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How to Buy Notebook/Laptop Guide

After reading through this Notebook/Laptop guide, you'll know more than 99% of all Notebook/Laptop buyers.  The guide is divided into five sections:

Section #1 - Overview of Notebook/Laptop computers
Understand all the basic features of the Notebook/Laptop computer so you can buy the best machine for you.  

Section #2 - Main Notebook/Laptop parts
Make your choice of memory, processor and Notebook/Laptop storage devices. 

Section #3 - Notebooks and networks
Computing nowadays is all about connectivity, so it's essential that your Notebook/Laptop computer can connect up to almost anything. 

Section #4 - Ports and slots
Everything you need to know about those strange plugs and sockets you'll find in every Notebook/Laptop computer.

Section #5 - Getting ready to buy
Notebook/Laptop Buyer's Checklist.

Section #1 - Overview of Notebook/Laptop computers

Why buy a Notebook/Laptop instead of a desktop PC
Before you buy a Notebook/Laptop you need to understand the critical differences between a mobile computer and the much less mobile desktop, so you can decide which Notebook/Laptop features are most important to you.

Choose the right operating system
The operating system is the mind of the machine, it's what gives Notebook/Laptop computers their intelligence.  You can choose from Windows, MAC, or Linux operating systems. Which one is right for you?

Types of Notebook/Laptop and notebook computers
Understand how Notebook/Laptop computers are categorized, and why size definitely does matter in the world of mobile computing.

Choose the best type of Notebook/Laptop screen
How to understand the screen resolution jargon quoted by Notebook/Laptop manufacturers.

Tune into the audio and sound cards used on mobile computers
Don't let inferior sound quality spoil your Notebook/Laptop listening experience. Learn how to spot which Notebook/Laptop computers contain a top-notch audio system.

The mobile mouse, touchpad, and other pointing devices
You'll spend lots of time pointing and clicking so ensure that you choose the right device for controlling that cursor.

What you need to know about the Notebook/Laptop keyboard
Notebook/Laptop computers and keyboards - the 'key' considerations to keep in mind.

Notebook/Laptop battery guide
No point in selecting a Notebook/Laptop computer if it only allows you 30 minutes away from the office before running out of juice.  Find out the best type of Notebook/Laptop battery so you and your machine can keep going.

Section #2 - Main Notebook/Laptop parts

Notebook/Laptop hard drive
So what are the two Notebook/Laptop hard drive considerations when selecting your ideal Notebook/Laptop computer - and how much "gig" do you need?

Floppy drive
Do you still need a floppy drive on your Notebook/Laptop computer in this day and age?

CD and DVD drives for Notebook/Laptop computers
With so many choices of CD and DVD drives, including read-only and writable devices, it's essential you make the right choice.

How much Notebook/Laptop memory do you need?
Select just the right amount of Notebook/Laptop memory.  Too little and your machine will hang in slow motion; too much and you'll pay through the nose.

How to choose the right Notebook/Laptop CPU
The almighty processor is the central nerve center of your Notebook/Laptop computer.  Here are the main types of cpu explained.

Section #3 - Notebooks and networks

Why you still need a Notebook/Laptop modem
Even in this day and age of high-speed cable broadband Internet access, you still need the humble Notebook/Laptop modem.

Your Notebook/Laptop computer needs to be ethernet compatible
Ethernet - or cable - is the standard way of getting connected to the Internet at many locations, like the office or the hotel.  Here's how to insure your Notebook/Laptop computer will fit the plug.

How to choose a wireless internet Notebook/Laptop
Look - no wires.  Grab yourself a Notebook/Laptop computer with wireless Internet connectivity and leisurely read your email down at the local coffee shop.

Section #4 - Ports and slots

USB port
USB is short for Universal Serial Bus and it's quite simply the most important port to look for on any Notebook/Laptop computer.

Firewire port
Firewire offers fast access to external devices, but you may not need one on your Notebook/Laptop unless you're doing something special.

Miscellaneous AV port
Special types of audio video (av) ports to look for, especially if you plan on using your Notebook/Laptop computer for business presentations or you want to borrow your Notebook/Laptop's DVD player for watching movies on your television.

All-important PC card slot and PCMCIA
Why you need a pc card slot on your Notebook/Laptop, which types are available and the best type to get.  

Ports you probably don't need
Once-essential and now-redundant Notebook/Laptop ports that you don't need to worry about.

Notebook/Laptop docking station & port replicator
How to turn your Notebook/Laptop into a desktop computer anytime you want and enjoy the best of both worlds.

Section #5 - Getting ready to buy

Notebook/Laptop Buyer's Checklist
The Notebook/Laptop guide summarized into a convenient one-page checklist.
 

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