There are a number of notebooks available in the market ranging from Rs 15k
to Rs 4 lakh, but when it comes to choosing one that is well-suited to our
needs, the sheer number of choices leads only to confusionand thats where we
come in. Weve compiled a handy buying guide here. Ask these questions of
yourself, and things should start getting a little clearer.

What Kind of User are You?
This is the very first question that you must ask yourselves before
zeroing-in on a notebook for yourselves. A number of lucrative options might
grab your attention with snazzy looks and aesthetic appeal, but remember not
every notebook is for you. You are an individual user, and your needs and usage
will be entirely different from any other person. So, to choose the right
notebook, first decide what kind of user you are. Mainstream notebooks with a
14.1-inch or 15.4-inch screen, are ideal to be used as desktop replacements. But
if you need a notebook that will accompany you on your tours and presentations,
then you need something that is slim and light.

Screen Size
Most laptops are available in display sizes ranging between 12 to 18 inches.
There are exceptions of course and the new wave of netbooks are available in
screen sizes like 7, 8.9, and 10 inches. A larger screen size may increase
productivity but at the cost of portability.

Processor
When it comes to desktops then you have single core, dual core, and even
quad core processors, but in laptops you only have single or dual core
processors to choose from. If youll use your laptop only for basic office work
or Web surfing, go for single core processors like the Intel Celeron. But if you
intend to perform CPU-intensive tasks such as graphics, gaming, and video
editing, a dual-core processor must be considered. You can choose from Intel
Core2Duo or AMD Turion 64 X2. If you have the extra money to spend, take a look
at some of the notebooks powered by the Core 2 Extreme processor.

Memory
Memory decides how fast your tasks will get executed. Higher RAM (memory)
implies quicker performance. Going by the standards, for running Windows Vista
with Aero on your machine, you need at least 2 GB of RAM.

Hard Disk
Storage space is important for many, and the more space you have, the
merrier. A single DVD cab stores 4.3 GB in one go, and with Blu-Ray coming in,
more storage space will be the need of the hour. 80 Gb is the minimum hard disk
that laptops are coming with, although higher capacity disks of 160 Gb or above
are also available. Since you cant add another hard drive into a laptop, its
best to go with the highest capacity hard drive you can afford. Theres no such
thing as too much hard drive space. Look for hard drive shock protection if you
need to keep data safe.

Graphics
Opting for a laptop with a dedicated graphics card will enable a few key
extras. For starters, it offers much better Windows Vista performance. Secondly,
depending on the type of graphics card, you can use it for occasional gaming and
3D applications. You have a choice between dedicated graphics cards from NVIDIA
or ATI; current laptops are coming with the NVIDIA 8400/8600M graphics card or
the ATI mobility Radeon X1300/X1400.

Multimedia
With changing times laptops have evolved from business machines to
multimedia/gaming machines. Now, they come with dedicated sound cards, glossy
widescreen displays, inbuilt TV Tuner cards, memory card readers, Web cameras,
mic, dual layer DVD writers, as well as featuring 2- 5 speakers. In fact,
manufacturers are also including software such as Power DVD, AudioDJ, Showtime,
etc.

Connectivity
Check out the connectivity options that your notebook has; the more the
merrier. Wi-Fi connectivity and an Ethernet port is a must for office users.
Bluetooth and Infrared connectivity for data transfer are other value additions.
Also check that it has all the ports you need; enough USB ports, VGA out,
Firewire, S-video out, HDMI, card reader, and express card slot.

Which is Your Brand?

Buying a branded notebook of course is the wisest decision; it gives you the
security of having service backup. If you ask us which brand you should go for,
then the answer becomes more complicated. The most preferred brands are Sony,
Dell, Apple, HP-Compaq, Asus, Acer, Fujitsu, Toshiba etc (not in any particular
order). But choosing one of them sometimes becomes a difficult decision. Our
advice is to scope out the market before making your decision. Buy something
that you absolutely love, and you are less likely to regret your decision. Stay
away from Chinese brands (zero quality control and service). For a lower budget,
certain brands like Chirag, Intex, and Zenith are good options.

Team LD
maildqindia@cybermedia.co.in