Best Buy Credit Card ReviewBy | April 4, 2009 |
If your thinking about getting a Best Buy Credit Card to help pay for that new laptop, you may want to think twice. CreditShout has reviewed the Best Buy Credit Card, and the results aren’t pretty. Surprisingly it’s not all bad - if your buying a big ticket item like a laptop the Best Buy Credit Card isn’t too bad.
From the Article:
“This is a run of the mill store credit card, with rather high interest rates. This card does, however, offer many 0% interest promotions, making it ideal for someone buying a big ticket item at Best Buy. “Plan A” of the Best Buy card offers the best rates, with no annual fee and no over the limit charge, as well as low late fees.”
Instead of getting a Best Buy Credit Card to help pay for smaller purchases, CreditShout recommends looking into getting a Cash Back Credit Card. Assuming you have good credit these cards have lower interest rates, and offer great rewards programs with up to 5% cash back on your purchases.
The 3 Best Laptops for StudentsBy Kecia | September 28, 2008 |
Nowadays, many college students rely on technology to make it through the day. They wake up to an alarm clock and call home on their cell phone, so it only makes sense that they go off to school with a computer in tow. For convenience, most students opt for a laptop computer. Selecting a laptop that best fits a student’s needs involves some research on features, applications, and capabilities. Below, the three most suitable student laptops are discussed to assist you in your decision.
Among the top student laptops on the market is the Macbook. This laptop computer offers lots of convenient features, such as a 13.3 inch screen, wireless internet access, up to 2 GB memory standard, and a built-in insight camera. Its lightweight, small size and tough, polycarbonate casing make carrying your computer a breeze. Macbooks come standard with Safari, Mac’s premier web browser, as well as iLife ‘08, which contains programs to assist with photo projects, creating movies, building websites, and more. Upon purchasing, an option of upgrading to iWork ‘08, a program suite designed to create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, is available. The only real downside of the Macbook is its price, as most start out over $1000. If you order through the Apple website, you may be able to take advantage of their education program if you are a college student, which allows you to purchase your computer at a discounted price.
A Dell Inspiron is a popular choice for many college students. Starting at $499, the Dell Inspiron 1525 provides an affordable price while still meeting the needs of most student functions. The laptop offers a 15.4 inch widescreen display and 6 pound machine that is thin and lightweight enough to easily be carried around campus. It also features 4 USB ports, twice the amount of the Macbook. Standard technical specifications include 1GB memory and 120GB hard drive. Windows Vista Home Basic with Service Pack 1 comes pre-installed, and for students, it is recommended to also include Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007, which can be added for around $85. The biggest complaints made against the Inspiron 1525 have been low battery life, a bad glare on the glossy display, and poor speaker quality.
If you are in the market for an ultra-portable laptop, take a look at the Toshiba Portégé R500 series computers. At 2.4 lbs, these laptops are some of the lightest around. The display is a bit small at 12.1 inches, but it features an outdoor display switch to help reduce glare from the sunlight on the screen. Windows XP Professional comes standard with the Portégé, along with a 60 day trial of Microsoft Office and various other Toshiba applications. This laptop also comes standard with a 160 GB hard drive and 2GB memory space, which is higher than many other ultra-portable laptops on the market. The biggest downfall of this laptop is probably its price tag, as it starts at around $1,299 in most stores.
Their are many laptop computers available on the market today, but some are more qualified to serve as student computers than others. Your purchase should rely on your personal needs. Whether it be a lightweight easy to carry laptop, or an affordable budget PC, you should be able to find something out there to fit the bill.
Where to Purchase Used LaptopsBy Kecia | September 26, 2008 |
Laptop computers can be quite expensive, especially ones that come with the latest software. Maybe you are in the market for a laptop, but are hoping to spend less than the norm. A good way in doing so is to purchase a used laptop. There are many websites on the Internet that offer used computers, but, as with anything you buy online, you should do you research to find the best deals on second hand laptops that will be worth your money. As with purchasing a new computer, you should educate yourself on the warranties for the used computer, as well as the return policy should anything go wrong in the first few days of having it in your home. Below are a few good resources in find a reliable used laptop.
UsedLaptops.com is an excellent place to begin your shopping for a used laptop computer. This company has been around for 12 years, and has sold over 20,000 used and refurbished laptops. They offer a 90 day warranty with all of their computers, as well as technical support, which is available over the phone or though email, live chat, or instant message. Each laptop comes with pre-installed software, including a Microsoft operating system, Open Office (very similar to Microsoft Office), and AVG Antivirus. The site offers same day shipping on orders place by 12:00p.m. PST, and allows local pickup to customers in the area of their California location.
