Laptop Virgin
By Mikee dela Cruz

WITHIN REACH. You need not overspend to be a road warrior.

Yeah, I’m a cheapster.  I am not very keen on spending, say, P125,000 for a pair of earrings from BVLGARI (in 6750 Ayala Avenue), when I know I’m paying for the same gold I can get for less than half that price elsewhere.  I am not keen on spending P4,500 for a pair of jeans just because it’s from Diesel; especially when that P1,350 pair from Sparta fits me way, way, way better than others.  And no, I am not keen on spending over P40,000 for an iPhone from Globe – not when I know it’s sister company in Singapore sells it for less than P16,000.

What’s my issue?

It’s all brand consciousness.  We pay for the name, not necessarily the quality that comes with the name.  And there’s nothing good about that.

What I learned is that even when (relatively) cheap, you can still get what it is you want.

Here’s a guide to buying the good one.  Cheaply.

Price.  Since we’re talking about being cheap, this is on top of the list – and you’d be surprised at the actual availability of laptops within affordable range (Table 1).

Table 1: COMPARATIVE LAPTOP PRICES

Sources: PC Express, PC Corner and Rising Sun Computers.

Since purchasing a laptop is a relatively big investment, it’s always good to know you have options – no need to buy the first one you see, and you think is within your range.

RAM.  “Remember, RAM is what programs run (on), so you don't want to get too little. There was a quote that went around in the 1980's that said, ‘You can never have too much RAM or too much disk space.’  For the most part (it still holds sway),” says

Michael Callahan, author of Tips on Buying a Laptop (Tucows.com).  Obviously, the less demand there will be from a computer (e.g. if you’re just typing essays), the less RAM is acceptable.

Processors.  Though most laptops come with configured Intel or AMD processors, Callaghan believes that “if you're trying to save some money, you can always go with one of the lower priced processors, like the Celeron or Duron chips from Intel and AMD, respectively.”  Basically, the same rule applies above – if you need more power, go high (e.g. closer to 3GHz), else 2GHz should be just fine.

Hard drives.  With laptops, the HDs tend to be smaller; but as with the two points preceding this, identify the main intent of buying, and buy to fit that intent.  “Someone who's doing email and surfing the Web can easily get by with 40 gigabytes of disk space.  At the same time, someone who's really into music and pictures might need100 gigabytes of storage,” Callahan says.

Size and weight.  Go small, go light – that’s what laptops are supposed to be, else you may as well buy a desktop computer.  Having said this, though, focus on performance – it’s better to get a laptop that’s a little heavier, as long as it can do so much of what you need done on the go; as it is to get a sexy laptop that is all looks and nothing more.  Related to this is the ergonomics – e.g. if you’re a typist, forget the mini-mini computers, you’ll just harm your fingers; focus on comfort.

Connectivity.  They are now norms, e.g. USBs, MP3s, WiFi, et cetera, and while, in the past, laptops that allow you to use these may cost you more, nowadays, they should be normal parts of the unit’s configurations.  Else, don’t bother, or you’ll end up with all those wires while trying to look cool and chic and sexy in Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.

Battery Life.  If you are on the move most times, power up – meaning you may have to buy extra batteries (of longer battery life).  Otherwise, if this isn’t a big concern, don’t dwell too much on this, and just plug in.

Longevity.  Unless you’re a fashion whore (that, or you have too much money, which doesn’t qualify you reading this), the laptop you buy is intended to last you more than a year.  So as not to be easily antiquated, pt for something upgradeable.

Yeah, yeah, you’ll need more tips to buy that laptop you want/need – let this not be the complete guide, just a... guide.  At least this early you won’t be fooled into believing that the best laptop is the most expensive one.