PC World: A buyer’s guide to Laptops & Mobile Computing
Laptops & Mobile Computing
When you’re looking to buy a laptop, there’s a lot more to consider than simply picking one you like the look of and hoping for the best – there are hundreds of models out there and one size does not fit all.
The first thing you need to consider is the laptop’s purpose. If you’re only going to be using your laptop as a quick, handy alternative to your main desktop computer, or to do a few simple tasks such as working up a spreadsheet or checking your email on the go, then a state-of-the art, high-specification machine will be a needless expense – there are plenty of surprisingly functional basic models on the market to suit those needs. But if your laptop is going to serve as your sole computer or if you’re keen on making use of its multimedia features, then it’s worth spending a little more.
Technology is constantly evolving, so it’s worth taking your time to make sure your chosen machine has the specifications to suit your needs for the next few years. As a rule of thumb, a laptop should last at least three years, so take this into consideration when you’re considering a budget.
Laptops
Back to top
Processor
The CPU (central processing unit) is the core of the computer and handles all the data processing – it’s sometimes described as the "brain" of the machine. Processors have different "speeds" - measured in GhZ (gigahertz) – which typically range from around 1.2GhZ to around 3GhZ. If you want a fast computer, you need a fast CPU.
Memory
Memory is also important when it comes to performance. A laptop’s random access memory (RAM) stores information as you work or play, and it has a big impact on how many applications you can use at the same time. More RAM means you can undertake more tasks at the same time. It also helps your computer’s speed (alongside a decent CPU). Less RAM means slower speeds and less multi-tasking capability. 2GB of RAM should provide good performance for a few years, but less than that should be fine if your needs are more modest.
If RAM is the machine’s "current account", then the hard disk drive (HDD) is the "savings account"– a larger hard drive gives greater capacity to store files. If you have lots of digital music and photos, particularly if they are high resolution, then you’ll need a hard disk of at least 250GB. You could buy an external hard drive to increase capacity, but it pays to have a good amount of storage space to begin with. About 100GB could be considered a minimum requirement.
Portability
Laptops, by their very nature, are portable, but the range of weights varies from the ultra-light to the rather cumbersome. If you’re using your machine as a desktop replacement and you’ll be doing little more than move it from room to room, then weight will matter less than if you’re permanently on the go. A large, powerful laptop with lots of features can weigh up to 3kg, but you can get super-light models which weigh much less. However, you’ll probably have to sacrifice memory, speed and other features if you want a very light model.
Screen size
For a home-based laptop, a standard 15-inch screen will be fine. A 13- or 14-inch screen should be considered if you want to increase portability but still want a decent amount of features. Ultra-light, super-portable laptops can have screens as small as 12 inches, but again, the features they offer will not be as extensive.
Aspect ratio is also something to consider – the 16:9 widescreen format has almost completely replaced the old standard 4:3 screens (just like with televisions). Widescreen is a good option if you plan to watch DVDs on your laptop.
Power supply
Laptops are designed to be used on the move so a decent battery life is a must. Batteries are usually based around lithium polymer (LiP) or lithium-ion (Li-ion) technology.
Machines with lots of processing power drain batteries quickly. That’s fine for a home-based machine but can be a real pain when you’re on-the-go. Modern-day laptop batteries typically give up to seven hours’ use – though editing a spreadsheet will use up less power than watching DVDs, Flash videos or gaming. It may be worth choosing a slower machine if a long lasting battery really matters to you. Look out for "mobile-optimised" CPUs or, if it’s a Pentium/Celeron processor, the letter M – they’re signs the processor is designed with mobile battery life in mind.
Every battery has a limited life-span, so you may find yourself having to replace it after a few years as it will eventually lose its ability to recharge to optimum levels. It can also be worth having a spare battery if you know you’re going to be away from a power source from a period of time, but that would mean more weight to carry around.
Graphics card
Graphics cards can be integrated or dedicated. Integrated graphics cards are common in more affordable models and are generally fine for basic graphics. But if you want to play games on your laptop or need something more high-end, then you’ll need a dedicated graphics card for optimal performance. A 32MB graphics card is required for games or presentation work, but the most powerful can be 64MB or more. Some computer games require graphics cards with specific 3D functionality.
Optical disc drives
Most laptops come with a CD or a DVD drive – enabling you to read documents from a disc and play music and videos. Most also have a CD-rewriting drive (CD/DVD-RW) enabling you to burn copies of your pictures, music and documents onto discs. Some now feature Blu-ray drives and the most advanced feature Blu-ray writers, so you can share your HD (or even 3D) home movies.
