QUESTIONS YOU HAVE TO ANSWER ON HOW TO PICK THE BEST LAPTOP FOR YOU

With everyone feeling the ill effects of the reverse growth of global economies worldwide, it seems that it is no longer feasible (or in some cases, possible) to buy portable computers. When monthly budgets are stretched out of proportion to stay afloat, is it still wise to invest in a second computer, one that is portable?

Market slowdown

Every part of the international market is experiencing a slowdown, including notebook sales. Back in the nineties, people knew that a notebook was a nice investment. After acquiring a good personal computer (note: tower or mini tower CPU) people wanted to have a portable one, too.

The slowdown came palpably last year with the credit crunch. What’s keeping things steady, at least for now? Netbooks. Netbooks, the notebook’s miniature version, is literally saving the notebook industry by providing a sustainable niche that people still find interesting and worth their money.

If you plan to invest in a new notebook, on the other hand, it’s important to first establish what you need.

What are you?

The first kind of consumer is firmly attached to his portable computer- this person is always on the go, and rarely leaves his notebook at home. In his machine, he stores his ledgers, his Microsoft Excel documents, memos, important emails and vital documents. He needs them to be right there when the need arises. Not having them when there's a need means he might lose his job, or worse, his face in front of his bosses.
You need to check hard disk size.

The second type of consumer needs a very portable and possibly very light computer for the daily commute. He needs flexibility, high storage space and features for the person on the go.
You need to compare the weight.

The third type of consumer needs power in his portable computer. He wants to watch DVDs and Bluray movies, and he wants to play games while surfing the Web at high speed.
You need to check DVD drive availability

After determining what kind of consumer you are, it’s time to pick what kind of operating system you might need.

OS X, Windows or Linux?
There are basic choices for your operating system: you have of course, the popular line of Windows (from Windows 3.1 to Windows Longhorn), OS X (expensive) and of course, open-source, always free (not really) Linux.

Pick OS X if you want to use Macintosh computers; it’s that simple. Macs are pricier than generic assemblies that use the Windows platform; also, if you’ve been using Windows for the longest time, re-learning another operating system might be difficult for some.

How about Linux? Choose Linux if:

1. You have no budget for an OS.
2. You believe in the goodwill of mankind (a.k.a. open-source technologies)

The most popular for home use right now is Linux Ubuntu, which also has several other versions for businesses and programming. Linux has been around for the longest time, and is the choice of many institutions that don’t have the budget to renew software for a hundred machines on a seasonal basis.

If you want Linux, you won’t be having any difficulties as all three operating systems share many “similar” functions. Remember though, that OS X does not suffer from viruses or trojans.