Interface Cards & Controllers

Tips For Buying Your New Laptop

Buying new laptops can be a bit overwhelming, given the number of choices and options that are available to you now a days. A good method for simplifying the buying process is to start with narrowing down some of the key options and choices.

A good place to start is to determine what you will be using the laptop for. This will help clarify your needs in terms of performance, size, weight, storage capacity, battery life and price range.

Question you may want to consider are:

1. How portable to you want your laptop?

laptops come in a wide variety of screen sizes, 10″,12.1″, 13.3″, 14.1″, 15.4", 16" and 17″. Ultra lightweight laptops (10-13″) tend to have somewhat lower processing power. Many ultraportables do not include an internal CD/DVD drive. Cost – larger ultraportables generally cost significantly more than a standard laptop. If you are looking for a light portable laptop to carry round with you PC HAPPY recommends the MSI U210, which comes in black or white.

2. Computer Performance and CPUs

The CPU or central processing unit is also known as the "brains" of the computer. A good rule of thumb is to buy at least a dual-core CPU which provides improved performance when multi-tasking and running multiple application programs. Some CPUs offer three or four processing cores which can provide additional performance benefits when running demanding applications. There are also still some laptops in the retail channel with older Intel Core D and Celeron CPUs. laptops with these CPUs provide lower performance levels that many people find undesirable. If you are looking for a general all rounder laptop for everyday use PC HAPPY recommends the ASUS N61.

3. System Memory or RAM

Most new laptops include at least 2GB of system memory (RAM) or more. It is recommended that a new laptop have at least 3GB and preferable 4GB or more of RAM. The more installed RAM your laptop has, the more applications you can run at once, and the better your computer will perform.

4. Operating System

All new laptops sold today ship with Microsoft Windows 7. Most of these computers have Windows 7 Home Premium, or Windows 7 Professional Windows 7 Professional provides management and networking benefits in an enterprise environment. Some will have the 32-bit version and some will have the 64-bit version. The 64-bit version will allow the computer to process data in larger chunks, and allow the system to have more than 4GB of RAM, but can have some software and hardware limitations. 5. Battery Life

Average battery life with current laptops is roughly 3.5 – 4.5 hours. You can however get laptops with an extended battery life which range from 6+ hours. If you are looking for a laptop with an extended battery life PC HAPPY recommends the Asus PL80JT with a 10 hour battery life.

6. Hard Drive

Laptops will come with drives that range from 160GB to 500GB or more. A minimum storage capacity of 250GB or 320GB is recommended as this will provide adequate performance and room for your data to grow without running out of storage space. 7. Graphics and Video Display

On Laptops, graphics and video are displayed in one of two ways: through what is known as an integrated graphics controller that is part of the standard computer chipset Through a dedicated video chipset. Integrated graphics lack their own dedicated memory but are often adequate for most common computing tasks including basic video playback. Dedicated video chipsets are like having a second processor with its own dedicated memory. Dedicated video chipsets re essential for playing most computer games and frequently can speed up the display of web pages and videos and even other nongraphical tasks. Dedicated video can boost the overall performance of a computer; however they can also use a bit more battery power. If you are looking for a powerful high end laptop to either play games, video editing or just want a fast machine PC HAPPY recommends the ASUS G51, or the 3d model ASUS G51 3D.

9. Ports and Connectors

Most Laptops have at least two or three USB 2.0 ports; many offer four, and some offer up to six. These are useful for connecting printers, mouse, backup drive, smartphone, iPod, scanner and other peripherals devices. Some new Laptops may also now have USB 3 ports which allow up to 10 times the speed of USB 2 devices. Some Laptops now offer an HDMI output. This stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface and can be connected directly to some newer monitors and televisions. Another connector that is included with some laptops is the eSATA port. SATA is a hard disk drive interface (connection type) that is normally used as an internal connection within a computer to a hard disk drive. An eSATA port allows a high speed connection to an external hard disk drive that has an eSATA connector. Some Laptops also include a multiformat flash card reader. This allows the computer to read flash cards such as Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard, Compact Flash, Memory Stick and xD formats. 11. Brands and Models

Laptop models evolve rapidly so making any distinctions on specific models would amke this article outdated in a month or two. ASUS, HP, Toshiba, Lenovo, and MSI are well known large laptop manufacturers.

