| |
| |
|
Hardware Information |
|
|
|
How To Buy The Perfect Student Laptop
If you are like most student's, money isn't exactly growing on trees. Choosing the right laptop can be a matter of saving yourself a lot of heartache and money at the same time. In this article I am going to over the most common uses that a student has for a notebook as well as talk about the most important components you should have for these uses. Most student's will list the obvious things that a laptop is needed for; stuff like word processing, e-mail etc. The reality is that today's student's are using computers more than ever for a lot more. The average student's list may look something like this: - Word Processing Every one of the above can now be part of the student's functions when using a notebook. You may or may not need some of the above, so I will also go over that below. Let's go over the 5 most important notebook components for today's student. CPU - In short, the CPU basically evaluates and executes commands given to it. So a faster CPU will be able to execute commands quicker, right? Yes, but having the latest Intel or AMD chip is definitely not needed. Depending on your memory and operating system you can get by just fine on a 1.0GHZ processor, or even less. Most of the newer systems come with more than 2.0GHZ, and you may want this if you are doing any video editing or something that requires faster processor speeds. Memory - The amount of memory that your prospective notebook features has a big impact on how fast applications will load, and generally how fast your computer will run. For this reason, memory is one of the most popular computer upgrades available. Newer machines will come with at least 256mb of RAM (memory), but if you are going to be using Windows XP I highly recommend getting more. You can get by running 256mb of memory while using Windows XP, but it will slow. I remember when I replaced my 256mb stick of RAM for 512 megabytes -- It felt like a totally new computer. If you are on a very strict budget stick with 256mb. If you need more, either find a laptop that already carries 512+ megabytes of RAM or get a RAM upgrade. Getting a memory upgrade actually isn't that expensive. Hard Drive - If you are the type of student that loves having a lot of music files or videos, you are going to want a bigger hard drive. Getting at least a 60 gigabyte hard drive would be the perfect solution in this case. If you aren't going to be downloading music all the time or putting big files on your notebook, than 40 gigabytes or lower will work fine. Most new laptops come with at least a 40 gigabyte hard drive. CD-RW - This is probably one of the most used parts on a student's notebook, hands down. If you download music and want to transfer it to a CD, you are going to need a CD burner. If you want to burn DVD's you are going to have to go one step further and get a DVD-RW drive. If you don't need any of these functions, having a normal CD or DVD reader drive will work great. Internet - Pretty much every student needs to connect to the internet. With such a wealth of knowledge available online, virtually every student is connected now a days. Pretty much every laptop you find will be able to connect to the internet in some way, but you most likely want something that will work on your campus. For this, you want your potential notebook to have a wireless internet card. Ok, those 5 parts can't be everything to look out for, right? You are right; there are a few more things that can actually be quite important to some students. Weight - If you are constantly carrying your laptop around campus you don't want something that will break your shoulder. If weight is important to you, look for something in the 6-7 pounds range. Display - If you don't need something ultra big, look for a screen size of around 15 inches. Most people agree that 12-14 inch screens do not provide comfortable viewing. Bigger than 15 inch screens are nice, but also add more weight to the laptop. One last important note before you head out and get your baby? Plug in to an outlet as much as possible. Laptops do not run on batteries forever, and you are wise to save your batteries power for when you really need it. Taking the time to really go over what you need a notebook for and then finding something that will meet those needs will save you where it matters most -- The pocketbook. ***************************************************
MORE RESOURCES:
