Buyer's guide for laptop computers

Today buying a laptop computer is easier than ever. You can currently buy a laptop computer for under $500.00. Having a laptop computer can be a convenience that will make you wonder how you ever went without one. Before buying a laptop computer, it is best to know some basic information about laptop computers and what they have to offer. This will help you to make an informed decision, when choosing the best laptop computer to fit your needs, as well as your budget.

Just like with a desktop computer, the processor plays a huge role in defining the performance of a laptop computer. A mobile-optimized processor called the AMD Athlon XP-M is priced right for what it has to offer. This processor does not hold up too well when compared to Intel's portable processor, but it can easily process basic office tasks and is far less expensive. AMD also has the helpful Mobile Athlon 4, which targets budget laptops, but still does notperformlike the Intel processor. The Pentium 4-M is a super fast processor but it does not maximize battery life. Intel Centrino is the best choice for a processor. This processor is best at balancing performance and battery life. Centrino is a combination of several technologies including chipset, a wireless adapter and a processor. Centrino models include processors that are either Intel Celeron-M or Pentium-M units. If you are willing to spend the cash and are looking for a laptop that is truly portable, then a Centrino-based processor may be the best choice for you. If you are on a budget and need a low cost solution, the AMD may be best.

Many less expensive laptops come with 256MB of RAM. A desktop computer normally comes with no less than 512MB and some with a 1GB, but in portable computers a 256MB is sufficient. However, if you are willing and able to spend more money, 512MB will give you a noticeable performance increase. But it may not be really worth it unless you are using the machine for gaming or heavy multimedia work.

What you are planning to do with the machine is the main factor in choosing capacity. You will most likely be fine with just a 20GB hard drive, if it is a simple, robust office and internet computer you are wanting. You may even choose a 40GB because the price is not much higher than that of the 20GB. There is no need for anything higher unless you are planning to perform a lot of multimedia work or gaming.

Because of the lower cost of DVD burners, many laptops now come with a standard DVD writer. However, low cost laptops may still have a CD-ROM drive, or more likely a CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo. This is a drive that will read and write to CD's, but it will only read DVD's. You can add DVD burning capabilities for not much money.

Laptops come with LCD screens, which tend to start out in size at 12.1 inches diagonally and go up to the 17-inch mark. The size of screen you choose is ultimately what you prefer.

Modern laptops commonly come equipped with USB 2.0 ports, an in-built 56Kbps modem and LAN ports as standard. Many laptops also have Wi-Fi and wireless networking features, and the majority of laptops accept expansion cards that can host these features

Also before buying a laptop computer, check into the warranty package. It is worth it to have a good warranty package. It costs a great deal more to fix a laptop computer than a desk top. The chances of you needing and using a lap top computer`s warranty are much higher than that of a desk top computer, so it is wise to get as much warranty as possible.