| Laptop computers - also known as notebooks and portable computers
- are portable versions of desktop PCs. Light and streamlined, they
offer enormous freedom and flexibility and can be taken anywhere
and used any time, running on battery power.
How do they work?
As with all computers, your laptop will run a number of specialised
programmes, known as 'applications'. Each is designed to perform
a particular set of functions, such as word processing or editing
pictures. These programs are supported by the laptop's operating
system, the software that controls many of the computer's functions;
examples of operating systems include Microsoft's 'Windows' and
Apple's 'Mac OS'. The brain of the system, on which the operating
system runs, is the CPU (Central Processing Unit), the computer's
central chip or microprocessor.
What to look for
With a wide range of laptops to choose from, asking yourself the
following questions will help narrow the field:
What do you want to use your laptop for? (Consider what you
might need in future, not just what your current needs are.)
How much time will you spend using the laptop on the move -
long periods of time regularly, or just the occasional hour or
two?
What software will you need to run - now and in the future?
Does the laptop need to be as compact and light as possible,
or are a full-size keyboard and built-in features more important?
How fast does the laptop need to be?
How much memory do you need for current and future use?
Does the software you want to run require a video and/or sound
card?
What external devices do you want to be able to connect to your
laptop? How many ports will you need to do this, and do you know
what type you need?
Once you have this information, consider these points
Windows laptop or Apple Mac?
The operating system is the basic software that controls many
of the computer's functions, and also acts as an interface between
the user and the microprocessor. There is a perennial debate over
whether it is better to purchase an Apple Macintosh ('Mac') laptop
(know as an iBook or PowerBook) or a PC-based laptop running Microsoft's
'Windows' operating system. Both systems have their strengths
and weaknesses, and both have their fans.
Both operating systems can perform most tasks well. While strong
pieces of software have originated on each individual platform
- e.g. Adobe PhotoShop on the Mac - they have generally migrated
across to the other. They do have their particular areas of strength,
though. It is often argued that Macs have the upper hand when
it comes to the use of graphics-based applications, which is why
they are used so widely in sectors such as education and publishing.
By the same token, PCs are frequently regarded to have the edge
when it comes to running admin-based day-to-day business applications.
They are also more widespread amongst home users so compatibility
is less of an issue.
Processor
The Central Processing Unit (CPU or 'processor') is the 'brain'
of the computer that drives and controls all its functions. There
are a number of different processors. PC users have the choice
of chips from a number of manufacturers. Market leader Intel offers
the Pentium processor, or the latest Intel Core Duo processor
which is designed to cope better with running multiple applications.
Other, equivalent chips are supplied by AMD - the high-power Turion.
Apple computers have traditionally been supplied with Motorola
processors but are now embracing the Intel Core Duo as well.
Memory
You will need to consider the amount of hard disc space your laptop
will need, and the amount of Random Access Memory (RAM).
Hard drive
This is the space where programs, files, data and documents are
stored. Hard discs come in different sizes, measured in gigabytes
(GB). Aim to buy at least 80GB of hard drive space, the more the
better, particularly if you will be using programs that use a
lot of disc space, such as images or MP3 files.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Also known as 'on-board' memory - RAM is used for processing and
storing the data that the computer is currently working with.
To operate efficiently a computer must have sufficient RAM otherwise
it will run too slowly. RAM is measured in megabytes (MB); 512MB
should suffice for most applications or tasks.
Disc drive
Your laptop will be fitted with one or more of the following types
of disc drives:
CD-ROM drive Will read CDs containing new computer programs,
as well as playing music. The drives operate at different speeds.
CD-RW drive - 'Writes to' (records onto) a blank CD, as well
as reading it. Useful for recording music from MP3 files or CDs,
subject to copyright.
DVD ROM drive - A format which stores higher data storage capacity
than a CD-ROM drive - up to 4.7 gigabytes of data. Plays films
as well as reading CDs.
DVD-RW drive - 'Writes to' (records onto) a blank DVD, as well
as reading it. Useful for burning home movies to DVD.
Other points to consider
Battery power
Laptops are powered by a special rechargeable battery, as well
as the mains. Fully charged a battery can last anywhere between
2 - 4 hours depending on what tasks the computer is performing.
If you will be on the move a lot you should consider buying one
with a longer life (if available) or invest in a spare battery.
Wireless networking
Laptops with Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) technology allow you to
access broadband internet wirelessly around your home (requires
a router). There are also an increasing amount of public Wi-Fi
hotspots that provide access while youre out and about.
Ports
In order to be able to connect and communicate with other devices
and to send and receive various types of information, a laptop
needs a number of input and output channels, known as ports. There
are a number of different types of port:
Parallel - Typically used to connect to older scanner and printer
models.
Serial ports - Mostly used for connecting to external modems
and handheld computers/PDAs.
USB (Universal Serial Bus) The most common method of connecting
printers, scanners and other USB peripherals like digital cameras
and hand held computers.
Firewire/IEEE 1394 - A very fast method of file transfer, much
quicker than even USB speeds. To make use of this, both your computer
and accessory will need a Firewire/IEEE 1394 port. This is essential
when transferring video images to and from digital camcorders.
Ideally, your laptop should have sufficient ports of the right
type for the accessories you intend to plug into it. However,
if it doesn't, it is possible to buy a docking station which would
increase the number of ports.
Display
Laptops come with an integral LCD display screen. Sizes range
from 12 to 17 inches.
Modem
Normally built into the computer, a modem allows data to be transmitted
over phone lines via a conventional jack plug. It sends and receives
data and fax transmissions and connects to the internet for email
and net browsing. Modem speeds are measured in kilobytes per second
(Kbps). Most PCs come with a modem of 56Kbps. This is sufficient
for most uses but heavy users of the internet might want to consider
obtaining high-speed broadband internet access.
Sound cards and speakers
Most laptops are equipped with sound cards and speakers so they
can play CDs. However, audio quality is often poorer than that
of a desktop computer.
Carrying case
Laptops are more fragile than desktop computers and can be easily
knocked or dropped. A carrying case, normally sold as an extra,
provides much-needed protection and is a worthwhile investment.
The case should ideally be padded and waterproof and have space
for accessories such as discs and cables.
Mouse
Instead of a traditional mouse, laptops are fitted with an integral
'input device' - a trackball, trackpoint or touch-pad - together
with buttons mirroring the functions of the right and left buttons
on a mouse. Some people prefer to buy a conventional mouse as
well; check your laptop has a port to enable you to plug it in.
Minimum requirements?
Unless your needs are particularly specialist, the following specification
will handle most people's computing needs:
1.5GHz processor
15" display
CD-RW/DVD-RW drive
512MB of RAM memory
80GB of hard drive space
56Kbps modem
2x USB ports in addition to the standard ports for keyboard,
mouse, printer etc.
Graphics card with at least 128MB of RAM
Basic software, sufficient for your needs
Please check that the software package of the computer you want
includes all the programmes that you need before ordering
How much money should you spend on a laptop? The decision will
mainly hinge upon what you intend to do with it. For word-processing,
spreadsheets and internet use, an entry-level or mid-priced model
will normally suffice. If you will be running heavy-duty graphics
programs or playing computer games then you will need more memory
and disc space and a faster processor, which will require a higher-priced
machine. Bear in mind that a more expensive laptop will be more
likely to run the latest software, and that a cheaper model may
need replacing more frequently. Laptops cost more than equivalent
desktop computers; clearly, you will get the most benefit from
the extra investment if portability is an important factor for
you.
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