How to connect a network printer via the Internet. Printer on home local network

Nowadays, when every person has a laptop at home, this phenomenon is very common. Even at the moment when we go to the store to update our laptop, it is not some kind of holiday. Rather, it’s the other way around, here we already feel a certain need, so we understand that buying such a device is an ordinary part of life.

A new and improved laptop technology has appeared in stores - “Ultrabook”. When a person sees something like this for the first time, he immediately wants to test it and buy it for his homework or entertainment.

Ultrabook - what is it?

Naturally, in order to purchase an ultrabook, you need to find out some information about it in order to understand “what kind of vegetable it is and what it is eaten with.” What is an ultrabook, and when did it appear?

Naturally, based on the above, we can conclude that it was Apple that became the “pioneer.” To some extent this is true, but it is not entirely accurate. Ultrabooks are Full credit goes to Intel, since it was she who came up with the name for such laptops. The result is a beautifully thin body, a light feel and a beautiful Full HD screen with excellent resolution for working both at work and at home.

An inexperienced person will not be able to immediately determine the difference between a laptop and an ultrabook. The only thing he can notice is that the design is significantly different, because the ultrabook is more sleek and thin. But is this all the difference? Of course not.

Here several significant differences two representatives of innovation:

What to choose: ultrabook or laptop?

If it is not important for you to buy an ultrabook, then don't chase innovation, because someday it too will “grow old” and become useless to anyone. Choose what you really like, and not what most people like just because it’s something new. You need to deviate from what exactly you need the product for. For example, if you take the device for study, then it is better to opt for a laptop, as it will be more useful and convenient to use. If you want a device with which it will be easy to constantly move around the city or travel, then take an ultrabook, because it is more compact and lightweight.

However, do not forget that there are no significant differences between them, so it would be better to purchase a laptop, because even its price is significantly lower than that of an ultrabook. Even the same national statistics showed that the laptop is the most requested product, because it more economical to use. As for the design, you shouldn’t pay attention to it if the question is about benefits.

Naturally, we cannot impose one model or another on you, because the choice is always yours. The consumer himself chooses what will be more interesting and used for him. We will only help in choosing by indicating the difference between the two devices.

Ultrabook 2012

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on innovation, then a device from previous years would be an excellent option for you. It has not lost its relevance, as it still has functions that are pleasant for humans. Tests of ultrabooks 2012 showed that these models are distinguished by their high performance and excellent quality. They even can be used for many games. Which ultrabook to choose in 2012? Which ones are better and why? Let's figure it out.

A laptop, ultrabook and netbook differ mainly in size and power, so the criteria for their selection largely coincide and we will consider all these devices in one article.

The best laptop manufacturers are HP and DELL, but they also cost more on average than everyone else. Laptops from Acer, Asus and Lenovo have a good price/quality ratio. MSI produces good gaming laptops at a reasonable price.

For simple office tasks (documents, the Internet), in principle, a laptop with any processor and 2 GB of memory is sufficient. You can choose any model you like with a 15.6″ screen. But I still recommend limiting your choice to models with an Intel Pentium processor and 4 GB of memory. Such a laptop will work much faster.

If you need an inexpensive multimedia laptop (movies, simple games), pay attention to models with an Intel Core i3 processor with a memory capacity of 4 GB or more.
Laptop Lenovo V110-15ISK (80TL0146RK)

For more comfortable work and watching videos at home, a laptop with a 17.3″ screen diagonal is suitable for you.
Laptop Lenovo V320-17ISK (81B60006RK)

For gaming, the minimum option is a laptop with a 4-thread Core i3 processor, at least 6 GB of memory and a discrete video card nVidia GeForce GTX 940M, 940MX (the higher the model number, the better). Screen diagonal is at least 15.6″, preferably 17.3″.

The optimal gaming laptop should have a 4-core Core i5, i7 processor, at least 8 GB of memory and a discrete graphics card nVidia GeForce GTX 1050, 1050 Ti, 1060 (the higher the model number, the better). Recommended screen diagonal is 17.3″.
Laptop Lenovo Legion Y520-15IKBN (80WK00JBRK)

If you need a compact netbook with long battery life (8-10 hours) that you can carry with you all the time, then, in principle, any model you like with a 10.1″ screen diagonal will do. But I still recommend netbooks with an Intel processor (Pentium, Celeron, Atom), 2 GB of memory and a screen diagonal of 11.6″. Preferably 13.3-14″, they are not much larger, but much more powerful and more convenient.
Laptop Lenovo E31-80 (80MX00WGRK)

The so-called ultrabooks have an ideal ratio of power/autonomy/compactness. These are light, thin, elegant devices with a screen diagonal of 12.5-14″, a powerful processor and long battery life (6-8 hours). This is an ideal option for a wealthy student or business person, since the pleasure is not cheap, but it is worth it.
Tablet Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 310-10ICR (80SG00AARK)

2. Purpose of laptop computers

It makes sense to purchase any of these devices if you need a portable computer that you can carry with you, since this solution is less convenient, less powerful and more expensive than a desktop computer of similar power.