Connectivity
Most laptops have several USB ports – check yours has enough to cater for all the things you’re likely to want to plug into it, especially if you want optional extras such as a plug-in external mouse. All will feature an Ethernet socket to connect to a wired network, such as a broadband network, as well as a socket to connect your laptop to an ordinary phone line if you want to use dial-up. Some laptops will feature VGA output to connect to a projector, monitor or screen and other come with a fast FireWire (IEEE 1394) socket to connect to devices such as digital camcorders.
Connecting to the internet
Nearly all modern laptops have in-built Wi-Fi, but check the specification before you buy. Some older models have 802.11g wireless, but for super-fast speeds look for the more modern 802.11n wireless protocol. Many laptops also have in-built Bluetooth connectivity allowing you to connect to other Bluetooth enabled devices wire-free.
Operating system
There’s been a debate raging for years about Apple Macs versus PCs, but it really boils down to what you’re using it for and which you prefer. Microsoft PCs have the edge for business applications and are considered more flexible whereas Macs are considered to be better for design, music and video. Each type is likely to come with some pre-installed operating systems and software – PCs almost exclusively run on Microsoft Windows and often come with packages such as Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer, while Macs run on Apple’s OS systems and come with programs such as the Safari web browser. On a PC, you might find one of several different versions of Windows – the latest is Windows 7 but Windows XP and Vista can still be found on some new machines.
Tablet PCs
Like a cross between a smartphone and a laptop, Apple’s iPad generated a storm of attention when it launched in 2010.
In many ways it looks like an oversized iPhone, with a self-righting screen, downloadable ‘apps’ (applications) and a touch-sensitive screen. But the iPad has grown in popularity and has now been joined by tablet devices from Samsung, Motorola and other leading names.
One of the major factors when choosing which tablet to buy may well be the brand name, but there are other important points to consider before making a purchase.
Tablets vary greatly in price range and spec. Business users who need a tablet to run multiple office programs on their morning commute will need a powerful tablet, but casual internet surfers could have their needs met by a more basic device.
Operating system
Apple’s iPad runs its own iOS 4.3 operating system, complete with all the familiar icons and programs – like Safari and iTunes – that you would expect with an Apple product. iPhone and iPod Touch owners will be met with a familiar layout, while more programs and games can always be downloaded from the App Store.
Many of the iPad’s competitors, like the Motorola Xoom and the Samsung Galaxy Tab, run Google’s Android operating system. The latest version is 3.0, known as Honeycomb, but some tablets will still run the 2.2 (Froyo) system. Android is fast growing in popularity and more apps can be downloaded from the App Market.
Windows 7 has arrived relatively late to the tablet scene. Nevertheless, it should prove popular with fans of the Windows 7 operating system on laptops and desktops, offering Outlook, Word and a host of other familiar programs.
RIM has developed its own operating system for the BlackBerry PlayBook which will run its own PlayBook apps as well as Android ones.
Connectivity
There are two different versions of the iPad – one which can connect to the internet through WiFi only and another which offers both WiFi and 3G connectivity. If you choose a 3G version of the iPad, or any other tablet, then you will usually need to sign up to a tariff with a data provider. WiFi-only will not require a subscription.
WiFi–only tablets should meet the needs of most users who want to surf from their sofa at home or by using WiFi hotspots in coffee shops and hotels. But if you are intent on using the internet on the move when you may not be near wireless internet reception, then a 3G tablet is probably right for you.
Storage
As with laptops, the storage space on a tablet is measured in gigabytes (GB). If you’re hoping to carry around architectural plans to show a client, or the latest music tracks you’ve been mixing, then you will need a sizeable amount of space. 32GB or 64GB versions of tablets would do the job, but you can always carry around a portable hard disk drive if you need even more space.
If you’re just using your tablet to surf the web, then the entry–level tablets with about 2GB of storage space should be sufficient.
Screen
Screen sizes on the tablet market range from 5” on the smallest models to 12” on the largest examples. Tablets with a smaller screen are ideal for keeping in your pocket for times when you need to check your email on the go. Yet if you’re hoping to use your tablet to display a presentation then a larger screen would probably be best.
Tablets with larger screens may look impressive but owners will sacrifice a bit of portability. If you’re looking to play it safe then a middle-of-the-road 10” tablet should do the trick.
Many tablets have multi-touch technology, which recognises when you are touching the screen in more than one place. This makes it easy to zoom in by pulling your fingers apart or zooming in by moving them closer together.
The Asus Eee Slate EP121 is among the tablets which give you the option of using a stylus, a digital pen which can be used to touch the screen. However, you are also free to just use your fingers.
eReaders
Basically an MP3-player-for-books, eReaders are growing in popularity. They allow users to store multiple books at any one time and they have interactive features, enabling a user to increase or decrease text size or change to a more readable font, for example. Many eReaders are linked to online book stores.