College Guides

Certainly the more memory in a laptop PC the better but there are other concerns regarding memory in laptops. Laptops are generally more restricted in the amount of memory that can be installed into a system. Sometimes access to that memory can also be a problem if you plan a future upgrade.

How Much is Enough?

The rule of thumb that I use for all computer systems for determining if it has enough memory is to look at the requirements of the software you intend to run. Pick up the boxes for each of the applications and the OS that you intend to run and look at both the "minimum" and "recommended" requirements. Typically you want to have more RAM than the highest minimum and ideally at least as much as the highest listed recommended requirement. The following chart provides a general idea of how a system will run with various amounts of memory:

• Minimum: 1GB
• Optimal: 2GB
• Best: 4GB

The ranges provided are a generalization based upon most common computing tasks. It is best to check the requirements of the intended software to make the final decisions. This is not accurate for all computer tasks because some operating systems use more memory than others.

Many laptops also use integrated graphics controllers that use a portion of the general system RAM for the graphics. This can reduce the amount of available system RAM from 64 to 512MB depending upon the graphics controller. If the system is using an integrated graphics controller it is best to get a bit more memory to compensate for this.

Types of Memory

Most of the laptops are now using the DDR2 memory specification, but a number of new laptops use the DDR3 standard. In addition to the type of memory installed in the laptop, the speed of the memory can also make a difference in the performance. When comparing laptops, be sure to check both of these pieces of information to determine how they may impact performance.

There are two ways that the memory speeds can be designated. The first is by the memory type and its clock rating, like DDR2 400. The other method is by listing the type along with the bandwidth. In the case the same DDR2 memory would be listed as PC2-3200 memory. Below is a listing in order of lowest to fastest memory types in both formats:

• DDR2 400 / PC2-3200
• DDR2 533 / PC2-4200
• DDR2 667 / PC2-5300 or PC2-5400
• DDR2 800 / PC2-6400
• DDR3 800 / PC3-6400
• DDR3 1066 / PC3-8500
• DDR3 1333 / PC3-10600
• DDR3 1600 / PC3-12800

Memory Restriction

Laptops generally have two slots available for memory modules compared to four or more in desktop systems. This means that they are more limited in the amount of memory that have available. With current memory module technologies, this restriction generally comes to four gigabytes of RAM in a laptop based on 2GB modules. Newer DDR3 memory can go up to 8GB but this is extremely expensive at this time. Some ultraportable systems are even fixed with one size of memory that cannot be changed at all. So what is important to know when you look at a laptop?

First, find out what the maximum amount of memory is. This is generally listed by most of the manufacturers. This will let you know what upgrade potential the system has. Next, determine how the memory configuration is when you buy the system. For example, a laptop that has 2GB of memory can be configured as either a single 2GB module or two 1GB modules. The single memory module allows for better upgrade potential because by adding another module you are gaining more memory without sacrificing any current memory. Upgrading the two module situation with a 2GB upgrade would result in the loss of one 1GB module and a memory total of 3GB.

Self-Install Possible?

Most laptops today have a small door on the underside of the system with access to the memory module slots. If it does, then it is possible to just purchase a memory upgrade and install it yourself without much trouble. A system without an external door or panel for memory access will require installation by a service technician. This generally will add additional expense to the memory upgrade in the future or possibly even the requirement that the system be sent in to a service center which means the lack of a computer until the upgrade is completed.

Being able to connect to the Internet no matter where you are is an important aspect of portable computers. As a result, networking interfaces are a standard item found on all laptop computers today. Some of them are so standardized that comparing products is difficult, but some may have slight variations that can make a difference in network performance. This guide will help to sort out what they are and how they compare.

Modems

Dial-up networking is one of the oldest forms of networking for PC computers. While broadband connections are more common in the home, when on the road in remote locations this can often be the only method for connecting. A simple phone cable plugged between the laptop and a phone jack allows the user to connect via a dial-up account.

Due to the limitations of audio data transmissions over phone lines, the maximum speed of 56Kbps has been reached for some time. Pretty much every laptop sold has a 56Kbps modem. The only difference is it being listed as a v.90 or v.92 type. These are two forms of data connection methods and are pretty much interchangeable when it comes to an actual dial-up connection.