Laptop computers are used mainly for working with documents and the Internet. Due to the small screen and small viewing angles, it is comfortable to watch movies on a laptop alone, or at most two people from a short distance. But this will help pass the time at the resort or on a business trip.

It is unlikely that you will be able to comfortably play modern games due to a weak video card and an uncomfortable keyboard. Although undemanding users may well use a laptop for these purposes. The exception is very expensive gaming laptops with a larger screen, a powerful graphics card and a more comfortable keyboard.

First, I will describe the main purpose and differences between a laptop, an ultrabook and a netbook, and then we will look at other parameters common to them.

The laptop has the most powerful processor and video card, the largest screen (15.6, 17.3″) and a more comfortable keyboard, which makes it the most complete replacement for a desktop computer. But due to its large dimensions and weight, it is less suitable for frequent carrying in a hand bag. The laptop runs on battery power for only 2-3 hours, which means it operates primarily on mains power.

A laptop is suitable for you if you plan to constantly carry it in your car to work and back, take it to the country and on vacation, or if your space is too limited.

An ultrabook has the same powerful processor as a laptop, but usually a weaker graphics card. It is thinner, lighter, and has a smaller screen (11.6, 12.5, 13.3″). An ultrabook usually has longer battery life (5-6 hours), which allows you to use it frequently on the go and not have to carry a charger with you.

An ultrabook is perfect for active business and study; it is easy to carry in your hands, but it costs several times more than a laptop. But instead, you can choose a thin and light laptop with a screen size of 13.3, 14″, which will cost less.

The netbook has a very small size, but a very weak processor and video card. The netbook screen size is 10.1, 11.6″. A netbook can last 6-8 hours on battery power and is inexpensive.

I do not recommend a netbook as your main and only computer, since its power and size are not enough for comfortable work. A netbook can be used on the go as a notebook, for accessing the Internet and for studying.

6. What to choose

For simple office tasks, such as typing and the Internet, the most inexpensive laptop with a 15.6″ screen diagonal is sufficient.

If you plan to use the laptop as your main home computer, then take a closer look at models with a 17.3″ screen size. It will be convenient to work and watch movies on it.

If you need a powerful and compact laptop for business or study, then choose an ultrabook with a 13.3″ screen size or a thin and light laptop with a 13.3 or 14″ screen.

If you are an avid gamer, but constantly on the go, then only an expensive gaming laptop (from $1,500) with a powerful graphics card and a large screen (17.3, 18.4″) is suitable for you, since ordinary laptops are not able to provide sufficient performance and comfort in games. But such a laptop will be large and heavy.

For professional activities such as design, video editing, 3D modeling, a laptop with a 15.6, 17.3″ screen with a powerful processor, a professional video card and a high-quality matrix will suit you. But such pleasure will cost from $2000.

8. Laptop design

A typical laptop has a non-separable design in which the display can only tilt in one plane and has a limited tilt angle. This is usually enough for comfortable work.

Some compact models have a touch screen that can be tilted 180°, which turns the laptop into a tablet, convenient for reading and surfing the Internet while sitting on the couch or in the car.

There are also models with a touch screen that can be rotated in two planes, which allows you to hide the keyboard inside in tablet mode, as well as use the laptop for presentations.

There are other options for a rotating screen designed to solve similar problems.

Models with a removable keyboard also allow you to turn a laptop into a tablet and back, but they are even more compact in size and are suitable for you if you rarely need a keyboard and don’t want to carry it with you all the time.

Laptops with a rotating screen and a detachable keyboard are much more expensive and make sense to purchase them if you plan to use this functionality.

9. Laptop manufacturers

Long gone are the days when the difference in quality and price between such famous brands as HP, DELL and new ones such as Acer, Lenovo was like heaven and earth. The market has leveled everything out. New manufacturers have improved in quality, and old brands, in order to compete with them, were forced to reduce prices. Therefore, now quality depends more on the price of the laptop than on the brand.

You can also consider laptops manufactured by Samsung, the range of which has recently been greatly reduced for some reason, and laptops from Sony, which are more expensive, but have an excellent combination of quality and style, as well as good service support.

As for brands whose model range is not so wide, for example Fujitsu, Packard Bell, Toshiba, first ask if the service center closest to you serves them.

Apple laptops are an uncompromising option in terms of quality and style for a wealthy person.

