15.4 Laptop Bag

With the growing popularity of laptops in recent years, there are a lot of new models on the market. To compete with costs and offer the cheapest models possible, some manufacturers have cut corners and features on many of their laptops. For this reason, it is more important than ever to check the specifications of any laptop purchased to make sure it will provide the performance and features needed.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The CPU is truly the heart of any PC, and a laptop also requires a strong heart. The CPU should be tailor made for laptops and have at least a dual core processor. Without enough processing power, booting and other tasks will be much slower, and many applications will not work properly if at all.

Memory (RAM)
Having enough RAM is also critical if one is to keep programs running smoothly. While it is possible to get by with 1 GB, two or more is recommended for multitasking, photo editing or any other use that has more than minimal memory requirements. With this in mind, 2 GB with expansion capabilities to 4 GB or more is advisable.

Screen size
While this site is about 15.4 laptops and their bags, this is not the size for everyone. 15.4 is a good medium balancing the benefits of size with needs or portability, but there certainly are uses that justify larger screens-especially if the laptop will not be carried so much. On the other hand, a smaller screen is better if the computer will be used on the road a lot, in tight spaces or when longer battery life is needed.

For those who only need the larger screen occasionally, remember that a laptop can be connected to a larger external screen if it has the proper ports.

Drives
There are different types of drives. Optical drives, which play DVDs, CDs and the like, are still needed on PCs to install programs, play movies and for other purposes. Since they are relatively cheap and can play CDs too, DVD-RW (meaning they can burn information onto disks as well as read them), are standard on most laptop computers nowadays, and Blu-ray drives are growing in popularity.

The rate of spin, size and type of hard drive needs to be carefully considered too. 5,400rpm is common, but some spin faster or slower. Faster speeds, while they have higher performance, cost more and use more power than slower speeds.

Solid state hard drives do not need to spin at all and thus are faster, more reliable and use less power. However, they are more expense and offer less storage.

Keep in mind that external hard drives are relatively cheap and do not weigh much. Storing larger files on an external drive and settling for a smaller internal drive may make sense for some uses-particularly when the data will be used on more than one computer.

Video cards
Manufacturers often try to go with lower specs on the video card to save money. However, video cards do more than enhance video quality. Many applications and games will not work properly or at all if the specs on the video card are too low. Make sure it is a quality card with enough RAM.

Ports
Do not just assume the computer has all the USB and video ports needed. To save on costs, manufacturers sometimes will cut these too. Carefully consider what and how many ports and slots will likely be needed. Then, check to ensure the laptop has them before making a purchase.

Networking
The portability laptops offer is not much use to most people if they cannot connect to the internet. Built in Wi-Fi and Ethernet are obviously a must. If the notebook will be used in remote areas, a modem or cellular card might also be needed.

Battery life
The number of cells in a battery determines how much power it produces. Six- or nine-cell batteries are standard, but a 12-cell batter could be in order for someone who wants to be able to use the computer for longer periods of time without carrying extra batteries.

Other factors
There are of course other things to consider. These include the track pad, warranty, style and manufacturer to name a few. While one should not get lost in the details, a laptop is a significant investment for many so it is wise to do some reading and research before making a purchase decision.