Laptop specifications indicate the computer's quality.
Laptop computer specifications tell you what components have gone into building that laptop. Specifications, or specs, are important in determining the quality of a computer. While most of the specs used to describe laptops also appear for desktops, certain specs are exclusive to laptops.
RAM
A computer's random access memory, or RAM, transfers the data stored on your hard drive to your CPU when you open a program. As of April 2011, most computers use either Double Data Rate, DDR2 or DDR3 RAM, with DDR3 offering the highest speeds and least power consumption. The spec may list a number similar to PC3-8500, which means it's DDR3 memory with an 8,500 megabytes per second peak transfer rate. Laptops use Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules, SODIMMs, smaller versions of the DIMMs used in desktops. The amount in the computer helps determine how fast and reliable it performs, with more RAM capable of running more programs at once efficiently.
Connectivity
Connectivity specifications determine how the laptop connects to the Internet. For a portable computer, the best idea is to get one with Wi-Fi, or wireless Internet. Wi-Fi connections are broken up into a few similar standards denoting quality. For new laptops, it's best to pick IEEE 802.11N standards. Previous generations have similar names but with A, B or G after the numbers. 802.11N is the newest and fastest, as of April 2011. If you plan on connecting your laptop with a physical connection, look for one with an Ethernet port. Many laptops now also offer Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect compatible wireless Bluetooth mice or sync data between your laptop and your cellphone.
Display
The display specifications detail the screen's size and resolution. The screen size is measured diagonally, so a 15-inch screen measures 15 inches from the top left corner to the bottom right. The resolution measures the number of horizontal and vertical pixels, tiny dots that make up the picture. Higher numbers mean more pixels, often allowing you to see more on your screen at once than a laptop with the same screen size but a lower resolution.
Physical Specifications and Optical Drive
A laptop's physical specifications are straightforward, describing the laptops weight, length, width and height. The only important detail to remember is the height measurement usually describes the closed laptop, not the open computer's height. Netbooks are small laptops, usually with 12-inch screens or smaller. The optical drive specifications on laptops are similar to those in desktops, but it's important to note that many netbooks don't have CD, DVD or Blu-ray drives since they're so small.
Tags: screen size, April 2011, laptop with, laptops also, your laptop