| Many components play a key role in how a | | | | market is the Toshiba L555D Notebook. This |
| computer performs, including the processor, | | | | affordable laptop delivers quick but reliable |
| memory, operating system, hard drive, and | | | | functioning regardless of the task. Wireless-ready, |
| monitor. Laptop computers have additional | | | | this powerful notebook includes a PC Health |
| features and considerations that are important. | | | | Monitor and a power-saving eco utility for efficient |
| Considerably smaller than desktops, laptops | | | | energy use. The L555D has one of the faster |
| require many components that are custom made | | | | notebook processors in the AMD Turion X2 |
| to fit into their more diminutive platforms. This | | | | Dual-Core which generates an impressive 2.2GHz; |
| makes laptops unique from other computers, in | | | | as well as a 3GB DDR2 SDRam memory and |
| that it is difficult to exchange parts between | | | | 320GB serial ATA hard drive. The 17.3” |
| laptops and desktops, and replacement parts for | | | | widescreen LCD monitor provides 1600 x 900 |
| laptops can be pricier than most. However, this | | | | resolution, while the entire computer weighs in at |
| disadvantage is greatly out measured by the | | | | a modest 6.99 pounds. |
| speed, connectivity, and economical value that | | | | Hard Drive |
| laptops possess over standard computer models. | | | | The hard drive is where programs, documents, |
| CPU | | | | photographs, and music are all stored. Obviously, |
| A laptop’s processor, also known as the CPU | | | | the larger the hard drive, the more storage |
| or central processing unit, is responsible for | | | | capacity you will have. Hard drive capacity is also |
| processing information. Speed is the most | | | | measured in gigabytes, and consumers should |
| important factor when choosing a processor, so | | | | generally look for a hard drive with at least 80 |
| pay attention to the processor's family, the | | | | GB. |
| number of cores, and the clock speed. Intel and | | | | A great laptop with ample hard drive space is the |
| AMD are the most prominent of processors; | | | | Q2 Designs 15.4" Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz |
| laptops frequently use Intel’s Core 2 and | | | | Notebook, which comes in a multitude of colors |
| Pentium processors, or AMD’s Turion or | | | | including fuchsia, jade, and midnight blue. This wide |
| Athlon technologies. | | | | variety of colors, along with the power of |
| Processors with multiple cores can process more | | | | Intel’s Mobile Centrino technology make this |
| data at the same time. You can usually tell how | | | | model a stylish and desirable computer that also |
| many cores a processor has by looking at its | | | | satisfies in terms of memory size and speed. A |
| name. Clock speed, measured in gigahertz or GHz, | | | | 15.4" WXGA Wide Screen LCD monitor provides |
| determines how quickly it can process information. | | | | a stunning picture, and the Windows Vista |
| The higher the clock speed, the faster the | | | | Premium Home Edition operating system is one of |
| computer. Clock speeds typically range from 1.86 | | | | the most cutting-edge available. This lightweight |
| to 3GHz. Clock speed may be the most important | | | | model has an impressive 2GB DDR2 Memory and |
| factor in picking a laptop, because it will determine | | | | 120GB Hard Drive. Much like many of its laptop |
| the overall capabilities of your computer. Q2 | | | | counterparts, this model comes with both a 56k |
| Design’s 12.1" Pentium Dual Core 2.0GHz | | | | modem and built-in wireless ready technology, |
| Notebook is an ideal model for just such a | | | | supporting instant portability and versatility when |
| scenario. This stylish notebook is powered by | | | | choosing an Internet connection. |
| Intel's Pentium Dual Core processor, which packs | | | | Monitor Display |
| a speedy 2.0GHz. A Super-Multi DVD/CD RW | | | | Monitor display is also an important feature in |
| drive allows users to easily transition between the | | | | every computer. For laptops, a 15 to 16 inch |
| use of CDs and DVDs. Complete with a 2GB | | | | display should be adequate for most people. |
| DDR2 system memory, 250GB hard drive, and | | | | Displays that are 13, 14, and 17 inches are also |
| 12.1” LCD monitor, this notebook is small | | | | common. Glossy screens have more saturated |
| enough to fit anywhere, but still delivers large | | | | colors and deeper blacks, but are also much more |
| computer power. | | | | prone to glare. Like desktop displays, most |
| RAM | | | | laptops have widescreen displays to fit |
| Random Access Memory, or RAM, is what | | | | widescreen movies better. |
| computers use to temporarily store data while in | | | | Laptops offer users a multitude of different |
| operation. Computers with more memory tend to | | | | options; it is important to know what your needs |
| be faster, but only up to a certain point. Most | | | | are before you make a purchase. Just remember |
| laptops sold today have at least 2 GB of | | | | the main features that every computer owner |
| memory, but those with 3 GB are faster. Any | | | | needs to be aware of — processor speed, |
| more than 3 GB is typically not going to be of | | | | RAM, hard drive size, and monitor display. If you |
| benefit, unless you are running an operating | | | | know what you want, finding your perfect laptop |
| system that is very powerful. | | | | should be easy! |
| An example of one of the faster laptops on the | | | | |