How to choose a laptop



Find your next laptop
Choosing a new laptop can be a challenge. With so much variety in cost and features, a little expert advice might be just what the doctor ordered. Windows PC Scout is another great resource if you want some extra help choosing your next laptop. Take the PC Scout quiz to find our recommendation for the laptop that best fits you and meets your needs.

Learn the terms

If you haven’t shopped for a computer for a while, the following list of terms used for common PC features and functionality can help you make sure you get everything you need in your new PC.
You can find additional terms in online dictionaries, such as Webopedia.
Term Definition More information
Ethernet port
Photograph of an Ethernet port		 Connect an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port (which looks much like a phone jack, but bigger) on your computer for wired Internet or local area network (LAN) access.
External SATA (eSATA) port
Photograph of an eSATA port		 You can connect an external storage device, such as an external hard disk drive, to the eSATA port on your laptop. The eSATA connection can transfer information faster than a USB connection can.
Fingerprint reader
Photograph of a fingerprint reader		 If your computer has a fingerprint reader, it can scan your fingerprint instead of requiring you to enter a password.
HDMI
Photograph of an HDMI port		 HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cables carry audio and video—so no more white, yellow, and red cables! You can run your HDMI cable from your computer’s HDMI port to a newer television (one that has an HDMI port).
Intel wireless display technology
Illustration of Intel wireless display technology		 You can connect your laptop to your TV wirelessly with this innovative technology. When you push a button, your television instantly displays what’s on your computer.
Laptop shell
Photograph of a laptop shell		 The shell is the material that encases the laptop. Besides protecting your valuable investment, today’s shells are stylish and attractive. Choose candy-apple red, sleek black, or even bamboo!
Screen size
Photograph of a laptop screen, indicating size		 Laptop screen sizes are measured diagonally. They range from 12 inches for ultralight laptops to 17 inches for larger PCs. These days, most laptop screens are wide-screen with an aspect ratio of 16 x 9—like wide-screen TVs. Standard-aspect-ratio screens (4 x 3) are rarely available anymore.

SD card reader
Photograph of an SD card reader		 You can put the SD (Secure Digital) card from your digital camera or mobile phone directly into your laptop, and it automatically reads the card—a convenient and quick way to transfer pictures and information. You can buy a laptop that includes a built-in card reader, or buy an external reader that you can connect through a USB port.

Solid-state drive (SSD) A solid-state hard disk drive has no moving parts, so it’s faster than the older versions. An SSD is quieter than a traditional drive and may be less prone to damage if it’s dropped or hit, so it’s a good feature for travelers and people who work on the go. Note that you can’t schedule Disk Defragmenter for an SSD.
Touch pad
Photograph of a keyboard, including a touch pad		 The touch pad is a built-in substitute for a mouse on laptops. The touch pad is a flat pad located below your laptop’s keyboard that allows you to move your cursor by moving your finger across it.

USB port
Photograph of a USB port		 We all use USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports to connect keyboards, mice, printers, scanners—you name it. The more USB ports, the more peripheral computer tools you can attach and use.

VGA
Photograph of a VGA port		 You use the VGA (video graphics array) port to connect a second display monitor or a projector to your laptop. Connecting a second monitor doubles your desktop space and makes it much easier to work on multiple documents at the same time.

Webcam
Photograph of a webcam built into a laptop		 Many laptops today have webcams built right in so that you don’t have to attach an external camera for a videoconference. If the person you’re talking with has a webcam, you can have web chats—almost like visiting in person! Set up videoconferencing with Windows Live, through Voice over Internet Protocol (Internet phone) services, also known as VoIP, or through instant messaging services.

Wireless (wireless-enabled laptop)
Photograph of a wireless-enabled laptop		 A wireless-enabled laptop has an internal wireless adapter that connects you to a network wirelessly. Work at your favorite Internet café, the library, or in the part of the house that’s farthest away from your budding violinist.

Wireless switch
Photograph of a wireless switch		 The wireless switch enables you to turn wireless functionality off to conserve battery life. It’s a good idea to identify this switch even if you don’t need to use it to save your battery. If you accidentally turn it off, you won’t be able to connect to the Internet wirelessly.
Blu-ray Disc
Blu-ray Disk logo		 Blu-ray is the newest disc technology since DVD. Blu-ray Disc has a higher storage capacity and supports today’s high-definition content. Blu-ray disc players still support DVD and CD technology.


http://www.microsoft.com/athome/video/chooselaptop.aspx

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