility in mind. |
| wrong way - most expensive, slickest, fastest, or | | | | Now you need to analyze what you are going to use |
| state-of-the-art bleeding edge technology. The best | | | | your laptop for: will you be doing a lot of intensive |
| notebook computers are tools that meet your own | | | | data applications or graphics applications; do you need |
| needs without unneeded features or expenses. So | | | | it to play high end games; will you be using in places |
| begin at the beginning. | | | | or in ways that may require a ruggedized system; will |
| First, you need to consider your budget. The best | | | | you just be primarily writing documents, using the |
| laptop computer for a college student is unlikely to | | | | internet and doing email; do you need wireless |
| be in the same price range as a machine that a | | | | connectivity; what external devices might you |
| graphics designer needs. Most people probably | | | | connect and what kind of connectors do they need; |
| overestimate their needs and end up either paying | | | | do you need to be able to write DVDs/CDs or just |
| too much or paying for the wrong features. Before | | | | read them. You may also want to consider whether |
| you start narrowing things down, settle on your | | | | how the laptop looks is important. That may seem |
| budget. A college student probably doesn't need to | | | | superficial, but under certain circumstances such as |
| spend a small fortune on top of their other expenses. | | | | high level business meetings, style could be an |
| You should also be sure you truly need a laptop and, | | | | important feature of your best laptop computer. |
| if so, whether it will be your only machine. If most of | | | | The more complex and intense the applications are |
| your work will be done on a desk top machine and | | | | that you will be using, the faster a CPU and the more |
| you only need a laptop when traveling, you should be | | | | RAM and hard disk space you may need. Operating |
| able to keep your costs down. But, if it's going to be | | | | systems and programs are using more and more |
| the machine you do everything on, you will likely | | | | CPU, memory and disk space all the time so this is |
| have to spend more. | | | | not a trivial issue. These days I'd suggest that a |
| The only real advantage to a notebook computer is | | | | minimum configuration should include at least a 1.5 |
| that they are portable. They are more expensive | | | | GHz CPU, 1 Gigabyte of RAM and a 60 Gigabyte disk |
| than desktop systems to begin with and they are | | | | drive. A DVD/CD reader is a minimum and most |
| also harder (and more expensive) to repair or | | | | people will probably want the ability to also write |
| upgrade. For a college student they can be essential | | | | DVDs and CDs. |
| if you need to carry one to class and take it with | | | | Before you actually start looking, use paper and a |
| you on vacations or trips home. If you work in | | | | pen, go over your needs and requirements and write |
| multiple locations without desktop systems in each, | | | | them down. Essentially you want to create a |
| you also need a laptop. If you travel and need a | | | | checklist to compare to the features of models that |
| computer on your trips, you sure don't want to lug a | | | | interest you. Once you get started, keep your |
| desktop with you. Weight can be an issue to | | | | budget firmly in mind. Often you'll find the best price |
| consider if you plan to do a lot of carrying. But there | | | | for your personal best laptop computer online. If you |
| can be a trade-off - lightweight often means a | | | | can, before you actually buy, find the same model in |
| smaller screen and keyboard and shorter battery life. | | | | an offline store and check the screen size, the |
| In terms of budget you do have some choices you | | | | keyboard and how the weight feels to you. Weight |
| may not have thought of that can reduce your cost | | | | may be less important but you may also be carrying |
| or get you more machine than you expected. | | | | other accessories. The screen and keyboard are |
| Discontinued models, older models, and factory | | | | critical components for comfortably using your |
| reconditioned notebook computers are often available | | | | computer. Don't settle for a screen that's too small |
| at substantial discounts. Last year's best notebook | | | | or a keyboard that feels cheap or clumsy. Take the |
| computers are often this year's best deal. If you do | | | | time and put in the effort to make sure you end up |
| look at reconditioned machines make sure they were | | | | with the model that suits you best. |
| reconditioned by the manufacturer and come with | | | | |