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Introduction
Who could live without their laptop computer? Today everyone from gamers to grannies has their own laptop, complete with personal preferences from screen size to colour. Many of us prefer our laptops to desktop computers, even if we don't take them out of the house.
The days of complaints about poor battery power and over-heating are far behind us as innovation ensures all the essentials process effectively. Whether you’re a Mac fan or a die-hard PC lover, your ideal laptop is out there waiting for you to find it!
However, many laptop specs can seem confusing if you’re not familiar with the numbers and terminology used by vendors – and let’s face it, most of us aren’t. Luckily only a handful of these facts and figures are really essential; many are only useful if you’re after something particular from your laptop, for example, if its primary use will be playing networked games, or if you’re a designer looking to run a particular software package.
So what are the terms you do need to look out for? Our handy guide below will equip you with all the necessary information to identify what you really need from your laptop.
The essentials
1. CPU
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is, in a nutshell, the ‘brain’ of your laptop. Working alongside the Operating System, the CPU processes the instructions you give the laptop and fetches data from the RAM to allow execution. Intel and AMD are the most well known brands of CPU.
2. RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) provides space for your laptop to read and write data to be accessed by the Central Processing Unit (CPU). When people refer to a computer’s memory, they usually mean its RAM. The more RAM a computer has, the less often the CPU has to read data from the hard disk, allowing the computer to work significantly faster. If you’re planning to use the internet and several applications/software programs outside the core Microsoft Office suite, you should look for at least 2 Gigabytes of RAM. If you work with image, video or audio editing software you may want to increase this to as much as 4 Gigabytes to help improve running speed.
Next 3. Hard Disk/Hard Drive
The Hard Disk refers to a mass storage device found in PCs to store permanent data, such as the operating system, programs and users files. The Hard Drive is the mechanism that controls the Hard Disk and, while the two are not the same thing, they are packaged as a unit and so either term can be used to refer to the two together. For a multimedia computer, i.e. one where you’re planning to store music and video files, you’re likely to need a minimum of 100 Gigabytes of Hard Disk space. For optimum performance with large multimedia collections, you should look at 150+.
Previous | Next 4. Operating System
The Operating System (OS) refers to the core program that manages all the other programs in your computer. If you have multiple programs running at the same time, the OS decides which applications should run in which order and how much memory should be allocated to each one. The OS handles the input and output of external devices such as printers and is also responsible for identifying and flagging any errors to the user – it is the OS that generates error messages when a program doesn’t execute successfully. Windows Vista, Windows 7, Linux and OSX are all examples of OS. Your OS will depend in part on whether you make the decision to buy a PC or a Mac.
Previous | Next 5. Battery life
For any laptop the battery life is essential. Check how long it will last when it’s not plugged into the mains. If you are likely to need it for extended periods of time when you don’t have access to a power socket, you may want to consider purchasing a second battery to give you maximum flexibility. A really good battery will give you around eight hours of battery life, although the standard is more likely to be around three to four hours. It’s worth noting that the deactivation of services like Bluetooth and WLan or turning down the display brightness can also help extend battery life.
Mac vs PC
For some people this is the biggest question of all! There are clear benefits on both sides of the Mac vs PC divide. The Apple design is a popular one and if your priority is admiring glances from people around you, the MacBook is certainly one to bear in mind. However, there is a far wider range of PCs on the market and if you are looking for a really tailored solution, you may be best to go for one of those. Previous | Next The best of the rest
With the range and variety of laptops on the market today, you’ll find something that suits your need and your budget. Once you’ve checked the specs against the core list above, there are many other options you may want to consider. We’ve highlighted a few of the key ones below.
1. Screen size
Screen size depends in part what you need your laptop for. It is measured in inches and refers to the diagonal dimension of the screen (e.g. top left to bottom right). An ‘average’ laptop screen size is around 15 inches. If your priority is to be able to take the laptop with you when you travel you may want to consider a screen size of 12-14 inches; if you will be using it primarily as home to replace your desktop computer, you may want to look at a larger screen size of up to 17 or 18 inches.
