NoteBook Computers Buying Guide
Notebook Computers Guide
Buying a notebook PC can be a confusing experience - no matter how much you know about computers. Changing technology and complicated specifications often make finding the right laptop PC difficult. Our notebook computer guide helps you understand what to look for.
A notebook is a small portable computer that can run on batteries for short periods. Notebooks used to be the reserve of businessmen and professionals, but as technology has developed and prices have come down, they are now a serious consideration over a desktop PC. Our notebook guide helps you understand the different types of notebook and what to look for in a new computer.
Why choose a notebook?
The main advantage of a notebook computer is that you can use it anywhere - depending on the weight of your chosen notebook of course. Most notebooks are now capable of running for several hours on battery power and the very best can now run for 5-6 hours.
Perhaps the main disadvantage is that, aside from adding more memory, notebooks are hard to upgrade, which makes it more important to choose the right model to begin with.
Notebook terminology explained
One of the most difficult things to understand when buying a notebook computer is the terminology. Here is our guide to key terms:
Processors
The processor (or CPU) is the brain of the machine, controlling all aspects of the laptop computer. Processors are made up of millions of tiny transistors that can process huge numbers of instructions per second. The speed of a processor is measured in Gigahertz (GHz).
There are two manufacturers of processors - Intel and AMD. Each manufacturer has different models for laptops:
- Intel Celeron M - for basic tasks and performance
- AMD Sempron Mobile - for basic tasks and performance
- Intel Centrino Solo - General / Entertainment
- AMD Athlon 64 Mobile - General / Entertainment
- Intel Centrino Duo/Core 2 Duo - High-end performance
- AMD Turion 64/X2 - High-end performance
- Intel Core i3/i5/i7 Mobile range - latest processors with amazing performance
- AMD Turion X2 Ultra Dual core - latest AMD processor with amazing performance
Memory
Memory is temporary storage used by programs and files currently running on your computer. Memory is known as RAM, or Random Access Memory, and needs power to be able to store information. So, when your computer is switched off, the information is forgotten about. Memory or RAM is not to be confused with your hard drive; that's permanent storage for programs and files. Memory is measured in Megabytes (MB) and Gigabytes (GB).
Hard drive
Desktop computers generally offer more hard drive space than notebooks although our range of notebooks now offers massive hard drive sizes. The size of your hard drive is important if you want to save lots of music and videos.
Optical Drives
Optical drives are the tray drives in the front or side of a computer, similar to those found on your stereo or DVD player. Drives allow you to load and install software and write (or "burn") data to a disc. New computers usually have at least a CD-RW drive. Optical drives come in many formats:
- CD-ROM - Only reads CDs
- CD-RW - Record and play CDs
- DVD-ROM - Reads CDs and DVDs
- DVD RW - Record and play CDs and DVDs
- DVD Dual Layer - Loads double DVD
- BD-R - Reads Blu-ray discs
- BD-RE - Record and play Blu-ray discs
Operating systems
An operating system is what allows you to use applications and generally access all of the information you have on your computer. By far the most popular operating system is Microsoft Windows, the most recent of which is Microsoft Windows 7. All the laptops and desktop computers Tesco sell will have a windows operating system pre-installed.
Graphics cards
Graphics cards enable the laptop to display graphic information. They can either be integrated, or dedicated. Integrated graphics cards share memory with your laptop, as they do not have their own. Dedicated graphics cards on the other hand do have their own memory and operate faster and at higher quality. If you are looking for game play and video playback, make sure you get a laptop with a dedicated graphics card.
Connectivity
Laptops can link up with all of the same types of accessories that a desktop can. They have USB ports for easy connectivity to peripherals such as printers and webcams. Both laptops and desktops also include Ethernet ports for connecting to a wired network. Some have VGA and or HDMI ports for connection to your television.
Built in Wi-Fi
All laptops sold at Tesco have inbuilt wireless adapters. For more information on Wi-Fi and wireless networks see our wireless networking guide
What will you use your Notebook for?
Laptops differ in price and performance depending on what they're used for. For example, there is no point spending thousands on a state-of-the-art gaming computer if you only use it for occasional Internet browsing and word processing.
Notebooks can be separated into five categories:
- Budget notebook
- Entertainment
- Ultra portable / ultra thin and light notebooks
- Desktop replacement -High performance and gaming notebooks
- Netbooks
Budget / home notebook computer
A budget notebook can still deliver surprisingly fast performance with a range of extra features. A good choice if you expect to only use your laptop for word processing and simple applications, and don't have to carry it around too much.
You should look for:
- A Celeron M or Sempron Mobile processor
- 1GB RAM
- 120GB hard drive
- Integrated Graphics card
- DVD/CD Rewrite drive
- 14" - 15.4" inch screen size or above
Entertainment
An entertainment notebook is a mid range machine that does all the basics brilliantly and has extra digital media capabilities such as the ability to: create and edit videos, music and pictures, play PC games adequately, watch DVDs with ease.
You should look for:
- Intel Core 2 Duo/ AMD Turion X2 or better
- 2GB RAM
- 250GB hard drive
- Dedicated graphics chip if PC is going to be used for gaming
- DVD/CD Rewrite drive
- 16"inch screen size
Ultra portable / ultra thin and light laptops
These compact laptops are ideal for the business traveller or for someone who is regularly on the move. Some of the smallest weigh less than two kilos; yet still offer good performance and memory
You should look for:
- Intel Celeron/Dual core Celeron or Athlon 64, Athlon 64X2 Mobile processor
- At least 1GB RAM
- Over 80GB hard drive
- 12-inch display
Desktop replacement / gaming / power use laptop
These are laptops for the most demanding users - but users that don't mind a larger size of computer. Desktop replacements are not designed for commuting or regular travel. Instead they can offer everything from digital TV recording and online gaming to video editing and MP3 storage. Widescreen notebooks are good for watching movies. You'll also need a larger hard drive to store all of your information.
You should look for:
- Turion 64 X2 or Intel Core 2 Duo and top of the range Intel i3/i5/i7 series
- 3GB RAM or greater
- 320GB hard drive or above
- Dedicated Graphics card with at least 128MB memory
- 15-inch display or larger
- BD/DVD/CD Re-writer drives
- Multimedia connections, including USB, VGA, E-sata, HDMI
Netbook
Like Notebooks, Netbooks are the same shape but scaled down. They are smaller in size and their processing and graphics power is significantly reduced. Hard drives store less data and connectivity options are limited. Size and portability is what makes Netbooks so popular. However, another sacrifice is the omission of a CD or DVD drive. Netbooks were not designed to replace notebooks but to be used as a highly portable method of accessing the Internet, email and performing simple word processing or spreadsheet tasks.
You should look for:
- Intel Atom processor / AMD's netbook processor the Neo is coming soon
- 80GB or greater Hard drive or Solid state drive equivalent
- Screen size around 10"
- Webcams usually a standard feature
- Operating system - Windows XP or most now with Windows 7 Starter
- Lots of stylish colours available
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