Laptops

Buying guide

The popularity of laptop computers has skyrocketed in the past few years. This is largely because most laptops are no longer inferior to average desktops in terms of processing power and speed, yet they are frequently much cheaper. The laptops on the market today are capable of doing almost everything that desktops can do, despite how small, sleek and portable they are.

Netbooks, the name given to ultra-portable laptops that can perform basic functions like web surfing and word processing, can be shockingly small and lightweight. Netbooks are typically a few hundred dollars cheaper than laptops, but be advised that they can contain hardware that is significantly inferior to the latest laptops. Netbooks are great for casual use, but they may lack the processor power to perform tasks like video editing and gaming.

Even thinner and more portable than laptops and netbooks are tablet PCs, such as the iPad. Tablets offer features that are unavailable with typical desktop computers (such as touchscreens), but are still somewhat limited in the number and type of applications they can run (compared to a laptop or desktop).

Family Use

More and more families are choosing laptops over desktops as their primary family computer. The main reason for this is that it's becoming common for people want to use a computer in all rooms of the house. Moms want to look up recipes on the Internet without having to leave the kitchen, kids want to play educational games in their bedrooms and the whole family wants to go online and vote for their favorite reality show stars without having to leave the living room. Desktop computers have to be confined to one room, but laptops provide the mobility and versatility to be used anywhere in the home.

For the Businessperson

Laptops are indispensable for traveling businesspeople and those who commute to work via public transit. In today's fast-paced business environment, you need to be connected to your co-workers at all times. Look for a laptop that's small and lightweight, so it doesn't take up too much space in your luggage. It's also a good idea to grab an extended-life battery. The last thing you want is to have your laptop die out in the middle of a cross-country flight.

Even if you have a desktop computer at home, you may want to look for a cheap laptop to use when you're on the road. Why spend a lot of money on a powerful machine if all you need to do is word processing and web surfing? There are plenty of cheap netbooks on the market that can fulfill the needs of casual users. Don't forget to compare laptop prices and research some laptop reviews before you make a purchase.

For the Student

The days of claiming that your dog ate your homework may be coming to an end, as more and more college students purchase laptops. Laptops are perfect for students because they are multipurpose machines. They can be used for academic purposes like note-taking, doing research on the Internet and writing essays, as well as entertainment purposes like playing games, listening to music and watching DVDs.

Students should look for laptops that are small and light enough to be carried around campus, but also sturdy enough to handle the wear and tear they will inevitably be subjected to. The bottom of a college student's backpack isn't exactly the most hospitable of places. It's also a good idea to get a laptop with a big hard drive, since there's a good chance that you'll spend as much time downloading music and movies as you do studying for your final exams.