Farrell Strawberry

Laptop Report



When buying a laptop or PC, the most important consideration to make is what programs and functions the machine will be used for. Some of the most common functions include:

·         Internet Browsing/ Email

·         Creating & Storing Documents

·         Storing Photos & Files

When considering which functions would be needed for a PC or laptop used for my college course, I would look at the following specifications:

RAM: This is the acronym for Random Access Memory, the form of computer data storage used in most systems today. It is signified in GB (gigabytes), and is an indicator of the speed and efficiency of the machine. For light home use, 1GB of RAM would be sufficient, whereas for college use, which would involve a lot of word processing and multimedia usage, a 3GB RAM would be more suitable.

Processor: The type of microprocessing unit used in the machine is also important for fast and functional usage. The microprocessing unit is the microchip which incorporates most, or all, of the functions of the computer’s CPU (Central Processing Unit), so it is an essential component to look at before purchasing. For very high levels of multimedia use, a dual or multi – core processor could be an option to consider. These are the processors which are a step about the 64 bit design which became so prominent in home computer use during the 2000s.

Hard Drive: The hard disk space of the machine is important for a user who will be storing large amounts of documents, such as word processing, presentations, images and videos. All of these are relevant to my college work and so I would consider a computer with a hard drive of 250GB or more. This prevents inconvenience as it means a couple of years into use that the computer’s disk drive will not be overloaded, causing it to run slowly and creating the need for external disk space, which can also be expensive.

Internet Security: Internet security is important for any computer which is used for internet browsing and email, but in the case of one which holds important information (such as college projects, work documents) a good antivirus and security package is obligatory. Laptops and PCs are usually now sold with the option of an internet security add – on, which is a worthwhile investment to keep work stored on the machine safe from viruses. These antivirus packages also help the computer to function more efficiently as they block unnecessary pop – ups and spam, which can be received via spam emails.

Power/ Energy Efficiency/ Fan: This is more relevant when buying laptops specifically. A good power source is convenient for a user who will be using the machine on outside the home as an empty battery can lead to lost files or work. A computer with an energy efficiency programme will lead to longer battery life and is also more environmentally friendly. A fan is important for keeping the laptop from overheating and being internally damaged using a heatsink; again, this provides safety from lost files.

Graphics Card: For a user who relies on the computer for high quality imaging, video, and multiple monitor usage, a graphics card is a hardware component to consider. This also supplies high quality graphics for computer gaming.

Programmes Supplied: It is important to also consider the programme packages which come with the computer or as extra. Document processing such as Microsoft Office or multimedia processing such as Adobe Photoshop or Animator are usually essential for modern college courses and the project work involved in them, such as creating essays and presentations via computer.

The features and functions which I have listed are some of the more important aspects to consider when buying a PC or laptop for a college course. There are some other physical aspects to look at including monitor size or number of USB ports depending on personal preference.