Basic Guide for Buying Laptop Computers
By Christos Demos, C&IT Departmental Computing Services
Shopping for a laptop computer? Find the choices overwhelming? Here are some factors for Wayne State students, faculty and staff to consider. [Note: In this document laptop / notebook computers are referred to as laptops]
Overall configuration
- Get a large amount of system memory (RAM), preferably 3 GB.
- Make sure your laptop comes with at least a DVD writer.
- Include 802.11n wireless networking capability.
Memory
Getting a lot of system memory (RAM) for your laptop is the most inexpensive way to dramatically increase your system's performance.
Keyboard, pointing device, and display
Visit a computer store, even if you intend to buy your laptop online.
- Look at the screen; get a feel for the size you are comfortable working with. Make sure you are comparing similar resolutions; common laptop screen resolutions start at 1024x768 (called "XGA") and higher, rising proportionately with screen size.
- Spend some time trying out the pointing devices — touchpad and joystick — as well as the different manufacturers' keyboards. These components are personal preference selections.
- If you plan on using the keyboard for extended periods, consider buying an external mouse.
USB ports and expansion slots
Get a laptop with several expansion slots to accommodate external and peripheral devices. Include at least one or two PC Card expansion slots and two USB ports. Optimally, look for four "USB 2.0" ports. To carry files around, get a USB Flash drive (256 MB to 8 GB).
Communications
You will need to connect your laptop to a network for e-mail, Web access, instant messaging, or file transfers. Get a laptop with built-in 802.11n wireless, 10/100 Ethernet ports and modem. It is important to note that modems are starting to become obsolete. Bluetooth wireless technology is recommended.
Weight
Laptop manufacturers have been very successful at packing an amazing number of features into a relatively small package. However, be cautious when comparing specification sheets: some smaller laptops use bulky external components (e.g., AC adapter, optical drive), and the spec sheet sometimes excludes the weight of these components from the base laptop weight.
Major manufacturers offer models that have essentially all the features you need with 14" screens. You can choose to sacrifice a few features for ultra-portability with a 12" screen. Just make sure you are not hampered by the smaller keyboard. Laptops with screen sizes larger than 15'' are cumbersome to carry.
Battery life
Battery life claims made by manufacturers vary, and a comparison based on spec sheets may not be valid. In general, expect not more than 2 hours of battery life per session. As batteries get older, their capacity decreases. After about 1,000 charge/discharge cycles (about 3 years of normal use), laptop batteries no longer hold a charge. Even if you do not use your laptop often, changes in the battery's internal chemistry render it useless in 3 to 4 years.
Brands and warranty
- Some brand names for laptops are Dell, Toshiba, Sony, HP, and Apple. You will pay a bit more for a brand name, but it's worth it.
- Manufacturers typically handle laptop repairs on mail-in or carry-in terms. Some, however, offer "on-site" warranty.
- Find out the exact terms and conditions for warranty repairs before you buy.
- A 1-year warranty is not sufficient for laptops. They are a lot more fragile than desktop computers, and they are a lot more expensive to fix. Consider purchasing a 2-year warranty extension.
- Also consider accidental damage coverage on the extended warranty. It adds a couple of hundred dollars to the price, but it buys peace of mind.
Accessories
- If your laptop doesn't come with built-in wireless networking, and you choose to get a wireless network card, make sure it's compliant with the 802.11n standard. See wireless@wayne for recommendations.
- Buy a second battery if you are going to be away from a power outlet for long periods of time. An "extended" battery will run even longer.
- Protect your investment with a laptop case or a backpack with a padded laptop compartment.
- Laptops are the most often stolen technology devices. Get a security cable. It discourages the thief. However, no security measure is foolproof or a substitute for an alert owner!
Caveat Emptor! — let the buyer beware
In the past few years, laptop manufacturers have advertised lower laptop prices. There is room for a discussion behind some of the reasons, but others are more clear. By the time you compensate for the following deficiencies, the cost of the laptop increases by several hundred dollars.
- Standard warranty has become ONE year, or less. It used to be three.
- Some laptops come with 512 MB of RAM or less, which is not sufficient for Windows XP or Mac OS X.
- An optical drive that cannot write to a DVD is not as useful; opt for a dual layer DVD writer.
- Some manufacturers use underpowered video controller chips. Make sure your choice is adequate for your needs because you will not be able to upgrade video at a later time.
Got software?
Software is expensive to buy at retail. However, WSU students, faculty and staff can take advantage of academic discounts through the C&IT Software Clearingouse. Popular products by Microsoft, Adobe, SPSS, and others are available.
In addition, Symantec Endpoint Protection and EndNote bibliography management software are available to WSU students, faculty and staff free of charge at the Software Clearinghouse.
If you buy your laptop online, avoid configuring it with "evaluation software" that expires 30–90 days later anyway. Anti-virus software makers and some Internet service providers try to push their products this way. If you buy your laptop at a store, uninstall these evaluation versions first, then install Symantec Endpoint Protection.