Simplicity

For the past couple of years, I have tried to make my life simpler. Technology has definitely been the way that I have seen to make my life as simple as possible. For example, I scan all my bank statements into the computer so that I don't have to keep track of pieces of paper, there was something about simplicity that was appealing. The question is, how can such simplicity be achieved on a college campus environment?

For starters, a good laptop, as most of you know, is one of the most versatile things you could have with you to simplify your life. However, it's easier to say that you need a laptop than actually getting one. Thus it would only be proper that this week's blog post is about purchasing laptops. The key is to balance features with price and you need to figure out what you need and what you don't. Being realistic will significantly help in the decision making process.

Here are a few features that can blow your mind:

• Processor - AMD or Intel?
• Memory - 512mb, 1GB, 2GB, 4GB?
• Screen Size - Bigger or Smaller?
• Hard Drive Capacity - More or Less?
• DVD or BluRay?
• Weight

Without getting too technical with the jargon, let me break these things down.

Processor:
With Vista as the omnipresent operating system, a good processor is vital. Make sure that the processor is a dual core. That means, it has two processors in one and it can do twice the work. However, there is one aspect of the processor that is very important. That is the L2 Cache; this is the amount of data that flows between the processor core and the rest of the components. Make sure that this is at least 1MB or above. A 2GHz processor with 512kb L2 Cache might perform at the same speed as a 1.6Ghz processor with 2MB L2 Cache.

Memory:
Again, since we are talking about Vista being dominant, you will need 2GB of memory to make sure your laptop can multi task just like you do (or try to do, for that matter). However, you do not have to go beyond 2GB unless you edit videos or pictures on a professional level.

Screen Size:
The most preferred screen sizes are 14.1 inches and 15.4 inches. Remember that you will take your laptop with you so, keep that in mind when you check out laptops. Screen size is purely a personal preference and price generally doesn't get affected by it between those two sizes.

Hard Drive:
Anything 80GB or above should be enough. Do not go over 160GB tops because that is also a waste.

DVD Writer or BluRay:
Okay, let me set this in stone once and for all. BluRay is overpriced at the moment. There is absolutely no need to find a laptop with a BluRay player because it is just not economical yet. A DVD Writer will do everything you will need for the life of the laptop.

Weight:
This is a personal favorite. First off, a seven pound laptop weighs a lot. Seven pounds might not seem like much, but lugging your laptop around all over like I do and you will soon hate your laptop. Six pounds and less should be your goal. You'd be surprised how much of a difference one pound makes.

Any other feature is mere fluff and I wouldn't get it if it adds to the price of your laptop. Now that you know what to look for, find some laptop deals at Best Buy or some other electronics store and go check them out. Don't buy blind and your laptop will give you years of dependable service.

Here are some keywords you can throw at the salesman to sound smart:
KB - Kilo Bytes (not to be mistaken with Kb - Kilo bits)
MB - Mega Bytes
GB - Giga Bytes

KB < MB < GB

The bad man notice: All brands and products are respective of their individual owners.