BUYING A LAPTOP - Some advice on buying, and the features to look out for .

‘Good morning - Mr Chen.(SINOCO.CO.UK) How is your family, what was your holiday in China like?'

Mr.Chen replied, ‘The holiday was great and my family are well.’

 ‘I have come to see you because I know you are very expert on computers, I want to buy a laptop, what advice would you give me?’

 He replied, ‘You need to consider what you need your laptop for. If its for a spot of listening to music, word-processing and shopping on the web, an entry level laptop, perhaps the Fujitsu Siemens Amilo Pro V2055 or the Toshiba Satellite Pro L100. Both are ideal for students and business people on the move. But if you are looking for laptops that match many desktops that are available, I suggest the Sony VGN-FS515H, which is ideal for editing photos and watching DVDs. However, for computer gamers, playing the latest popular computer games then it has to be the Sony VGN-TX2HP. Other features you need to consider include, screen size, weight, battery life, speed, memory and storage.’ 

Why is screen size so important?

If you are planning to watch a lot of DVDs, design websites or play computer games, the bigger the screen the better, but remember the larger the screen, usually the heavier the laptop. That’s alright if you plan to have your machine in one place, but it is amazing how heavy a laptop bag can become after half an hour of carrying. If you expect to travel with it frequently for long periods, then lightweight models will save you from a severe pain in the back. 

What about battery life?

If you plan to keep your laptop permanently plugged in, then it is not really a concern, but if you plan to use it on the move, then how long you can use the laptop before the battery needs to be recharged, is an important factor.

 How about memory and speed?

Laptops have two types of storage. The hard disk provides long-term memory - measured in gigabytes (GB). The short term memory is Ram - usually expressed in megabytes (MB). High-end desktop replacements may come with anything from 8 GB-worth of hard disk space, but the average tends to be a lot lower. Entry level machines may only have around 4 GB  Ram is your system memory and the more you have, the faster your computer will run. Expect laptop systems to come with slightly less Ram than their desktop equivalents, but 256MB is a bare minimum, while 512MB or even 1GB is preferable.

What about speed?

The processor, or CPU, determines the speed of the computer. There are two brands in Windows-based models - Intel and AMD. Intel tends to be more powerful and faster, while AMD tend to be cheaper and slower.

 What about the software?

Most laptops will usually come with just XP Professional or Vista as the standard operating system. As for other software you may need, you will find that this will cost extra. However, if plan a spot of word-processing, there is plenty of different products on the market available.

What about connectivity?

Increasingly, laptops are coming as standard with the wireless, Ethernet and Bluetooth capability, useful when on the move on trains, planes and coaches with such facilities. 

How about the Guarantee?

On the unlikely event your new laptop needs repair, manufacturers offer as standard a one year return to manufacturer guarantee. Also I am available for advice and repair services. 

To contact Mr.Chen, he is available at: www.sinoco.co.uk

• Tel: 01865 765558
•  Fax: 01865 765668
• 7 The Roundway, Headington, Oxford ,OX3 8DH, United Kingdom
  Email: info@sinoco.co.uk