Laptop Options
The number of laptop categories, from ultraportable to desktop replacement to budget, has increased significantly in the last several years as markets have increased and prices have decreased. Whether a customer is primarily a business, home or student user, he or she will find a number of options when choosing the size and weight, processing speed and memory, screen resolution, networking capability and battery life of a laptop. A frequent flier looking for a laptop to carry through an airport, a home user looking to email photos to family and a student looking to do internet research will all find the right laptop to suit their needs and budget.
Business, Home or Student User Those who need to work on a laptop for business purposes such as spreadsheet calculations and preparing presentations should make sure it is durable enough to stand up to the rigors of travel. Home laptop users should also make sure it's tough enough for family use, and may want to make sure it is capable of burning DVDs, has enough power for complex games and can easily be wired into a home network. Students, who might want to make sure the laptop can withstand a late night coffee spill, can find inexpensive laptops on which to write papers, edit photos and watch movies.
Size and Weight Those looking for a lightweight laptop should know that there is a trade-off between screen size and processor speed. A lighter laptop will have a smaller screen, a less powerful processor and shorter battery life. A drive such as a CD burner will also increase the weight and size of a laptop.
Processor Speed and Amount of Memory The brain of any computer is the processor, or CPU (central processing unit). It executes the functions a user commands within a certain amount of time. Laptops equipped with dual processors provide faster execution. RAM, or random access memory, is what allows a laptop to dynamically access and store the data. If it ships with a less than desired amount of RAM, all users should make sure it can be increased after the laptop is purchased.
Screen Resolution A larger laptop screen will have a higher resolution, or clarity of pixels. A larger screen will also make it easier to move back and forth between several open documents or windows. Older users, who might have a more difficult time seeing a smaller screen clearly, may want to choose a laptop with the largest screen possible.
Networking Capability Users who will be connecting to a work, home or wireless network should purchase a laptop with the fastest Ethernet interface, as all laptops today come network and wireless ready. Wireless connections are especially important for laptop users who travel frequently.
Life of the Battery The power of the processor has a direct impact on the life of the battery. The battery will drain faster with a more powerful processor. A second battery for use as a backup is a good idea for those who regularly work on their laptops while on battery power.
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Related Reading:
Teach Yourself VISUALLY Laptops (Teach Yourself VISUALLY (Tech))Visual learners will find clear, step-by-step screen shots that show how to tackle more than 150 tasks related to using a laptop. Each task-based spread includes easy, visual directions for such operations as comparing different laptop models, using the keyboard and touchpad, connecting to a wireless network, adding PC cards and input devices, securing an Internet connection, setting up a low-battery alarm , and more. Helpful sidebars offer practical tips and tricks, while full-color screen shots demonstrate each task.
Laptops for Seniors in Easy Steps - Windows 7 Edition: For the Over 50sLaptops for Seniors in Easy Steps — Windows 7 Edition covers everything seniors need to get started using a laptop. It starts with the important factors to consider when buying a laptop and includes the ergonomic issues surrounding them. It then gives an overview of the workings of laptops, including the software that is provided with them. Networking and using a laptop wirelessly are also covered extensively, with attention given to accessing the Internet from wireless locations, demonstrating that the over-50 crowd can be part of the mobile-computing revolution.
Laptops For DummiesGet a move on! Learn to roam free with this guide to choosing and using a laptop
Laptops come with everything you need to get going — everything, that is, except a guide to buying and using one. This book covers portable computers from laptop to lap-bottom, with useful advice on picking one, setting it up, managing power and peripherals, going online, and hitting the road.
Which one fits your lap? — learn what to look for, what to ignore, and how to find the laptop you'll love
Get acquainted — tour your laptop and locate its buttons, disk slots, security features, and keyboard peculiarities
Windows, laptop model — test-drive Windows® on your laptop and know where to find programs, files, and network access
Feel the power — discover how to monitor your laptop's power and prolong battery life
You've got connections — introduce your laptop to a network and connect to the Internet wherever you find it
Make friends with your OS — find out how to use the latest features in Windows® 7 and other laptop-friendly operating systems and keep your laptop happy
Bells and whistles, anyone? — add a portable printer, PC Card, or USB gizmo to make your laptop more versatile
Prepare for takeoff — protect your laptop and your data when you travel
Open the book and find:
Translations of laptop buzzwords
Regular maintenance and troubleshooting tips
Steps for safely unpacking your laptop
Advice on maximizing power, memory, and hard drive space
Tips for strong passwords you can actually remember
What the differences are between netbooks and laptops
How to make phone calls and video-chat from your laptop
Descriptions of ten cool laptop accessories
Learn to:
Make the most of the latest laptop features and capabilities
Synchronize your laptop with your desktop and cellphone
Set up security for mobility and social networking
Beef up your laptop's memory and hard drive capacity