10. Laptop size

The larger the laptop, the more convenient it is to use, but less convenient to transport. Check the sizes of laptops on the seller’s or manufacturer’s website and compare them with each other.

A laptop with a screen size of 17.3″ or larger is less suitable for constant transportation, but it can still be easily carried in a car or moved from one room to another.

A laptop with a 15.6″ screen size is the optimal size for carrying it in a car to work and back. Sometimes it can be carried in a hand bag, but due to its short battery life, you will most likely have to carry a large charger with thick cables along with it.

A laptop with a 14.1″ screen size is a compromise between usability and ease of portability.

An ultrabook with a screen size of 13.3″ will have an optimal balance between convenience and ease of portability due to longer battery life and a small charger.

A netbook with a screen size of 10.1, 11.6″ can easily fit into a handbag, and the size of the charger is comparable to a mobile phone charger.

Pay attention to the thickness of the frame around the laptop screen. Given the same screen size, it is better to buy a laptop with a thinner frame, as it will be more compact and the screen will look larger.

As for thickness, the thinner the laptop, the more convenient it is to use and carry. A typical laptop is about 3 cm thick, which is quite large. Thin and light laptops can be about 2 cm thick, which is much more convenient. Ultrabooks are about 1.5 cm thick, while netbooks are only about 1 cm thick.

11. Laptop weight

A laptop with a screen size of 17.3″ will weigh about 2.6-3 kg, which is quite a lot and carrying it in a hand bag is a bit heavy and uncomfortable. Add to this the weight of the charger (about 400 grams).

A laptop with a screen size of 15.6″ weighs 2.3-2.5 kg + 400 grams of charge. A man can easily carry this weight for several hours. It will be difficult for a girl or child.

A light and thin laptop with a 14.1, 15.6″ screen weighs 2-2.2 kg + 200 grams of charge. Which is already more comfortable, but still a little heavy for a girl or child.

An ultrabook with a screen size of 13.3″ weighs about 1.5 kg and does not require carrying a charger with you, as it runs on battery power for a long time. This is a toy for a man, and a girl or child can easily carry it for several hours.

A netbook with a screen size of 10.1, 11.6″ weighs only 1-1.2 kg and is easy to carry. The laptop charger also weighs mere grams.

12. Screen options

The laptop screen is characterized by many different parameters and all of them are quite important.

12.1. Screen size

The 17.3″ screen is better suited for watching videos in a small company at a distance of up to 2 meters and playing games.

The 15.6″ screen is optimal for working with text and the Internet and is also acceptable for watching movies and games.

The 13.3, 14.1″ screen does not yet cause much discomfort when working with text and the Internet, but watching movies and playing games on it is no longer entirely comfortable.

The 11.6, 12.5″ screen is, in principle, not intended for long-term use, especially for watching movies and games. But this is an acceptable option for working with email and the Internet on the go.

12.2. Screen resolution

Screen resolution is the number of dots (pixels) in width and height. The higher the resolution, the clearer the image and the more information can fit on the screen.

Netbooks with a screen size of 10.1″ have a resolution of 1024×600, which is not enough, since even the website window in the browser does not fit into the width of the screen and you have to scroll it not only up and down, but also left and right, which is terribly inconvenient. Some programs will refuse to run at all at this screen resolution.

Netbooks with a screen size of 11.6, 12.5″ have a resolution of 1280×800 or 1280×720, which already fits a browser window and this resolution is the minimum acceptable.

Most laptops with screen sizes between 13.3 and 17.3″ have a resolution of 1366×768, which is normal for them.

Some laptop models with screen sizes from 14.1 to 17.3″ have a resolution of 1440×900 or 1600×900, making the image appear clearer and more information can be displayed on the screen, which is good.

More expensive laptop models with screen sizes ranging from 15.6 to 18.4" can have a resolution of 1920x1080 (Full HD), which is very popular and gives much higher quality images in movies and games.

Modern ultrabooks may have even higher screen resolutions, but given their screen size this is completely unnoticeable and unnecessary.

12.3. Matrix type

The matrix is ​​the name given to the LCD screen of a laptop. Modern laptops have the following types of matrices.

TN is a cheap matrix with average color quality, clarity and poor viewing angles. Laptops with such a matrix make up the absolute majority.

IPS is a matrix with high quality color rendering, clarity and good viewing angles. Laptops with such a matrix are expensive and are better suited for design tasks, but they will also perform well in films and games.

VA (SVA, UWVA) is a compromise option between TN and IPS type matrices, it has high color rendering quality, clarity and good viewing angles. There are few laptops with this type of matrix and they are very expensive.

If you have the opportunity, then buy a laptop with an IPS matrix; the image quality will be incomparably higher.

12.4. Screen coating

Matrices can have a matte or glossy finish.

