Buying a laptop PC can be a confusing experience - no matter how much you know about computers. Changing technology and complicated specifications often make finding the right laptop PC difficult. Our laptop computer guide helps you understand what to look for.
A laptop is a small portable computer that can run on batteries for short periods. Laptops used to be the reserve of businessmen and professionals, but as technology has developed and prices have come down, they are now a serious consideration over a desktop PC. Our laptop guide helps you understand the different types of laptop and what to look for in a new computer.
Why choose a laptop?
The main advantage of a laptop computer is that you can use it anywhere - depending on the weight of your chosen laptop of course. Most laptops are now capable of running for several hours on battery power and the very best can now run for 5-6 hours.
Perhaps the main disadvantage is that, aside from adding more memory, laptops are hard to upgrade, which makes it more important to choose the right model to begin with.
Laptop terminology explained
One of the most difficult things to understand when buying a laptop computer is the terminology. Here is our guide to some of the key terms you'll encounter:
Processors
The processor (or CPU) is the brain of the machine, controlling all aspects of the laptop computer. Processors are made up of millions of tiny transistors that can process huge numbers of instructions per second. The speed of a processor is measured in Gigahertz (GHz).
There are two types of processor - Intel and AMD. Each manufacturer has different models for laptops:
* Intel Celeron M - for basic tasks and performance
* AMD Sempron Mobile - for basic tasks and performance
* Intel Centrino Solo - General / high-end performance
* AMD Athlon 64 Mobile - General / high-end performance
* Intel Centrino Duo - High-end performance
* AMD Turion 64 - High-end performance
Memory
Memory is temporary storage used by programs and files currently running on your computer. Memory is known as RAM, or Random Access Memory, and needs power to be able to store information. So, when your computer is switched off, the information is forgotten about. Memory or RAM is not to be confused with your hard drive; that's permanent storage for programs and files. Memory is measured in Megabytes (MB) and Gigabytes (GB).
Hard drive
Desktop computers generally offer more hard drive space than laptops. The size of your hard drive is important if you want to save lots of music and videos.
Optical drives
Optical drives are the tray drives in the front or side of a computer, similar to those found on your stereo or DVD player. Drives allow you to load and install software and write (or "burn") data to a disc. New computers usually have at least a CD-RW drive. Optical drives come in many formats:
* CD-ROM - only reads CDs
* CD-RW - Record and play CDs
* DVD-ROM - reads CDs and DVDs
* DVD RW - Record and play CDs and DVDs
* DVD Dual Layer - Loads double DVD
Operating systems
An operating system is what allows you to use applications and generally access all of the information you have on your computer. By far the most popular operating system in the world is Microsoft Windows, the most recent of which is Microsoft Windows XP. All the laptops and desktop computers Tesco sell will have a windows operating system pre-installed.
Graphics cards
Graphics cards enable the laptop to display graphic information. They can either be integrated, or dedicated. Integrated graphics cards share memory with your laptop, as they do not have their own. Dedicated graphics cards on the other hand do have their own memory and operate faster and at higher quality. If you are looking for gameplay and video playback, make sure you get a laptop with a dedicated graphics card.
Connectivity
Laptops can link up with all of the same types of accessories that a desktop can. They have USB ports for easy connectivity to peripherals such as printers and webcams. Both laptops and desktops also include Ethernet ports for connecting to a wired network, and are likely to have a built-in modem for connecting to the Internet. You can also find PC cards that slot into the side of your laptop to provide wireless access, while some laptops have built in wireless antennae.
What will you use your laptop for?
Laptops differ in price and performance depending on what they're used for. For example, there is no point spending thousands on a state-of-the-art gaming computer if you only use it for occasional Internet browsing and word-processing. Laptops can be separated into three categories:
* Budget laptops
* Ultra portable / ultra thin and light laptops
* Desktop replacement - Media and gaming laptops
Budget / home laptop computer
A budget laptop can still deliver surprisingly fast performance with a range of extra features. A good choice if you expect to only use your laptop for word-processing and simple applications, and don't have to carry it around too much.
You should look for:
* A Celeron M or Sempron Mobile processor
* 128MB RAM
* 20GB hard drive
* Integrated Graphics card
* CD-RW Drive
* 14 inch display
* Microsoft XP Home Edition
Ultra portable / ultra thin and light laptops
These compact laptops are ideal for the business traveller or for someone who is regularly on the move. Some of the smallest weigh less than two kilos; yet still offer good performance and memory.
You should look for:
* Centrino Solo processor or Athlon 64 Mobile
* 256 MB RAM
* Over 20GB hard drive
* Windows XP Home or Professional
* 12-inch display
* Wireless networking ready - also known as 802.11g
Desktop replacement / gaming / power use laptop
These are laptops for the most demanding users - but users that don't mind a larger size of computer. Desktop replacements are not designed for commuting or regular travel. Instead they can offer everything from digital TV recording and online gaming to video editing and MP3 storage. You can even buy widescreen laptops for playing DVDs. You'll need a larger hard drive to store all of your information.
You should look for:
* Turion 64 or Centrino Duo
* 512MB - 1GB RAM
* 60GB - 120GB hard drive
* Graphics card with 64 MB memory
* 15-inch display or larger
* DVD-RW drive
* Multimedia connections, including USB, FireWire and S-Video
* Windows XP Professional
