Ask The Roseville Expert: Buying A Laptop Computer

According to the 10th annual University of St. Thomas Holiday Spending Sentiment Survey this fall, shopper buying of computers and related items is projected to remain one of the most popular categories for gifts.

So if you are in the market to give a laptop computer for Christmas, how do you know what to buy?

Mark Sommerfeld, co-owner of Sommerfeld's Computer Revolution, said the answer mainly hinges on: How are you going to use the computer? Mostly for pleasure or business? Playing games and watching movies?

If the laptop is going to be used for business and brought along on travel, you  most likely want one that is small and lightweight, Sommerfeld said. If the computer owner is going to use the laptop primarily for video games and movies, you probably want a bigger one, with perhaps up to a 17 inch screen, he said. 

Sommerfeld and Michael Robideau, Computer Revolution sales manager, said that other factors that affect what you end up buying include:

• What software does the computer need to power? How much memory and  power are going to be used?  "Any notebook will meet the needs of 90 percent of customers," he said.
• Are there special security requirements you need? Some types of laptops  have finger print security features, something that would be a big benefit or essential for a person who is using their computer for business and that has confidential business data stored. 
• What kind of Internet and wireless connections do you have at home? Computer Revolution specializes in business and comercial grade model laptops.
• Do you need fast, quick processing? If yes, buying a laptopwith an ultra low processor probably won't  meet your needs.  A notebook with an ultra low voltage process is designed for better battery life and tends to not to have have the processing power for higher applications.
• Meanwhile, Robideau and Sommerfeld said that the price of the laptop is usually one of the least asked questions by shoppers because Computer Revolution focuses first on what the customer wants from the laptop computer. Still, laptop prices can range from $350 to as much as $1,500.

"When you shop for the proper features, you will find what you want," they said. Noted Sommerfeld,"We ask a lot of questionsto fit the product to the consumer."