Matte screens are more versatile, suitable for all tasks and any external lighting. They look duller but have more natural color rendition.

Glossy screens look brighter and tend to have clearer, darker tones, but are only suitable for watching videos and gaming in a dark room. On a glossy matrix you will see reflections of light sources (sun, lamps) and your own, which is quite uncomfortable.

12.5. Screen backlight

Older laptops used fluorescent lamps (LCD) to backlight the screen. All modern laptops use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to backlight the screen. LED lighting is of higher quality, economical and durable.

12.6. Touch screen

The touch screen allows you to control your laptop with the touch of your fingers. The presence of a touch screen is only relevant for devices with a rotating design and a removable keyboard, which can be used as a tablet and for presentations, since in this case the keyboard becomes inaccessible.

13. Processor

Most modern laptops use Intel and AMD processors.

The best solution would be to purchase a laptop with an Intel processor, as they are more productive, consume less energy and heat less, which is critical for laptops.

Processors differ in the number of processing cores and frequency. It is desirable that the laptop processor have at least 2 cores with a frequency of 2-3 GHz. Next, I will talk about what processors are used in modern laptops.

13.1. Intel processors

• Intel Atom - the weakest processor (2-4 cores), used in netbooks and some tablets
• Intel Celeron - an old series of weak processors (2-4 cores), used in netbooks and cheap laptops
• Intel Pentium - an old series of medium-performance processors (2-4 cores), used in inexpensive laptops for office tasks
• Intel Core i3 is a new series of mid-performance processors (2 cores) used in modern laptops that are well suited for both work and entertainment.
• Intel Core i5 is a new series of powerful processors (2-4 cores) used in modern laptops that are suitable for gaming and professional tasks
• Intel Core i7 – a new series of the most powerful processors (2-4 cores), used in expensive gaming and professional laptops
• Intel Core M is a new series of powerful processors (2 cores), comparable in performance to 2-core Core i5, but with lower power consumption and heat dissipation

13.2. AMD processors

• AMD E - an outdated series of weak processors (2-4 cores), used in netbooks and cheap laptops
• AMD A4, A6 – new series of weak processors (2-4 cores), used in inexpensive laptops for office tasks
• AMD A8, A10 – new series of mid-performance processors (4 cores), used in modern laptops that are suitable for both work and entertainment
• AMD FX is a series of mid-performance processors (4 cores), comparable to a 2-core Core i3 and nothing special

13.3. Which processor to choose

If you are choosing a compact device, then a 4-core Atom processor would be an acceptable option. For simple office tasks, a laptop with a Pentium processor is enough. If you want to have a good and inexpensive laptop that will be comfortable to work on and you can also play on, then pay attention to models with a Core i3 processor. If you plan to use the laptop for resource-intensive applications and games, then take a model with a Core i5 processor. A laptop with a Core i7 processor will be an uncompromising option in terms of performance, but it will cost accordingly.

It makes sense to consider laptops with AMD processors when it comes to austerity. A laptop with an A4, A6 processor is only suitable for office tasks. The older A8-A10 series are close in performance to Intel Core i3 processors and can cope with undemanding games. As for the FX series, it is unclear why we need laptops with such weak processors, but comparable in price to Core i7.

14. Video card

If the laptop is not planned to be used for games, then a processor with a video core will be enough for it and it does not need a separate (discrete) video card. At the same time, it will be quite possible to play undemanding games on the laptop.

Video cards integrated into Intel processors are called Intel HD (4000, 4200, 4400, 4600, 5000, etc.) depending on the processor (Core i3, i5, i7) and differ in power. The video core of the Core i5 and i7 processor can handle even modern games at low graphics settings.

nVidia GeForce video cards, which can be found in modern laptops, are discrete. It is quite difficult to distinguish AMD Radeon video cards by marking whether they are integrated or discrete, since the model numbers are mixed.

In any case, if you are interested in laptops with discrete graphics, you can easily select them in the online store catalog by checking the appropriate box in the filters.

If you plan to use a laptop for modern games, then it must have a discrete graphics card. Personally, I prefer nVidia video cards, since most games are optimized for them.

14.1. nVidia video cards for laptops

• GeForce GT 910M, 920M – non-gaming video cards
• GeForce GT 940M, 940MX – entry level
• GeForce GTX 1050, 1050 Ti – below average
• GeForce GTX 1060 – average level
• GeForce GTX 1070, 1080 – high level

Gaming laptops can have two powerful video cards, then after the model number there will be a type prefix: x2 or SLI. For gaming, I recommend purchasing laptops with graphics cards of the highest level possible, depending on the capabilities.

There are also laptops with professional nVidia Quadro and AMD FirePro graphics cards, but they are not used for games, but are intended primarily for developers.

