Laptop Computers – The End of Desktop Computers?

Laptop computers are becoming more and more common in a lot of homes. Laptops are becoming more and more affordable that it’s becoming an attractive alternative to desktop computers. If your room is quite small, a laptop can help save space. And nowadays, laptops are becoming just as powerful as desktop computers and more energy efficient.

But before you go and replace your desktop with a laptop, there are certain things you have to consider. You have to make sure that your laptop has the features that would allow it replace the functions of a home desktop computer. Here’s a list of features that you have to look for in a replacement desktop computer.

Laptop Computer Features To Splurge On

• One of the main selling features of a desktop computer is you can get a big monitor that can function as a multimedia centre. Though the trend of most laptop computers nowadays is to become smaller, there are powerful laptop computers out there that have big monitors. When looking for a desktop replacement, get a monitor that’s at least 17 inches. There are 18 inch to 20 inch models available that will give you that full screen experience.

• Another great thing about big laptops is you’ll get a good-sized keyboard that’s about the same size as that of a desktop. A good-sized keyboard is important for comfort, especially if you’ll be doing a lot of work in front of your computer.

• Laptop computers, as with notebook computers, are harder to upgrade than the desktop type. And desktop computers have a lot of functions in a home. It’s used for work, for schoolwork, and entertainment. So splurge on a powerful processor, especially if you plan to play games or stream videos. And get at least 2GB to 4GB of RAM and 250 GB or larger HDD to fit the needs of the entire family.

• Most people use their computers for entertainment. So extra features like DVD burning optical drives or a Blu-ray player are essential if you use your laptop computer for multimedia entertainment.

Laptop Computer Features You Can Scrimp On

• Battery life is not very important with laptop computers that serve as replacement desktops. If your laptop would be staying in one place most of the time, then you can keep your laptop plugged to a wall outlet. So it’s alright if you want to save money on buying a laptop with poor battery life.

• Unless everyone in your family is a hardcore gamer, you could get away with a discrete graphics card in laptop computers. A discrete graphics card should be enough for online 3d games and streaming video.

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OEM Notebooks – Computers of Quality For A Fraction Of The Price

Good quality notebooks – computers of smaller size than normal – don’t come cheap. If you want a good laptop from brand names like Gateway, Acer, and HP, you’ll have prepared to spend a lot of money. But you don’t want a cheap notebook that could easily break down after a few months use.

Why not consider OEM notebooks from lesser known laptop brands? OEM notebook computers are the laptop industry’s dirty little secret. They’re cheap, they don’t look pretty, but they’re actually brand name laptops in disguise. So you may be buying a Blue notebook computer but you’re actually getting an Acer laptop, and for a lot less than the actual price of an Acer laptop.

Why Are OEM Notebook Computers Cheaper?

First, OEM notebooks are cheaper because they’re pre-customized laptops. To create different laptops models, a laptop manufacturer usually starts with a standard kit laptop. They add different components and features and change the packaging to create different laptop models. With OEM notebooks – computers of real value – you get the bare bones of a laptop, so to speak. Thanks to EOM notebooks, computers start to give you more – for a lower spend!

So if you have your eye at a certain laptop model, just look for the closest OEM notebook model. Once you get the notebook, you can just customize it yourself to create your ideal laptop. That way you can get the laptop of your dreams for a bargain.

Another reason why OEM notebook computers are cheaper is that they’re usually created for the low-end market of these popular brands. Notebooks for low-end markets usually use cheaper parts. Since cheaper laptops sell more units than expensive laptops, it’s less expensive and more practical to mass produce kit laptops for low-end notebooks.

OEM notebook computers are so cheap in fact that lesser known laptop brands are able to buy these notebooks by the bulk. It helps them save on manufacturing costs. They get good quality laptops made by reliable manufacturers at low cost. All they need to do to add a few components and stick their name to it.

Lastly, OEM notebooks are cheaper because you don’t have to pay for the brand name and the technical support. Yes, you do pay for the prestige of a brand name and the bigger the name, the higher the price. You also don’t get the technical support that you usually get when you buy a laptop with a brand name. That’s because even though big name manufacturer are the ones that built these OEM notebook computers, they don’t recognize it as their product. It’s a laptop manufacturer’s illegitimate child, so to speak. They get everything but the name.

So the next time you pass by a computer store that sells OEM notebooks – computers of genuine quality and value – don’t just pass by, or you may miss a bargain. Take a second look. Because when you get an OEM notebook, you get the quality of a brand name laptop without paying the price.

