Laptop computer Warranty

Buying a laptop computer is a big investment. Therefore it is necessary to protect yourself against the risks associated with computer failure by signing up for a warranty. The warranty is even more important for laptop computers because it is not possible to change parts (graphics card, sound card, etc.) like you can on desktop computers. Most offers automatically include at least one year but it might be a good idea to take a several year warranty extension in order to cover the maximum number of risks.

How to choose a laptop

How to choose a laptop? The best approach is to concentrate on your needs and not get bogged down by the details. Make a list of features that are critical to your everyday and future needs. When you buy a laptop computer, in addition to choosing specific hardware elements you should carefully weigh the following characteristics:

* weight: a laptop computer is made to be transported, so it is important to choose the lightest one possible. Nevertheless, watch out for laptops that are light and have many external peripherals (CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive, mouse, power supply, hubs, etc.)
* autonomy: Computer autonomy depends on how much energy a computer's components use as well as the battery's characteristics :

o NiCad (Nickel / Cadmium): a rechargeable battery that is now obsolete because it suffered from the memory effect, i.e. a progressive decrease in the maximum charge when it is recharged when it is not completely "dead".

o NiMH (Nickel / Hybrid Metal): a rechargeable battery that works better than nickel-cadmium batteries.

o Li-Ion (Lithium / Ion): a rechargeable battery used in most laptop computers. Li-Ion batteries perform well and are reasonably priced. Moreover, Li-Ion batteries do not suffer from the memory effect, which means that it is not necessary to run the battery dry before recharging it.

o Li-Polymer (Lithium / Polymer): a rechargeable battery that is equivalent to Li-Ion batteries in terms of performance but is much lighter because the battery electrolytes and microporous separator in Li-Ion batteries are replaced by a solid polymer that is much lighter. On the other hand, Li-Polymer batteries take longer to charge and their longevity is shorter.

Why a Laptop?

The main advantage of laptop computers versus desktop computers is their mobility as well as their reduced size. On the other hand, the price is generally higher for slightly less impressive performance and the laptop's hardware configuration is much less adaptable, even though it is possible to connect additional external peripherals thanks to its numerous I/O ports. Therefore,
the motivation for buying a laptop computer must above all be a need for mobility or a need to save space. Moreover, with the emergence of wireless networks, and WiFi in particular, it is becoming very easy to connect to the Internet in public Hot-Spots or simply in any room of your home as long as it is equipped with a WiFi terminal. For advanced multimedia uses (e.g. digital video manipulation, connecting a digital camera or an mp3 player, etc.), the choice should fall on both the computer's performance (both graphic as well as computing power) and on the types and number of I/O ports that are available.

Laptop computers: Netbooks

Inexpensive and portable, netbooks are downsized laptop computers with a 10-inch or smaller screen that weigh 2 to 3 pounds and costs $300 to $400. They are designed chiefly for Internet use and light word processing. They are not meant to replace the full-functionality of your laptop or desktop. While some models run the Linux operating system as a money saver, all netbooks can run Windows XP:

Pros: Not much larger than a hardcover book, netbooks are lighter, smaller, and less expensive than most standard laptop computers. They’re very good for travel and might also make a good computer for a child.
Cons: Netbooks have small displays, keyboards, and touchpads. They have no optical drive, so you can’t easily install shrink-wrapped software or play CDs or DVDs. Their processors are slower than laptop computers. Netbooks are a relatively new computer category, so we currently have no reliability data.

Laptop computers types- More information

Budget Laptop computers:

These laptop types have slower processors, with smaller hard drives and integrated graphics, but are suitable for routine office work and home software.

Workhorse laptop computers:

These have faster processors, discrete graphics, and more built-in devices, such as webcams, so there's less need for external attachments. They also have larger screens and enhanced sound and video components for home-entertainment uses. They're not lightweight or battery-efficient enough for frequent travelers.

Slim and light laptop computers:

These laptop types are for travelers. They are about an inch thick and weigh about 3 to 4 pounds. Some require an external drive to read DVDs or burn CDs.

Tablet style laptop computers:

These sit in your hand like a clipboard and have handwriting- recognition software. Most convert to a "normal" laptop with a keyboard.

Ultra portable laptop computers:

These are not much larger than a hardcover book. Many cut costs by eliminating hard drives, shrinking keyboards and screens, and running the free Linux operating system instead of Windows.

Laptop computers types

Laptop computers are available from a range of producers in various sizes, types, and for different prices. They are supplied by good storage capability, guarantees and commonly reasonable cost. If you’ve come to select a product you want from the laptop industry, be sure to find the very thing you need. Notebooks and laptops traditionally focus on portability and mobility, usually at the expense of capabilities and ergonomics. In general, consider:

Pros: Laptops can travel. They take up less desk space. They're easily stowed after use. They can do anything desktops can do.

Cons: Laptops cost more than comparably equipped desktops. Our reliability surveys show laptops are more repair-prone than desktops. Components are more expensive to repair.

First laptop computers

The Compaq Portable and Epson HX-20, were two other portable laptop computers introduced in 1983. They proved to be slightly more successful in the commercial market. They featured revolutionary changes that would make them much more viable for business use. While the Compaq system required AC power, it was the first portable laptop computer to be compatible with the MS- DOS operating system and IBM software, allowing for ease in data transfer from desktop computers. However, the Epson HX-20 had an edge in that it operated on rechargeable batteries, and it was relatively less expensive.

Laptop computers industry reached its peak when Microsoft manufactured its Windows 95 operating system, highly popular with consumers. The following OS to say nothing of new technologies which became available and let laptop computers operate in the way similar to common desktop PCs resulted in laptops costing less and more users purchasing them.

History of laptop computers

While the first business computers were introduced in the 1950s, portable, first laptop computers were not introduced until 1979. Laptop computers first became commercially produced in 1981 with osborne 1 system, which was about the size of a portable sewing machine. It had a tiny monitor, with inability to run on battery power.

By 1982, GRID Compass debuted. It was the first real father of laptop computers. It was truly portable, with folding design we know today and the ability to operate on battery alone. But GRID Compass was expensive and incompatible with IBM, so therefore it was used almost solely by NASA.