14.2. AMD Graphics Cards for Laptops

As for AMD video cards, to determine the level of a video card, I simply compare them with nVidia video cards based on test results.

14.3. Comparison of video cards

You can view test results and easily compare video cards for laptops on the following website:

Be guided by the test results in the 3DMark program; the greater the difference in these numbers, the greater the difference in the performance of video cards. You can even simply navigate by the position of the video card in the rating; the higher it is, the more powerful the video card. It's very simple! It’s also not difficult to find test results for mobile video cards in specific games on the Internet.

14.4. How much memory does a video card need?

As for the amount of video memory, today games require about 3 GB or more. The weakest video cards can be equipped with 2 GB of memory. The more powerful ones have 3-6 GB, which is naturally better.

15. Type and amount of RAM

Modern laptops use SO-DIMM DDR-3 memory, which differs from computer memory only in the smaller size of the module (strip).

In laptops with 2.4 GB of memory, one stick is usually installed and there is one more free slot in which you can install another one in the future. In laptops with 3.6 GB of memory, two sticks of different sizes are installed, since it is impossible to gain such a volume otherwise.

It is better to immediately purchase a laptop with the required amount of memory, but if the price difference between models exceeds the cost of a memory stick several times, then it is more advisable to buy a cheaper model and another memory stick.

An inexpensive office laptop needs 2 GB of memory. A mid-class laptop for work and entertainment must have at least 4 GB of memory. A gaming laptop needs at least 8 GB of memory, since modern games require this amount. A memory capacity of 16 GB or more is needed only for very powerful, expensive laptops with a long-term outlook.

16. Type and capacity of hard drive

Modern laptops use both classic hard drives on magnetic platters (HDD) and faster solid-state drives (SSD), which differ from computer disks in their smaller physical size (2.5″).

HDD has a large capacity, but low speed and is cheaper. An SSD drive has a small capacity but high speed and is used in more expensive laptops.

For an inexpensive office laptop, a regular 320 GB HDD is sufficient. A middle-class laptop for work and entertainment should have a HDD drive with a capacity of 500-750 GB. More expensive models can install an HDD with a capacity of 1 TB or more, but this is necessary if the laptop is used as the main computer. It is advisable for a gaming laptop to have a faster SSD drive with a capacity of 240 GB or more. Expensive gaming laptops can install two HDDs and an SSD, which is quite important for them.

17. Optical drive

DVD discs are no longer as popular as before and files are mostly transferred on flash drives. But it's still a convenient way to share large amounts of data because the disks are cheap and you can burn files onto them and give them to someone. In addition, it is much more convenient and reliable to install the operating system and restore the laptop from disks, whereas with flash drives you have to look for workarounds.

There are three types of optical drives:

• DVD-RW is a regular DVD drive, reads and writes all formats of DVD discs
• BD-ROM – Blu-Ray drive, which is installed in more expensive laptops and allows you to watch movies and copy files from discs in Blu-Ray format
• BD-RE is a Blu-Ray burner drive, which costs even more and, in addition to everything, allows you to burn Blu-Ray discs, which is only necessary for transferring a huge amount of data (25-50 GB) if the laptop is used for professional activities

The main disadvantage is that an optical drive makes the laptop thicker and heavier, which is why ultrabooks and netbooks don't have one. If you need a compact device, then you can do without a drive. But if sharing files with clients, family and friends using DVDs is important to you, then you can find a thin and light laptop with an optical drive.

18. Keyboard

The ease of working with a laptop greatly depends on the keyboard. The larger the laptop, the larger the keyboard. Netbooks have the smallest keyboards and are not very comfortable to work with. But the comfort of a keyboard depends not only on its size, but also on the shape and location of the keys.

You can still find laptops with the classic key shape.

But an island-type keyboard is considered more modern and convenient, the keys of which are located at some distance from each other. It is also very convenient if the laptop keyboard has a separate numeric keypad.

Some laptops have backlit keys, which is useful if you plan to work or play in a dark room. But you can do without this, since there are special LED bulbs to illuminate the laptop keyboard.

19. Touchpad

A touchpad is a touch panel with buttons that replaces a mouse. In principle, you can ignore this, since usually a small wired or wireless mouse is connected to the laptop for ease of use. But if you often use the laptop on your lap, in cafes or offices, then this solution may not always be acceptable. In this case, pay attention to the size of the touchpad and the comfort of its keys.

The larger the touchpad, the more convenient it is. As for the keys, they can be explicit or hidden. Hidden keys are located under the touchpad itself and are activated when you press its corners. Hidden keys are less convenient, but make the laptop more elegant.