Ethernet

Until wireless networking became so prevalent, high-speed network connections required the use of an Ethernet cable connected from the laptop to a network device. Ethernet has been a standard network PC cable design that has been used for many years that it is found in almost all computers today. The only real difference comes with what speed of Ethernet network the laptop supports.

There are two standard types of Ethernet speeds currently. The most common up until recently was the Fast Ethernet or 10/100 Ethernet. This has a maximum data rate of 100Mbps and is backwards compatible with the older 10Mbps Ethernet standard. This is what is found on most consumer networking gear such as cable and DSL modems. The more recent standard is Gigabit Ethernet. This allows support of connections of up to 1000Mbps on compatible networking gear. Like Fast Ethernet, it is backwards compatible with the slower network types.

The speed of the Ethernet interface will only really matter when connecting between devices on a local area network. Most broadband connections are slower than even the original 10Mbps Ethernet standard.

Wireless

Wireless networking through the Wi-Fi standards has exploded over the past couple years making it a common feature in laptop computers. There are a number of acronyms for the various standards and speeds of Wi-Fi networking that you will need when shopping for a laptop computer to let you know how it can be used.

There are currently three Wi-Fi standards that can be found on laptop computers. 802.11b is the oldest running at 11Mbps in the 2.4GHz radio spectrum. This is the most common type of Wi-Fi used. 802.11g uses the same 2.4GHz radio spectrum but can transmit up to 54Mbps in speeds. It is backward compatible with the 802.11b standard. 802.11a uses the 5GHz radio spectrum for improved range and similar 54Mbps speeds. It is not backwards compatible due to the different radio frequencies used.

A variety of laptops now come with the draft 802.11n wireless, but it is important to note that this has not officially become a standard. While it provides faster networking, all equipment is based on draft standards. This means that the gear may not work with other manufacturers equipment and may not even be compatible with the final 802.11n standard once it is approved. One benefit of the 802.11n standard is improved range and speed over the previousl 802.11 standards.

Often users will see multiple standards listed on a laptop computer, such as 802.11b/g. This means that the laptop computer can be used with all of the Wi-Fi standards listed. So, if you want to have the widest range of wireless network connectivity, look for a laptop computer listed as having 802.11a/g/n wireless networking.

Here is a listing of some of the Wi-Fi standards:

• 802.11a – 54Mbps/5GHz – Used Mainly By Corporations
• 802.11b – 11Mpbs/2.4GHz – Most Widely Used Wi-Fi
• 802.11g – 54Mbps/2.4GHz – Most Common High-Speed Wi-Fi
• 802.11n-draft – Proposed 270Mbps Standard, Uses 2.4 or 5GHz Ranges, Potential Compatibility Issues

For more information about the various Wi-Fi standard, check out the About.com Computer Networking Guide.

Cellular/3G

The inclusion of built-in cellular modems or 3G networking adapters is a fairly recent addition to laptop computers from some manufacturers. This can allow a laptop computer to connect to the Internet through a high-speed cellular phone network when no other access is possible. This can be very useful, but it is also quite expensive as it requires cellular phone data contracts. In addition, the cellular modems built into laptops are typically locked into a specific cellular provider. As a result, I don't recommend users look for these features and to purchase an external cellular modem that uses PC Card, ExpressCard or USB if you really do need such service.

Laptop computers are very different from desktops. Primarily due to the fact that they have a limited amount of space and power that they can use. Laptops employ a number of tricks to save battery life such as CPU scaling, where a processor scales down its power usage (and speed / performance) in relation to the task at hand to balance performance and power consumption. You ought to be aware of what type of laptop you are looking for in order to get the right fit for your needs.

Laptops for the most part can be broken down into six unique categories each with its own intended purpose of use. Take a look below to to match your needs with the right laptop for college.

