Saturday, April 5, 2008

Tips to Reduce Cost on a Notebook

The technology used for manufacturing laptops and notebooks are advancing at a neck-breaking speed. Since companies are spending a fortune on the hi-tech research and development of the laptops, their prices can`t drop beyond a limit even if their sizes will. Laptops or notebooks are still being considered as high-end and expensive products. This article will guide you how to reduce you cost while buying a new notebook.
Here are some tips to consider for reducing the cost of that new notebook:

Overall Brand Quality:
Don`t compromise too much on this aspect. Bigger brands tend to offer better services. Hence, if you skimp on this aspect, then might have to take a big risk. However, there are some sites available on the internet that offers effective tools to find the best deal.

Processor:
It is always wise to pick the fasted processor. This is something you should never plan to upgrade later as doing so will require some addition cost. Compromising on this aspect is a bad idea as this has direct bearing on the speed of your work.

Memory:
You can save some money here because you can always upgrade the memory of your laptop as and when you need so. For example, getting 512 MB in the first memory slot (DIMM) will let you add an additional 512MB (in a second memory slot) later on for a total of 1GB, which means you will still make use of the 512MB that came with it.

Screen:

This is a personal consideration which is based on your use. Usually, older eyes prefer lower resolution of a less expensive screen. However, quite a few notebooks have 1 or 2 native resolutions that look good. But, these are high resolutions and most people over 40 find them difficult to read. Hence, to be on the safer side, you must compare before swipe your credit card.

Hard Drive:

If you want to skimp here, do so in terms of size but not speed. Insist on 7200 rpm and do not be influenced by varying views on this.

Video card:
Using a top video card makes sense when you are into graphics work, enjoying your favorite flicks or using Windows Vista with aero interface. Then you should consider including this top hardware feature seriously. However, if you are not doing any of them, then you might save a lot on this aspect.

Warranty:
Since repairing laptops are an expensive ball game, the longer the warranty, the more secured you are. Hence, if you think you will be able to skimp on this aspect, then it`s purely your call.

Operating system:
This is one area where you can substantially cut cost on you laptop. There is no point in paying extra for Windows Vista Ultimate if you are not going to use its features in your daily application. However, skimping down to Vista Basic would not be a good idea if you are planning to use the cool Aero interface. Hence, compare before you buy.

While buying a laptop, compare its cost with its performance. A laptop could cost you more if it is a high performer. However, you should consider the features you are going to use on a regular basis. It is pointless pay extra for the sake of features that are of little use to your purpose. Hence, consider your needs and pick the features you require to be there in your notebook. This will save you from hesitation and making potential errors while buying a laptop.

About the Author:
This article can be accessed in portuguese from the Article section of page www.polomercantil.com.br/notebook.php
Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for www.PoloMercantil.com.br