Buying a Notebook Computer: Notebook Features to Consider
This article focuses on some additional notebook buying tips that will help streamline your purchase when buying a notebook computer online. Components such as processor, memory, hard drive, optical drive(CD DVD), notebook resolution, wireless card, video card, notebook audio, and battery are all important factors to consider and understand before finalizing your notebook purchase. Bluetooth and TV tuner compatibility are two interesting factors that you may want to consider as well. What you must know is that you will be faced with many more options and decisions to make as you proceed through the customization of a new notebook computer. If you're buying a new notebook direct from the manufacturer and customization is allowed then take a minute to read through this article so you know what to expect. If you're buying a new notebook computer from an indirect online merchant or you're purchasing a refurbished laptop then most or all of the customization and options go away and the buying process is much easier(since you're buying the notebook "as is").
Buying a notebook computer - more options to consider
Operating system: If you're looking at buying a new notebook computer then you can still get Windows XP on some models while most will offer the various Windows Vista options. Most low-priced notebooks that come with Windows Vista will be loaded with the Home Basic version unless you specify that you want to upgrade to Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate. The Home Basic Version is fine for the majority of people. If you desire a better graphical interface and more multimedia functions(like making movies) then bump up to Home Premium. The Business version adds additional security, productivity, and management features but does not include the multimedia functions that Home Premium offers. The Ultimate version includes everything Windows Vista has to offer.
Buying a notebook computer - LCD Panel: Sometimes you are allowed to customize the size of the LCD display panel for your notebook computer. This is interesting because you can actually lower the price of the notebook you are looking at buying by selecting a smaller size LCD screen. I've seen it at the Dell Online Store where the base version includes a 15.4" screen, but you can actually downgrade to a 14.1 inch screen and save $10. If you're looking to spend as little as possible on a notebook then look for areas you can downgrade and still keep plenty of functionality in your notebook computer.
Buying a notebook computer - Warranty and service: New notebook computers typically come with a one year warranty. Some of the higher-priced notebooks will come with two year warranties. You will receive an offer to increase the warranty by up to three more years. It's your call but if you're in the market for a basic low-priced notebook then in all likelihood you will want to stick with the one year warranty that comes with your new notebook computer. You may also see offers for accident damage, theft protection, technical support, and on-site setup. In most cases you will just pass those by and not spend the extra money.
Buying a notebook computer - Additional options and offers you might receive: mobile broadband capability(i.e. internet service through Verizon, Sprint, or AT&T), wireless router hardware, carrying case, printers, projectors, docking hardware, additional power accessories and surge protection(new notebooks typically come with power cables but not necessarily surge protection), external storage or backup, productivity/business/finance software, internet security suite(new notebooks often come with either a trial period or a one year subscription included), spyware software, GPS navigation software/ hardware, training courses/books, dial-up internet access, mice/keyboards/monitors, multimedia cables, and recycling options(if you need to discard of an old computer). Take it one step at a time and don't feel like you need to add any of these options. If something interests you or you feel you need a feature then add it to your new notebook. If the features of the base notebook version you are looking at is all you need then don't add anything additional. Take the base price and make the purchase.
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Operating system: If you're looking at buying a new notebook computer then you can still get Windows XP on some models while most will offer the various Windows Vista options. Most low-priced notebooks that come with Windows Vista will be loaded with the Home Basic version unless you specify that you want to upgrade to Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate. The Home Basic Version is fine for the majority of people. If you desire a better graphical interface and more multimedia functions(like making movies) then bump up to Home Premium. The Business version adds additional security, productivity, and management features but does not include the multimedia functions that Home Premium offers. The Ultimate version includes everything Windows Vista has to offer.
Buying a notebook computer - LCD Panel: Sometimes you are allowed to customize the size of the LCD display panel for your notebook computer. This is interesting because you can actually lower the price of the notebook you are looking at buying by selecting a smaller size LCD screen. I've seen it at the Dell Online Store where the base version includes a 15.4" screen, but you can actually downgrade to a 14.1 inch screen and save $10. If you're looking to spend as little as possible on a notebook then look for areas you can downgrade and still keep plenty of functionality in your notebook computer.
Buying a notebook computer - Warranty and service: New notebook computers typically come with a one year warranty. Some of the higher-priced notebooks will come with two year warranties. You will receive an offer to increase the warranty by up to three more years. It's your call but if you're in the market for a basic low-priced notebook then in all likelihood you will want to stick with the one year warranty that comes with your new notebook computer. You may also see offers for accident damage, theft protection, technical support, and on-site setup. In most cases you will just pass those by and not spend the extra money.
Buying a notebook computer - Additional options and offers you might receive: mobile broadband capability(i.e. internet service through Verizon, Sprint, or AT&T), wireless router hardware, carrying case, printers, projectors, docking hardware, additional power accessories and surge protection(new notebooks typically come with power cables but not necessarily surge protection), external storage or backup, productivity/business/finance software, internet security suite(new notebooks often come with either a trial period or a one year subscription included), spyware software, GPS navigation software/ hardware, training courses/books, dial-up internet access, mice/keyboards/monitors, multimedia cables, and recycling options(if you need to discard of an old computer). Take it one step at a time and don't feel like you need to add any of these options. If something interests you or you feel you need a feature then add it to your new notebook. If the features of the base notebook version you are looking at is all you need then don't add anything additional. Take the base price and make the purchase.
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