Online Shopping for Laptops and Notebooks

Laptops and notebooks are actually the same thing, 'laptop' is the old name and 'notebook' is the new name. Most manufacturers use the word 'notebook' to describe their portable computers nowadays but most of us still use the word 'laptop'.

Selecting a new laptop can be a bit confusing as there are now so many different models and specifications to choose from. The best way to approach this important purchasing decision is to take a bit of time to work out why you need the laptop and what are the most important features for you.

Before you start searching for your new laptop fast forward 2 years and consider your requirements then as well. It's usually worth spending more money on a better specification now to make your laptop more future proof; that way you won't have to upgrade in 12 months time. Upgrading individual components like the memory or hard drive at a later date is going to cost you a lot more than getting them now.

Here are some of the questions you should ask yourself before buying a new laptop.

Is the laptop mainly for home, business or educational use?
This is a very general question really but it helps get you in the right line of thinking for the next questions you need to ask yourself; it will also help when you start comparing the specifications. For example if you need the laptop mainly for business use then security and network connectivity could be important factors.

What type of applications will I be running and what am I using the laptop for?
If your laptop is simply to save space and all you're going to do is surf the web and send a few emails then you don't need loads of memory and a super fast processor. However if you're going to be running the latest version of Microsoft Office (creating presentations, databases, large spreadsheets etc) or using other memory hungry web and graphics applications then a fast processor (Core 2 Duo 2.0Ghz +) and at least 1GB of RAM is the way to go.

Is there a chance that I'll need to upgrade my memory in future?
For most people I would say the answer is yes, especially if you're hoping to get 3 years or more out of your laptop. So a consideration here is the number of memory modules. Most laptops will only have 2 memory slots, so if you go for 1GB of RAM (1x 1GB) you've still got a spare slot. However if you go for 1GB RAM (2 x 512MB) then both slots are full, if you upgrade you'll have to throw out at least one of those memory modules. Also pay attention to the maximum memory, most laptops allow a maximum 2GB RAM, but some will go up to 4GB.

Will I be storing large files on my laptop?
Most new notebooks will come with a minimum 100GB Hard Drive which is more than enough for most people. If you will be creating and storing very large files then 160GB may be a better choice.

Will I be traveling a lot with my laptop?
If you need a really portable laptop then the lighter the better; also you're going to need a carry case. Wireless Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g) and Bluetooth connectivity are also a consideration here if you want to be connected when you're on the move.

Is a larger screen important?
If it is then don't get anything smaller than 15.4" and you might even consider widescreen. A widescreen notebook is great for watching movies but it's also perfectly suited to working with spreadsheets, web design and graphics software.

Will I be connecting my laptop to other devices?
Most laptops come with a plenty of connectivity options nowadays avoiding the need for a separate docking station; however it's worth checking which connections you're going to need. Perhaps you need a Gigabit Ethernet connection for work or really want a TV-out port. Think about how many USB ports you're going to need; USB hubs with extra ports are readily available though.

What's my budget?
This could be the first question you ask yourself but I put it last because I think it's important to consider the big picture before you decide how much you're going to spend. It may be worth being a bit more flexible with your budget now to make sure you get something suitable for your requirements.

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