A Dummy's Guide to Laptop Computers

Looking for a right laptop computer is like looking for a perfect pair of pants: it must be the right fit. There are virtually hundreds and thousands of different types and models of laptop computers, each with its own unique touch to it. To find that touch, you must be able to know what you need the laptop for as well as many other factors that need consideration such as where you will be using this laptop.

I am currently a college student, and I can tell you that a laptop is a necessity. When I was searching for my college laptop, I was torn between many options that were available to me, and quite honestly, I hated reading about processors, and memory spaces, etc. because I simply did not understand any of it. I didn't know which ones were better suited for me and my lifestyle. I'm not a tech geek! My father took care of my computer needs for my entire child and early teen life, so it was never something I worried about.

Eventually, through a LOT of research and reading, I finally understood the basics of computer components (excuse me if that's not used correctly here). If you are like me, then I will promise you that I will try to make this hub as simple as possible so that you can understand the basics and find the perfect laptop computer for you without having to read up on every detail.

Just in case you are curious: in the end, I bought a Sony VAIO. After using it for a year, my mother took it from me and I bought a new MacBook Pro.

The following components are important to know about, so it might be best that you get familiar with them now:

Processor: The processor of a computer is like the engine part of a car. It's what runs the laptop (or desktop if you have one currently). Basically, it is the most complicated component.

RAM: Stands for Random Access Memory. This is basically the system memory, typically measured in MB (megabytes) or GB (gigabytes). Today, GB is much more commonly used than MB. RAM affects the performance and speed of the computer. The more you have it, the better.

Hard Drive: The capacity of the computer to hold information. In order to store your files, photos, music, videos, and programs, you need to have a hard drive large enough to suit your use.

Video Card (GPU): The video card, also known as the graphics card, is basically a component that will direct the visual display work away from the processor, enabling a much faster processing speed for all images or videos. This part is especially important if you plan to use your laptop for gaming purposes. 

Let's face it: our world is revolved around the outer appearances of people, cars, houses, little gadgets that we carry around with us. We want to show off our pretty possessions to not only display wealth but good taste and personality. Laptops are no exception.

The design of laptops vary from every laptop manufacture. Some companies choose to focus greatly on the outer appearance to attract customers. One best example of this would be Apple. No doubt, their superb design of laptops (and others.. such as the iPhone) attracts people of all ages. Other companies, such as IBM, might focus less on the design and more on the quality of the hardware. These companies attract the technology experts. For them, a lasting hardware's importance far outweighs any design insufficiency.

Regardless of how fashionable or customized you would want your laptop to be, please do not forget that the main use of a laptop computer is still to make your life easier by recording information, creating work, and processing whatever that you would like processed. Therefore, when buying a laptop, please do not focus JUST on the design. It is most certainly an important factor, but it's not all.

You may consider the following points when regarding decisions about the design and size of the laptop.

Portability: Will you be using this laptop for business trips? Or take it around campus when going to classes? If so, you will need a light to medium computer, and probably a small one. That is, of course, unless you want to hog around a heavy 17" on every plane that you ride on or every class you go to along with everything else you have to take with you. You might want to pick one that is under 6 lbs in weight. If it's lighter, it will be even better.

If the laptop is used for a stationary office (or something along the line), such as a desktop computer replacement, then you can consider a heavier one. You may not need to take these around as much, but in case you ever need it to show a customer some picture samples, then you will value the laptop's convenience. The heavier models will usually have faster processing speeds and less chances of crashing or overheating.

Display: There are two areas in display that are important factors to consider. For one, screen sizes. Some of the smallest screens start up at around 11.6" diagonally. That is one tiny laptop! These ultra portable styles are best for traveling uses. However, from my experiences with them, they are usually connected to a larger laptop or desktop to transfer information into. They are simply too small for convenient daily use. Plus, they really hurt your eyes if you have to squint to see the words written on a website.

The normal screen sizes that people prefer is a 14" screen. These are not too big, not too small. Large enough to be able to see without having to wear glasses, and small enough to be carried around.

Now, if you want superior video quality such as that of a small TV, then you might consider the 18" laptops. They are a lot bigger and heavier, but they will offer you great movie experiences.

Brightness, color, and sharpness of most laptops today are about the same. One big difference between Macs and PCs is the screen, but I will cover that in another hub.

Unfortunately, this is all I can write for now. I hope this guide gave you a look at the basics of laptop components so you can at least have a working knowledge for your research and eventually, your final decision. Soon, I will write hubs on how to choose the four main components: processor, RAM, hard drive, and GPU for your laptop in order to suit your lifestyle. Also, I will give my two cents on the Mac vs PC war. Keep a look out for those! Thanks for reading. :)