The Laptop Buying Guide

Part 1. Laptop Parts

The parts and components of a laptop computer are significantly different than those of a desktop computer. Laptop components and parts must be lighter and smaller in order to provide the prime feature most people desire in a laptop-- ease and comfort in carrying the laptop to different locations.

The following laptop computer parts are central to any laptop and will give you some insight into practicality.

The Battery

Of all the laptop parts, the prominent feature of the laptop computer is the rechargeable battery. This enables the laptop to be used for hours at any location.

Different types of batteries are available, including lithium, nickel-cadmium, and nickel-metal hydride. We recommend the use of an lithium ion battery because they usually last longer on one charge, have a longer life, are far less early-recharge memory fade, and they are environmentally friendly.

The power supplied by any battery is a balance between its technology and its use. While newer technology has lately extended battery life, newer processors are shortening it. For example, the Intel Pentium 4-M drastically shortens battery operating hours by up to 1/3.

Supplemental batteries are becoming more common. If you need more time when working away from an outlet, we recommend you buy a laptop with a modular bay for a supplementary power pack. A second battery will cost between $100 to $210 each.

The Screen

All laptops use liquid crystal display (LCD) screens. They are light-weight, thin, bright, and use far less power than the conventional cathode ray tube CRT) commonly used by desktop computers. This makes LCD's perfect for laptop computer use. They're available in either passive or active matrix. Active matrix is preferable; they're easier to read because they provide a sharper image. LCD screens can be either reflective or backlit. Larger and more expensive screens are backlit; they are especially preferable if you'll be using the laptop in low-level lighting conditions.

Screens are measured diagonally (ON the screen area itself, lower right to upper left). The size of the screens is growing, with 17 inch screens now available. We recommend getting at least a 13 inch screen to ease eyestrain. The 14 to15 inch screens are the best selling. It's worth to consider that the larger the screen, the more information you can view. That's because the larger the screen, the higher the max. resolution.

The Keyboard

Most laptop keyboard are slightly smaller than a standard desktop keyboard. This works quite well for most people. However, some individuals may find this to be somewhat uncomfortable to use. If you're not use to typing on a laptop, you may wish to practice typing on one and see how it feels. If you find it uncomfortable, you may wish to look only for a laptop with a full-sized keyboard such as those on IBM notebooks.

In the next part, Part 2: Laptop Components, we will evaluate each component and tell you we like and what we don't like.

• Laptop Buying Guide Table of Contents •
• Next > Part 2. Laptop Components•