5 features to consider before buying a laptop

Portability
Lightweight designs are perfect if you are thinking of carrying your laptop around town or on your travels–particularly if its primary use is to connect you to the internet and perform basic tasks. Many laptops weigh under 2.7kg, and netbooks can be as little as 1.3kg. But if you need to run more memory-heavy applications or view things on a bigger screen, then you might have to compromise on portability.

Display sizes
Display sizes range from 11" in netbooks, to 20" in high-end entertainment laptops. Most people prefer a 14" widescreen or larger for comfortable viewing, but do be aware that screen size affects a laptop’s overall weight greatly.

Processor
The processor is the "brain" of the computer, and the component that interprets instructions and processes data. The faster its processing speed is, the higher a laptop’s performance will be. High processing power is particularly important for people who use it for demanding applications such as gaming or multimedia.

System memory
System memory, also known as RAM (Random Access Memory), is what a computer uses to run the operating system and programs. You should ideally have at least 1GB for Windows Vista or Mac OS X, and at least 512MB for all other Windows and Mac operating systems for optimal performance.

Hard Drive
A hard drive is a form of computer data storage that holds everything from files to music to photos. The amount of space you need, which is measured in gigabytes, really depends on what you need your laptop for. Multimedia applications such as 3D games and movie files tend to take up a lot more space than everyday applications such as word processors.

Which printer is for you?

Laser & Inkjet Printers
If you need a printer for everyday use, then general inkjet or laser printers are the way to go. They do a decent job of almost anything you want, including photo-printing. Lasers print more pages per minute than inkjets, whereas the latter offers better image quality for photo printing. If you print a lot, consider looking for a printer that uses separate cartridges for every colour, so you only have to replace the colours that run out.

Multifunction/All-in-one Printers
Multifunction printers come with built-in scanners, copiers and fax machines to save you desk space. They also cut down on the hassle of setting up multiple devices by using just one USB connection, making them ideal for small home offices. Scanner resolution can vary a lot, so look out for one with a higher resolution if scanning and copying quality is important. They are available in both laser and inkjet forms.

Photo Printers
Photo printers are compact, dedicated photo printers designed to deliver the highest print quality. They produce photo prints at a higher resolution than standard printers. Photo printers take longer to print, but the quality is worth the wait.

Higher-end models offer six or eight colours instead of the usual four basic colours to produce more natural tones and deeper blacks.