Hardware - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Ink Cartridge Recycling 101 Let's take a moment to think about the topic of ink cartridge recycling. In our modern world we just keep throwing our trash away without sparing it a second thought. Investing On A 1D Bar Code Reader Whereas 2D bar codes offer more security and safety for their subjects, 1D bar codes, as read by 1D bar code readers, are more practical for wide scale operations. The reason? Bar codes with single layers are more affordable to produce than the double layered inscriptions of 2D bar codes. The Benifits of Assembling Your Own Computer Thinking about getting a new computer, but with all the choices out there are you getting a little overwhelmed? Well why not look into building your own computer? By building your own computer you can get all the options you really want, whether you need a graphics design machine, game machine or just a simple word processor. You can tailor the computer to your specific needs. USB Hubs and Ports Explained The USB standard has become the universal means of connection peripheral devices and equipment to the computer. Computers have either two or four USB port connectors. A Guide To Bar Code Reader Downloads Bar code readers have proven themselves to be essential tools in modern day business. Establishments, both big and small, have started to rely on bar code readers to make their operations quicker, more convenient, and more efficient. Small Computers Today, small form factor computers demolish the myth that bigger PCs are faster. Specially designed SFF computers from Ovi PC, like the Prometheus, deliver tower-crushing performance in one-third the space, and at the fraction of the price. Drop On Demand Printers Most HP and Epson printers are drop on demand printers. They use electrical pulses to fulfill requests for ink. Would You Like An Extended Warranty With That? Should you buy an extended warranty with your laptop? You may not want to think about it now, but sooner or later, something is going to break down on your laptop. When it happens, the big question will be who gets stuck with the bill, you or the manufacturer. Thumb Drives - Great New Technology! The ability to easily move data from PC to PC with minimal inconvenience is just another benefit computers have brought to the current business world.Over the past few years, the different options to save and move data have multiplied dramatically. How to Add or Remove an IDE ROM drive CD ROMS - If you're adding or removing an internal cd-rom, dvd-rom, or just about any internal ROM that has an opening CD door, read on. Almost all IDE devices such as CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc. How To Stop Junk Faxes From Wasting Your Paper and Toner Junk faxes waste the resources of every business. It is estimated that they cost businesses tens of millions of dollars a year in wasted paper, toner and fax machine maintenance. Easy to Execute! Plug and play equipment or hardware solves the problem of driver installation, re-starting routines, and generally speaking, "hassle", for those who are not technically proficient.If your computer supports "Plug and Play", then, as the name suggests, you simply plug it in and play. Coping with a Serious Data Loss from your Computer Hard Drive Data loss is an expensive reality. It's a hard fact that it happens more often then users like to admit. Where Can I Find The Best Case Mods Online and Save Money? Are you captivated by the stunning Case Mods you've seen online but shell shocked at some of the prices.What is a case mod, some of you may ask? Have you every wanted to spice up that boring bland box you call your computer?Well you can and there are lots of people online with fantastic clever ideas on themes, gee whiz lights, sounds, and much much more. Facing DVD Software Dilemma? Its Brainlessly Simple 1. Pocket DVD Wizard http://www. Recordable DVD Formats Explained Picking your way through the ton of information available on recordable DVD formats can be a nightmare. To help you out, we've done our best to distill it into this summary. Does Size Really Matter In Our Digital Age? Well, we've all seen the advert, but that's not what I want to talk about, so get that out of your head straight away. No, let's think about what many call the "Queen of Arts" - namely painting. Inexpensive Radius Server Gives Wireless Networks The Security They Need Many small businesses have considered connecting computers and other devices to their corporate network via wireless (WiFi) connections, and a brave few have actually done so. Many of these early networks required that wireless devices be carefully placed within the building so that the wireless signal reached all intended recipients. Expansion Cards Part 2: AGP Expansion Cards Part 2: AGPThe first in this series of Tech Tips on expansion cards took a look at the PCI slot, and the variety of devices that may find their home in one. Graphics cards are one of the many items that may be used in a PCI slot, but the demands of fast-paced video games require more speed and greater bandwidth than the PCI Bus can provide. Setting up a Network -- Wired or Wireless? To Wire or Not to Wire Wireless networks are en vogue, but your installation won't be successful unless you chose the right type of network and set it up properly. Wired networks require that each computer be connected via a wire to a central location, called a switch or hub.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
