Computer Repair Tips

A laptop is a portable computer that allows you to work, play and browse the Internet from any wireless location. It is a great tool for the traveling person. This quick guide shows you how to buy a laptop to suite your needs.

How to Get the Right Laptop for School?

Purchasing the right laptop for school may seem difficult, but if you know a little something about computers, it really isn’t all that hard. Just finding a computer that will meet your needs is all that you have to do. You will be glad to have the laptop on your first day of school, so get out there and find one that works for you.

1. Set your budget for the laptop. You can get a computer with the basic essentials for school for $500. Keep in mind that the more you spend, the more extras (i.e., software, memory, hard drive space) you will have.
2. Select a laptop that has a monitor large enough for your viewing pleasure. Screens range in size from 12 to 17 inches. Creating documents and doing research for school can be done on the average 14.1-inch laptop. Larger monitors will reduce eyestrain and possible headaches, but smaller laptops can lighten your load.
3. Consider the weight of the laptop. If you plan to carry your computer to classes with you, know that large laptops can weigh 7 lbs. While that doesn’t seem heavy, it can cause a strain on your back. Fortunately, there are ultralight computers available that are only 4 to 5 lbs.
4. Check out the battery life on any laptop you are interested in, especially if you plan to use it away from the AC adapter a lot. Some batteries can last up to 7 hours. If you buy a smaller one, purchase a back-up battery or get a laptop that will store an extra power pack.
5. Determine the amount of memory you need. 1GB of RAM is recommended for those who just need a laptop for school purposes. If you plan to play games or watch videos on your computer, you may want to opt for up to an additional 128 MB of memory.
6. Consider the amount of hard drive space you will need. If you are just storing basic documents and photos on your laptop, the standard 80 GB hard drive is sufficient. If you need more space in the future, you can purchase a portable, external hard drive to supplement your computer.
7. Laptops can come with 2 to 6 USB ports, which are the connection sites for your printer, scanner, MP3 Player, microphone and gaming controllers. Your need will depend on how many accessories you will want to connect to your computer at once, so choose a number of USB ports that will be sufficient.
8. If your laptop will be more portable than stationary, invest in the warranty that is offered with it. It can get some general wear and tear from being carried in a backpack every day, so you should opt for this extra protection.

How to Buy a Laptop for a Home Business?

Running a business from home is both a pleasure and a challenge. Purchasing the right computer for your home business is an important decision and an investment for your business. The portability of a laptop provides you with the freedom to work anywhere in your home and not just in your small makeshift office in the laundry room. Here is an easy step-by-step guide to help you buy the right laptop for your home business.

1. Decide for what purpose you will primarily use the laptop. How you plan to use your laptop and the type of work you plan to use it for all directly affect the software and features you should seek.
2. Decide what factors are important to you. These include CPU speed, hard drive size, memory size, screen size, laptop weight, Wi-Fi capabilities, USB ports and battery life.
3. Set your budget. Laptops can vary widely in price, from affordable basic laptops to pricier high-powered computers. Be sure to also include the price for any additional software you may have to purchase if it’s not included with the computer.
4. Check online computer sites, such as PC World or CNET, to view recommendations and reviews (see Resources below). Narrow down possible laptops based upon your set criteria.
5. Research prices online for the laptops that you have selected. Be sure to double check return policies and shipping costs.
6. Go to your local computer store. Compare the prices and features offered on the laptops there. Purchase the laptop from the store that best matches your original budget and features criteria.

Tips: Take the time to research the wide variety of laptops that are available. The clearer you are about how you want to use the laptop for your business, the better choice you will make. Start participating in work at home sites and forums. You can get useful advice and input from other members.