20. Built-in audio system

All laptops have a built-in sound card and speakers. The sound in cheap laptops is quite quiet and of low quality. More expensive models may be equipped with higher quality audio codecs and speakers, which is what manufacturers usually focus on. These can be various technologies, such as: HD Audio, Crystal Sound, Dolby Digital, etc. Some laptops have a 5.1 multi-channel system with a fairly large subwoofer at the bottom. This sound will not leave a picky music lover indifferent, and if it does, you can always connect external speakers or headphones... I recommend purchasing a laptop with a higher-quality audio system, since the difference in sound will be significant.

21. Webcam and microphone

All modern laptops should have a webcam with a microphone, used primarily for Skype calls. Webcams also come in different quality. Cheap laptops have poor webcams with a resolution of 0.3 megapixels (VGA). More expensive models can install webcams with a resolution of 1 megapixel or more (HD). This can also be emphasized by the manufacturer. I recommend purchasing a laptop with an HD camera, the image quality will be much higher.

22. Battery and battery life

The battery life of a laptop depends on the battery capacity and power of the laptop. Regular laptops with a 15.6″ screen have a battery capacity of about 4400 mAh, from which they can work for 2-3 hours. Ultrabooks and compact laptops can last 4-6 hours on battery power, and netbooks can last 8-10 hours.

There are also laptops with more powerful batteries 5000-9000 mAh. In addition, the battery can have from 3 to 12 cells. The larger the capacity and cells the battery has, the longer it holds a charge.

The battery life of a particular laptop model can be found on the manufacturer’s website or in its review on the Internet. Pay attention to this point if you are interested in long-term battery life of your laptop. If there are several similar laptop models, then it is better to give preference to models with long battery life.

Please note that the battery wears out over time and after 2-3 years the battery life may be halved.

23. Network technologies

Ethernet – a network card with an RJ45 connector for connecting to cable Internet or a local network. Available in most modern laptops, but may not be present in some ultrabooks and netbooks. But this is not critical, since laptops now connect to the Internet using Wi-Fi. If you still plan to connect your laptop to the Internet with a cable, then a network card with a speed of 100 Mbit/s will be sufficient. But if you plan to exchange huge amounts of data between computers on a local network (10 GB at a time), then it is better that the laptop has a network card with a data transfer speed of 1000 Mbit/s.

Wi-Fi is a wireless adapter for connecting to the Internet or local network. Available in all laptops and has several standards. A modern laptop must support the 802.11ac or 802.11n standard, which provide the required data transfer speed.

Bluetooth is a wireless adapter for exchanging files with mobile phones and connecting wireless headsets. Available in most, but not all laptop models. In principle, its presence is not mandatory, since this technology is outdated and rarely used.

3G – wireless adapter for connecting to mobile data networks. Available only in some, mostly compact, laptop models. 3G Internet is much slower than cable and Wi-Fi connections, but much faster than 2G (GPRS and EDGE), which are offered by mobile operators. 3G today is the only option that can provide acceptable Internet speed in the absence of other connection options. Therefore, if you need to always have access to the Internet, then this is the option for you. But keep in mind that the 3G adapter must support the required communication standard. Therefore, first decide which operator you will connect to, what coverage and tariffs it has, and what data transfer standard it supports. In addition, laptops with a 3G modem are much more expensive. Therefore, it is often more advisable to purchase a 3G modem or mobile Wi-Fi router from the operator to which you will connect. It will be more reliable and functional, since you can connect this device not only to one laptop, but also to another computer, tablet or smartphone.

There are other network technologies, such as 4G (LTE), that are already working in Russian-speaking countries and may be in demand.

24. TV tuner

Some laptop models have a built-in TV tuner, allowing you to watch TV channels wherever you are. Moreover, there are quite affordable models that are also suitable for games. If you can't live without a TV, then this is the option for you.

• Power – connector for connecting the charger, can be round or rectangular.
• USB is a connector for connecting a wide range of different devices: mouse, flash drive, modem, printer, etc. A modern laptop should have 3-4 such connectors. But they come in different versions - USB2 and USB3. USB3 connectors are faster and it is desirable that the laptop have such connectors. This will allow you to copy large amounts of data much faster to a flash drive or external drive with a similar connector.
• VGA – connector for connecting monitors and projectors. It is already rare on laptops and, in principle, there is no need for it, since modern devices are connected via HDMI.
• HDMI is a connector for connecting to a modern TV or monitor. It should be on any modern laptop, but sometimes it is missing on the cheapest models.
• DisplayPort is an analogue of HDMI for connecting a monitor, but is optional.
• To connect headphones and a microphone, modern laptops may have one combined connector into which you can connect a suitable telephone headset with a microphone or regular headphones with a microphone through a special adapter.

