Top 5 Things to Consider Before Buying a budget Laptop

Top 5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Laptop

Laptops are not something that comes from a pandora’s box these days. Every one now has this personalized and portable version of computer.Laptops have been immensely popular and useful under its own merits. So, before you spend a hefty amount to buy yourself this ultimate gadget, look for the criteria you should think over before buying this piece of gizmo.

1. Decide if you really need a laptop

Though laptop prices have dramatically fallen over time, they still pricey than the desktop computers if you consider same configuration. If you are going to use your computer in your home, the desktop is the best choice. Also, laptops have a personal feel. So if there are many persons going to use the computer, desktop would be a better choice. Laptop is better if you need to consider the portability matters.

2. Size, weight and portability Consideration

Laptops can further divided into categories such as Netbook, ultra-portable, thin-and-light, mainstream and desktop replacements. As you can see in the picture, they differ in size, weight and portability measures. If you want to use your laptop for simple tasks such as internet access and word processing tasks, netbooks should be your choice. Ultra-portables are meant for business people on the go. If you are going to use your laptop for general purpose use, there are mainstream laptops. The thin-and-portables provide a good balance between the ultra-portables and the mainstream laptops. The desktop replacements, as the name suggests, is needed if you think that your desktop computer is eating too much space in your desk.

3. Features and Capability

CPU : Faster CPUs made for the desktop like the Core 2 Duo Processors incur greater price and suck up the battery faster. Intel Centrino 2 line of processor are good performer in laptops and also provide good battery life. AMD’s mobile processor are cheap but lags in performance.
RAM : To do the multitasking works better a 2GB RAM is needed. If you are going for a budget laptop try to buy at least 1GB RAM.
Screen : Choose the size of screen according to your needs. If you are going to use your laptop outdoors, the reflecting light screens will be better than the backlit screens. But they might look darker indoors.
Graphics : If you have affinity to graphics look for a good 256 MB or a 512 MB graphics card if possible in your budget.
Slots : Check if there are enough slots in your laptop to connect external devices.
Hard Drive : Look for a spacious hard drive if you need to store music and movies in your laptop. Also you can attach an external hard drive later if the free space on your existing hard disk seems to be running out.
Optical Drive : DVD burners are becoming standards now-a-days, so you should see that your laptop does have this. If you’re a movie buff you might want a Blu-Ray Drive.

4. Battery

If you love to run your laptop for a long time without the power cord inserted to it, you need a better battery. Normally the battery packs can hold up from 2000 mAh to 6000 mAh. Greater capacity indicates that you can run your laptop longer without external power needed to charge it.

5. Customer Support and warranty

Buy your laptop from a manufacturer that provides good customer support in your area. Also look for warranty period of 1 year or more. Most warranties allow non-physically damaged laptops to be repaired or replaced free of cost in the first year and cover parts and repairs in the following years at an approximate cost to the customer.  If you can afford it, get coverage for damage caused by spills, drops, electrical surges, or any other