Selecting a Cheap Laptop Computer

Are you looking for a cheap laptop computer?

A laptop is a small, portable computer (also referred to as a notebook) consisting of a monitor, a system unit, a keyboard and a mouse all combined as one unit. It is small enough to sit in your lap.

A laptop has all the components of a desktop; the only difference is that, with the laptop computer, these components are built into it. They are able to run the same software as a desktop computer.

Laptop computers are now cheaper, faster and far more equipped than earlier models.

Click here for a variety of Laptop Computers
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The Availability of a Cheap Laptop Computer

The best way to get a laptop computer that is cheap is by:

• Buying a low-end model.
• Buying a cheap refurbished higher-end model.
• Waiting for clearance sales.

Refurbished:
You do not need to be spending a lot of money on a new notebook computer when you can get a refurbished laptop computer at a cheap price.

Being on a low budget does not mean that you have to settle for a low-quality machine.

You can look at some refurbished laptops by clicking here.

A refurbished laptop computer is a system that was returned to the factory by a customer.

These computers are again put through the production process. They are taken apart and rebuilt to original factory specifications, then re-tested to ensure the same quality and workmanship standards as a new system.

They are then re-packaged and offered for sale as 'Refurbished'. This System is of great quality - GOOD AS NEW OR NEARLY NEW.

A laptop computer can also be called 'refurbished' because it is slightly damaged and, therefore, could not be sold in the stores as 'NEW'.

The advantages of purchasing a refurbished cheap laptop computer are:

• You will be paying less for a model that is almost brand new.

• You are now able to afford to buy a higher-end model from brand-name companies such as Dell. Click here to look at some Dell Laptops.

• It is individually tested when returned to the factory. This makes it a better cheap laptop computer to buy because of the intensive tests that it is put through and you will be getting it at a cheaper price.

• They come with warranty and support.

Clearance Sales:
You do not need to get the latest laptop computer for your computing needs. Sometimes you are far better off not buying the latest model since they can sometimes be associated with problems.

New cheap laptop computers become available in clearance sales when the manufacturers bring out newer models. The current models then become 'old' thus causing the prices for these so-called 'old' computers (which are still new!) to drop to make way for the newer models.

Advantages of a laptop computer

• Portability - Being able to carry it and use it almost anywhere. It is an excellent traveling companion. You can get your work done while you are traveling.

  If you are always on the go, then a laptop is for you! With your cheap laptop computer, you will be able to access the Internet from anywhere.

  A laptop can operate like a desktop computer with an external monitor, keyboard and mouse while still maintaining its portability.

• Space - Takes up very little desk space compared to a desktop computer. They are preferred due to their small size especially for persons with limited space at home or at work.

  Your cheap laptop computer will be able to fit under a seat; therefore, convenient for traveling. When not in use, it can easily be closed up and fitted under a seat or bed.

• Convenience - They are an advantage to students; especially in a campus environment. Many universities have installed wired and wireless networks giving their students access to the universities' resources and general internet access anywhere.

• Weight - They are very lightweight. Many laptops weigh under 8 pounds with most of them just over 5 pounds.

• Flexibility - You will be able to move your cheap laptop computer easily from one location to another. Especially handy for students who move between their classes and dorms. All its components are attached as one unit making it easier to move around.

• Easier to be connected to your peripherals- such as printers and scanners.

• Size - Small enough to fit into a piece of luggage.

• Battery - A laptop computer comes with a rechargeable battery pack which allows you to use it for many hours without having to plug the laptop into an electrical main.

Selecting a Cheap Laptop Computer that is right for you

Your notebook computer must be powerful enough to run the software that you intend to be using it with.

The particular need of a laptop user will vary from one person to another. Here are some of the reasons why you might need a laptop computer:

• Frequent business travel.
• A student moving between classes and dorm.
• Business presentations.
• Taking home work from your office.
• Having the convenience of a laptop to use anywhere.

Deciding on why you need your cheap laptop computer and what you need it to do will definitely determine what features your laptop should have.

