Well the last article was about more of the broader characteristics to consider when first deciding a type of laptop to purchase. This one is more about what you will face when you finally enter the heated shopping floor full of tech sales urging you that their weekly special laptop is the best thing ever and the extended warranty will save cats from trees or some other ludicrous marketing mumbo jumbo.
1. Brand: Many people associate brand to a particular quality. Apple = quality and customer service, Dell = mass marketed laptops, IBM/Lenovo = Business laptops. To a point, these are valid assumptions but do not assume this to be the absolute truth. Each model is different and each series has their specific attributes. Remember to do your research online using reputable sources or if better try using a friend’s machine if they have it.
2. Type: In the last few years, a few types of laptops have emerged. Make sure you choose the one that’s right for your purpose.
a. Netbook: Small and portable. Usually have good battery life but smaller screens (12” or smaller). No DVD drive. Most have the same specs (Intel Atom, Intel GMA950, 1GB RAM, 160GB HD) so not much variation there but see if your particular model has any special features like more RAM or maybe a nicer Atom processor (N280?) or a larger battery always help. Always try to buy the 6 cell or larger battery options as usually the biggest difference between netbooks are the battery life. An example is the Asus 1005HA.
b. CULV: Basically, a higher class netbook with more power and a bit more screen real estate (13.3” to 15.4”). A newer class of laptops that use a ULV (Ultra Low Voltage) processor. A still ambiguous class as there are not too many classified under this range, but generally slightly larger and faster than netbooks.. An example is the Acer Timeline.
c. Ultraportable: The ultimate performance to size machine. Usually pretty small (11” to 14”) but doesn’t skimp on features. Many have discrete/separate graphics cards able to handle light to medium gaming and extravagant designs to attract customers. The type of laptop you buy if you need size and cost is not as much a concern to you. Usually above $1000. An example is the Dell Studio XPS 13.
d. Consumer: The pinnacle of cost savings. Usually 14” to 15.4”. Contains more modest components comparable to the ultraportable but at a lower price. Has the lowest average price next to netbooks. Usually not as nicely “designed” as ultraportables but built to last and be mass produced. The kind you see on sale all the time in Best Buy flyers for $599. Take special care to inspect the casing of these laptops as many a time, the screen component is not re-enforced and the screen can easily damage. An example would be the Toshiba Satellite L305.
e. Multimedia/Desktop Replacement/Gaming: Screen size rules all. (16” and up) These are laptops designed with speed in mind. The most heavily spec’ed out machines with dedicated video cards and fast processors to chew through any material you throw at it. The larger screen lets you experience multimedia the way it was meant to be seen. ...
Read more on MacInsiders.com http://www.macinsiders.com/showthread.php?t=23005
