Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Laptop Buying Guide


Video from CNET

I have had many questions recently about what kind of laptop to buy.  First of all, this is a great time to buy, even if it is for yourself.  There are some GREAT Christmas deals out there!  In the end, it all comes down to preference and what you are going to be doing with your laptop that will guide your direction.  I will give some of my suggestions without pushing a brand.

Battery Life: Spend the extra bucks and upgrade your battery.  It's better to spend the $50 now and get extended battery life, then have to shell out $200 a couple years down the road.

Screen Size: I recommend 13-15 inch models.  Anything under 13 seems a little small and anything over 15 is overkill.

Memory: 2GB...I would not settle for anything less.  Rule of thumb is, $100 per GB.  If you want to upgrade, do it!  On a side-note, if your kids download music or you have tons of pictures, get an external  hard drive...it will lengthen the life of your computer!

Processor: If you are buying new, processor should be good.  If you can spend the money, go ahead and upgrade, but I wouldn't be too worried about it.

Accessories: A carrying case is a MUST!  I would suggest getting Bluetooth built into your laptop, you may never use it, but the one time you do, you'll want to have it.  Bluetooth upgrade is really cheap anyway!

Check out Geek.com for their laptop buying guide.

Assess your needs, and go from there!
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6 comments:

  1. HeatherNovember 23, 2010 at 5:53 AM

    Would you get a PC or a Mac if you watch tv on your computer and email?

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownNovember 23, 2010 at 7:07 AM

    I use both on a regular basis and have found that my Mac seems to be better for video and photo editing. I have actually pushed toward the Mac world. Still trying to convert my wife though :)

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  3. JoshNovember 23, 2010 at 9:22 AM

    Our biology teacher is a die hard Mac. That's all he ever talks about. I don't think I've ever heard one bad thing from a Mac user. I have never tried one.

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  4. TashaNovember 23, 2010 at 12:03 PM

    What does bluetooth do for your computer? I have bluetooth for my phone. Is it the same?

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownNovember 23, 2010 at 12:10 PM

    You can connect your phone to your computer and share files back and forth. You can also attach wireless devices like microphones to your computer through the use of bluetooth.

    ReplyDelete
  6. KarenNovember 24, 2010 at 5:29 AM

    Great tips Brandon - thanks! Tis the season : )

    ReplyDelete

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