Have you priced a laptop computer lately? Buying a new laptop is a big investment; and just how big of an investment you want to make is entirely up to you. Look in your Sunday newspaper flyers to see countless models on sale each week. Initially selections were made by looking at the specifications and the general appearance. However that’s not the sole criteria any longer. Everyday more and more people are now stepping inside the mobile world. With so many models of laptops now available, how can you be sure about the choice you make? Below are several factors you should consider: CPU (Central Processing Unit), Video Card, hard disk, noise, battery life and RAM (Random Access Memory).

CPU is the main component which determines the performance of your computer and also the heating and the battery life. There is a trade-off between the CPU performance and the battery-life and power consumption (heating). If you want a laptop which would replace a desktop and if you are not planning to travel with it a lot then there are several different offers with desktop CPUs integrated in the laptop main board (such as a P4).

If you are fond of mobility and are going to use your new laptop for your business purposes or school, then you should consider buying a laptop with more suitable CPUs. AMD Athlon can be a solution: Athlon processors are designed for users who are looking for economical solutions, both purchase and usage. Older models of Athlon are no where near Intel Pentium products from the point of performance, and yet new models like 2800+ are potent enough to compete with P4 2.8 GHz.

There is one more model of CPU that many of the customers prefer: Centrino. Centrino is the new attempt of Intel to balance the tradeoff between the performance and mobility issues. With the 2 MB second level cash, the Pentium CPU is modified for the laptop which eases the burden of the CPU and implicitly pulls down the levels of heating and power consumption.

RAM and the graphic card are also two important factors for the quality of the laptop. There are two kinds of RAM on the market: SD RAM and DD RAM. In any case, there is no tradeoff, no comparison: DD RAM is better, and yet, you still have to be careful about the clock specification of the RAM. If you buy a RAM with 333 MHz clock speed, you will see the performance improvement it supplies to the whole system. Another thing to consider is that some computers have 512 MB RAM with two slots (256 x 2) which is not very good for the new laptop you are going to buy. Overall, if you want a good laptop, you should consider one equipped with a 333 MHz, 512 MB, DD RAM. Visit us online at Laptop Repairs in Cape Town

There are various video cards on the market today. The first thing you should check is the “ON-Board” specification in the video card. These cards are integrated into the main board and generally use your main RAM as for the video memory. If you are going to use your laptop for general purposes, not for gaming or 3-D design which would require 3D hardware acceleration, these laptops with onboard video card are for you. However, if you are a professional Counter Strike player, you would be disappointed with the screen delays and freezes. Visit us online at Notebook Repairs

The last technical detail is the hard disk. While buying a hard disk there is a detail which is much more important then the capacity: RPM. Rotation Per Minute determines how fast the data transfer rate is to the CPU to be processed so this specification also plays a huge role while dealing with multimedia stuff.

So if you’re in the market for a new laptop computer, one suggestion is to consider buying a Centrino laptop with an onboard video card with a big RAM if you are planning to use it for school or business purposes and also randomly for movies and music. Nevertheless, Pentium computers with AGP or PCI Express video off-board video cards would give you the performance of a desktop if you don’t mind the weight, noise and the heating of the laptop.

With so many decisions to make, take your time; do your homework and invest. Visit us online at Laptop Repairs in Cape Town

Although Mac laptops are generally safer from malicious software (malware) than PC laptops, they can still be stolen the old fashioned away grab and dash! Although that little apple icon is often looked at as a status symbol it also acts as a magnet for thieves. The Apple logo visibly on your person tends to signal that you have a highly desirable (and resalable) Apple electronic product on you. Mac laptops and their data can bring a wad of instant cash for a thief.

The Rise Of Computer Theft

There has been a rise in laptop thefts containing sensitive data, such as the loss of a laptop in 2006 for the Veteran's Administration which contained the personal information of millions of Veterans. In fact, 81% of American businesses have had some kind of laptop theft in 2006, as reported by Ponemon Institute and Vontu, Inc.

You could take out laptop insurance (yes, it exists), but that's kind of like shutting the barn door after your prize horse has escaped. Here are some tips to help make sure you and your invaluable data don't fall victim to Mac laptop theft in the first place.

Keep Alert

Pretend your Mac laptop is a round wad of cash that can be seen from a distance away. Basically, it is cash, in terms of how much the sensitive data as well as the laptop itself is worth to a criminal. So, treat your laptop like the treasure chest it is. Never leave it unattended. If you have to put it on the floor, stick it between your feet. Keep an arm draped over it when sitting if possible. Get a laptop carrying case or bag with a loop on it to stick an arm through. Just keep contact with it so you can snatch it back incase someone makes a grab for it.

Never Leave It In Your Car

You wouldn't leave your wallet or your purse in your car, would you? Of course not. Your laptop is just as valuable. Don't even leave it locked in the trunk of your car, unless a car thief visits you and makes off with both your ride and your laptop.

Get A Laptop Alert

A laptop alert works the same way a car alarm works. Any unexpected motion sets it off. This is definitely an attention getter. Your Mac laptop is worth a few stares if you accidentally set your own computer alarm off if it deters thieves.