Another good place to browse for a used laptop is USANotebook.com. This company has been selling second hand laptops for over ten years, and they offer good deals on Acer, Compaq, Dell, Sony, Toshiba, and more. A Windows operating system is included on most computers, as well as a 6 month warranty on labor and a 3 month warranty on parts. PayPal and other general payment options are available. The sites offers an upgrade policy that allows you trade in old laptops towards the purchase of newer ones if needed.
If a Macbook is more of what you had in mind, you should check out ApplePalace.com. They offer a variety of used Apple laptops at reasonable prices. Most of their laptops come with a 2 month warranty. A Mac operating system is pre-installed on the computer, with most coming with 10.4 Tiger on them. If you wish, the website offers the option to upgrade the memory of the used laptop to 2 GB before it is shipped to you. Macbooks can be purchased online or in the Apple Palace’s location in Los Angeles, California. Along with the standard payment methods, PayPal and Google Checkout are accepted.
Using a Laptop SleeveBy Kecia | September 25, 2008 |
If you wish to carry your laptop with you, but do not want to purchase a separate bag or case for it, you may want to consider buying a laptop sleeve instead. Carrying it under your arm or unprotected inside a larger bag is not recommended. Laptop sleeves are similar to cases in that they are made of a protective padding, which is needed if your laptop will be traveling.
The computer will fit snugly in to the sleeve, which can then be shut with a zipper or velcro. There are no handles or straps in which to carry a sleeve. However, your computer is secure enough that it can be placed into a large purse, tote bag, or backpack. This is very ideal for those who do not wish to lug around another piece of luggage, or waste money on a specialized carrying device to secure their computer.
An added benefit about carrying your laptop in a sleeve is that it can be hidden from sight. Computers are a high ticket item, and anything resembling a laptop case may be the target of a theft if left alone for even a second. Granted, not many people leave their belongings lying around, but in crowded areas such as airports, bags are liable to be stolen out of the baggage claim or even off shoulders. Being able to stash your laptop in its protective sleeve in a carry on bag, suitcase, or backpack will lead any thieves off the trail.
There are many websites on the Internet that sell laptop sleeves, and they can also be found in major department stores. Be sure to order one for the correct size or model of your laptop. The sleeve must fit properly to effectively protect your computer. Many styles of sleeves are available, including those with front or back pockets to store an A/C adapter, notebook, pens, and other materials. Laptop sleeves are generally cheaper than the alternative, which may help you justify the need for one, even if you only carry your computer to and from a vehicle each day. It only takes one time of dropping a laptop to damage it beyond repair.
The Steps to Laptop RepairBy Kecia | September 24, 2008 |
We all hate to think that our laptops may become damaged or simply begin to malfunction, but if they do, being educated on how to handle the situation is essential to ensure the restoration of your computer. The first step you should take is to consult the computer’s warranty. Check the terms to see if the warranty is still in effect, and if it covers the repairs needed. If you do not know what it wrong with it, it is probably nothing you have done wrong, so it should be covered. Do not attempt to open the computer and work on it yourself if it is still covered by a warranty. Doing so could be against the terms and you could risk no longer being covered by the warranty.
If you purchased your laptop through a retailer, you may have also bought a service plan. This type of agreement states that the store itself will cover many different things that could happen to your computer. They will often cover more than the manufacturer’s warranty, so you should learn if it can be of assistance to your laptop in the particular situation you are facing. You may want to discuss the problem with the technical support department of the retail store to see what needs to be done toward getting your laptop serviced. It may have to be brought back to the store, or shipped to another location.
If you are outside of your warranty or service plan, you have two options: 1) pay someone to fix your laptop, or 2) do it yourself. There are many online and offline computer support companies that will give you an estimate (many will do this for free) on the damage, so you may want to check with a few of the leading ones in your area and on the Internet. One of the more popular websites is LaptopRepair.com. If you choose to go the second route, it is recommended that you browse the Internet for manuals for your laptop, and seek advice before taking your computer apart. There are many videos and guides that other laptop users have put together to assist in repairing a damaged machine.
Upgrade your Macbook or Macbook Pro Hard DriveBy Kecia | September 23, 2008 |
If you desire to have many programs installed on your Macbook, but the space is almost full, you may want to consider upgrading your hard drive. The hard drive stores all applications as well as documents, music, movies, and any other files you save on your laptop. Installing more a larger capacity internal hard drive will allow you avoid using external devices that have to plugged in via the USB port. Installing internally is much more convenient when it comes to taking your computer with you. Getting a bigger hard drive can also boost your computer’s speed, especially when the recommended 5% or 5 GB (which is larger) is left free.
