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Based on A Comprehensive Guide for Buying Laptop Computers: June 2008 by Christos Demos, C&IT Departmental Computing Services.
Shopping for a laptop computer? Find the choices overwhelming? Here are some factors for Wayne State students, faculty and staff to consider. [Note: In this document laptop / notebook computers are referred to as laptops]
Getting a lot of system memory (RAM) for your laptop is the most inexpensive way to dramatically increase your system's performance.
Visit a computer store, even if you intend to buy your laptop online.
Get a laptop with several expansion slots to accommodate external and peripheral devices. Include at least one or two PC Card expansion slots and two USB ports. Optimally, look for four "USB 2.0" ports. To carry files around, get a USB Flash drive (256 MB to 8 GB).
You will need to connect your laptop to a network for e-mail, Web access, instant messaging, or file transfers. Get a laptop with built-in 802.11n wireless, 10/100 Ethernet ports and modem. It is important to note that modems are starting to become obsolete. Bluetooth wireless technology is recommended.
Laptop manufacturers have been very successful at packing an amazing number of features into a relatively small package. However, be cautious when comparing specification sheets: some smaller laptops use bulky external components (e.g., AC adapter, optical drive), and the spec sheet sometimes excludes the weight of these components from the base laptop weight.
Major manufacturers offer models that have essentially all the features you need with 14" screens. You can choose to sacrifice a few features for ultra-portability with a 12" screen. Just make sure you are not hampered by the smaller keyboard. Laptops with screen sizes larger than 15'' are cumbersome to carry.
Battery life claims made by manufacturers vary, and a comparison based on spec sheets may not be valid. In general, expect not more than 2 hours of battery life per session. As batteries get older, their capacity decreases. After about 1,000 charge/discharge cycles (about 3 years of normal use), laptop batteries no longer hold a charge. Even if you do not use your laptop often, changes in the battery's internal chemistry render it useless in 3 to 4 years.
In the past few years, laptop manufacturers have advertised lower laptop prices. There is room for a discussion behind some of the reasons, but others are more clear. By the time you compensate for the following deficiencies, the cost of the laptop increases by several hundred dollars.
Software is expensive to buy at retail. However, WSU students, faculty and staff can take advantage of academic discounts through the C&IT Software Clearingouse. Popular products by Microsoft, Adobe, SPSS, and others are available.
In addition, Symantec AntiVirus (sold in stores as "Norton AntiVirus") and EndNote bibliograph management software are available to WSU students, faculty and staff free of charge at the Software Clearinghouse.
If you buy your laptop online, avoid configuring it with "evaluation software" that expires 30–90 days later anyway. Anti-virus software makers and some Internet service providers try to push their products this way. If you buy your laptop at a store, uninstall these evaluation versions first, then install Symantec AntiVirus.