2. Weight
You may also want to consider the weight of your laptop, especially if you’re planning to carry it around with you a lot. Even small laptops can be surprisingly heavy! A ‘light’ laptop is generally judged to weigh around 3 pounds. Anything over 5 pounds is likely to be a bit cumbersome and not ideal for use on the move.
Previous | Next 3. Ports: Ports refer to the different inputs a computer has. These allow you to attach different drives and other devices to the laptop. For example, if you have a digital camera, it is likely to have a USB cable to allow you to attach it to the computer. USB connections are standard in all laptops but it is worth checking the number if you are likely to have more than one device plugged in at a time. If there is a particular device you will want to use with the laptop, check that the model you’re looking at has the relevant port so that you can connect them up without any trouble. Generally it makes sense to have at least three ports, which will allow you to connect a camera, a mouse (if you want more than the standard laptop mouse pad) and an external disc drive.
4. CD/DVD writer: A CD or DVD writer will allow you to save files from your laptop onto a CD or DVD. This is not a standard function with many laptops so if this is something you are likely to do much of, it’s either worth making sure that it is included as part of the laptop’s package.
5. Docking station: A docking station is ideal if your laptop is taking the place of a desktop computer. The docking station sits on your desk for the laptop to slot into when it suits you. It functions as a power charger and can also be used to connect the laptop to a larger monitor for use at home. It also means that you don’t have to worry about attaching a large number of cables to your laptop (for printers or any other external devices) but can instead have them more tidily plugged into the station itself.
6. Noise factor: It’s worth checking the noise level of your laptop before purchase. Some models have fans that make a bit more noise than others.
7. Temperature: For your laptop to perform well, you must take care of the temperature at which it is made to work. Slow performance, frequent reboots and other symptoms of decline in performance and speed can mean that your laptop is working at an abnormal temperature. There are a few easy ways to prevent overheating: for example, be careful about the placement of the laptop, the things around it and the temperature of the room in which the laptop is housed. Try to avoid using it on a soft surface that blocks the fan. The precise preferred temperature of the laptop will depend on the model’s specifications and the applications it runs at the given moment, so make sure you have checked this out before purchase. Previous | NextThe cost
Laptop prices vary hugely between models. To a great extent the cost will be determined by how many of the extras you need. If you’re looking for a basic, reliable, but not too flashy, laptop, you can expect to spend somewhere around £400. A higher-end model that will last longer and allow you to install more resource-hogging programs, play games online and keep up-to-date with the latest tech developments can cost anything upwards of £800 depending on which extras are most important to you.
You can find detailed user reviews on Ciao to show you what other people think of different models and which ones are the most popular for particular purposes. With reviews rated by the community accorded to their usefulness, it’s never been easier to find all the information you need to make the best possible purchasing decision! Previous "Do you like our Buying Guides? Tell us your opinion and write a review"
Reviews of Laptops »
My Gatway Laptop
Advantages: None Disadvantages: Everything to lose
I excitedly awaited my new Gateway laptop, one of the solo range – P11 500, 128 ram, fully kitted out, with every conceivable extra you can imagine. How was I to know this was the start of a complete nightmare…
The delivery never happened, after many calls to the Transport Company, I eventually got my machine – how, I drove 40miles to pick it up – not to mention the fact that I paid £40 for its delivery. Apparently, the delivery ... ...remember that they are doing me this huge favour!!! Never will I buy a Gateway machine. Oh, and is this a good time to mention the spacebar on the laptop? Well, it only works if it is pressed EXACTLY in the middle – ain’t that a nice touch! ...
naina 02.02.2001 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Gateway Solo 2550LS
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Speed Look & Feel Comfort & Portability Robustness & Durability Value For Money |
the gateway M6824 it has everything all at a affordable price!
