Video:Tips for Buying a Laptop PC
with Nick RichardsThere are a lot of laptops out there on the market, so it's good to know what you're looking for before you start shopping. This video will provide some tips for shopping for a laptop PC.See Transcript
Transcript:Tips for Buying a Laptop PC
Hi, I'm Nick, and today for About.com, I'm going to give you some tips for buying a laptop PC.
Laptops are great for people on the go, or those that like to surf the Internet from the comfort of their own bed. But what should you look for in a portable machine?
Laptop PCs: Portability
The most obvious benefit to owning a laptop is their portability and you should ensure that you maximize this fantastic trait by keeping an eye on factors such as size and weight. It doesn't seem like a big deal, but if you're on the move a lot, you don't want to be lugging about a piece of heavy equipment everywhere you go and at the same time, you want to be able to open it in public without causing too much of a scene. Thinner laptops tend to have less features, but can handle all the basics at a breeze. Ultimately, it comes down to what you need from your machine.
Laptop PCs: Battery Life
Battery life is another aspect of a laptops portability. If you're not plugged in, the computer will run out of juice eventually, but models vary in the length of their battery life.
Laptop PCs: Display
Laptop screens are sometimes available in different formats such as matte and glossy. Glossy screens look great, but if there's a source of light nearby, watch out, and if it's a sunny day, you might want to stay indoors!
Laptop PCs: Ports and Connectivity
Don't forget about ports and connectivity! Cheaper laptops may skimp on USB ports or HDMI ports. Make sure you check exactly what you're getting before you buy. It's also worth noting that optical drives are starting to be phased out. If you still watch DVDs or listen to old music, make sure your laptop has the capability to play them!
Laptop PCs: Upgrades
Laptops tend to be harder to upgrade than PCs, so you might want to check things such as maximum memory capacity for future upgrading purposes. Some models make it harder for users to upgrade their machines themselves, so accessibility is another thing to look out for.
Laptops are the middle ground between desktop PCs and tablets and offer the ideal solution for anyone that wants both power and portability. For more tips and tricks, be sure to visit compute.About.com.