Laptop Buying Guide (Part 2)
October 28th, 2007 | 
Author: Truth to this, I think most visitors to this site might be saying “Why is Part 2 taking so long to be posted?”
Well I would like to apologize to those loyal readers out there but my health wasn’t up to par for the posting of the Part 2. Kinda had a flu bug attack which has kept me bedridden for about a week (it’s ultra difficult then) but I’m better now and this post will kinda serve a useful purpose.
There are actually 10 things to look at a notebook and I’m going to share them with you.
Well here it goes ……..
Note 1 - The Operating System
With majority out there going for Microsoft Windows it is actually an easy choice to make; Vista or XP. But I shouldn’t forget those who aren’t into Windows. A few companies like Dell and HP have moved a step further into putting Linux OS to their notebook series. This is clearly seen in the new wave as current hot pick “Ubuntu” is getting their distro assembled notebooks these days.
Then again there are the i-Book users and Apple are launching their new Operating System very soon … entitled ” Leopard”.
Note 2 - CPU
At the moment there’s only 2 choices to choose from, Intel or AMD. Up to users preferences but if you are in exceptionally tight budget you might consider AMD… though heat and battery life has prove to be one of the major disadvantages of the AMD processors.
Note 3 - RAM
As I say to every buyer wanna-be out-there…. the more the merrier. This goes especially when you are going to run OSes like Windows Vista. It consumes a lot of RAM that one might be wondering is it a mistake when they bought a new notebook but running like a tortoise! My advice please go for anything that is 1024mb or 1 GB of RAM or above.
Note 4 - Video Card
Now it is common to see that notebooks support Integrated gaming graphics from NVdia and ATI. It is much an essential especially with Windows Vista due to the fact that the OS has the AERO-flip feature which requires good graphics to operate. This integrated graphics requires RAM usage thus important to note how much it took from the physical RAM.
An example : - A notebook with 512mB RAM has an in-built ATI Graphics that requires 128mb.
That means the notebook is left to operate with = 512 -128 = 384mB of RAM for the Operating System. That is too low for Vista usage!
Note 5 - Ports
You need to know how many USB ports, Vga port and latest being the PC Card slot. There’s 2 types now : the legacy and common is the PCMCIA card slot and the newly breed X-Press card slot.
Note 6 - Screen Size
Very clear predicament, this comes to purpose again. If mobility is the choice a smaller screen means a lighter notebook.
Note 7 - Wi-fi
Every new notebook these days has an in-built wireless. Though every newbie buyer might ask the same question to the sales person just take a look at the specs. If there is function that says 802.11 is present in the specs catalog, then the wireless function is indeed available.
Next thing to note what type of wireless it supports?
There are 4 type at the moment - 802.11 a /b / g /n .
Current common usage is the the 802.11 b and g . N types are the future breed which is expected to fully implemented by September 2008.
Note 8 - Bluetooth
Some might need it, some might not but it is a useful addition.
Note 9 - TrackPad
Some prefer the red dot like the IBM made models, some might not. This Synaptic pointing device is important just when your mouse stops working .. the least you can scroll a webpage with the in-built pointing device.
Note 10 - Battery Life
The longer it can stay on battery the better. You might not have the convenience of plugin in to the power adapter at most places so it is essential to know how long before it can go flat. The more lithium cells in the battery the longer life it can withstand.
With these 10 pointers it will serve as a useful guide especially when Christmas is coming soon ……. buyer must be aware what they want and what they should be getting….
Enter your comments below …… if you feel it is useful or there are other pointers which I may have missed……
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Posted in Notebook Hardware | 
Tags: 10 things to note, apple, buying a laptop, distro, distros, laptop, linux, Microsoft, newbie, notebook, vista, windows, wireless
Hi Fauzi,
Your article is very informative. Just bought an up-to-date Laptop with Vista. Now, I understand the tradeoff I made for a bagain price. Keep the articles coming. I am your fan.
Since I am debating about buying a laptop in the month or so, I have found your blog extremely informative. However, I do have one question; XP or Vista? I am looking for this laptop to last me about 3 to 5 years. My gut tells me to jump on the Vista ship if I want any of my software to be compatible 2 years down the line. What are your thoughts?
XP is the current choice at the moment.
I believe it will stay on for about 2 to 3 years the least.
For Vista, we’ll have to wait on how its Service Pack 1 shapes up as it is scheduled for release in the summer of 2008.
Till now security & compatibility issues related with Vista is a major headache for users but new laptops these days are pre-installed with the new Vista OS, I think we do not have a choice after all.
My suggestion is (if you’re willing for the challenge) make the move to Vista.
Why?
You need not make too much changes once Vista settles down in about 2 years and you will find out there will be softwares which have Vista as their minimum requirement in the future.
If you’re not into OS experimentation (moving to a new environment) just stick with XP. You will find less headache there.