Computer Buyers Guide - Fall 2011 - Laptop!

The following guide can be used to purchase a new computer for your home or a school student. We will go over the Pro's and Con's based on my 25 years of experience in the computer industry. This is just a guideline and is based on the many computers that come through my door and what my customer tell me works and doesn't work for them. Always find out as much as you can before purchasing any computer.

Warning about Laptop Computers: If you don't need your computer to be portable please don't buy a laptop computer. Today it is very popular to buy a laptop computer, here is the big problem with doing this. Laptops are not very sturdy, its not if they will break, it's when, they will break no matter how careful you are and they are 3 to 7 times more expensive to repair. They are all built into one unit and if the main boards is bad, they cost as much as the laptop did new to repair. They overheat all the time because they aren't kept clean. If you spill anything on them, even water, you can short them out very easily. And finally they are 1/2 as fast as a desktop. The have much slower CPU to save power to prolong the life of the battery. That's another issue, batteries only last about 1 to 2 years no matter how well you take care of them, they are not built forever. The power jack on laptop get broken all the time, I get several a week, most of the time its a accident, they cost about $100 or more to fix. Laptop's are much more expensive to repair, maintain and use, than a desktop.... Consider this when thinking of purchasing a laptop.

The rest of the options such as Hard Drive Size, DVD or Blu-Ray, Screen Size or Printer options are personal preference's and not a consideration at this time, they really don't effect performance or speed of the computer. Please remember though Bigger is not always better. Large hard drives such as 1TB and larger and slower than 500GB and smaller drives. Large screens bigger than 17" are nice to view but the computer will be much heavier and it makes it hard to be portable.

* Really small 10" units are called netbook and not really a laptop, very small and light, but they have little or no power. They are used for Internet and pictures only, you get what you pay for. The really light an thin units are nice, but the are very delicate and they do break. They are not very hardy for a lot of travel. Think about how you will use the unit.

** There are brand name company that show up all the time, some are here for a year or so then there gone, be careful of local brands, make sure you ask around and see what your friends know about the brand. Custom builds can be great, but once again get references for the company. If you don't know ask your friends, I would ask at least 15 people what brand they bought and if they are happy....your friends are you market research think tank.

*** Windows starter is a basic version of windows, it runs OK, but is missing a lot of functions you may need. Getting a version such as Windows Home 7 Premium only cost a few dollars more.... don't get cheap on this option.

**** MS Windows Ultimate Cost a lot more, than the Premium or Pro version, only get this version if you need either of the follow, 1) 30+ language support, if you support for German or Spanish, then this is the version for you. 2) If you need higher security for files, encryption etc., then this version has bit-locker that will help to keep your private information private. If you don't need either of these don't spend the extra $100.

***** Please understand that fans clog and units overheat all the time, make sure there are at least two pathways or more for the fan to draw in air, make sure it has little feet at least 1/4" high to keep air flowing under the laptop. Try and find a model that has a easy clean out panel on the bottom of the laptop, these are becoming more popular. The cord is another big issue, loot at where it plugs in, how long is it, some stick out over 2" and even a little pressure will break the power jack. If you can find one with a right angle plug, they are much better. Check to see if they are in the back or sides. I have seen some laptops that have the power cord plugs in right on top up the USB ports, this is a bad idea.....think of how and where you will use it and try to image if the cord will be safe or in the way.