The Laptop Buying Guide

Part 3. Laptop Operating System & Other Stuff

Operating System

Laptops come with Windows Vista nowadays. It does have some advantages over Windows XP. However, this O/S is larger and does use more battery power. Some pre-Vista software, games, and hardware may not work with Vista. Now, many people like Vista. It is the O/S of the future.

However, if you find a laptop with Windows XP, it is an excellent O/S. It runs smoothly and is filled with features.

Input Devices

Instead of a mouse, laptops always have one of three devices for data entry in addition to their keyboard. Most often a laptop will have a touchpad. With this, you move your finger on the pad to move the cursor. The trackpoint is also popular; this is a bright-colored round rubber dot in the middle of the keyboard that you push with your finger in order to move the cursor. A few laptops use a trackball which is rotated with the hand or fingers to move the cursor. All of these devices have right and left buttons that correspond to the buttons on a mouse.

Which input device you will prefer is a matter of personal taste. Most people prefer to use a touchpad. But note that most laptops have a port so an external mouse can be connected. Our personal choice is to use an external mouse, when possible. Otherwise, we prefer the trackball.

Wireless Capability

The world is going wireless because it makes laptops even more super convenient. Wireless capability in a laptop is quickly becoming standard. However, you still must look for it to make sure it's there. There are several technologies to pick from and they are not all compatible. I recommend getting the new IEEE 802.11g standard (Look for the "g")! No matter what Intel says, the new 802.11g is quickly becoming the overwhelmingly favourite standard because of its universality. Even Intel is switching.

FAX / Modem

A fax/modem is a modem with fax capabilities. This is usually standard equipment on computers. The function of the modem is to connect the computer to an ISP, an Internet Service Provider, and to allow two-way communications with other computers. A basic rate of 33.6 Kbps is the theoretical limit of modem speed over an ordinary phone line with standard modem technology. However, with modern technology, the currently stated speed rate is up to 56 Kbps, even though FCC regulations place a limit of 53 Kbps. But even this is optimistic, but possible depending on various factors. That is why ISP's use the term "up to" 56 Kbps.

FireWire

FireWire, or IEEE 1394, is a high performance serial bus standard. It's over 30 times faster than USB and will likely increase in speed in the coming years. Eventually, FireWire will become even more popular as the connector of choice for all high performance connections.

Printer

While small portable printers are available for use with laptops, most laptops can plug into any full-size printer when needed. The quality is better.

Docking Station

You can snap your laptop onto a docking station (port receptacle) to save you from the task of repeatedly having to plug and unplug such things as an external mouse, keyboard, monitor, speakers, printer, and other peripherals. They cost between $100 to $500. It's nice to have, but not necessary.

Test Drive

Read small size text from the screen of each one, preferably the same text. Are you comfortable reading it? Type a paragraph on the keyboard. Is the keyboard large enough for you to type comfortably? What about the overall feel of the laptop? Things like this should be considered before your purchase.

Size & Weight

Before buying a laptop make sure its size and weight are appropriate for your requirements. In considering its size, will it fit into whatever you wish to carry it? Laptops vary in weight from 3 to 9 lbs (1.4 - 4 kg). If you'll be carrying it around on a regular basis, is it light enough for you to feel comfortable when walking? Keep in mind that you may need to carry one or more external drives, an AC adopter, or an additional battery (and all their cables) if you use any of these as well.

The ultra-thin laptops may have a lightweight adapters, but when you add on external drives (floppy, CD-RW, DVD, ZIP), extra battery, etc, they can weigh almost as much as a full-size laptop.

Software

Many laptops come with pre-installed software packages. This will usually include a word processor as well as other programs. Make sure the type of package that is available is the type and make of software you prefer to use. If you're not comfortable with the software that comes with the laptop, then, unless you already own these programs, you will have to purchase them in order to install them on your new laptop.

Note that if a word document will be created and edited in more than one computer (for example: a computer at work and your laptop), then both computers MAY need to have the same VERSION of the same word program installed in both computers.

In the next Part, Part 4. Laptop Buying Tips, we deal with the practical aspects of of buying a laptop.

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