Features to Pay Attention to When Laptop Hunting

What really matters when you’re purchasing a new laptop? New York Times writer Sam Grobart suggests that it’s not processor speed or a laptop’s graphics card that counts. Instead, typical laptop buyers – those who want to search the Internet, watch movies, send e-mail messages, and write reports on their machines – look at more down-to-earth measures of a laptop’s worth. Mainly, Grobart advises that consumers look at such mundane factors as a laptop’s weight, screen size, and memory.

Weight matters

Let’s focus on weight. The advantage of a laptop is that it is portable. Laptops, though, won’t feel so portable if they weigh more than six pounds. Laptops that break that six-pound line can stress your shoulder when you’re toting it in your backpack or duffel. It should not be too hard for smart shoppers to find laptops that weigh less than six pounds. Some weigh just two-and-a-half pounds.

Screen size

For those who will be watching a lot of videos or movies, a good screen size to aim for is one that measures 13 inches diagonally. This is the perfect size to watch movies and it is small enough to carry around in most bags.

Memory

RAM, or random access memory, matters with regards to laptops. Grobart suggests that consumers purchase laptops that come with at least 4 gigabytes of RAM. Laptops that have lower than that simply move too slowly. You will experience those irritating delays between hitting a key and something happening on your screen. Don’t worry about going above 4 gigabytes, though. Typical laptop users will not need more than those 4 gigabytes. There are certain factors that shouldn’t concern laptop users. One is the processor. Grobart writes that all processors used today are fine for laptops. He also advises that buyers not worry about battery life, either. That’s because a laptop’s battery life will vary depending on how you’re using your machine. Always bring a power cable with you and plug in. That makes battery life a particularly unimportant factor.

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