Purchasing a laptop is one of the most important financial decisions a student can make in college, second only to purchasing a car. With an endless array of brands and styles, this decision can easily cause some havoc on the nerves.
According to Current Analysis, a Washington based market research firm, the average cost of a laptop is $840, down from $1091 a mere few months ago. Though the portable computers are becoming increasingly affordable, it is still a hefty chunk of change for even the wealthiest of students, and not a purchase to be taken lightly.
For some, a laptop is a student's primary computer and must be reliable when standing up to the pressures of college life.
When starting this overwhelming process it is important to keep in mind what the laptop will be used for - otherwise you could come home with the most expensive option in the store. Knowing what you need in a laptop can help you sort through all of the choices faster.
Set a realistic budget for yourself and then shop around, both online and at local stores. When in doubt, go with your gut instinct.
Another thing to keep in mind is that technology is ever changing, so be sure your choice of laptop is something that will last you a few years. Spending some time doing the research now can pay off in the long run.
Generally, the best laptops do not depend on brand, but on performance and the special features it offers.
If you are a music junkie, you will need a laptop with a large hard-drive. If you will be using the laptop for presentations in your business classes, a laptop with a rotating screen may be beneficial. If you take the laptop with you wherever you go, aim for a sleek, lightweight version.
If the laptop will be predominantly used for watching movies or displaying your amateur photography skills, go for a wide screen laptop with a glossy display. The color will be more vivid compared to a regular matte screen, but can be prone to annoying reflections. Be sure to check out the speakers as well.
Decide between a Windows PC or Macintosh operating system. If your current computer has Windows software that isn't compatible with a Macintosh, it may be better to stick with a PC.
On the flip side, digital arts students swear by the easy features and programs of Apple computers. Additionally, Apple computers have a reputation for acquiring fewer viruses and boast great tech-support at the cost of $49 for a three-year period.
Before starting your laptop search, first decide on the type of processor, or the speed at which the computer runs its programs. Although there are many on the market, even ones with the smallest gigahertz are said to be adequate.
"One's major is most important in choosing a computer," said Barbara Shmucker, a sales consultant with UB Micro on campus. "A good computer consists of a good processor, a good amount of RAM, an optical drive and a CD/DVD recorder."
Keijing Xia, a senior engineering major, looks for speed and screen quality in a laptop, important features he needs for completing a homework assignment or a math equation.
Simon Huang, also a senior engineering major, recommends going with brands that come with 24-hour customer support - in case of a melt down while you're working on a project in the middle of the night.
Huang also said to look at the warranty date, which can be an indicator of the overall quality of the product and when you should expect it to break down. Ask about the expected life of the battery as well as how much it will cost to replace.
Most laptops come with a one-year warranty and free tech support for a limited amount of time.
If your current laptop is a dinosaur, look for one with a multiple flash card reader to make transferring photos or essays from computer to computer a breeze. A laptop should also have wireless capabilities built in if you expect to use it around campus.
A feature called Bluetooth is also available on some laptops, enabling students to connect to cell phones or a personal digital assistant (PDA), allowing for further streaming of information or simply communicating with family and friends.
After you've got the basics covered and are left wanting to spend a little extra on gadgets to enhance the laptop experience, consider looking for additional features such as webcameras and microphones, coming in handy for videoconferencing or posting home video clips on Facebook.
Lastly, before heading to the checkout, take a moment to test the keyboard. Nothing can be more annoying than a laptop mouse that won't cooperate.
For those who have specific specification for their laptops, buying a model to order from the manufacturer may be appropriate, but more expensive.
To make the research process easier, check out Web sites such as consumerreports.org that have tested the laptops and have a condensed list of the ones they recommend.
Shmucker from UB Micro recommends IBM's Lenovo 3000 as the ideal laptop for the college student because of its affordability - a mere $599 in the midst of laptops that can cost upwards of $2000.
Consumerreports.org recommends the Gateway NX510S. For $740, users will get great features like an Intel Celeron M Processor and great speed for general usage.
Consumerresearch.com cites the 15-inch widescreen Dell Inspiron E1505 at $1000 or the 5.3 pound HP dv1000t at $875 as the best options on a budget.
If your heart is set on an Apple, consumerresearch.org recommends the less expensive 13.3-inch Macbook at around $1,100.
If all else fails, visit a local store specializing in laptops and let them guide you in the process. Some local stores to try are MMM Computer Sales and Service on Casey drive off of Transit, CompUSA on Niagara Falls Boulevard or Circuit City on Sheridan Drive - and of course, UB Micro in the Commons.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
