Laptops

Thinking of buying a laptop but not sure how to go about it?

Laptops are basically portable computers, smaller, lighter and compact allowing you to take them with you when you move around or go on holiday. All you need is access to a power supply (or you can use the laptop’s own internal rechargeable battery) and you can be up and running in no time.



But which one should you buy? Just like desktop computers, laptops come with a number of standard features. To get the most out of yours, you should look out for the following technical points.

What’s the processor type? Is it a reliable one with a name that you recognize?

What’s the processor speed? These are usually measure in gigahertz (GHz), and as a general rule, the faster the better. Depending on what you use it for, a laptop with a 1.3 GHz speed won’t perform as well as one that has a 2.2 GHz speed.

How much memory does it have? This is known as RAM (random access memory) and should be displayed clearly on the unit’s information sheet, normally measured in megabytes (Mb). Again, the more the better and the faster your computer will run, especially if you like to work with documents while you’re online.

What size is the hard disk? This is measured in gigabytes (Gb) and refers to the laptop’s storage potential. The bigger the hard disk, the more programmes you can put on it, the more files you can save and the faster it works. Get the largest amount of Gb you can afford.

Nowadays most laptops come with an operating system loaded, a few USB ports so you connect printers, digital cameras or other peripherals, built-in speakers and sound cards and a DVD/CD drive to save and record data, music and video.

You can also buy laptops with built-in modems for internet access. If your budget can stretch to it, you might consider the latest wireless technology which allows access to the internet in designated areas without having to plug any cables in.

Screens on laptops tend to be slightly smaller than on desktop machines, but the quality is generally excellent. If you are used to a desktop machine you may find the laptop’s mouse a bit awkward to use. If so, you can purchase a standard mouse and connect it to the laptop as with any other computer.

While laptops come with a rechargeable battery supply, these only tend to last a few hours. If you are going on a journey and want access to your laptop, be sure to charge it before you leave home. Take the power supply and charger with you so you can work and/or recharge once you’ve reached your destination.

For more on laptops see UK Laptop.

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