Advantages: fast speed, webcam, wireless internet, big screen Disadvantages: a little heavy, speakers arn't as clear as wanted
I got the gateway M6824 for my birthday and it was exactly what i was looking for. It was the right price and had everything you could want on a laptop. You can take pictures, surf the web, find anything in a blink of an eye. The screen is huge and has great picture on it. I have watched many movies on mine and it is great just like watching it in HD. When your watching a movie the speakers are great but sometimes when you are just listening to them ... ...If some songs are louder then others you just may have to turn it down a little. I have also edited videos on it and put them on youtube. I have put the sims 3, roller coaster tycoon, zoo tycoon and many more games on mine and most computers would go slower with these types of computer games on it, but it still goes as fast as the day i got it. This is a great computer and i haven't had one problem with it and i recommend it to everyone who is looking ...
gymhorse12 06.07.2009 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of Gateway M6824
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Speed Look & Feel Comfort & Portability Robustness & Durability Value For Money |
Top quality product that should last a lifetime
Advantages: One small package that does everything a big desktop system can do. Disadvantages: Internal modem not very fast - get a PCMCIA card
...comment on the very same Gateway Solo 9300, which has lasted very well so far. Last summer I broke the catch on it so it doesn't lock shut any more, but apart from that it is performing brilliantly. I still have 5Gb free hard disk space!! I'm glad I bought it.
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Various configurations of the Gateway Solo 9300 are available - mine has a Pentium III 600MHz processor with 160Mb SDRAM and 12Gb hard drive. I bought it to replace a different ... ...I should have gone to Gateway in the first place, having already had good experience with them in my previous job and at university. With Gateway you definitely get what you pay for - a top quality product that should last a lifetime. However, I've taken out the optional 3 year return to base extended warranty just in case. The Gateway Solo 9300 is perfect for the course work I'm doing for a part-time Master's Degree in music - I use mainly word ...
sharkli 25.02.2001 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Gateway Solo 9300XL
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Speed Look & Feel Comfort & Portability Robustness & Durability Value For Money |
Gateway - your way
Advantages: Great Ram, and resistance to damage Disadvantages: The ordinar resolution
...is the value that
Gateway always maintained. This time too. It has more memory than many others notebooks, and the quality of the images is outstanding.I bought it as a gift for my cousin almost a year ago. He did something to it and had to use the warranty. After they repaired it, it was like new. So, it sustains damage :D But, don't try to crack it beacuse of your nerves. If i was a Gateway notebook, i would be very happy :) ...
Erolkus 23.11.2008 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Gateway T-6828
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Speed Look & Feel Comfort & Portability Robustness & Durability Value For Money |
Review of a Fabby Laptop
Advantages: High spec, runs vista and other apps. easily Disadvantages: Slightly down on features
I received this laptop from my parents when i went to uni, and in my opinion its really rather good.
The combination of 2GB of RAM and a dual corps processor makes for a lighting fast performance, even whilst running windows vista.
The supplied software is a little down, with only a trial version of MS office but a full version of McAfee anti virus.
Whilst lacking somewhat in the features department (1 pc card slot, no surround sound) this is ... ...in tesco's was in my opinion a bargain. All that performance for very little money.
The Case is a tad bland but nothing a few stickers couldn't improve. Also the keyboard doesn't feel quiet as solid as other laptops, but a small compromise when u get a full num pad however.
I would recommend this laptop to any power user on a cheap budget. ...
rangebyte 25.11.2007 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Gateway NX860XL
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Speed Look & Feel Comfort & Portability Robustness & Durability Value For Money |
Kyoto Futons Metro Futon
Futon - Available in: Silver Frame with Fabric - Available as: 3 Seater - Bed size when open: Double
LG 19LG3050
19 in - 16:9 - Resolution: 1440 - 900 - Contrast Ratio: 5000:1 - Response Time: 5 ms - Brightness: 500cd/m²
(*) Reviews by Ciao members
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