Ensure that the unit is equipped with the following features. (This information is based on a user with basic computing needs such as email, surfing the web, word processing and spreadsheets):

Hard Drive - You should get at least a 60GB hard drive.

CPU - The Central Processing Unit - also known as a 'Computer Processor'. Get at least a 1.5 GHz Pentium 4 or an AMD 1.6-GHz mobile Athlon 1900+. Step up to the new Dual Core Processors available from Intel and AMD. These new CPUs enable you to multi-task and do more; for example like encoding video and performing word processing tasks simultaneously.

Quad core is now offered by Intel but more about this in the future......

Memory - A minimumm of 512MB DDR SDRAM is recommended especially if you are using Windows XP.

DVD multi-drive, multi-format, dual layer drive - To burn DVDs, CDs and watch DVD movies.

Modem - 56K - To connect to the Internet using dial-up.

Ethernet Port - To connect to the Internet using Broadband Cable/DSL.

Integrated Wireless - For wireless network connections at home or at 'Hot Spots' in places such as 'Starbucks', hotels and airports. With this feature, there is no need for a PCMCIA network card. Ensure that the network card is compliant with the 802.11b/g standard.

USB 2.0 Port - To connect your high speed peripherals.

Operating System - I would recommend Windows XP. Microsoft has introduced its new operating system called 'VISTA' which comes in about four different flavours. They are Windows Vista Home Basic, Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Business and, finally, Windows Vista Ultimate.

I personally would not recommend upgrading to Vista at this time since there are still 'bugs' and 'quirks' to be 'ironed' out. Also, there are reports of various software and driver incompatibilities. Waiting until all these issues are resolved, would be advisable. Click here to view some Vista ready laptops.

Battery - A large capacity rechargeable battery will be a positive feature for your cheap laptop computer. It will enable your laptop to be used for extended periods. There are various types of batteries that are available but I would recommend a lithium ion battery since they last longer on one charge. They are also environmentally friendly. Click here to view some.

Screen - Laptops use LCD (liquid crystal display) screens. These screens use much less power than the usual CRT (cathode ray tube) which is generally used by desktop computers.

There are two types of screens available - The passive-matrix and the active matrix. The active-matrix shows a better picture and is easier to read. The passive-matrix is cheaper and the picture is not as sharp but, if you are using your cheap laptop computer mostly for basic computing, then the passive-matrix screen would be O.K. for your needs.

You should try to get at least a 15-inch screen to relieve eyestrain. The larger the screen, the more you will be able to see but it would cost more!

Keyboard - The laptop keyboard is a little smaller than the typical desktop keyboard. Many of them support external keyboards.

Input Devices - Instead of a mouse, your cheap laptop computer will have input devices. The touchpad and the pointing device are the two most popular devices.

Warranty and Support - Ensure that you get at least a one-year warranty with support.

Note: You should also try to purchase a computer case to carry and to secure your laptop and make sure that the size and weight of the laptop will fit your requirements.

Cheap Laptop Computer Online Stores

There are reputable online stores that continuously have very good deals on laptop computers. I highly recommend the ones that are listed below:

Dell
Dell is a a household name for computers! They are known to have very good deals on refurbished computers. Check them out here!

TigerDirect
Another online store that is very well known for excellent deals on cheap and refurbished laptop computers. Get your cheap laptop computer here.

Overstock
This is the clearance center online store. For cheap, new and refurbished laptops, you can visit Overstock.com by clicking here.

CompUSA
CompUSA ... "Where America buys technology!" Click here to check out some Laptop deals!

Circuit City
Circuit City ... Shop Circuit for all your cheap computer deals! Click here to check out the latest Laptops at Circuit City!

Amazon.com
You can check them out for very good prices on new cheap laptop computers here.

Laptops For Less
Find over 700 Accessories for Mobile Products at Laptops For Less by clicking here.

Conclusion:

Trying to upgrade your cheap laptop computer can be difficult. You should, therefore, try to purchase one that has the features that you will definitely be needing.

If you would like to learn to Build Your Own Cheap Computer, browse here for a free step by step tutorial

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