How to Choose the Right Computer/Laptop!
I. The First Question of Course is whether you want a Laptop or a Desktop.
Not as tricky a question as you might think. If you really do not NEED the portability of a Laptop then go with a Desktop. Dollar for Dollar you will almost always get more for your money with a Desktop than you will on a Laptop.
If the lack of space is making you lean more toward a Laptop, reconsider. There are small towers and desktops out there that are not much bigger than a laptop and as you will learn later, you don't always have to have that big overloaded Tower in order to get the job done. In fact, as you will see you are often paying big money for options that aren't really worth the price.
II. How to Sort out the Spec.s ~ Understanding the basic terminology.
For many people this is the most basic problem. Media has convinced them that they have to have ten tons of this or that and if it's over a year old ~ Forget IT~ it won't work!! Pure HOGWASH!! Depending on what you're using the computer for (Desktop or Laptop) a very simple first generation Pentium may still do everything you need it to do! Again it all depends on your needs.
Naturally, the second problem is that there are so many different technical sounding names that the average person is only 1/2 sure of what they are and what they mean, much less what they actually do!!
a. Ram/Memory
So lets start with that RAM thing! RAM is the Memory, and comes in many different types; yes some are better and more expensive than others but you need not worry about that for now. Although it is an important component; in most cases you can put more in later so it is not the most important item when considering a purchase. The Ram simply put is the short term memory- you know~ like where did I put my keys just now? The more memory you have the more power you're computer has to locate this information, thus the faster it recalls it. Just like you and I when we have too many things clogging up that short term memory we just can't remember where those stupid keys are, but if we clear out the other thoughts- BINGO- we remember what we did with the keys !! So yes having more memory can make your computer run faster, because it gives it more power to find the program/ address/ function etc that it needs to do the job you want it to do, but there is such a thing as overkill as you will learn later.
b. Hard Drive
Now that you have the Short Term Memory- you also need the Long-Term Memory the place where the information is permanenlty stored- That's your Hard Drive. Yes, This is where the information is actually stored!
Hard Drives are measured in Megabytes (Mb), Gigabytes(Gb) or Terrabytes(Tb) Gigabytes or Gb being the most common. We will be going into more detail on this later, but for right now keep in mind that the average person uses anywhere from 10-40 GB's max! So don't be to overimpressed with large Hard Drive(s) often referred to in techno talk as the "Drive".
c. CPU/Processor
The brain! or as I like to think of it; the IQ of the machine. This will determine how quickly the overall machine reacts to commands and how quickly it retrieves,sends, processes, and resends the information it needs to do the job. Unfortunately, you can't always go by the Pentium standard because not all CPU's are Pentiums, they may be Celeron's or AMD's. Further on we will be going over measurement terms and I will give you minimum standards for each type of processor for now you need to understand that this is the single most important component when it comes to having a faster machine.
d. BUS Speed
This is most likley not information you will ever need unless you are comparing dual core or core duo machines and even most Computer Sales people won't mention it or truly understand it but just in case someone tries to confuse you with it; I'll give you a basic idea of what it actually means. So here goes: It's the travel time. How quickly the CPU or Processor sends the information over the cicuitry from one spot to another (like a bus on the highway).Or; like our own brains,it's the speed at which the information is sent from our brain to where we want it to go wheather it's to our tongue, our hand, our nervous system etc. Unlike our brains that have a tendency to work faster on some days then it does on others a computer is consistent in it's speed.
CACHE: This is another term that is a little more than you may need, however, it is relevant when comparing core 2, quad core or dual core machines. Cache pronounced cash, is extra short term memory that is dedicated to the device or board that it is attached to. Add on Video and Audio cards often have cache memory, the higher the number the better, and again it is dedicated to that video or audio card and can only be used for that card. CPU's or Processors also have cache memory, especially core 2, quad core, and dual core machines and we will be discussing their relevance later on when we talk about comparing higher end machines.
e. DVD/ CD/ RW / R
Okay so we all pretty much know what a CD and DVD are, they are a type of disc (small round silver thing with information, music, movies or programs stored on it.). The devise that "reads" or plays that information is referred to as a CDRom or DVDRom or a CDRom Drive and DVDRom Drive. A DVD is newer and has alot more room on it than a CD does and you will find that in future CD's will be a thing of the past and DVD's will become more prevalent. So what's with this R/RW stuff?
It's not as complicated as they make it sound. R stands for Read, simply put the devise will read what is on the CD or DVD so that you can use it, see it, hear it, etc. depending on what is on the disc. RW stands for Read/Write (also referred to as a "BURNER"). In other words it can not only play the CD or DVD it can also make them. Let's say you have a DVD with pictures of your Kids/Grandkids on them and you would like another copy, if you have a "RW" CD-ROM Drive or "RW" DVD-Rom Drive you can put a blank disc into the device and "Burn" or make a new one with exactly the same info./pictures on it.
Even though CD and DVD devices are often referred to as a CD or DVD "Drive" they are not to be confused with the "Drive" which as I noted earlier refers to the Hard Drive (your permanent, long term memory storage), you can tell the difference in two ways. One a CD or DVD Drive is never referred to as just the "Drive" it always has CD or DVD in front of it, secondly Hard Drives are measured in Megabytes (Mb), Gigabytes(Gb) or Terrabytes(Tb), CD and DVD's are not. They use the /R and /RW designations. So now that we know the lingo, how do you know which is which here's a quick breakdown for you.
CD-R: Will Play or "READ" CD's only.
CD-RW: Will Play or "Read" CD's and Make or "Burn" CD's, they will not Play or "Read", Make or "Burn" a DVD.