• eSATA is a connector for connecting some models of external drives. There is no particular need for it, since it has been replaced by USB3.
• RJ45 – connector for connecting to cable Internet or local network.
• ExpressCard – slot for installing expansion cards. Happens on business class laptops. You can install a TV tuner, sound card, Wi-Fi or 3G adapter in it. But this is rarely used and such boards are not cheap. And to connect various additional devices, USB connectors are mainly used.
• Kensington lock - designed to connect a special steel cable that protects the laptop from theft. Mainly used in store windows.

Sometimes you can find other connectors, such as Thunderbolt (for Apple devices), FireWire (for video cameras). But in most cases they are not necessary.

In modern laptops, connectors are located mainly on the side edges of the laptop, which is quite convenient. But some models may have connectors on the back, which makes them less convenient to use.

25.1. Dock connector

Some business-oriented laptop models have a connector for connecting a special docking station. It is usually located at the bottom of the laptop.

A docking station is a device with an expanded set of connectors for connecting peripheral devices, such as a monitor, projector, printer, speakers, keyboard, mouse, etc.

It's incredibly convenient! You can have such a docking station at work or at home. When you come to your workplace with a laptop, you simply put it on the docking station and instantly get a full-fledged computer with a large screen, a comfortable keyboard, mouse, speakers, a printer and everything else your heart desires. In addition, the docking station can be plugged into a power outlet, thanks to which the laptop will also be charged!

You won't need a desktop computer and won't have to connect a bunch of wires to your laptop, or rather, not a single wire, even from a charger! Of course, a good docking station is not cheap, but it is still several times less than the cheapest system unit.

26. Housing material

Most laptop cases are made of plastic, sometimes with metal inserts, which gives the laptop a more solid look and a bit of durability.

Expensive laptops and ultrabooks can have a solid metal body, which looks solid, feels pleasant to the touch and makes the laptop more durable.

27. Body color

As for color, black laptops look more formal, but at the same time they look cheap. A black-and-silver or black-and-white laptop will look more stylish, and a silver or white one will look more aristocratic.

But if you're tired of boring colors and want something more fun, there are many other colors available. For a guy, a good option would be a laptop in brown, gray, dark blue, for a girl in other colors of the rainbow - red, orange, yellow, green... As they say, all markers have different tastes and colors

28. Laptop models and markings

It is quite difficult to understand what it is based on the laptop model number, so rely on its characteristics indicated by the seller. But I will give an approximate principle by which laptops are labeled.

1. First comes the name of the manufacturer: HP, DELL, ASUS, etc.
2. Then comes the name of the series, which indicates what class the laptop belongs to. For example, HP brand Compaq is a budget series, Pavilion is for home users, Mini is netbooks, ProBook is for the corporate sector, EliteBook is expensive powerful laptops for professionals, Envy is thin and stylish laptops for wealthy people, ZBook is a more modern a series of powerful laptops that replaced the ProBook and EliteBook. Other manufacturers also have many of their own series. But it makes no sense to list them, since this division is quite arbitrary and all series have more and less powerful devices, so be guided only by the characteristics.
3. Next comes the alphanumeric marking of the series, which is common to various configurations and determines the model of the case, screen and motherboard. This is something like a base for future laptops.
4. Then comes the marking of the specific model, the numbers in which indicate the screen size, memory capacity, hard drive, etc., and the letters indicate the manufacturer of the processor (Intel or AMD), video card (nVidia or AMD), the presence of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. .d. Each manufacturer has its own labeling, so it is difficult to navigate according to it.
5. And at the end, the batch number is indicated in parentheses, by which you can find exactly the same model in other stores to compare prices. Only matching batch numbers guarantee that the laptops are exactly the same.

Labeling of laptops varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and is quite complex, so I don’t focus on this. You can download examples of decryption of popular laptop models at the end of the article in the “” section.

29. Equipment

Sometimes, in the package with a laptop, the manufacturer or seller reports something useful. This could be a bag or a wireless mouse. Thanks to this, you can save $25-50. Of course, you shouldn’t focus on this first. But still, if there are several similar models with and without a gift, then why not take advantage of it?

30. Operating system

A laptop may have a pre-installed Windows 7, 8, Linux operating system or be sold without an operating system (DOS).

The most popular and in demand, of course, are Windows operating systems and the higher the version, the better. But this also affects the cost of the laptop. The advantage is that the system will be licensed and correctly installed, with all the necessary drivers. But, if you are not afraid of difficulties, then you can buy a laptop without Windows and set everything up yourself.

As for the Linux operating system, this often means a free system without a graphical interface (like DOS), which you are unlikely to use and will still have to install Windows. But there are also exceptions. For example, some HP laptops came with a paid version of Linux SUSE, which is a fast and reliable operating system with all the necessary drivers and programs with a beautiful graphical interface. This system is convenient to use, it is not buggy and is not afraid of viruses, but it excludes the installation of games for Windows. However, Linux has plenty of simple toys for creative people. By the way, you can install a fairly good free Linux-based operating system on your laptop - Ubuntu, which will differ in the specified features.

