Laptop buyer's guide

The Dell Studio XPS 16 laptop.

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There's a dizzying array of laptops, notebooks and netbooks available today. Here's what you need to know to make a smart buy.

NOTEBOOKS and NETBOOKS

Laptop and notebook computers are largely the same although in some definitions notebook computers are more powerful than laptops. Netbooks are basically smaller, lighter and cheaper laptops that are designed to be ultraportable and rugged.

They typically have less processing power and memory than laptops and are designed for word processing, emailing and browsing the web rather than power and memory hungry functions such as gaming and editing and playing large media files.

PERFORMANCE

This is supplied by the laptop's processor or central processing unit (CPU), which carries out all the commands made by the laptop's hardware and software. A processor's speed is measured in gigahertz (Ghz). The higher the speed the more promptly the laptop will be able to respond to commands. Dual -core processors are faster than single-core processors.

Another important factor determining performance is memory. Also called random access memory (RAM), it stores frequently or currently used files for quick retrieval. Memory is measured in gigabytes.

If you're going to be playing videos or computer games it's a good idea to go for a laptop with a dual-core processor and at least 2GB of memory, and serious gamers probably want to opt for even more power.   But if you're just after a laptop for basic word-processing and web-browsing, you can probably get away with less grunt.

HARD-DRIVE

This is where all your files and data are kept. If you're going to be saving music, videos, and photos it's a good idea to go for as much storage as possible. Storage is measured in gigabytes - go for at least 160GB. Your hard drive's speed is also important, the faster the hard-drive the better its performance.

Most hard-drives run at 5400 revolutions per minute or 7200rpm and these speeds should be adequate for most users.  Serious gamers should go for the largest and fastest hard-drive they can afford.

Some laptops and netbooks come with solid state drives instead of hard-drives. Solid state drives have fewer moving parts than hard-drives and are usually more durable. They tend to have less capacity and consume less power but are more expensive.

CD and DVD DRIVES:

All laptops but not many netbooks will have a CD and DVD drive for listening to CDs and watching DVDs. Most laptops should let you burn DVDs too. Some have Blu-ray drives for watching and recording video in high-definition.

DISPLAYS AND SIZE:

Laptops have thin liquid crystal displays (LCD screens) that typically range in size from 10.6 inches (diagonally) to 20 inches. For comfortable viewing most people prefer screens that are 14.1-inches or larger. Netbook displays tend to be smaller, most are 9-10 inches.

Netbooks usually weigh about 1.5 kilograms or less, while laptops and notebooks can range from about 1.8kg to 3.6kg.

Keyboard size is also an important consideration. It's a good idea to try out the keyboard and touchpad before you buy to ensure typing and using the mouse is comfortable.

CONNECTIVITY:

There are several important connections your laptop should have, including Ethernet and modem ports for internet access, an HDMI port for connecting to your TV and a number of USB ports for plugging in a mouse, USB sticks, digital cameras etc. Most notebooks also have in-built antennas for wireless internet. Some laptops also have Bluetooth - a technology that lets devices communicate with each other wirelessly.    

GRAPHICS CARD:

A graphics card (also called a video card) enables your computer or laptop to generate and display graphics. Computers and laptops come with in-built graphics cards which should be adequate for watching videos and browsing the web but if you're into gaming, you might want to buy a dedicated card to boost your laptop's graphics.

EXTRAS:

External hard-drives can be extremely handy for backing-up data and saving large files - particularly if you have a netbook that is light on memory and performance. Laptops usually come pre-loaded with operating system software - software that manages all the programs on your computer.

Apple laptops will have the Mac OS X operating system, while most other laptops will have a Windows operating system such as XP or Vista installed. Microsoft is due to launch its next operating system, Windows 7, next month.

Webcams for video calling are becoming an increasingly common feature in laptops. Webcam quality is measured in megapixels, and generally, the higher the megapixel count the better the webcam.

Here's an idea of what's available:  

Hewlett-Packard Mini 110  -  RRP$899

A netbook for basic word-processing, emailing and browsing the web, the "black swirl model has a 160GB hard-drive, an Intel single-core processor, wireless internet connectivity and a SD memory card slot for extra storage. It weighs about one kilogram, has a 10.1-inch screen and is just over 2.5 centimetres thick. Also available in pink and white for $999.

Dell Studio XPS 16 - From $3020

This higher-end laptop could be one for the gamers. It comes with an Intel dual-core processor and shoppers can select the other specifications to suit their needs. They can choose up to 4GB or 8GB of RAM,  and a 320GB 7200rpm or 500GB 5400rpm hard-drive, or a 128GB solid state drive. Display sizes are 15.6 inches or 16 inches.

Acer Aspire AS4810T - 354G32Mn  - RRP$1999

A mid-range model, this laptop comes with a single-core Intel processor, 4GB of RAM, a 320 GB, 5400rpm hard-drive, a 14-inch wide-screen, wireless internet connectivity, Bluetooth and a webcam.

NB: These laptops have not been reviewed.

Sources: CNET, About.com, Laptopical, Noel Leeming, Dick Smith.