How to Buy a Laptop – A Guide for Students

Laptops or notebooks are getting more and more common these days. Instead of buying a desktop computer, most students or home users prefer to buy a laptop instead. This is largely due to the growing coverage areas for wireless connections. Everyone wants to be online anytime, anywhere be it at school or even at Starbucks.

While a laptop has become a ubiquitous tool for modern life, the actual process of choosing the right model can take some serious time and research. For students, buying laptop can be a major financial burden. So, what kind of laptop is right for a student?

1. Pricing - Stick to Your Budget

Students typically require low prices. A laptop or even a netbook below the price of RM2,000 or around US$500 is the choice of many students. In the current computer market, you can still get a very decent laptop within the price range. When you want to buy one, please stick to the budget and don't be lured by the high-end models which are commonly expensive. In other words, survey laptops within your budget and get the best within that range.

2. Processors – Don't Just Follow the Trend

There is a tendency among students to follow the CPU trend. Statement like "I want a Quad-Core CPU because it's the 'in" thing now!" is common. But 60% of the students does not possess necessary knowledge about CPU. Commonly, a laptop with Intel Core 2 Duo processor or AMD Athlon 2 (or even Turion 2) should be sufficient for your daily use.

3. RAM – Don't Just Look for MORE

There is a misconception that having more RAM means better laptop. Well, it does to a certain extent but not always. But when you're on limited budget, you might not have the luxury of having a laptop with RAM beyond 2GB. There are several things you need to consider when deciding on the amount of RAM you need. First, is the operating system. If the OS is Windows XP (many students still use this), you'll only need 1GB of RAM in order to make sure your apps are running smoothly. If you're on Windows Vista or Windows 7, then 2GB of RAM should be sufficient. Secondly, it's the RAM type (DDR2 or DDR3). Third, what other apps that you need? For example, if you need to run heavy apps like Adobe Premier for your course work, then you need more RAM. But don't worry about this as "adding" RAM after you bought your laptop is easy and cheaper.

4. Graphics – Discreet or On Board?

Do you need discrete, high-end graphics? For most students I know, the answer is a resounding no. Why? Most of the time spent using the computers is on the internet, playing flash games, surfing Facebook or surfing websites. So, you don't have to spend bigger money to have a laptop that you rarely use it to the maximum. If you just need a laptop for basic needs, then on-bard like Intel GMA will do good. In fact, for heavy users like those playing 3D games or doing 3D rendering, it is better to spend money buying a decent desktop with good graphic cards or  a Macbook. A laptop with good discrete graphic card would normally cost more, but if you manage to find one within your budget, then go for it.

5. Hard Drive – Bigger, Better!

A laptop with 160GB hard drive is sufficient. But 250GB and 320GB hard drives are getting cheaper these days. Getting one with extra feature like shock absorbers would be an advantage.

6. Brands – Reliability

Look for reliable brands with good customer service. This requires a good research. Ideally, look for a brand that has a service centre near your area. This allows better access to them when you need to do warranty claim or repair.

7. Where to Buy – Not From Your Neighbour's Shop

It is advisable to buy from authorised dealers or directly from the laptop maker. Don't just simply buy from unreliable shops as you might encounter problems when something goes wrong. In fact, they might sell you refurbished laptops without you realising. If you want to buy online, buy from the computer company's site directly. As other third-party sites may not offer the same policy or price.

8. Warranty Period – Know Your Rights

If you have budget to spare, always extend the warranty period to 3 years or more (If allowed by the brands of your choice). By then, your laptop would have been an "old-loyal-friend" waiting to be replaced. Haha. Besides, in this fast-pace IT world, 3 years is a very long period of time!  Another thing is to know the warranty policy clearly. Some provide parts and labour warranty, some just labour, so you need to ask for this. Also, ask about return policy as well, some stores offer 14-day or 30-day grace periods where you can get a total replacement for a damage laptop.

9. Test, Test and Test It

Don't rush when buying one. Test the laptop and preferably get a friend to help out. Don't be afraid to try or test the laptops in the stores as you might regret later.

10. Compare Similar Ones

It's easier to compare when you have some standard features in mind. For example, get similar laptops within your budget range or similar specs, then compare. This would be clearer to you to decide. And yeah, don't just look at the specs on paper. Learn how to check features (RAM, CPU type, Hard Disk Space, etc) on the spot. If you notice dissimilarity, ask the seller or perhaps visit other stores.

Last words…

Go for the standard requirements for other features like connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), web camera, optical drive (DVD works fine) and save a little more cash for other important features.

So, research and research before buying one!

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