There are also so-called Chromebooks - laptops with the Chrome OS operating system (from Google). These are rather weak devices, very different in operating principle from a classic laptop. The Chromebook requires the Internet to operate, since all programs and calculations are performed on the server side. The advantages of a Chromebook include high reliability, not susceptible to crashes and viruses, automatic software updates, reliable storage of files on the Internet and access to them from any other computer, and not a high price. Disadvantages - you need the Internet to work, you cannot install programs and games for Windows.

On transformers with a removable keyboard, the Android operating system can be installed. It's not great for work or school, but it's much more fun than Windows in terms of entertainment features. There are many interesting and creative games available on Android. Playing on a transformer with Windows is still sado-maso, and the toys will only work for ten years ago.

Apple laptops (MacBooks) have the Mac OS X operating system, which is ideal in terms of reliability, functionality and convenience. Mac OS X has all the necessary programs, even professional ones, but you won’t be able to play games for Windows.

31. Setting up filters in an online store

1. Go to the "Laptops" section on the seller's website.
2. Select recommended manufacturers.
3. Screen diagonal, matrix type and coating.
4. Processor manufacturer (Intel or AMD).
5. Series of suitable processors (Core i3, i5, i7...).
6. Amount of RAM (recommended from 4 GB).
7. Type of drive (HDD or SSD) and its capacity.
8. Type of video card (discrete or integrated).
9. Video card manufacturer (nVidia or AMD).
10. Availability of an optical drive.
11. Support for network technologies.
12. What connectors are needed?
13. Webcam quality.
14. Other parameters that are important to you.
15. View items starting with the cheapest ones.
16. Buy the design you like.

Do not overdo it with filters, as you can weed out successful models. Set only the most important parameters. Thus, you will receive the best price/quality ratio laptop that meets your requirements at the lowest possible cost.

32. Links

Laptop Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (80YL00GWRK)
Laptop Lenovo IdeaPad 320-17IKB (80XM000MRK)
Laptop Lenovo IdeaPad 320-15IKB (80XL01GVRK)

Those who are ready to buy a laptop are presented with a huge variety of these devices: laptops, ultrabooks, minibooks - how to choose a model when there are so many categories alone? With netbooks it’s simpler - most people imagine what it is. But not every user clearly understands how an ultrabook differs from a laptop and which is better.

What is the difference between a laptop and an ultrabook?

An ultrabook is a high-performance laptop that is thin and light, and also has a number of additional characteristics that allow it to be classified in this class. Essentially, it is a brand, form factor, or concept for a laptop computer developed and patented in 2011 by Intel. The concept does not stand still, and today an ultrabook is a kind of compromise between a tablet and a compact laptop. How does an ultrabook differ from a laptop:

No more than 2 cm thick and less in weight compared to standard laptops (usually up to 1.5 kg; this figure depends on the display diagonal, which can be 11-13.3 inches);

Powerful processor exclusively manufactured by Intel;

A more capacious battery providing increased autonomy (up to 15 hours of operation without recharging);

Simultaneous use of two types of permanent memory - a standard hard drive and a faster solid-state drive;

Many models are equipped with a touch screen;

At a price significantly higher than the cost of a laptop (due to the use of advanced technologies and expensive components).

What lightweight laptops don't have

If we already talk about how an ultrabook differs from a laptop, then we cannot fail to mention the disadvantages:

Despite all the advantages of the battery, it is non-removable, that is, it cannot be replaced;

Ultrabooks do not have an optical drive, which, however, is not a big problem;

Graphics can be discrete, but more often than not they are integrated, which can affect image quality;

The volume of built-in memory is usually small: about 128-320 GB;

Compared to laptops, ultrabooks have a very modest set of ports and connectors, the shortage of which is felt (often there is no Ethernet port, card reader, there may be only one USB port).

What to choose: laptop or ultrabook?

Having determined how an ultrabook differs from a laptop, it remains to determine for whom devices of this class will be the optimal choice. Ultrabooks can be recommended for those who often travel, and therefore most of all need lightness and autonomy. They are also suitable for those who are looking for a combination of a stylish form factor, quality materials and high performance. And finally, those who are not embarrassed by the high price, small storage capacity and the lack of many familiar interfaces can safely take an ultrabook. In other cases, it is more profitable to buy a laptop.

So, an ultrabook is a high-tech portable computer that combines the best of a laptop and a tablet, and fits it all into a compact case. True, in order to create such a light and thin laptop, we had to sacrifice some capabilities. Therefore, the conclusion suggests itself that an ultrabook is cool, but not for everyone.