CD-RW/DVD Combo Drives: The most confusing one of all! This devise or Drive will Play or "Read" CD's, Make or "Burn" CD's, Play or "Read" a DVD, it will NOT Make or "Burn" a DVD, let me re-emphasize this It WILL NOT MAKE OR BURN A DVD it will play or "Read" them only.
DVD-R: (also called a DVD Player): Will Play or "Read" CD's and DVD's but will not Make or "Burn" either one.
DVD-RW: Will Play or "Read" both CD's and DVD's and can Make or "Burn" both CD's and DVD's. Or in other words it does it all!
Keep in mind that you do not always need a CD or DVD Drive and that there are computers out there, such as the New Netbooks that do not have them! However, most can use an external CD/DVD drive depending upon it's spec.s if you want one. Be sure to discuss this with your salesperson prior to purchase.
F:Internet Connections
Let's start with the Modem, no this is not the Computer or the Machine itself though many of the untrained; to the utter dismay of every professional; persist in referring to their computer as "The Modem". Please do not make this mistake.
The modem is a device that is either built onto the motherboard or can be a card added into the machine that allows you to connect to the internet via the phone line, it uses the same type of cord and jack that your telphone does. It can also refer to the little "box" that the cable company gives you that allows you to access their system.
Phone Modems in a computer, are for the most part a thing of the past, if you plan to connect to the internet via a phone line make sure whichever computer you choose has one. The speed of a modem has been standardized for many years now so that it is no longer a consideration when it comes to purchasing a computer.
Ethernet:
This is the most common connection. The connector for it looks like a large phone jack connector. Cable & DSL, both use an ethernet connection. Almost, every computer has this as a standard connection, desktop and laptops alike. One thing to keep in mind is that this is not only a standard component, the speed is determined by the speed of your internet provider not the connection on the machine.
Wireless:
Wireless can be a little more confusing, but bear in mind that no matter what speed your wireless component is capable of; the actual speed at which you will be able to send and receive information and or interent connections will always depend upon the wireless provider.
Wireless can be Integrated or Internal which means basically that they are built into the motherboard itself. External or add-on wireless cards come in many types they all work just as well as the other as long as your operating system is Windows 2000 or above (and hey are similiar in speed etc). When purchasing a 2008 or higher machine you should look for Internal or integrated wireless.
A,B,G, or N? These are the different speeds that wireless cards whether external or internal come in. A being the oldest and most rare, and going in alphabetical order with N, naturally, being the newest and most advanced. Again I caution you to keep in mind that although you should look for a machine with at least a B, the true speed will depend upon the provider not the devise. We will be discussing wireless again further on and is a subject you should discuss in depth with your salesperson.
G: Video:
In most cases your standard video will be "onboard" video and unless you are into high end gaming, graphic design or some other program that requires upgraded video; the onboard will be all you ever need. Having an upgraded video card does not mean that you have a better screen or your every day application will look better, it means that your machine will run and display certain games and graphic programs better. So how do you know if you have upgraded video? Easy, you will see it noted on the specifications for the machine. Key words to look for are g-force, Nvidia, Radeon, PCI, AGP or PCI-E, anyone of these terms will alert you, as will any specific mention of the video, that the video has indeed been upgraded.
Now the question is- if I don't need it why would I pay for it? The answer is RESALE Value! Upgraded Video and onboard wireless are two options that if they are an option on the model you choose, can be well worth the price. Depending on how much more the option is, of course. Case in point my friends laptop came with the upgraded video, her Dad bought the same model etc without the video card and saved approx. $48.00, if they were both to sell their used laptops tommorrow He would loose $100. perhaps more in resale value.
H: Audio
Audio is similiar to Video in that the standard is onboard and will most likely be all that you ever need. Again, like video if a particular sound card ie: Sound Blaster Live or sound system such as Dolby, or Surround are mentioned in the specifications you most likely have an upgraded sound card. But, is it also worth the extra price? Not always, if the difference in price is neglible or if it is simply part of a better overall package such as better CPU, motherboard etc then yes. other wise - in my opinion - no.
I Ports & Connections:
Card Reader: A card reader is a fancy name for a port that accomodates or "Reads" the memory cards most often used in digital camera's. It's nice to have, but again unless you're a photographer or your job or hobby depends upon you having this feature, I wouldn't use it as a major decision maker.
Webcam: Webcams can be integrated or "onboard", they can also be easily and inexpensively obtained as an add-on. It's a nice feature if you ever plan to use it, however, not one that, I would reccomend using as your sole reason for purchasing a more expensive machine ~again, unless you really want it or need it.
USB Ports: Any Machine you choose should have at least 2 USB Ports. Unless it is an older laptop then 1 is preferable but not necessary. USB Ports can be one of two speeds, either 1.1 or 2.0. 2.0 is the newer of the two and is preferable but I wouldn't use it as a major factor in a decision to buy unless the machine is a 2008 model or higher as this would indicate that a non-professional has altered the machine.
Digital and HDMI Connections: Again these are only important on newer machines, they're nice options to have but not on my list of the most important, again this will also depend on your needs and applications which we will be discussing in the next chapter.
Does your brain need a break yet? Some of you right now are wondering when we're getting to the good stuff and others are having a brain melt.
It's okay- if you want to skip ahead do so- if you're starting to get overloaded- print this article out and take it with you to a computer store. Just look at the machines, and the stickers with them and go over the terminology it won't be long before you know exactly what each term refers to. Once you have that down go home and treat yourself and come back to the article again when you're brain has absorbed the first part. If anyone gives you grief - remind them that they had to learn it at some point too, just like they had to learn to tie their shoes, everyone starts somewhere- the important part is that you are taking the time to learn and you deserve a certain amount of credit and respect for doing so!!!! By: BLH Cabral
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