Notebook or Desktop Computer, What is the Best Buy?

The idea of purchasing a personal computer may be appealing to a lot of people, however they may feel undecided as weather to go for a traditional desktop computer or for a light weight portable notebook. Several aspects should be taken into consideration as for the purposes of such acquisition. If the main purpose of buying a computer is for occasional use, regardless if it is for work or entertainment activities, one may consider buying a traditional desktop computer taking in consideration that its price is usually lower than the portable version.

The maintenance and eventual upgrade of a desktop computer is also much easier to perform and less costly. If the buyer is looking to spend the least amount of money, definitely the desktop computer models offer more choices of finding better deals weather it is used or new. One may look around the local computer stores for special deals or may consider browsing the many possibilities offered online stores.

Perhaps the greatest feature a desktop computer has is the fact that quite often it can be upgraded and personalized to suit the user needs without having to be sent back to the manufacturer. In most cases a local authorized computer store can perform the technical changes or upgrades to satisfaction. The desktop computers are meant for work and leisure as well and regardless of its configuration or how fast it can perform, it seems that it became an everyday tool of modern times.

On the other hand, if the main reason for the purchasing of a computer is portability, then in this case the notebook will be the right choice. There are several brand names available on the market offering all kinds of configurations, from very basic up to the most sophisticated and powerful late models of notebooks. After a careful research on which model will better suit your needs, then you will still have the option to choose to buy a new, reconditioned or used unit for the sake of saving some money. Keep in mind that a reconditioned laptop purchased from a computer store, usually comes will full warranty, just like as if you had purchased a brand new model but for a much less cost.

Just like any other purchase, it is important to do a careful research to find out what exactly your needs are and what are you going to do with it. The lightweight and portable notebooks are much nicer to carry around even though they are usually more expensive. Also the lightweight models almost always have a smaller screen and a more compact keyboard than traditional models of notebooks. So, in this case if weight is not a critical issue, than you may just consider to purchase a traditional regular-model notebook as long as it meets your requirements. If you choose this later option you will certainly be saving a great amount of money.

If you are the kind of person who feels skeptical about purchasing a reconditioned computer, because it has been previously returned from the manufacturer, relax, some times there is absolutely nothing wrong with the returned unit. It may have just been a matter of model preference or some minor detail that didn`t quite match the previous owner`s preference. Keep in mind that a reconditioned notebook with a full warranty is just as good as a brand new one and maybe even better for the great discount it usually offers.

Also you may find some good deals in refurbished notebooks. Beware that the difference between refurbished and reconditioned notebooks is that the former is usually an older notebook that has been used and then reconditioned, often by a third party, and the later usually means that it had some problem, went back to the manufacturer, got fixed and now it is available at a fair discount price with full manufacturer guarantee.

The right solution for one`s computer related tasks, whether desktop or notebook, will depend mostly on one`s working or leisure needs. Search carefully for the best deals and avoid paying extra for accessories you will hardly use. Also take a look at reconditioned (full warranty) computers. The price will certainly surprise you. And the performance might too!

Roberto Sedycias IT Consultant

This article is under GNU FDL license and can be distributed without any previous authorization from the author. However the author´s name and all the URL´s (links) mentioned in the article and biography must be kept.

This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the News Article section of page PoloMercantil

Roberto Sedycias has a bachelor degree in Business Administration and over 20 years experience in systems analysis and computer programming. Currently working as IT consultant for http://www.PoloMercantil.com.br

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roberto_Sedycias

Notebook Buying Tips

Why notebook became so popular? It has been estimated that notebook sales has increased an average of 20% per year in the United States alone. Among the many advantages it offers, portability is one of the main reason people end up making a purchase of it. However before any purchase is made, other features should be considered as well.

Notebook was first made available in the early eighties. Although much heavier and bulkier than today's notebooks, it had the unique portability feature that put this innovative product in a class by itself. Although not much of a commercial success then, it gave the computer industry a goal to pursue in manufacturing this item with better weight, size and performance ratio and making one of today's most wanted computer hardware.

