Buying a Laptop - Important Considerations

The laptop has rapidly become one of the most popular devices in most people's homes. From a time where no one had a personal computer, through the growth of desktop PCs and finally the explosion in mobile computing the laptop has certainly played an important part in the process. But for those that are thinking of buying a laptop, what are the most important factors to consider in your purchasing process?

Naturally the weight of the laptop is certainly going to be an issue if it is to be truly portable; for example, you do not want to have to have a shopping trolley in order to move your computer around. Equally however, whilst a lightweight device is certainly desirable, it is important to ensure it is not too light. A heavier computer typically means better processing power and usually a larger screen. It is also important to understand how you will use the laptop, will you be carrying it by hand or will it be used mainly in the home and occasionally on the move?

It is naturally important to consider the size of the screen. Laptops today are available in a massive range of screen sizes, from tiny net book, ultra portable devices, to widescreen devices ideal for watching high definition movies. If you are going to be using the computer for work it is also worth bearing in mind how easy it is to work on a small screen size.

As well as screen size and weight it is important to consider accessories. Naturally a CD drive is practically a must but today you may want to consider a Blu-ray drive. Equally you may want to consider the software included with your machine, if you are going to be using the computer to create videos, then a video editing suite is likely to be a good inclusion

Finally, battery life is a massively important consideration in the decision making process, if you want to take your computer mobile, naturally it has to have power without charging all the time. You could take a laptop charging trolley everywhere you go but that kind of defeats the purpose of a notebook. On the subject of charging it is also worth looking at how long it will take to charge from a completely flat battery, this will let you assess how fast you can restart your work should your battery die. Read more...

The $35 Laptop Has Arrived

Going back to school is not only a big decision, it is generally an expensive one. The expense has kept many people from doing it. Books, tuition and supplies are some of the biggest expenses, and now with the world being so technically advanced, owning a computer is not always an option. It has become a mandatory piece of equipment in the learning world.

Recently a cost-effective breakthrough in computers has reached many in school ranging from elementary grades to university levels. The Indian Institute of Technology, along with the Indian Institute of Science has created a simple touch-screen laptop designed specifically for students. The cost: $35 dollars.

The Linux-based computer, which is to be introduced next year, was developed as a way to provide potential students with a more cost-efficient alternative when it comes to computers as well as provide a way to get a better education and aid in learning the mandatory technical skills needed to survive in today's world. It was intended as a way to both encourage and boost India's economic growth.

Government spokeswoman, Mamta Verma, has announced that the Indian ministry will be installing broadband Internet into all 22,000 colleges for the release of the Linux-based computers next year. The 'table gadget', equipped with video-conferencing capability, an Internet browser and media player along with other facilities, can be run on solar power.

Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal told reporters, "This is part of the national initiative to take forward inclusive education. The solutions for tomorrow will emerge from India." He also noted that the cost of the total laptop will cost around $35 but the Indian government may provide a subsidiary of 50 per cent for students, which would see the price decrease to around $10 per student.

Government assistance in stabilizing India's troubled education system and increasing student accessibility is essential in a country whose literacy rate is barely 63 per cent, compared to that of China whose literacy rate sits at 94 per cent. Getting an education and learning technical skills is a major factor in succeeding in today's society.

Going back to school can be difficult at any age, but going back to school does not have to entail long hours of classroom times and mountains of expensive books. There are many other options such as a few night time courses or even upgrading your skills online. If money is preventing you from going back to school and traditional lending institutions are not an option, perhaps a private lender can help. Read more...