Other Laptop Accessories to Consider

In addition to the standard components of a laptop computer there are several other items to consider with your purchase. These include:

Internet security software such as AVG. Portable wireless mouse. Data Backup solution – Do yourself a favor and purchase a backup device if you don't already have one. Microsoft Office Pro, Office Home and Business or Office Home and Student. Extended warranty, preferably with on-site coverage. If you have any questions feel free to contact us on 0402 350 888 or email us or visit our website

PC HAPPY – Offers friendly Computer Sales in Adelaide, check out out new computers

About the Author

Craig Cottle

The Toshiba Satellite L675-S7108 Laptop Review

The Toshiba Satellite L675-S7108 17.3-Inch LED Notebook comes with powerful features to work, study, or gaming, nearly all multitasking needs.

If you seek a computer that has a larger screen size, to make your job a lot easier, such as viewing and creating movies, designing graphics, and even to have fun with a 3D games, this Toshiba model has a 17.3 Inch screen that will enhance your entertainment experience.

It includes high quality glossy Fusion Finish which is produced in Helios Gray that is enough to show off how cool your new laptop computer is. Furthermore, this laptop is surely ideal to do your college or school task, deal with business works, or browsing on the Web.

Now, this  Toshiba model is sold with multimedia “plethora” features which provides SuperMulti drive which can be applied to work with CD and also DVD, it also includes the intregated speakers for Dolby Audio.

Moreover, it has a {crystal clear} 17.3 inch LED backlit screen that save the energy consumption but it still gives you a HD quality 720 native resolution.

The right specification, and features isn't the only factor that stands out, but the Toshiba L675-S7108 is supported by the i3 Intel Core processor, the extra innovative processor to allow you working on 4 tasks all at the same time, either for your digital media works, creating site content or layout, or even enjoying 3D hottest video games.

Worth checking is absolutely the Toshiba Face recoginition to be able to identify yourself and also your family members, to have a better way to share your notebook only with your family, furthermore, it has the built-in web camera too.

The Toshiba L675-S7108 brings out green technology, which is labeled Toshiba Eco Utility to only use the electricity relying on your computing needs. Uses a single USB or eSATA combo port and HDMI port that enables you managing your home theater.

This laptop is packed with pre-install Windows 7 Home Premium as the main system to replace your old desktop computer.

Specs:
•    Intel Core i3 2.4 GHz Processor
•    500GB SATA Hard Drive
•    4GB DDR3 SDRAM Installed Memory
•    Windows 7 Home Premium Operating System
•    17.3-inch Hi-Def LED backlit Display (1600×900 max resolution)
•    Dual Layer DVD±RW/DVD-RAM CD/DVD
•    Intel HD Graphic Video Processor
•    Sound card, headphone, speakers audio output
•    SD, MiniSD, SDHC Card Slot, Memory Stick and PRO Card Slot
•    USB 2.0, VGA, NIC, eSATA/USB combo port(s)
•    WiFi, WLAN, Ethernet
•    4.53 Hours Battery life
•    Lithium Ion Battery
•    Weight: 6.61 lbs
•    Size: 16.2 x 10.6x 1.49 inches

If you are considering about the new larger display size notebook which has quality, good brand, and performance value, the Toshiba Satellite L675-S7108 is a excellent selection.

If you’re interested to buy this laptop, just visit: Laptops for Sale

Is there a device or adaptor that will allow me to plug in a SATA Laptop HDD into a eSATA port?

Get a eSata drive enclosure they are great, much faster than USB. http://www.amazon.com/Infosafe-2-5IN-Esata-Drive-Enclosure/dp/B0014BJIF2

DealExtreme 2-Port eSATA + 2-Port SATA PCI-E Express Expansion Card