If you would like to keep anything off the old hard drive, such as the factory installed applications or files you have saved along the way, you must make a back-up of the information before removing the hard drive from your Macbook. Most people do this using an external back up hard drive. You will also need backup software installed on your computer to successfully perform this task. Once you have switched out the hard drives, you can plug the backup back into your computer and transfer all the files over to your new hard drive. If you opt not to do a backup, you can restore most your factory defaults from the restore disks that came with your laptop.
Removing the old hard drive requires the use of screwdrivers and a coin. The coin will allow you to remove the battery, which is the first step in getting the old hard drive out. There are guides and videos that will show you step by step have to remove the old hard drive and have to install the new one. Once you have everything completed, you can turn on your Macbook and prepare format and partition the new hard drive. It’s not a difficult task, and you can find help in doing so all over the Internet.
To purchase a new hard drive for your laptop, I recommend checking out Other World Computing, which I also recommended to laptop memory. The site has hard drive selection laid out based on the model of your Macbook, so you will have no trouble selecting the one you need. You can choose to purchase the hard drive only, or a do-it-yourself kit that will allow you to use our old hard drive as an external backup. I believe it is designed so you can just move your files and programs over from the old hard drive without having to do a back up beforehand. This website also offers videos to walk you through installing your new hard drive.
If you’re computer is getting slow, or you have reached the last 5% (or 5 GB) of your hard drive, it may be time to invest in a larger module. Selecting and installing a new hard drive is easy. Just follow the steps that can be find in many informative manuals online, or watch the videos at Other World Computing. You’ll have a Macbook ready to store large amounts of data in no time!
Know your Laptop’s WarrantyBy Kecia | September 21, 2008 |
So you have found the perfect laptop for you, and you cannot wait to take it home or order it on the Internet. Before you do, there are some things you should check out, with one of the most important being the computer’s warranty. Most people fail to do this crucial step, and then end up paying for it when something happens to their laptop. Knowing what your laptop’s warranty will and will not cover, as well as the length of time it will provide coverage is a small step in protecting your investment.
What is Covered?
Most laptop warranties will cover hardware issues that were not the fault of the user, such as a defective keyboard or mouse, or any problems with internal components of your computer. The warranty should state how repairs will be handled, such as if you can take it to a computer store or have it shipped to the manufacturer, and it should fund any costs associated with fixing your damaged laptop.
What is Not Covered?
No matter what software the laptop came installed with, none of it will be covered by a general warranty. Most warranties are for the actual parts of the computer’s hardware, and not the programs that run on it. You will also not be covered concerning user inflicted damage, theft, or loss of the machine or any of its components. These things would be need to be covered by an insurance policy.
How Long Will it be Covered?
Make sure you are aware how long your warranty lasts, so you are not stuck without coverage at any time. Extended warranties are often available to add extra time to the manufacturer’s warranty, but usually cost extra. You can choose to wait until the original warranty runs out, and then just renew it.
Services plans are similar to warranties, and are often offered by the retail store or website where you purchased the laptop. They can be bought for a specified time, and often provide more coverage than warranties.
There are some cases when the warranty can become voided. Be sure you read all of the terms before you attempt to repair any issues with your laptop. Sometimes, simply opening the back cover and tearing the seal can void your warranty, even if all you do is look at the inside and close it right back. You wouldn’t want to risk having to pay for computer repairs, so it is best to be informed before you do anything.
As you can see, reading the warranties and other important documents that come with your laptop are a great way to keep your computer (and your wallet) safe from harm. If something were to happen that was out of your control, being educated on the terms of the warranty is essential to ensure proper coverage. Please note this article does not reflect an actually warranty, but just details some of the basics of the typical warranties given with laptop computers. Be sure to learn the conditions of the warranty that will be provided with your computer before purchasing or attempting to repair the computer.
Upgrading your Macbook or MacBook Pro’s MemoryBy Kecia | September 20, 2008 |
If you are experiencing slow operating times or certain errors, such as when opening or navigating through applications, on your Macbook or Macbook Pro, then it may be time to consider upgrading its memory. The RAM (memory) of your laptop works with the hard drive to allow quicker access to programs. However, when the computer’s initial RAM becomes full, programs have to be pulled straight from the hard drive, which takes longer and can often result in memory related errors. Read on to find out more information on upgrading your memory, such as tips on purchasing extra memory and how to install it yourself.
