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Laptop Optimization Tradeoffs

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Understand that I'm loath to recommend computers to friends and families because it's such a personal decision and usually the overwhelming criteria is one of cost vs. performance. I think that you need to balance the two considerations, but then I've only been in the computer industry for 15 years. ;o)

One of the key aspects to consider when purchasing a laptop is customer satisfaction. Consumer Reportsis a great place to gather that information. Fortunately I can get these reports from the library, but more often I just get the recommendations from my friend Peter at work. Having just purchased a laptop last week (my selection and considerations blogged here), I was bragging at work and discovered I'd made a critical mistake in my selection.

I had upgraded to the faster chip, 2 GB RAM, no CD/DVD drive (with a home network I don't really need this), and included the 1 GB turbo (flash) drive to reduce power consumption. This 2.1 lb, 13 screen laptop would be my ultra-light portal to the world.

BUT, I had accepted the default hard drive which has a spin time of 5400 RPMs! This is slow and cheap. But for $31 more I could have had a bigger drive with a spin time of 7200 RPMs. This would make all the difference in the world and for so little is a steal. But the tradeoff is that the battery life will be reduced. So I grudgingly called Lenovo back and changed my order which means I've pushed the delivery time back another week. But I still should have the box before I go visit my new granddaughter Addie.

As explained to me by my dad, a retired test geek from Microsoft, the hard drive speed is the most commonly overlooked aspect by consumers purchasing new computers. And it make a big difference in performance.

LenovoLT

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