Budget Laptops

Budget laptops are developed to provide a basic functional laptop computer at low price point. Budget Laptops often use a wide range of processors due to the fact that they use scaled down processors designed specifically for them or they also use older processors that were previously included in higher end laptops. All of the processors listed here should be able to do all the basic computing tasks such as web browsing, email, word processing, presentations and DVD playback. . About the only thing that value Laptops will not be able to do well is gaming and high-end graphics applications. Here are some of the processors to look for in this range:

• AMD Sempron low-end
• AMD Turion 64
• AMD Turion X2 higher-end
• Intel Celeron low-end
• Intel Core Duo
• Intel Core 2 Duo higher-end

Ultra portables

Ultra portables are laptops that are designed to be as light and compact as possible yet powerful enough for most the common applications such as e-mail, word processing, presentation software and playing videos. These laptops are geared towards those people who travel are always on the road or who want a system that is not very cumbersome. They are willing to sacrifice computing power and additional peripherals for portability. There are few choices for this category of laptop, making comparisons very easy. Below are the processors found in ultra portables:

• AMD Athlon Neo
• AMD Turion 64 X2
• Intel Core 2 Duo

Netbooks

Netbooks are a relatively new breed of laptop. They tend to be  even smaller than ultra portable laptops and a lot cheaper. The reason for this is that manufacturers have limited the laptops functionality through the removal of features. The processors typically use very little power, thus they also tend to have limited performance. They are best suited as portable internet systems rather than as full blown laptops and most lack any optical drive. So far only Intel and VIA have made processors specifically for this market, AMD has chosen not to enter it. Below are common processors found in the netbook segment:

• Intel Atom Z520 and Higher
• VIA C7-M
• VIA Nano

Thin and Light

Thin and light laptops are able to perform pretty much any computing task at least on some level. These systems often vary widely in terms of price and performance. They tend to perform better than the counterparts in the value category or ultra-portables but they are smaller and more portable than the large media oriented desktop replacement laptops.

Business

Business Laptops generally focus on stability and reliability. Depending on your needs these can be an excellent solution. Business laptops trade off stylish looks and other features in favor of sturdy build quality and security features. Although they typically come with a three year standard warranty and offer excellent tech support and mail in or on site repair. If you need a system for CAD or are going to be toting around a laptop all the time, this is the category you'll be looking at.

Desktop Replacement

Desktop replacement laptops are designed to be a complete system that has the equivalent processing power and capability to that of a desktop, but in a mobile offering. They are much  larger and bulkier in order to fit all the components that allow the system to perform at almost the same level as a desktop in every aspects of computing. For the most part general a desktop replacement will perform exceptionally well and will even be able to run new 3D games. Laptop gaming is getting very close to desktop performance,although the cost is prohibitive, generally costing multiple times more than an equivalent desktop system.

Do Refurbished Laptops Really Save You Money?

Recently, I took look at refurbished laptops, checking out the refurbished inventories for Dell, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, and a handful other online vendors. I found that you don't always save when buying a refurbished laptop compared to a new laptop.

Con: You Don't Always Save Money

Not all laptop manufacturers follow the same policy by aggressively pricing refurbished laptops. In comparison to new models, prices for several refurbished laptops are sometimes higher than those of similar configurations. Laptops that were a previous generation(or two) and only came with a 90 day warranty vs. 1 year for a new machine often cost $100-$150 more compared to a new laptop of comparable configuration. This was generally because laptops stated off at a higher price and items that are included by default with new laptops such as a power adapter or battery can be add-on options for refurbished laptops.

For instance Dell offered a E 1705 ( now two generations old) With a 2GHz Core Duo, 100GB HDD, 1GB DDR2, DVD RW, integrated graphics card and wifi for $699. Compare that to a Studio 7 of comperable configuration 2GHz Core Duo, 250GB HDD, 3GB DDR2, DVD RW, integrated grahpics, wifi and web cam for $649. The refurbished laptop cost $50 more and gives you less of a warranty by 9 whole months, 2GB less ram and 150GB less HDD space minus the integrated web cam.

Selection of Refurbished Laptops

Dell continues to offer what appears to be the largest inventory on refurbished laptops and you can easily browse Dell's inventory several filtering criteria. Although HP only offered 4 versions of its DV6000 and DV 2000 series and others seemed to follow suite.

Pro: Refurbished Laptops Arrive Faster

If your desperate for a laptop, a refurbished one will likely ship faster, although you still have the option to purchase from several other online e-tailers.

The Bottom Line

Refurbished doesn't always mean you'll save money. Several configurations cost more while offering less if refurbished. Most manufacturers offer the same return policy for new and refurbished laptops, but the lack of savings from looking through Dell and HP really don't make it worth it trying to find a deal.

In short: Do your homework find an e-tailer or buy new.