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What hardware configuration?
Processor
Intel vs. AMD?
There is a lot of debate about which company produces the best processor. The truth is that both companies make excellent processors, and take turns leap-frogging each other with new developments. Currently, Intel’s mobile processors have a slight edge in processing power and battery consumption, but most users would be fine with either brand’s CPU in their system. There is not a large difference in performance, and AMD processors are generally less expensive than their Intel counterparts.
Intel’s current line of Mobile Processors
• Pentium M (Dothan) – Usually found in older notebooks, the improved Pentium M was specifically designed for mobile use in 2004. It runs cooler and consumes less power than its predecessor, the Pentium 4.
• Celeron M (Dothan and Yonah) – Budget single-core processor that is suitable for most applications, the Celeron M performance tails off in intensive applications.
• Core Solo (Yonah) – A low-cost processor that is based on the Core Duo structure, but only has one active CPU. The Core Solo replaced the Pentium M in 2006.
• Core Duo (Yonah) – Intel’s first dual-core processor, the Core Duo (32-bit) offers two CPUs on one die without increasing power consumption.
• Core 2 Duo (Merom) – The 64-bit version of the Core Duo, it features slightly better performance than the Core Duo and is capable of running Windows Vista and other 64-bit applications.
AMD’s current line of Mobile Processors
• Sempron – A low-cost, single-core processor found in older notebooks and desktops. The successor to the Athlon line, newer versions of Semprons support 64-bit applications.
• Turion 64 – A single-core, mobile 64-bit processor with lower power consumption than the Sempron.
• Turion 64 x2 – The Dual-core, 64-bit version of the Turion.
GPU
Nvidia vs. ATI?
This is another popular topic of debate. Both companies produce excellent GPUs. Nvidia GPUs offer better OpenGL performance and Linux support. Meanwhile, ATI GPUs perform better in Source engine games and handle anti-aliasing and anisotropic filtering well. You really can’t go wrong with either brand of GPU.
Competing cards from both companies were tested on an even playing field and yielded virtually identical performance. Read the results here.
There are a wide variety of GPUs available on the market today, so it is important to understand how demanding your games or programs are. If you want to play the newest games at high resolutions with high texture and detail settings, you will need a performance or high-end GPU. But if you only intend to play simple 2D games, a basic GPU or integrated graphics processor like the Intel GMA 900/950 will suffice. There is a wonderful guide that covers GPUs in detail here.
RAM
Of all the components in your notebook, the amount of RAM installed will have the most noticeable impact on performance. The more you have, the faster everything will run. 512MB is the bare minimum today but 1 GB is recommended -- especially if you intend to run Windows Vista. If you do a lot of multi-tasking or gaming, 2 GB of RAM is a nice upgrade to consider.
There is not a significant difference in performance between 533 MHz and 667 MHz RAM, so go for the speed that best fits your budget. You can read more here. RAM is also one of the easiest components to upgrade, so if your reseller’s RAM upgrades are expensive you may consider doing it yourself.
Hard Drive
How much space do you need? Do you intend to store vast amounts of files, music, videos, or photos on the hard drive? If you tend to run out of space quickly, then you definitely want a larger hard drive. But if you are under a tight budget, an external hard drive costs less per GB and is always an option.
High-speed hard drives (currently 7200 RPM) open programs and files faster, and reduce boot times. Although it is a nice upgrade to have, it is not essential if your budget will not allow it. There is a long-running discussion on this topic here.
Optical Drive
Today the standard choice is between a combination DVD player and CD burner or a CD/DVD burner. If you do not need to burn DVDs, you can save money by ordering the less expensive CD burner combination drive.
Wireless
If you intend to connect to either your network or the internet wirelessly, make sure that you configure your notebook with a wireless card. As long as you have an 802.11 a/b/g wireless card you will be fine. The majority of today’s notebooks feature the Intel PROSET 3945 802.11 a/b/g Wireless card.
Battery
If you intend to spend a lot of time on your notebook while unplugged, an extra-capacity battery may be worth consideration. Some systems have better power management than others, so make sure to choose a notebook with sufficient battery life to suit your needs. Read more about notebook batteries here.
What Warranty do I choose?
Deciding whether or not to invest in the extended warranty can be difficult. Standard coverage varies from notebook to notebook. Ideally you will choose a notebook that has an excellent standard warranty, but that is not always the case.
If it is a budget system, you may not want to spend 20%+ more for extra coverage. An expensive notebook that you need to last as long as possible, however, may warrant the extra $200-300 expense to keep it covered for a few years
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