PC’s and laptop’s can be complicated at the best of times. However whether you’re a techno-phobe or a techno-genius, there’s a wide range of computers that can facilitate your working needs down to a ground, or rather to the lap/desk.
And there in itself is the question. Do you want to be working from your lap or desk?
If you’re of a permanent minded persuasion then maybe a PC is for you. After all you can bring the information from that PC anywhere with a memory stick and boot it up on any other computer.
However you can do the exact same with a laptop- and so much more.
I will say this for PC’s though; they’re a good investment for a household with a family. The petty fights over who owns it doesn’t come into the equation as much when said object has a permanent place in the family office. They are also cheaper and easier to upgrade.
Yet I believe laptops are truly becoming the ‘personal computers’.
Let’s be realistic- There are endless factors to consider when buying a computer if you include all the brand models, the packages, the accessories etc. What you need to do before purchasing computer is ask yourself,
“What will I actually be using this machine for?”
Now in relation to a student doing an applied psychology course, this helps narrow down the field of choice a little bit.
First and foremost- Cost. To get all the features you need you want to know how much it will set you back and what should you be expecting to pay regardless.
Most decent laptops (I’ve moved away subtly from PC’s as I believe laptops are much more relative to students than desktops) range from around €400 to as much as €1,000 euro (top of the range models) usually excluding extras.
Now bear in mind if you buy a seemingly good laptop for €200 you could end up spending €400 on add-on’s such as virus protection, word processing etc.
If the price is right there are still other factors to contend with. Does your laptop have a decent memory?
So let’s differentiate between the two types of memory on computers. Firstly you have your hardrive. This is a permanent, non- detachable memory hardwired into your computer. When you click save on a document it is saved onto the hardrive, so if the computer breaks down those files won’t be lost.
Secondly you have RAM (random access memory) files that are sent to a chip by electrical charges that keep the files together, however if this connection is broken the files are lost. The main advantage of RAM memory is that it can be upgraded i.e. you can remove the chips and replace them with chips with a higher number of MB’s (megabytes).
All computers contain both types of memory.
The hardrive on laptops these days should at least be 150 gigabytes if not much more. RAM should be 2GB’S (gigabytes) and be able to upgradable to at least 4 GB’s.
Next you need to consider the accessories you may need on your laptop. As I mentioned before you’ll need extras such a decent word processor (e.g. Microsoft Office 2007) and anti-virus protection (you won’t be able to necessarily download an appropriate one for free- best get it with the deal.)
Apart from software you may need a printer. The beauty of being a student is that most colleges provide more than adequate printing facilities so this may just be a little luxury for convenience in your room. That is to say not necessary.
What is necessary is at least one form of external memory storage- It can be a memory card, memory stick or a c.d. These inexpensive items will save you hours of hardship if you correctly copy your work from laptop to stick.
Size isn’t a major issue but just maybe a little footnote to keep in mind- 10 inches, although compact is quite a small screen. And at the other end 17 inches is much too awkward for class. 13 to 15 inches should do nicely.
Another seemingly small issue but will save you a lot of hassle is investing in a decent laptop bag. Something padded, with a durable strap and a lock is what’s needed. Don’t just carry it in your rucksack as anything could happen to it.
As for the looming question of Apple or Windows, keep this in mind. Apples are sleeker, and provide more programs for sound engineering work, art portfolio’s etc. yet you do get what you pay for. They are expensive. And for this type of course
unnecessary
As for Windows, it’s used more widely and people find it generally easier to manage, plus it gets the job done. Don’t be influenced by a brand name (That goes for computer makes also e.g. Dells, Acers etc.) Be influenced by what you need your machine to do.
The last issues you need to consider are how supportive are the people supplying you the laptop. Are they reputable? Are they easy to contact? Have they thrown in extras? Are they speedy with repair? Do they provide you with sound advice? If in doubt, browse around. You stand to lose everything if you purchase the first bargain you see.
nice blog
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