Choosing the ideal laptop for home and mobile use
Buying a new computer is not the same as buying a new property, but it can still be a confusing process. Whether you want the lightest possible machine on the market, or the one with the most processing power, there are plenty of other things to think about. For many people, a laptop has to meet a variety of needs and is not bought for one specific use. In a similar way, when you are looking for the perfect holiday property abroad, you need to bear in mind a number of factors. The immediate surroundings, after the property itself, are often a prime consideration. You need to think about what you will want to do while living in the property, much as you need to consider what you will mainly use a computer for – whether primarily for business or more of a home laptop. Other things to consider when buying a home in a foreign country may include financing and local laws, whereas with your computer, you will be more concerned with connecting to the Internet easily and not having to fiddle around with dozens of wires every time you move it. Some other basic considerations for a new machine will include screen size, security features and bundled software. Your machine will also need to be built to withstand a few knocks as accidents can happen, especially when you are outside. Something that is often last on many people’s lists but should be higher up is laptop support, in the event you have any problems.
Best for on-the-go fun
Security and durability
A good support network will provide you with help when you need it, from a frequently updated website with the latest software downloads for your model, to onsite repair or return to base cover when something more serious is needed. If your machine is a necessary part of your working life, then a business laptop could be the best option to make sure you are up and running continuously with the fewest interruptions possible. They are built to withstand a certain amount of shock if dropped, and have enhanced security features that help to protect important data in the event that your machine is compromised over the internet, or if you happen to lose it. This type of laptop usually has a powerful processor and a decent sized screen as well. As far as getting connected goes, if you are looking at property on the eastern seaboard of Thailand then there are a number of providers to choose from. Whether you decide on a townhouse or a beachfront condo, the coverage is good, and getting better all the time. In fact, if your last visit to Thailand was some time ago then you will be pleasantly surprised at the speeds available now. The electricity supply is generally much more stable too although the odd interruption to supply, lasting just two or three seconds, means a UPS is a good investment for desktop computers, although with a laptop the battery would cut in if this happened.
Satellite L300 Series
Business and pleasure
An overseas property is often a combination of investment and fun. With reasonable fortune, the price of your home should increase over the years and, in the meantime, you can enjoy using the property whenever you wish. If you are looking for a mobile option that can be used for both business and pleasure, then a satellite laptop is often a good compromise. With a wide range of models and a choice of configurations, it should be possible to get just the right combination for your needs. The displays come in a variety of sizes and on some models you can pick a processor and video card, giving you more control over the finished article. A laptop is a reasonably large purchase for many people, so it is worth spending a bit of time making absolutely sure that what you buy will do everything that you want it to. This choice of options means that if you need more processing power for mathematical applications then you can spend a little more and get what you need. If size is all important, for portability reasons, then a netbook is something you should take a look at. They can weigh less than a kilogram and with a compact display and keyboard are easy to carry around with you. They are designed with this in mind but are more than capable of performing many of the functions that a standard laptop can perform. For answering emails and surfing the net they are a good choice.
Most recent entertainment device
More of what you need
If you are planning on using your new computer for graphics-intensive games or complex image editing software, then you will be more interested in a model that has plenty of memory and a powerful graphics card, as well. A gaming laptop is aimed as this particular market. Initially conceived in order to be able to play the latest games while out and about, their high performance specifications also make them ideal for editing video clips and watching high definition films. A large screen comes as standard, as do decent stereo systems. The memory and video card in a laptop like this enable you to work with large image or video files, or many windows open at the same time, without the whole thing grinding to a halt, as can happen with less capable machines. If you are keen on editing video files and you would prefer to do your own shooting, then you could look at getting hold of a digital camcorder. The modern models are lightweight, inexpensive and capable of shooting high-definition video footage. If you are looking at a number of properties in a short space of time – while on holiday in Thailand for instance – they can be very useful as a record of each place and help to jog your memory once you are back home. With a powerful laptop, editing the results is an enjoyable task and checking on your work is made easier by the large display and decent video card.
Easily operated camcorder
