Laptops: Product Overview

Laptop computers have come a long way from the thick, heavy monstrosities with small displays and weak resolution. You can now find light, ultra-thin laptops that can perform all of the tasks of your desktop computer. And with technology growing at a rapid pace, the price continues to get more affordable.

Whether you refer to them as laptops or notebook computers, you'll likely be purchasing them for their portability and convenience. You can take a laptop just about anywhere to get work done on the road without having to be near an electrical outlet. In addition, you can connect to the Internet with a wireless Ethernet card at any location that offers WiFi access.

Typical laptop features
Here's what you should look for when searching for the right laptop computer:

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• Processor speed – How fast applications will run (usually noted by "GHz")
• Memory – The number of programs you can expect to run at once (noted by "RAM")
• Hard drive – How much data, audio and video files, and graphics you can store on your laptop
• Display – Size of the screen and resolution
• Weight – About 3 to 4 pounds, but lighter and thinner models cost more
• Operating system – New laptop purchases typically include a version of Windows, but are available with other operating systems
• Battery – Allows you to work for several hours without connecting to an electrical outlet
• AC/DC adapter – Powers laptop with electricity and charges battery
• CD/DVD dual drive – Loads software, plays audio and video discs, and burns information to recordable media
• Video card – Shares memory with other applications; higher-powered cards display enhanced graphics for computer gaming
• Internet connectivity – Connect to the Internet with a port for dial-up, a slot for wireless cards, a built in Ethernet card, or all three
• Built-in keyboard & mouse – Standard QWERTY keyboard with an eraser tip mouse or touchpad
• Docking compatibility – Turns your laptop into a desktop for office use
• Warranty – One-year on parts and labor with an option for extended coverage
• Additional features – Extra battery to double the life of your unplugged laptop, peripherals like external mice or speakers, leather-bound carrying cases, and more.

Should you buy a used laptop?
As you get into more elaborate features and performance, as well as sleeker designs, laptops can get expensive – costing $2,000 or more. You can find these types of laptops for a lot less money if you buy used. While a used laptop can still do everything you need it to, there are a few things to consider before you buy:

• The seller should answer all questions about the laptop (performance, previous owner, how often it was used, etc.)
• Find out if there's a return policy or limited warranty
• Make sure the laptop can handle the type of work you need it for
• Compare the cost with a new model – if the difference is just a few hundred dollars, you're probably better off buying new
• If it's refurbished, find out what kind of work the seller put into it
• Learn what software and accessories come with the purchase

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