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#Post#: 528--------------------------------------------------
Buying a Back-to-School Laptop: What You Need, What You Don’t
By: lili5689 Date: June 15, 2011, 8:48 pm
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Right as the new school year comes up, it dawns on you: Your
laptop is hopelessly outdated. Maybe you're accustomed to using
the family computer at home, and will need one of your own as
you head off to college. Or perhaps you're a high school student
who just can't take another year of sharing your computer with
relatives. Whether you're a parent purchasing for your child or
a student spending your own limited funds, you should look for a
few key things when buying a laptop for academic life. With our
list of what to consider and what to avoid, the dizzying array
of choices just might seem less overwhelming.
What You Need
1. Long Battery Life
If you're a college student, you'll be carrying this thing
around all day, taking notes in class and finishing up
assignments at the last minute. A 4-hour battery won't cut it.
2. Low Weight
HP Pavilion dm1z laptopHP Pavilion dm1z Your bag will be heavy
enough with all those books in it. Although an extra pound or
two doen't seem to make a big difference at first, it adds up
quickly. Look for something under 4 pounds--your shoulders will
thank you.
3. Good Keyboard
Lenovo ThinkPad X220 laptopLenovo ThinkPad X220You'll do a lot
of typing on this machine. It isn't just about writing papers,
either: Online chat, Facebook, Twitter...95 percent of what
you'll be using this laptop for involves more typing than
anything else. Find a laptop on which you can type quickly,
comfortably, and accurately.
4. High-Definition, Low-Light Webcam
For video chat, duh! It's fun with your friends--and if you're
off at college, your parents will appreciate the ability to see
your smiling, hung-over face every now and again. Nearly every
laptop has a built-in webcam, but not all are created equal.
Look for a high-def webcam that works well in low light.
5. Warranty or Protection Plan
We don't often recommend extended coverage plans for technology,
but students are notoriously rough on laptops. Notebooks get
tossed into bags and dropped, accidentally kicked by clueless
roommates, spilled on by clumsy classmates, you name it.
Choosing a durable laptop is a good start, but make sure that
you aren't without your second-most-critical piece of technology
(next to your phone) the day before a big assignment is due.
6. Security Software
Laptops are stolen all the time at schools, even from students
who are really careful. Look into software that will help you
recover a missing laptop and keep your private information safe,
such as GadgetTrack, Hidden, or LoJack. You definitely want to
run a good antivirus program, such as Avast or Microsoft
Security Essentials, as well.
What You Don't Need
1. Quad-Core Processor
There's nothing wrong with a quad-core processor; for most of
what a student uses a laptop for, however, two cores is plenty.
A dual-core CPU typically uses less power and costs less, while
providing plenty of performance for writing, researching,
goofing off online, and editing photos.
2. Powerful Discrete Graphics
A good graphics chip is useful for a lot of things, from better
video quality to faster web browsing. A powerful discrete
graphics chip is practically mandatory for playing modern
top-shelf 3D games, too. Unfortunately, they come with a bunch
of drawbacks: They generate heat, they eat through your battery,
they make the system bigger and heavier, and of course they cost
more. Stick with a high-quality integrated graphics offering
(such as AMD's) or a modest discrete graphics chip.
3. Solid-State Drive
SSDs are a lot faster than traditional hard drives, and arguably
more durable. They also offer a lot less capacity and can add
hundreds of dollars to the cost of a laptop. We love SSDs, but
the typical college or high school student doesn't need one. A
student needs the capacity to hold lots of music, videos, and
photos in a laptop that's affordable enough not to bankrupt you
if it has to be replaced.
4. Touchscreen
TouchscreenTouch is all the rage these days, and it's even
popping up on a few laptops. But laptop software optimized for
touch isn't commonly available yet. A touchscreen is a
costly--and mostly useless--feature on a laptop right now,
especially for budget-conscious students. Maybe Windows 8 will
change all that next year. For the time being, however, save the
touchscreens for your phones or tablets.
5. 4G Wireless
A 3G cellular modem dongle can be a good way to obtain emergency
Internet access when you can't get on Wi-Fi, but a student
certainly doesn't need WiMax or LTE. Access plans cost enough
already without the extra amount for 4G speed. Students taking a
break from homework can wait to watch a YouTube clip or Netflix
movie until they get back on Wi-Fi.
#Post#: 530--------------------------------------------------
Re: Buying a Back-to-School Laptop: What You Need, What You Don’
t
By: Admin Date: June 17, 2011, 7:29 pm
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Thank you sir and welcome to our forum! This is an awesome post!
Some great suggestions!
#Post#: 533--------------------------------------------------
Re: Buying a Back-to-School Laptop: What You Need, What You Don’
t
By: gabzas331 Date: June 19, 2011, 4:27 pm
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Stickied. This is great! :)
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