Laptops Basics

Weed through the laptop technology jungle

Whether you're buying new, refurbished or used laptops, you'll find that you keep running up against the same basic concerns. As computers continue to get smaller, faster and more advanced, you'll have to sort through various generations of laptops that come in different sizes, with different features, and require different standards of care.

Your best strategy for weeding through the forest of options is to focus on the basics. Essential laptops basics that you should take into account before a first purchase include:

1. Sort through laptop computers for sale by basic criteria: Size, weight and make.
2. Understand the variety of processors and other features you're likely to encounter from laptop suppliers.
3. Make sure you can properly care for your new laptop.
   

Choose business laptops that won't break your back

A few basic characteristics will make or break your laptop experience, no matter what other bells and whistles attracted you to the computer in the first place. If the computer is too big or heavy to haul around--size and weight being what's most frequently traded for a lower cost--you'll find yourself enduring more frustration than the bargain price was worth. You'll also find that laptops are available in two main categories: PC, which covers a wide variety of manufacturers, the commonality almost always being that they run Windows software; or Macintosh laptops, which run on an entirely different operating system. Much of the software that works on a PC probably won't work on a Macintosh, and vice versa.

Decode cryptic notes from laptop manufacturers

You'll find laptops running on a variety of processors with exotic sounding names like Intel, Athlon, Celeron and more. While there is no standardized naming convention for laptops and processors, there is a standardized measure for speed. Look for a number followed by "Ghz" after the brand name; the higher the number, the faster the processor speed.

Take good care of your notebook computer

Much like a desktop computer, notebooks will last longer if they're given proper care. The same general guidelines apply to laptops as to other sensitive electronic devices, like don't drop them, don't immerse them in any liquid and don't drop things on them.
Riverland Community College and Streetdirectory both offer useful tips for taking proper care of a laptop computer.

• If the prices on laptop computers for sale give you sticker shock, consider purchasing used or refurbished laptops. You'll get the same machine for a fraction of the cost, often with a warranty. Buying refurbished usually guarantees that the machine has passed inspection, as opposed to out-of-the-box purchases which may or may not have been directly inspected.

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