| Shopping for a laptop is overwhelming because of | | | | video memory. In the past laptops were not |
| the numerous choices. No one can tell you what | | | | geared toward graphic intense applications. Then |
| you need or don't need, except maybe your | | | | the DVD came along and changed that.A screen |
| spouse, parent, kid, local geek, or know-it-all who | | | | is not as replaceable to interchangeable like a |
| knows you. But it's still good to know a few | | | | harddrive, a wireless card, or a DVD drive. I |
| things about buying a laptop. An educated | | | | invest more in the screen so it lasts longer since |
| customer is a happy customer, right?Most | | | | everything else can be upgraded or replaced.How |
| important question when starting this research: do | | | | often do you plan to lug it around? Believe me. No |
| you need a laptop? If you need a combo desktop | | | | matter how light the laptop feels, it's a bag of |
| / laptop, you can get a laptop with a docking | | | | bricks when you've walked with it all day at a |
| station.A common question is whether or not to | | | | conference. That's why I have a backpack case |
| get one with wireless. The question to you -- are | | | | for my laptop. Much easier for long treks with the |
| you going to use it? Will you have places to | | | | laptop. So weight didn't get a priority with me.A |
| wirelessly connect with? Remember, when you | | | | laptop is useless without an operating system and |
| have a wireless laptop, it has to connect to a hub | | | | software. Before we get into details. There is a |
| or Wi-Fi (like Starbucks or a cell phone). Some | | | | snag. If you are buying from a major reseller |
| hotels are starting to set up wireless and others | | | | (IBM, Dell, HP, Compaq, etc.) It is going to come |
| requiring plugging in. If you buy a laptop without | | | | with an operating system, whether you like it or |
| wireless and change your mind, you can add it | | | | not. This is due to their licencing agreements with |
| later with a card. Only difference is it won't be | | | | Microsoft. If this is not an issue, here are the |
| built-in. Not a big deal. Mine is not built-in.FYI: Most | | | | considerations.Do you want it to come with it or |
| laptops come with a 10/100 Ethernet NIC | | | | do you have licensed software you can load on |
| built-in.For me, I have a cheap dial-up account with | | | | it? When buying a computer with the operating |
| a national service. Good thing because I used it in | | | | system and bonus software, remember you don't |
| the hospital. Not every place has wireless or free | | | | get books or separate CDs loaded with the |
| wireless (Starbucks isn't free, or at least, not all | | | | applications. Some companies provide CDs for |
| locations from what I understand). So before I | | | | using when you have to reformat a computer |
| travel, I look up the service's local numbers of | | | | and these programs will load back up. Some |
| where I am going so I'll have them.As for what | | | | people don't like this and prefer to buy the |
| model -- you'll get different answers from | | | | applications separately.This is a suggested process |
| everyone. People love and hate Dells. Love and | | | | for shopping for a laptop: |
| hate IBMs. What makes Dell different is that you | | | | Decide what you must have and write those |
| can pick and choose what items you want on | | | | down.Search for products that have these |
| your laptop. IBM has a good reputation. Of course, | | | | things.Search for and read reviews on the |
| Macs are nice, if you want to go the Apple way. | | | | finalists.Narrow down the list as much as possible |
| Buying a refurbished laptop is cool. We have two | | | | (one to three items) to the ones you will be |
| of them in our house and we're happy with 'em. | | | | happy with buying.Comparison shop for the best |
| Saved a bit of money, too.Screen. Picking the | | | | offer. |
| right screen is based on graphical need. I got a | | | | Meryl K. Evans is the Content Maven behind |
| nice wide one, but my laptop be heavy, dude. I | | | | meryl's notes, eNewsletter Journal, and The |
| don't travel much, so weight isn't an issue. When I | | | | Remediator Security Digest. She is also a PC |
| do travel, the weight of the laptop isn't a big deal | | | | Today columnist and a tour guide at InformIT. |
| because I benefit from the video memory more | | | | She is geared to tackle your editing, writing, |
| than the weight.The video card is built into the | | | | content, and process needs. The native Texan |
| motherboard, just like a lot of desktops. What | | | | resides in Plano, Texas, a heartbeat north of |
| you have to watch with a laptop is make sure | | | | Dallas, and doesn't wear a 10-gallon hat or |
| you get the video you want. If you are going to | | | | cowboy boots. |
| use graphic intensive programs, then go for more | | | | |