All MacBook and MacBook Pro models are built with two memory slots that will support a total of up to 2GB each, depending on the model of your laptop. It is recommended by Apple to install the memory in pairs. This means that when one application is accessing the first memory slot, another program can be receiving information from the other slot, or that one program could be run twice as fast by pulling from two modules at once. As a result, quicker processing speeds will be noticed. Therefore, for example, if you choose to upgrade to 1GB of memory, it would be better to order 2 modules of 512MB than just one 1024MB stick.
Installing memory into a Macbook is super fast and easy to do, even by the user themselves! On most models, it is just as simple as removing the battery, adding and/or replacing the RAM modules, and then reinstalling the battery. There are tons of videos and manuals available on the Internet that will walk you through a step by step guide of everything you need to do to get the new RAM installed. Anyone with a screwdriver and a little time can change out there laptop’s memory, and have it working at much faster speeds in no time.
Other World Computing is a great online resource to purchase your memory upgrades. Their easy to navigate selection of RAM will sell you the appropriate modules for your laptop at affordable prices. The site also offers documented memory tests for common applications, will rebate you if you are looking to trade in your old memory for new, and has videos to help you through the process of installing the memory yourself.
Laptop Overheating Causes and PreventionBy Kecia | September 18, 2008 |
Allowing a laptop to continuously become overheated is a sure fire way to damage the motherboard, if not kill the entire computer. Some symptoms of an overheating laptop include an unexplained beeping, smoke, and automatic restarts or shut down. Fortunately for laptop users, there are some steps you can take to detect the signs and causes of the overheating, and to prevent them in the future.
One of the first things you should check if you suspect your laptop is overheating is whether or not the fan is working. On most newer laptop computers, the fan should run continuously, although sometimes it will be quieter than others. If the fan is not running at all, check it and its settings. The fan should be cleaned regularly, as dust can settle in and prevent proper air flow. Having a fan that has completely stopped running will eventually lead to overheating if not fixed.
Being aware of the environment you are using your laptop in is another way to prevent overheating. Sometimes the fan alone is not enough to keep your computer cool, especially when it is used in a car or room with no air conditioning (especially during the summer) or in direct sunlight. Inside your home, make sure that you desk is not under an unshaded window, and that you do not use your laptop on any hot surfaces. Also, do not lay your laptop on a soft surface such as a bed, pillow, or cushion while you are using it. This will cover the fan, and will prevent air from flowing freely through the fan.
Obviously, if you see smoke or smell a burning odor from your computer, you should shut it down immediately. The exception to this rule is the very first time the laptop is powered on. At that time, there may be a hot plastic smell which should go away after a while. This is normal, but any other strange smells coming from your laptop at any other time is not. Powering down your computer and looking it over (or having a computer repair person look over it) is the most effective way at saving it from overheating.
Laptops are not cheap, so there lives should be prolonged by taking proper care of them. Keeping your PC from overheating is an excellent way to have it running for years. Educate yourself on the symptoms, causes, and prevention of an overheating laptop, and above all, use common sense. If the laptop is acting up, and its bottom is very hot to the touch, it’s likely to be having issues with its cooling system.
Choosing the Right Laptop BagBy Kecia | September 18, 2008 |
With all the laptop bags available for purchase, finding the one that best fits your needs can be a little difficult and frustrating. Luckily, there are steps you can take to minimize your frustration when browsing through various cases, either online on in the store. Take your time, as well as the following considerations into account, and you will carrying your laptop in a suitable case in no time!
To begin your shopping, consider the size of the laptop you wish to carry. Most bag descriptions will tell you what size laptop it will hold. Pay attention to this! You don’t want to purchase a bag too small that you cannot zip it when your laptop is inside, and you certainly don’t want to buy one that is too big, which will cause your laptop to be sliding around in the case. Not much protection in either scenario!
Next, think about the accessories and other essentials you will need to carry with your laptop. Most laptop bags come with various compartments where you can stash mice, floppy disks, CD’s, an A/C adapter, pens, and notepads. Having a bag that will fit both your laptop and all your extras is a good investment, as it makes everything much easier to carry.
Third, you should keep in mind your sense of style and the essential purpose of the laptop bag: to keep your computer safe! Backpack laptop carriers are great for college students, or someone who rides a bike or motorcycle to work. However, if you go to your job each day wearing a suit and tie, you may want to consider looking at a more business type briefcase bag. Find something with well padded, especially if you plan to travel on a bus, subway, or plane with your laptop.
As you can see, there are many different ways to go about purchasing the best laptop bag for yourself. Just take into account the size of your laptop, amount of accessories you will be carrying along, and the your personal style when making your selection. Don’t settle for the first one you see, but do a little browsing to get the best case for your needs!
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