How to buy a new notebook computer

Daddies and mommies… don’t you think it’s time to treat yourself to a new computer. Notebooks are now very affordable, powerful and extremely convenient to use. Think of it as a productivity boost since you’ll spend less time with a slow dinosaur. Plus, you’ll have the latest consumer photo and video editing software to make great use of all the digital media you’ve been accumulating.

FUN FACT: “Laptops” are now marketed as “notebooks” because they run so hot now that users often find them uncomfortable to keep on a lap for very long.

Ready? First you need to ask yourself some questions:

• What do I need a notebook computer for? (Portability?)
• Is this mainly for my personal, professional, or both?
• What operating system am I comfortable using? (Mac OS, Windows, Linux?)
• What software do I have already or need to buy?
• How much am I willing to spend?

Only then can you narrow the field to a manufacturer or operating system. If your looking for gaming, you may be better off with a desktop computer that you can install premium video and sound cards.

I switched to Apple a year ago after more than a decade of using Windows and I am very happy. I’ve used the Apple iBook G4 and traded up to the Intel-based Apple Macbook so I could run the Parallels software that allows me to run Windows XP (for work related stuff) along side Mac OS X where my personal projects and creativity software is.

My two year old Toshiba Satellite running Windows XP was a piece of garbage right out of the box. But I’ll admit that HP business-grade notebooks aren’t bad.

Whenever possible, try to find a demonstration computer at a store so at least you can get a feel for the keyboard and see how good the video quality.

Make sure wireless (802.11 a/b/g) is built-in to allow you freedom and flexibility to access an Internet connection.

Invest in a DVD burner. (Make sure it’s not only a DVD Reader.) You can store up to 4.7 GB of files on a DVD, as compared to a CD. Plus, you should be able to burn videos to DVD and play them on late model home DVD players.

Finally, get as much memory as you can afford, especially if you plan to do photo, video and audio editing. At least 1 GB of RAM, more if possible.

Please feel free to ask me questions. I’ve built, bought and ripped apart a lot of hardware over the years. Good luck!
-Roland