Shop for a Mini Laptop: 5 Quick Tips

by John Kessler

Although mini laptops are inexpensive, it does not mean you should go ahead and buy the first mini laptop model that comes your way. There is an art to shopping for mini laptops, and if you want to buy a mini laptop, here are some tips to consider:

1.Consider your Specific Needs

There are roughly two types of mini laptops in the market today, Solid State Drives (SSD) mini laptops and Hard Disk Drives (HDD) mini laptops. SSD mini laptops boot faster, are able to withstand impact and are generally more reliable performance-wise. But they are also notorious for having low storage capacities. SSD mini laptops that do have high storage capacities are very expensive. On the other hand, HDD mini laptops can store up to 160GB of data but are less tough than their SSD counterparts . So what does this have to do with you? It's all about your needs and wants. Do you need a fast mini laptop with low storage or a mini laptop with high capacity but boots slower?

2.Consider the Brand

Out in the market, there are many mini laptops brands. ASUS definitely created the mini laptop market in 2007, but Acer, Lenovo, HP, Dell, and MSI followed soon after. Different manufacturers have different reputations, e.g., Asus for small keyboards. Different brands of mini laptops are known for different things, and it does pay if you research on what these are.

3.Windows XP or Linux?

Like the desktop computers where there is a lingering competition between Mac and Windows, there is competition between Windows XP and the different Linux versions. The only difference is that manufactures ship mini laptop models in both operating systems. For practically every mini laptop model, there is a Windows XP or a Linux version. While Linux netooks are known for their stability and security (Linux users rarely, if ever, complain about malware and virus infection on their machines), Windows XP mini laptops have the advantage of popularity. Many computer users are so used to using Windows XP, it's very difficult to switch paradigms to use a Linux. The fact is, users of Linux mini laptops are more likely to return their mini laptops than Windows XP users.

4.Read User Reviews

User reviews give you insight on the actual performance of a netboook. Manufacturers will always hype their product whenever they can to boost sales, so do not expect an objective product review from them. If you want to know the rundown on a particular mini laptop model, read up on independent product reviews by online computer magazines. You can also search for forums on the different mini laptop models.

5.Always Comparison Shop

Never settle for the first price you see on a shopping website. Compare prices from at least three mini laptop sellers before ordering. Some websites are able to sell their mini laptops cheaper than others because they have made larger wholesale orders. Still, others sell cheaper because they are selling second hand. In any case, just make sure you are dealing with a reputable website.


About the Author
John Kessler is a gadget geek from Southern California. If you are in the market for a mini laptop, also known as a netbook, don't buy before you check out his Mini Laptop Comparison at http://www.CompareMiniLaptops.com

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HP Pavilion dv5t series

Strike the right balance between mobility, size, and visual performance with our HP Pavilion dv5z Series Entertainment Notebook PC. This 15.4" diagonal size notebook is ready to rock your entertainment world.

Genuine Windows Vista
Get things done, stay connected, and enjoy entertainment in a secure environment with genuine Windows Vista with Service Pack 1. This series comes with genuine Windows Vista Home Premium, which includes Windows Aero, Windows Media Center, and instant search.††

Sophisticated elegance
Get e`verything you need in a stylish digital design that goes wherever you go. Our versatile 15.4" Pavilion dv5t series features:

• Modern lines and durable surfaces with a "liquid metallic" appearance
• Innovative, eye-catching color on both the interior and exterior
• Cool designs, based on your color choice, on the side panel, top, and interior
• Keyboard and touchpad color matched to your PC
• An HP logo that lights up when you turn on the PC
• Optional flush glass for a frameless look (select the Infinity Display option)
• The latest Intel Centrino processor technology (dual core), for intense multimedia1
• Fast performance with powerful Nvidia GeForce graphics choices

Total entertainment
Enjoy everything-in-one entertainment, with hours of recorded TV, photos, movies, music, and more, wherever you roam. Highlights include:

• Built-in Wi-Fi2, a low-light webcam, and digital microphones
• QuickPlay software, which gives you one-click access to entertainment—everything from your favorite TV shows to HD videos to karaoke
• An HDMI 1.3 port, which connects your notebook PC to an external monitor or HD TV3
• An optional Blu-ray ROM/DVD writer, which lets you read/write Blu-ray discs, read HD DVD discs, and read/write traditional DVDs and CDs4
• A built-in TV tuner5, remote control, premium audio, and dual headphone jacks

Great experiences
These PCs bring together everything you do online and on-the-go. You'll get:

• Built-in HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection, which automatically detects if your notebook has been dropped and locks your hard drive to protect your data
• Quick access to files via the high-speed eSATA combo port, which also serves as an additional USB 2.0 port
• Simplified password management with an optional integrated fingerprint reader
• The ability to design/print your own silkscreen-quality DVD and CD labels with LightScribe (optional)6

Quality warranty, software, and support All HP PCs are backed by a one-year hardware warranty. In addition, we test and qualify all software sold with our PCs to give you a trouble-free experience with your new computer. You get:

• A 60-day trial of Microsoft Office Home & Student 2007 Edition7
• 60 days of complimentary live updates to Symantec Norton Internet Security 20088
• A 90-day limited software warranty
  
  
  1. This system requires sep. purchased 64-bit OS, 64-bit software to take advantage of 64-bit processing capabilities of AMD technology. Dual-core processing avail. with AMD technology is designed to improve performance of this system. Given the wide range of software applications available, performance of a system including a 64-bit operating system and a dual-core processor will vary.
  2. Wireless access point and Internet service required, not included.
  3. HD content required to view HD images.
  4. As Blu-Ray is a new format containing new technologies, certain disc, digital connection, compatibility and/or performance issues may arise, and do not constitute defects in product. Flawless playback on all systems not guaranteed. In order for some Blu-ray titles to play, they may require a DVI or HDMI digital connection and your display may require HDCP support. This Blu-ray drive does not support writing to ultra-high speed CDRW media (16X to 32X advertised performance). HD-DVD movies cannot be played on this notebook PC.
  5. ATSC high-definition (HD) and NTSC source content varies and depends on broadcast signal, antenna, geographic location, other factors. External over-the-air antenna that receives UHF and VHF signals is required for ATSC reception. Viewing HD content requires compatible high-def display. Ability to record, edit, or transfer broadcast content such as TV programming may be limited depending on type of content. Performance issues may arise, and do not constitute defects in the product.
  6. Actual speeds may vary. Don't copy copyright-protected materials. LightScribe creates a monochrome image. LightScribe media required, sold separately.
  7. Internet access required. First 60 days included. Subscription req. for live updates afterwards.
  8. Microsoft Office Student and Teacher Edition 2008 is trial version; funct. is reduced after 60 days. Full version sold sep.
  

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