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Laptops and Notebooks – Computers with Convenience – Is There A Difference?

Are notebook computers different from laptop computers? Some people claim that there is a difference. That the difference has something to do the computer’s processing power, portability, or the capacity of the hard drives. To truly understand the difference, we have to look into the history of laptop and notebooks – computers made primarily for their portability.

It was in 1980s when the world was introduced to the first modern laptop. It was the Dulmont Magnum released in 1984. Initially, they believed that laptop computers would only cater to a small market like the military, or the Internal Revenue Service. But as laptop computers became more portable and just as powerful as desktop computers, more and more people started buying laptop computers.

The laptop computers back then were nothing like the notebook computers that we have now. They were heavy, bulky, they didn’t have a lot of memory or processing power. But as the years went by and the technology became available, they were able to create smaller and smaller laptops.

Even as the years passed, there was one problem that laptop manufacturer weren’t able to foresee and correct. Manufacturers called these small portable computers “laptops” because they visualized a future wherein these computers are so portable that you can use them on your lap without a table. But we all know what happens when you put a laptop on your lap for too long. The computer gets so hot you can actually get burned.

This is because laptop computers use high voltage processors and magnetic hard drives that produce a lot f heat. These are basically the same components as that of a regular desktop, that’s why you need to have ventilation and a heat sink when you get a desktop.

The Era of Notebooks – Computers of More Modern Design

Enter the year 2000 and the latest models of laptop computers arrive in the market. They’re new and they’re lightweight. And they were called notebook computers. It was also around this time that cheaper notebooks were also released to the market targeting students. These laptops have lower capacity hard drives and limited processing power.

So are these cheaper, lightweight laptops the notebook computers? No. Actually, laptops and notebook computers are the same thing.

A lot of laptop manufacturers were getting sued from personal injuries resulting from the use of laptops. So manufacturers decided to call the newer laptop models “notebook computers”, to discourage people from using computers on their laps. They believed that the term notebook computer would encourage you to place a laptop on a table instead of your lap.

So what’s the difference between notebooks – computers with a ‘political’ raison d’etre – and laptop computers? There’s no difference whatsoever. The terms laptops and notebooks are actually interchangeable. But if you want to be politically correct, use the term ‘notebook’ instead.

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Laptop Computers For Students – What Do You Really Need?

A laptop computer seems like an expensive and frivolous toy for students a decade ago. But nowadays, laptops are essential tools where most students do their work. They can do research and their homework just about anywhere if they have a laptop. The portability and networking capability of a laptop has allowed them to do their work just about anywhere that has a flat surface and an internet connection.

A laptop is a wonderful tool but they can be expensive. If you browse through laptop catalogues, it’s easy to get confused with all the technical jargon.

Buying a laptop for your student doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. The first step to getting an inexpensive laptop is by doing a little bit of research. You should also determine what laptop features your student absolutely needs. From there you’ll have an idea of the exact model your student needs and you’ll know how to get the best value.

Here’s a guide on the things you should look for in a laptop computer.

Laptop Computer Features for Students

• Portability. Does your child need a laptop that’s portable? Is a laptop necessary for school? Does he need a laptop that he can carry anywhere and be able to do schoolwork on the go? It helps to know how lightweight and small your laptop needs to be to help determine the range of laptop models to choose from.

• Screen size and resolution. You can get your student those really small, ultra lightweight laptops but if he or she can’t see the screen properly, then you’re just wasting money. The screen has to be the right size and resolution so they’ll be able to read text and see enough detail in the image that they’re looking. If you’re buying a laptop for a design student, then you’ll have to invest in a laptop computer with a big screen and high resolution. But if it’s just for a high school student writing term papers, then you can get away with buying a smaller monitor with low resolution.

• Processing Power. You don’t need a laptop computer with high processing power for the amount of work most students do. For writing papers, doing projects and watching a few videos, you don’t need to get the fastest processor. An older model laptop would be cheaper and will do just fine.

• Memory. The amount of memory you need again depends on how much use you’ll get out of the laptop. If it’s just for homework and writing assignments, you can get a laptop with low memory. If your student will be working with a lot of images and videos, then invest in a laptop computer with lots of memory.

Each of these main features has their corresponding costs. By knowing on which features you have to spend for and which you can scrimp on, you’ll be able to find a laptop that your students needs and save money by not paying for extra features.

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