LAPTOP SHOPPING LIST

Note: laptops will run you 30 - 50% more than desktops!

Note: prices can change daily!

Deal$ on Technology - just like magic!
Our LAPTOP SHOPPING LIST give you the best bang per buck!
Look for "sweet spot", best price to quality ratio
We recommend only the best
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Desktop Shopping List

Go shopping at:
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Laptop Hardware

Component	Minimum	Preferable	Notes
Motherboard Note: prices can change daily!			Must offer upgradeability
RAM	256 MB	512 MB or more	Start with 256 MB SDRAM Expandable to 512 MB or more Check number of RAM upgrade slots, and fill them as full as possible
CPU Processor	1 GHz	2 GHz or more	Great buys: Intel Celeron or AMD CPU Pentium-M models have better performance than regular CPUs with the same GHz, less power drain
Hard Drive	40 GB	60 GB or more	Ultra DMA 33 or 66 try to get one that is silent! Rotational speed 5400 rpm or faster
CD ROM / DVD	48 x	52 x	Error correction more important than speed (due to cheaply produced CD's everywhere) DVD burner not yet advisable due to compatibility issues CD-RW burner recommended as best type of backup system DVD/CD-RW combo recommended
Graphics Card	32 MB	64 MB	See also "Screen"
Sound Card			Basic sound cards usually sufficient
Speakers	Anything built in	External 3-way set	Built in speakers are usually sufficient
Battery	Lithium Ion	Dual battery	Still the achilles heel of many laptops The longer the battery life the better Nickel Metal Hydride suffers from memory effect Best to always have a spare battery
Weight	Under 8 lbs	Under 6 lbs	Weight should include battery

Component	Minimum	Preferable	Notes
Modem	56 K	Cable or DSL	Modem must support V.90 standard Get broadband if you can afford it and it is available Get laptop with network card built in to hook into networks
Backup System	CD-RW	CD-RW	Backup is extremely important! A good CD-RW burner is a must. DVD burners not yet recommended
Floppy	none	3.5" 1.44 MB internal or External USB unit	Internal floppy drive wastes space and increases size External USB unit preferred
Body Casing			Ports: 2 type II PC Card compliant slots, 1 audio line in, 1 headphone/ speaker out, 1 parallel, 1 ps/2 mouse, 1 serial, USB, 1 VGA Laptop can be turned on and off by opening display screen.
Screen	13"	15" TFT active matrix	Do not skimp, you need quality here TFT active matrix Consider getting an extra monitor to hook to your laptop
Keyboard / Pointing Device			Test as many models as you can, choose what you are comfortable with Consider buying an external keyboard to hook to your laptop
Mouse	Optical Mouse (300 dpi)	High res. Optical Mouse (500 dpi)	Buy an external mouse to hook to your laptop Great buy: Logitech Pilot 3-button an optical mouse is better - no mechanical clogging
Software	Windows MS Office or OpenOffice Norton System Works Netscape/Mozilla Lotus Organizer Total Commander	Windows MS Office or OpenOffice Norton System Works Netscape/Mozilla Lotus Organizer Total Commander	Windows is the best all around OS for PCs Linux is an alternative for advanced users only MS Office is the standard MS Works not recommended OpenOffice is a good FREE alternative Corel WordPerfect good alternative (not as widely used) Netscape or Mozilla integrated browser and email (free download) Get Norton System Works! Essential for keeping your machine functioning optimally Lotus Organizer: best PIM, very intuitive Total Commander: best file manager