Notebook size has got much smaller, however big enough to make one feel very comfortable in handling and operating computer related tasks. One can find it in sizes best categorized as: 1 - Tablet Pc has the size of paper tablet and weighs no more than 4 pounds; 2 - Ultra Portable is a little bigger than Tablet Pc and weighs around 4 pounds, no internal CD or DVD drive, display of 12 inches or smaller; 3 - Thin and Light is a mid-size notebook, 10-14" x 10", 1 to 1.5 thick, and weighs around 7 pounds, wireless network capability, 14-inch displays, combo CD-RW/DVD; 4 - Desktop replacement is the largest category of notebooks, more than 12 x 10" and weighs more than 7 pounds, 15-17 inches displays or larger, wireless network capability, combo CD-RW/DV.

Also an important feature one should look for is performance. Notebooks provide very close performance in comparison with traditional desktop computers, and should handle all computer related tasks with great ease. Whenever purchasing a notebook, make sure it has the latest cpu model, large ram memory and hard disk space. Notebook performance is directly related with cpu clock, ram memory and hard disk space. For these items, big is never enough.

Another feature one should look for is the dvd player. It can come in handy for entertainment purposes, enabling one to watch movies while traveling. Wireless connection is also a feature to look for in a notebook. Some notebooks feature an infrared port, which can be used to connect a mobile phone. Also there are other wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, which allows mobile phone, printers and PDA to be connected at certified public and private network. The ability to have a mobile connection is definitely a plus in today's connected world.

Expansion capability for notebooks can be done thru the use of plug-in pc cards. Although there is a new standard called ExpressCard, which is smaller and faster plug-in card that provides more features for multimedia tasks.

Notebooks have certainly become an item required for one's mobile computer related tasks, whether it is used for public, private, personal or professional purposes. Its portability and small size make an attractive all around computer hardware item. For those looking for mobile computer hardware, notebooks can certainly become a good solution at affordable prices.

Roberto Sedycias IT Consultant for PoloMercantil

This text is under GNU FDL license and can be distributed without any previous authorization from the author.

This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the News Articles section of page PoloMercantil

Roberto Sedycias has a bachelor degree in Business Administration and over 20 years experience in systems analysis and computer programming. Currently working as IT consultant for http://www.PoloMercantil.com.br

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roberto_Sedycias

Buying A Notebook For College

Every year, before schools and college institutions begin their classes, students from around the country visit department stores and major electronics chains in an effort to get all those necessities that will allow them to complete successfully their studies. So, if you have recently been accepted to college and you are not exactly sure which your computing needs will be, buying a notebook computer is not a luxury purchase, but actually a necessity. In fact, anyone who has to cover frequent travel concerns, from college students to frequent business travelers, should possess a laptop, given the fact that it provides a mobile and light-weight computing experience for computer users around the world.

Recent research indicates that laptops are in fact used extensively as people need to own computer systems that are as mobile as they are. Buying an effective machine that can also be easy to carry around has increased considerably the laptop sales over the last decade, considering the lower manufacturer and assembly costs. Deals between hardware developers and software engineers have resulted in improved notebook systems that incorporate the ability of them being transferred easily from one place to another, as well as being able to compute much more than the main software functions, like reading and composing emails, operating spreadsheets, or using word processing applications. In fact, whether one needs to take work from one office location to another or do some work while onboard, today's laptops can accomplish almost any task.

But if you are still contemplating on whether or not you actually do need a laptop to perform your computer-related college work, it is useful to consider the vast capabilities of these travel-ready devices as well as your current needs and ability to operate them. Owning a highly portable workstation can provide you with entertainment, productivity and ease of use. Forget about long messy cords and mouse pads. Easy to navigate by just using your fingers, today's laptop models need no more than their rechargeable batteries or just an outlet to connect to their AC adapter and you are good to go.

Listening to music, playing games, watching videos, or writing a paper has never been easier. Laptop computers allow college students to manage their daily busy schedules instead of loosing time and effort. Some models offer screens that are only visible to the person that seats directly across them, eliminating the chances of one being able to visibly access your files and folders. Headphones and microphones, as used with desktop publishers are used to provide an efficient but considerate experience. Keep in mind that most of the available models come with software applications already in place making Internet browsing or working on a project a simple and easy process of starting up the machine. Finally, since laptop computers have become a mainstream device, many affordable models are offered in electronic superstores or are available to be ordered directly from the laptops manufacturers' websites.

Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Education, Science, and Employment

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kadence_Buchanan

Some Tips About Notebook Repairing

Your laptop is dead and the guarantee passed, you have several options but they depend much on at which price you bought your laptop.

To give you an idea if you have buy your laptop between 800 and 900 dollars that will cost you approximately 80 to 120 dollars to change the battery, 250 to 300$ for the motherboard, 250$ for DVD±R/RW doublelayer multi recorder combo drive.

Well if you know the current prices for a new laptop it is really necessary to reflect before launching out in an expensive repairing. Firstly, well diagnose the source of the problem and if possible (but strongly recommended) get the service manual of your notebook and if you think that it's possible do it yourself. The service manual will be useful for you to have the reference of the bad part. Once you identified the part, seek on the Net in the various shop of spare parts to see whether you find your happiness...

Certain parts like the hard disks, the memories, the keyboard and the dvd are in general very easily accessible and replaceable at a reasonable price, but for the other parts you have to evaluate and think well, about time, price, and risks as sometime repairing is not absolutely the best choice.

You must avoid at all costs the spiral of purchasing expensive parts finalizing itself by the purchase of a new laptop.

And if you need more information about laptop disassembly I own laptop support many free laptop manuals and useful tips.

Hope that it can help you.

Didier Pradel is the webmaster of laptop support and The linux laptop support where you can find many useful informations, and help for your lovely laptop.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Didier_Pradel

Notebook Computer Penalties

Notebook computers can be incredibly convenient for anyone who needs to travel or work in multiple locations. While external hard drives and flash drives can be used to carry around a hug amount of data, being able to work on the same machine, one that's been configured by you for your specific needs and style, is a major attraction. And with a notebook computer you can do a little work, or watch a video, surf the net, etc nearly anywhere you go. You can't do that with an external hard drive.

Prices have dropped and performance has improved, but you are still going to have to make some compromises. Substantially more powerful and flexible desktop systems are also now available for prices that are quite a bit lower than any reasonably well configured notebook. You have to pay a premium for your notebook's portability. Notebooks are also less comfortable to use than a desktop system, though this can be corrected with an external keyboard and a mouse - but, you won't be carrying a full size keyboard around when you travel. Ergonomically, notebook computers are simply impossible without external devices. So you also incur a comfort penalty. And usually the notebooks keyboards are more compact and may not have all the keys you'd like. Finally, they are also normally configured differently than full size keyboards. This can affect your productivity to some extent.

A desktop system is usually pretty easy to upgrade - even to add additional devices to. It can also usually handle more memory than a notebook computer and run a more powerful processor. Notebook computers can be hard to upgrade and your options can be quite limited. They generally have just two memory slots and are limited to maximum of 1 to 2GB of RAM. Replacing the memory is probably the only upgrade that won't require a specialized service center.

And unlike desktop systems which are relatively easy to repair, notebook computers are not only difficult to repair and require specialized, highly trained technicians, they also require specialized parts. If they are even available. I've built 5 or 6 computer systems for myself from scratch as well as upgrading them, adding more devices, etc. It isn't all that difficult. But mess with my laptop? Not a chance. I've upgraded the memory and that's it.

So, when a desktop system goes belly up, I'll replace the mother board (or whatever component failed) - or start from scratch and build a better system and recycle the devices that are still useable. However, if my notebook computer develops a problem, I've got serious and probably expensive trouble. Almost anything that goes wrong is going to involve specialized components of one kind or another. Remember that it takes some manufacturing ingenuity combined with miniaturization to cram a reasonably capable computer into a notebook case. So if you get yourself a notebook computer, make sure there's a service center nearby or be very clear on what you'll need to do if problems develop. You might also want to double check the warranty and see what components are covered and for how long and if you might have pay anything for certain repairs during the warranty period. Then get an idea of what it might cost after the warranty expires.

Overall, there are quite a few penalties involved in buying, using and fixing notebook computers. Mobility, however, has turned out to be an overwhelming advantage far overshadowing the negatives for a great many people. And, by now, many can't even imagine living and working without a notebook computer. Would I recommend you get a notebook? Only if you need the mobility, otherwise it's not a wise use of your money. Would I give up my notebook computer? Not a chance.

Additional articles and information about notebook computers can be found at http://AltNotebooks.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Keir