Laptop Buying Hints
Listed below are hints to remember when shopping for a laptop or notebook.
Try before you buy - If at all possible, try out the laptop
before you purchase it. Why? Because if you don't like the keyboard,
mouse, screen, or performance, you shouldn't buy it in the first place.
There is very little you can do about these things when you are traveling
with the laptop.
So, it is very important that you are comfortable with the feel and
performance of the computer.
I encourage you to shop around and try as many laptops as you can. A
laptop is a personal thing, and just because your friend or a reviewer
likes a certain one, doesn't mean you will.
Less is More - Unless you are a serious traveler, don't buy
a high-end laptop. Why? Because when you are paying double the price
of a comparable desktop, newer features will cost you. You would be
better off buying an older laptop that meets your mobility needs, and
sinking the bulk of your money into a desktop.
Desktop Replacement? - No way! Laptops are inferior to desktop
computers in all features except portability.
For example, let's look at the game playing potential of laptops. Odds
are that even if you can play new games when you buy a laptop, within
a year or so you will want to sell it so you can buy something faster
to play the newest games. (For more discussion about game playing and
laptops, see our examples on Laptop
Buying Guide, page - 1 of this article.)
You also might want to read our InfoHQ
Tech Watch Newsletter - Desktop Replacement Laptops if you are considering
buying one of these beasts.
Store Return Policy - Beware! Make
triply sure that you can return the laptop for a refund if you don't
like it (better stores allow returns of laptops up to 30 days after
purchase for a full refund). Many stores have special rules on returning
laptops - make sure you know them before you buy..
Warranties - Make sure you understand the laptop's warranty
and how it will be repaired if it breaks. Remember that small and new
companies' warranties are almost worthless as they may not be in business
tomorrow.
Additional Maintenance Contracts - I never buy additional maintenance
contracts on electrical items. I always figured that if the thing broke
it was probably time to get a new one anyway.
However, laptops may be the one exception. The more you move them,
the greater the chance something will break. If it is important to you
that your laptop is always working, you might want to buy the maintenance
contract.
The total life of your laptop is three years, by then, it will no
longer run new software of any kind efficiently and will sell for $500
or less.
Final Advice
The brand of the laptop is the most important thing. This determines
the quality of the computer, warranty, and parts availability. My main
brand suggestions are Dell, Sony, IBM, and Toshiba; my second choice
would be a Compaq or HP. If you buy a laptop from one of these companies
it should be a good product.
It would help if you try some laptops out to determine which features
you like. Screen viewability, keyboard feel, pointing device, and weight,
are all decision factors when buying a laptop.
We discuss laptops available in computer chain stores in our Sunday
Shopping Watch feature, published every Sunday, in our News
and Rumors page. Dell laptops can only be purchased mail order from
the Dell
web site.
Please take a minute to vote in our Notebook
Brand Poll which you will find on the next page and see what brands
other readers recommend.
Also check out our new page Best
Selling Laptops and Notebooks to see what people are actually buying.
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