I need a new laptop [Guide/Hints & Tips]

Quin452

Hi guys

I've just been eating up everything of interest and relevance to my life on the site, so I thought I'd try and answer this immense, life changing question here (for students):

What laptop should I get?

Now, you are probably thinking this is rather vague and can be asked anywhere, but in the spirit of this site, I thought I'd offer my advice in which machine to buy for the best price.
Note: You can apply this to anything really, even a desktop computer, but as students we usually have a laptop for our studies for portability.
Oh yea... I'm not going to get into Mac vs Windows. This is not the place. Each have their merits, I've used all three (there is Linux too).

These are the factors I am taking into account:

• What is it going to be used for?
• How long will the machine run for?
• How much is willing to be paid?
• To buy the accessories in a bundle or just the machine?

Now, let's take the first point into consideration.


What is the machine going to be used for?

If this is going to be your own personal laptop that no one else will use, then think of how you will use it.
For instance, are you going to use it for taking notes, checking emails and surfing the net?
Or are you going to use it for more practical applications, such as Adobe Photoshop?

This is where we come across our first fork in the path.
There are Netbooks and Laptops.
Netbooks are generally used for the first point, as they are light-weight and small; perfect for on the go.
Laptops can still be light-weight, however offer more capability for functionality (so you can install Adobe Photoshop).

Then, of course, there are the heavy-weight laptops generally used for gaming, or even better, desktop replacement.
These beasts are generally the most expensive, heaviest but also most capable. As a student, I am thinking towards more of the desktop replacement rather than gaming (there is a difference).

So, what are you going to use your machine for?

The second point...


How long will the machine run for?

People often think that you buy a laptop and it will live for years down the line.
The truth is, that it doesn't.
I've known people who have bought a new machine and one month later sold it in order to buy the latest model.

Computers are always going out of date
This is a statement of fact.
Even the most efficient person cannot keep their computer from going out of date. This can be down to hardware, software or even general use.
Have you ever noticed your computer getting slow and sluggish? This is down to the machine getting filled with all the data (your hard drive); even deleting old files and all the maintenance tools still don't prevent this force of nature.
You can try doing all the computer 'house keeping' jobs (such as defragmentation/registry cleaner), but eventually it will be worth just formatting the machine and starting again. Then, sooner or later, a new machine will be needed.

So how long are you wanting the machine to run for?
You can go to buy a high-end machine and take very good care of it to get a few years of life from it, or alternatively get a cheaper machine and switch it out once you're tired of it.
Granted, the first option seems best since you'll be getting the most out of your money (and be the envy of everyone else), but that is an expensive option which could be lost/stolen/damaged.

Thirdly,


How much is willing to be paid?

This ties in with the previous section in regards to money, but it is a key factor to remember.

Don't look at it as 'how much I am willing to pay for this machine' but instead 'what can I get for this amount'.
That seems like a contradiction to the header, but it's not.

Remember, you are a student, therefore on a budget.

For instance, if you want a machine with 250GB of hard drive space, and there are two, which would be the better deal? One at £400 or £500? There is more to mention about buying a computer than hard drive, but it is factor most people understand clearly.
Not only that, but when it comes down to comparison against another student, if they start bragging about how much their laptop is worth and yours equals (or is better than) theirs, then you come out on top because your 'savvy' with your money.

It is unadvisable to be loyal to one company/product in the computer industry. As previously mentioned, it is always evolving and there will always be a new product with better specs. By limiting yourself to a strict budget, you can then buy yourself the best machine within that budget, instead of wasting it for a few extra GB (for about £50-100) that you may not even use.

The last point:


To buy the accessories in a bundle or just the machine?

This really depends on what you want. For instance, I want a printer, a portable hard drive, and a wireless compact mouse.
These I can buy at any stage, as they are not essential; I can also buy them seperate or in a bundle/deal (to save money).
The accessories can fall under the same points as the laptop, with the exception that these little delights can be used in other situations (other people can print off your printer). Not only that, but since these are not the vital day-to-day used items, then they can live a lot longer (though still need taking care of - inks/paper).

Final Comments

I would just like to close in saying:
If you're unsure what machine to get, ask your lecturers or past students for advice on what is expected in the course

For all you know, you may not even need a machine, so a little netbook would suit you.
Then again, if you are expecting to need a machine (such as for media work), then be expected to look into more money than you first thought (and work out those shoulders... laptops can get heavy).

There is no rush into these types of purchases... it is better to do your research first than regret a decision later.