Laptop buying guide

Posted on 14 Dec 2009 at 13:58

 

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Find out all you need to know about choosing the right laptop.

Recommended minimum specifications

Processor: 2GHz Pentium Dual-Core T4200

Memory: 2GB DDR

Hard Disk: 250GB

Optical drive: DVD rewriter

Graphics: Integrated (shares system memory)

Screen: 15.4in 1,280x800 widescreen LCD

Extras: Wireless networking, modem

Connectors: Three USB ports, memory card reader

Software: Windows 7 Home Premium

Weight: 3kg

Follow the steps to find your ideal specs

1. The minimum specification shown above is for a laptop that should cost below £500. However, it isn't very powerful or, at 3kg, particularly portable.
2. All modern laptops, but not netbooks, come with dual-core processors. These provide plenty of processing power for most tasks. Only those who need to undertake serious tasks, such as editing HD video, on a daily basis should consider a quad-core processor in a laptop.
3. Most laptops come with 15.4in 1,280x800 widescreen displays, which are great for watching DVDs or TV. If you want a laptop for home use, it's worth considering one with a 17in display. This will also have a higher resolution of at least 1,440x900, giving you a bigger desktop. This makes it far easier to use complex applications such as photo- or video-editing software.
4. A modem, 10/100 Ethernet port and wireless 802.11b/g networking (WiFi) should be fitted as standard. Bluetooth is handy for connecting to a mobile phone, but it's usually fitted only to more expensive business laptops. Memory card readers are pretty much standard, but check that your camera's or MP3 player's format is supported.
5. If portability is your main priority, look for a laptop with a 12.1in display. Spending around £1,000 will get you an ultra-portable laptop that weighs less than 2kg, but is still as powerful as its larger counterparts. Some ultra-portables use slower ultra-low voltage (ULV) processors to increase battery life further.
6. If you're on a budget, a low-cost netbook is a good alternative for portability. You won't get a powerful processor or an optical drive, and the hard disk and screen may be much smaller. However, you should still have enough power to browse the web, read emails and use office applications. Expect to pay up to £300.
7. If you're not swayed by ultra-portable chic, you can get more for your cash. Entertainment laptops pile on the features but still keep the price under £1,000. You should expect a 17in widescreen display, hybrid TV tuner and remote control.
8. You can add features to a laptop without increasing the weight or reducing battery life. A 320GB or 500GB hard disk will give you far more storage space, while 4GB of RAM will help Windows speed through tougher tasks.
9. Dedicated graphics let you play modern 3D games and are increasingly common on all but the cheapest or lightest laptops. Look for an ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4650 or Nvidia GeForce 9600M GS chipset as a minimum for getting smooth frame rates on the latest titles. Many laptops use integrated graphics, which are fine for most other purposes, but use up system memory.
10. Once you're happy with your specification, start to shortlist some models. Pay attention to the quality of the keyboard and touchpad, as these will be in constant use. Balance the weight, battery life and display size against the features you'll really need.

Author: Expert Reviews Staff