Shopping For A Multimedia Laptop

If you're looking for a multi-functional laptop that  allows you to watch movies, do video editing, and play games, then a multimedia laptop is the laptop for you.  Multimedia laptops are usually mid-sized but pack considerable power. You can carry them from room to room, but you sure don't want them as road companions  because of their  huge bulk. Here are the features you look for when shopping for a multimedia laptop

Super Powerful Processor and Speedy RAM
Your multimedia laptop must surely be equipped with a super powerful processor. You do not want time delays or shaky pictures to ruin your enjoyment of your 3D. Ideally you want either Intel's Core i5 processor or AMD Athlon II powering your your laptop. And you most certainly need  considerable speedy RAM to help things for you. Speedy RAM will most certainly come in handy especially when you decide to have several programs open once. At least 6GB of RAM should help speed things up. However, if you decide to go for Intel's in chips(or quad core processor), then you will have to go for a much bulkier laptop with a RAM size of between 8-16 GB.

Reliable Storage
If you're planning to keep a substantive multimedia collection, then you need reliable storage. a 500 MB with A USB 3.0 or better-Thunderbolt ports for fast external drives - is the barest minimum for storing a multimedia collection. But if you want to get blazingly fast you can go for 256 GB solid state drive plus a 1 TB drive for data , If you want  ultimate pleasure from enjoying HD movies, then your multimedia laptop must come with a blu-ray drive. If you want to let your creative juices flow, then make sure your blu-ray drive comes with a burner , allowing you to master your own disks.

Screen Size, Resolution and Integrated Graphics
The traditional screen  size of most multimedia-laptops is between 14-16 inches. But like I mentioned earlier, they don't make great road companions because of their huge bulk. So you are only limited to carrying it from room to room within your home or office.  

But a  huge screen resolution is an absolute necessity especially if you're watching HD movies. The sweet spot for most multimedia laptops is 1080p( 1,920 x1080). If you plan on watching a movie  or a video with friends  then you need an IPS panel that helps reduce clarity or color fadeout when viewing the screen from an an angle.

Connectivity
If you plan on connecting your laptop to a HDTV your laptop must have an HDMI port. Your laptop must also be equipped with Intel's Wireless Display(or WiDi), equipped with an external adapter, to be able to beam the audio  and audio onto the HDTV set. 

Sound
This what makes the multimedia experience- the mixing of hardware and software. For the software make sure your laptop offers features such as presets for music and movies, surround sound effects, and equalizers to fine-tune the audio. As far as speakers go the standard is Klispch with Dolby Home Theatre. You may also want to consider subwoofers, specialized speakers which help control the bass sound.

So to summarize, here are the specs to look for when shopping for a multimedia laptop

Processors: Intel's Core i5 processor or AMD Athlon II
Memory: At Least 6GB or 8-16 RAM if you want to go for a quadcore processor.
Graphics Card: Must be integrated although lower end dedicated graphics such as Radeon HD 2400 and nVidia GeForce 8400M are also popular.
Storage:500 MB with A USB 3.0 or better-Thunderbolt ports for fast external drives, 56 GB solid state drive plus a 1 TB drive for data( if you want more speed).
Optical Drive: Multi-format DVD burner(DVD+RW)(if you want to burn DVD's or  DVD-ROM/CD-RW(If  you want to burn CD's only).
Weight:3 pounds (ultraportable) to 7 pounds(desktop replacement)

Wireless Connectivity:WI-FI card  with 802.11a, g, and Draft N wireless standards.
Screen Size:14-16 inches
Screen Resolution: 1080p( 1,920 x1080)
Connectivity:  HDMI port Intel's Wireless Display(or WiDi), equipped with an external adapter, to be able to beam the audio  and audio onto the HDTV set
Sound:  Presets for music and movies, surround sound effects, and equalizers to fine-tune the audio. For speakers,  the standard is Klispch with Dolby Home Theatre. You may also want to consider subwoofers, specialized speakers which help control the bass sound


That's a wrap for "How To Shop For A Laptop On The Cheap." If you re looking to purchase a 14-16 inch  multimedia   laptop  head on to  Amazon.com.