The Tribune

By Deidre M. Bastian

I was casually looking for a new laptop this week, and the hunt went surprisingly well despite my meticulous computing specifications and needs. The salesman seemed very patient, accommodating and knowledgeable, despite my muddled order. And I learnt a lot while comparing and contrasting the components that contributed to the overall decision.

The laptop market is prettuy crowded, with hundreds of different brands and models, which makes it a little challenging for the average person to compare and select the appropriate one.

Many shoppers are buying computers based on what a salesperson “recommends” or “what everyone else is using”, as opposed to what is actually “needed” . But one of the most important questions asked when shopping for a laptop is : “What will it be used for?”

Typically, in the world of graphic design, certain specifications are necessary to complete a job efficiently and professionally. So, with that said, let’s look at a few leads when choosing a laptop:

Speed: The first thing you need to consider is speed. Why? Well, this is especially important for people who would be using the laptop for downloading photos, Flash, watching movies or browsing the Internet etc.

Having a fast processor will mean you won’t have to wait for files or folders to load and open. When it comes to processing speed, faster speeds such as 2.5 GHz and above will suit most laptop users.

RAM: The next thing to consider is the amount of RAM needed. (We discussed this last week). Laptops come with a huge variation in RAM memory - from 1GB up to 5 or 6 GB and, in some cases, even larger.

But be careful, as you may be spending money on something you do not really need, especially if the laptop Ram is not suitable for your purposes.

Disk Space: The amount of disk space should also be a consideration. This part of computer technology is inexpensive, and today modern laptops are being manufactured with more disk space.

But, if you require more digital storage for music or other digital gadgets, it may be a cheaper option to invest in an external hard drive.

As for brands, I have a feelings they are all pretty good nowadays. But it is always a good idea to do your homework and research.

USB and other Ports: How many USB ports do you need? This kind of stuff can fluctuate from laptop to laptop. The sales person will say that: “The smaller your laptop, the fewer ports it will have, but you can always get a USB hub if you need more ports at home, or a USB SD card reader for your photos”.

Heat Production: Make sure the laptop has rubber feet at the bottom to allow heat to escape when it is set on a flat surface, and also a good fan placement and airflow to keep everything running at a safe temperature. Laptops can overheat, especially if you are using them for long periods and improperly.

Webcam: If you plan on video chatting with friends and family, make sure your laptop comes with a built-in webcam. Most should, but not all will.

Upgradable: You can usually replace the RAM, and maybe the hard drive, but other than that, double check potential upgrades.

So, what kind of laptop should you get, and with what specifications and features? I can only make it this simple: Purchase at least 4GB of RAM. That is “four gigabytes of memory”. Anything less and your system will run slower than a drip of black strap molasses.

If you can afford it, get a system with an SSD (“solid-state drive”), which has no moving parts and therefore runs faster, generates less heat and consumes less power than a traditional hard drive.

Although a 128GB SSD may seem like a downgrade compared with, say a 500 GB hard drive, the speed benefits alone are worth the extra money. Finally, check for a warranty and know exactly what it covers.

By and large, there are a few small, standard things you should know without having to understand all the complicated details.

But, whether you are a laptop expert or technically challenged, make sure you research and understand your computing needs so as to land the ideal laptop.

Until we meet again, fill your life with memories rather than regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game!

NB: Columnist welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com

ABOUT COLUMNIST: Ms Bastian is a trained graphic designer. She has trained at institutions such as: Miami Lakes Technical Centre, Success Training College, College of the Bahamas, Nova Southeastern University, Learning Tree International, Langevine International and Synergy Bahamas