Buying the right laptop can a difficult chore. When technology doubles every 18 months to 2 years it is hard to keep up with all the changes. A laptop 10 years ago could only perform basic of computer function. The laptop of five years ago was much slower and more expensive than those of today. The average person in search of a new laptop can get overwhelmed with the different makes, models and features that are available.
A young lady had approached me with a sales paper from Office Depot. She proceeded to show me two different laptops. She asked me which laptop would be the best deal.
The first laptop was an Compaq notebook for $369.99. with a 15″ screen. Inside it contains 2 gig of memory, 250 gig hard drive, and ATI 4200 graphics card.
The second was a HP T44000 notebook for $469.99 with a 15″ screen. Inside it contains 3 gig of memory, 320 gig hard drive, 4500M graphics card and HDMI port.
When I question her as to what she was looking for in a laptop. She told me that see want something to surf the web and when at home hook it up to an external monitor. Then from that external monitor watch movies and play games.
I looked at her and them examined the specs of each laptop a little closer. I point to the HP T4400 and said, “This is the best one for you”. Why did I choose that laptop for her needs? There were 3 basic reasons.
- More Memory – You can not have to much memory. The cost of more memory would be only $40 more.
- Larger Hard Drive – If she is going to be watching movies the larger hard drive will give her plenty room to grow. Yes, she could of have added the larger hard drive, but it requires a professional. The cost of changing out a hard drive will be around $150 plus the new drive.
- Graphics card – Nothing is more important to watching movies than the graphics card. That is why I went with larger graphics card.
In closing I want to state she may of have got a better deal for a similar laptop. Buying online usually will reduce the cost by 10%, 20%, or more. Like many young people they want it now, and not have to wait up to a get a laptop once it is ordered.
