Saturday, August 27, 2011

Hot Tips For Discovering Cheap Laptop Computers

By: EU WERN TEH

Getting laptop computers is easy, but buying cheap laptop computers requires time and effort. Anybody can get a laptop, all you need is to go to the store, close your eyes and pick one. But not everyone can shop for cheap laptop computers. When i say cheap laptop computers, i mean cheap in price and good in quality.



To get cheap laptop computers, you need to know what spec to focus on. In this section i will review some of my experience in getting cheap laptop computers. There are a few major specs that everyone is looking at, they are:



1. processor

2. RAM

3. weight

4. screen size

5. Hard drive

6. Video memory





1) Processor:

This is the spec you want to focus on, if you are comparing two models of laptop computers. (for example, two laptops have the same price but one offer higher processor speed and the other one offers higher RAM, which one will you choose?) Of course, the answer is choosing the one with higher processor speed. Why? it is simple. You can't change the processor of your laptop once you bought them. Secondly, RAM is so cheap nowadays and is replaceable. A RAM cost you $30 if you buy them separately but if you get them together with your laptop its gonna cost you $100.



What processor to choose?

That really depends on your budget. If you have extra bucks to spare. Get a higher speed processor and your laptop computer will perform slightly better. Do not get too pump up when you are considering sparing some money on this spec. Always focus on your budget. They are lots of good deals out there, just keep searching:) i would suggest spend extra 5 to 10% of your budget on this.



Note: if you do not have extra cash, then wait till the time is right. Time is money. Usually the price of laptop will be adjusted every three months.



2) RAM

Most of the time people end up spending extra $100 to $300 just to get a couple gig of RAM. I will put least focus on these spec, as i know that i can change them later. Laptop usually comes with two slots of RAM. As regard on how to buy the right RAM for your laptop, check it out at any computer store. They are more than willing to help you, sometimes even replace them for you. If you are shy or the shop sales man is not friendly. Go to this site to find the right RAM. As regard on how to replace laptop memory (RAM), google them and you will get tones of feed back and even video showing you how to do it.



3) Weight

This is tricky. Why? sometimes you may think that you travel a lot. but end up placing the laptop in your room most of the time. If you are a casual user, who do not need to bring your laptop with you everywhere you go then ignore this spec. You pay for the portability and most of time you will have to pay a higher price to get the same spec of laptop. Try to imagine where are you going to use your laptop most often and you will get your answer right away. If weight is not important to you then good job, you save yourself at least $100 or more. One step nearer for your goal to get cheap laptop computers.



4) Screen Size

To get cheap laptop computers, you will always go for 15 inch screen (15 to 15.9 inch to be specific) Why? this is the standard size where the manufacturer mass produce. If you go an inch higher or lower, its gonna cost you. (about $100 or more - depends on the brand). The second thing is if you want a bigger screen, go get a larger external monitor for a cheaper price and of better quality (effects and size).



5) Hard drive

Hard drive nowadays is cheap and you can get an external hard drive (small USB powered hard drive) for a cheap price. 5400 RPM is good and 7200 RPM is better. Do not shop for size. Shop for speed (RPM). If you need extra low speed memory, you can always get them later for a very cheap price.

6) Video memory

If you play games in your laptop ( i mean graphic demanding games), then you might want to spend extra cash for a dedicated video memory (graphic cards in short). I do not recommend buying a gaming laptop. Why? you not only need to have a dedicated video memory, you also have to get a faster processor, higher RAM and a faster hard drive. I would suggest buying a gaming desktop. You can get the same specs or even better specs for a cheaper price.



Summary: To get cheap laptop computers, you need to:



1. Have a budget.

2. Get a laptop with a standard screen size

3. Focus on processor speed rather than RAM

4. Avoid buying a gaming laptop

5. Shop for faster hard drive instead of bigger hard drive

6. Avoid buying lighter laptop, if you do not travel frequently with your laptop

7. Relax and do not rush when you are buying a laptop.



Buying cheap laptop computers requires the right knowledge. You have it in your hand right now to go and search for your cheap laptop. Remember, do not rush. I repeat this twice as rushing will make you emotional. When you rush, you react immediately rather than stop and think, think and act. Always keep in mind that there are great deals out there waiting for you. All you need to is to be patience and observant. Good luck.