When looking to buy a computer, you can never skimp on the price. Like most things, you get what you pay for. Be wise when buying a lap top if you want it to last a long time. Never settle for the cheapest lap top, it is worth to spend extra money for a better lap top. Buy the one with the best specs, or else you’ll be spending more money sooner than later on replacing that lap top.
Here are few things to consider when buying a lap top:
5. USB Ports
USB Ports plug your electronic and technical devices to your computer. If you’re going to be using a wireless mouse or keyboard or both, make sure the computer has enough adequate USB ports. You may also have a printer that will need plugged in, a way to get music on your iPod, MP3 player or cell phone and you may have to use a USB to upload pictures and videos to your computer from your camera or video camera. A good amount of USB ports is four, however you can buy an external USB port that can add quite a few to your dock.
4. CD Burner
Burning CDs is the best way to back up your files, so you want to make sure your computer has one. This is especially important if you store a lot of pictures and important documents on your computer. You may also just want one to be able to burn music to CDs. Have no fear, most lap tops do come with CD burners, excluding the smaller laptops that are made for mainly web browsing.
3. Wi-fi
If you will be using your lap top wirelessly, make sure there is built in wi-fi so you can take your computer on the go. Just like CD burners, most lap tops these days are wireless, but in case you aren’t sure, most details for lap tops provide the information anyway.
2. Battery Life
If you’re going to be using your lap top in places you don’t have access to keep it plugged in, finding a laptop that holds a lot of battery power is essential. Some lap tops offer up to 8 hours of battery life. An important thing to remember though is that battery life will fade as the power drains. 8 hours of battery life won’t always be what your computer has to offer you. Important things to remember to save battery power on your lap top include not overcharging it, keep the battery contents clean, and make sure air vents and fans are regularly dusted to keep from overheating. Defrag regularly so your computer doesn’t do as much while you’re using it off the charger, and hibernate your computer rather than put it to sleep.
1. RAM
The first and foremost important spec in a lap top should be RAM. RAM stands for Random Access Memory, and it’s super important that you buy the most RAM that a lap top has to offer. In fact, a computer actually only uses 3-27% of its actual RAM. When your computer runs out of RAM, it starts using internal memory and it will slow your computer down tremendously. Microsoft has great information on how to get more RAM as well, by replacing the old RAM card in a computer or lap top with a bigger RAM drive.
Remember to always consider what you are going to use the lap top for that you are buying. If you will be doing heavy duty work, find a lap top that can withstand what you need it for. Likewise, if you’re just buying the laptop for simple web browsing, find one that fits in your price range. There are many, many lap tops to choose from and you can even customize and build your own, so you can never be too picky!
Emily Sutherlin - Emily has been writing on a variety of topics since 2007. She uses only the most credible sources to bring information to her readers.
Join the Conversation