Entering the World of Laptops
 

So, university approaches, my current computer's death approaches, etc. They both lead up to the same thing: Best get a new computer! I've decided to go with a laptop, but I need a little help, first. What do I need to look for in a laptop? How do I take care of it? Are there any books that could help, or websites, or even just some tips?

Macbooks are godly. Unless you're looking for hardcore gaming in a laptop, I definitely recommend one. And what's always nice, is that you can boot windows on it, so you can play rairo or whatever you're into on it.

<3's 42Petunia's Family of Blood quote.

If you can afford £1 you could get a 30 day trial for these fine folk:

http://www.which.co.uk/reports_and_c...ce_code=607PTJ

Who are actually pretty darn great in their reviews.

DON'T get a tablet. They may seem convenient, but they're a royal pain.

- First, their handwriting recognition sucks. Windows expects you to go through a calibration tutorial to get down the basics. Then it tells you that if you're still having trouble to change the way you write. CHANGE A MOTOR SKILL! Not easy.

- Second, their specs are lousy. Always. You won't be playing Oblivion on there, I assure you. Or doing video editing or any other graphics-intensive job. They almost always share video RAM, just like any lightweight unit. They also have weaker specs in any given area compared to a normal laptop of the same price.

- Third, they're expensive. For a low-range tablet's price, you could easily get a mid-range normal laptop that will last you into the near future.




Now if you plan on using it for all sorts of art and photo editing, it really can be convenient. I loved to just draw when I had a school tablet at my disposal, and was sorry I had to give it back when I transfered. But if you're looking for system specs, it's not the best choice. For the best of both worlds, there are pen peripherals that you can use for drawing.

Oh, man, would I ever love to get a Macbook. If only I could afford one...

Thanks for the link, but I can't even afford the 1 pound (Can't even make the symbol! For shame!)

I never intended to get a tablet, and now I never do. :P

Well, the default question when looking for a new computer: What will it be used for? Just office applications and web?

Taking care of it is really just the normal computer stuff. Don't drop it if you can avoid it, try to keep things out of the keyboard ( getting keys in/out of laptop keyboards to clean is a b*** ), and oh, here's how to clean an LCD screen.

General tips:

• For screen size, I'd personally say 15" is big enough. I've a 17" laptop right now, and while nice, kinda defeats the purpose of having a lappy ( i.e. Its pretty big >.>; ) I guess its really a personal thing, but I know I'd much prefer a 2" smaller screen that'd be easier to carry around and take up less table space.
  
• I'd purchase an USB mouse (preferably optical, of course), as the built in pads/knobs/what-have-you meant to replace it tend to be annoying IMO.
  
• If you're like me, and regularly forget to turn off your sound before taking it places (or even turn down the volume), I'd disable the start up noise for windows (Vista variant.)

's all I can think of off the top of my head. I'll add more if I think of them.

one tip that is for all things with a battery
wait till its dead before you charge it
why?
because the battery will "remember" that a half of a battery is all it needs so it wont release or charge more than a half of a battery.

Not true. That's only with Ni-Cad batteries. Ni-MH batteries are actually better off not being fully discharged. But most laptops nowadays come with Li-ion batteries, where it's not an issue.

That's really helpful! Thanks!
What about heating issues?

So if I've got a Lithium Ion battery, I can recharge it at any time? And what about if I'm downloading something, or installing something, or even just leaving it on to play music while I do homework, or something? Could I just plug the charger in and go? Or would the battery have to be disabled somehow?
EDIT: Wow. That was poorly worded... I meant to say "So if I've got a Lithium Ion battery, I can recharge it at any time? And what about if I have to leave it on for a long time, like if I'm downloading something, or installing something? Could I just plug the charger in and it would just stay active (the laptop)? Or would the battery have to be disabled while the power cord is in, so it doesn't get over-charged (Don't even know if that's possible)?"

With Li-on batteries, you should charge it often. I'd try not to let it fall below 20% charge too often, but everyone in awhile won't hurt anything. If you're going to leave the computer running for awhile, you might consider removing it to protect it from the heat the lappy will be producing, as heat kills the battery's life (on this same note: Don't ever leave it in a hot car). Storing it in a cool place like a refrigerator is suggested by some, but putting it in a freezer is a bad idea.

I ignored all of these and mine worked well for a good 2~2.5 years. It doesn't hold any charge at all now though. And I never really needed to use it for more that 2 hours without charging it (the battery life probably fell below that near the end of its existance), so eh.

Just try to keep the fan vents clear. I wouldn't set it down on carpet, it'll just suck up dust and not get enough air flow to cool things properly.

They can get too hot for your lap if you do some really resource heavy work for an extended time, so you might need something to put in between your sensitive flesh and the bottom side of it, if that's something you'll want to be doing. I don't really have any suggestions for that, as I just set mine on a table/desk wherever I go.