Netbook Notebook Laptop Pre-Purchase Tips
First, Define Your Needs
Unlike a desktop, you wont be able to add any significant hardware to your netbook, notebook and/or laptop. The hardware choices you make now need to carry you through the next several years.
Always Get Plenty of Ram
You might not think you need several GB of RAM saying to yourself "I only use a few applications." But, be warned, inadequate RAM will turn your top-of-the-line piece of machinery into a slow, non-responsive dog. If your computer doesn't have enough RAM, it will constantly try to swap memory to your harddrive keeping that green "working" like PEGGED at nearly ALL TIMES. Your CPU will then get gobbled up like a Thanksgiving turkey as it manages the transfer of the data to the hard drive. Get at least 4GB of RAM with an absolute minimum of 2GB. I mean absolute...you're actually light on RAM with 2GB. You've been advised!
Buy Extended Warranties From The Manufacturer ONLY
Everyone wants piece of mind with their notebook and netbook so if you decided that you wanted extended protection options make sure that you purchase this only from the manufacturer and NOT from a 3rd party. Why? Because 3rd party warranty companies exist for only ONE reason: to make money. This means that they will always try and get out of their obligation to fix your laptop.
Conversely, manufacturers want to make sure your purchasing experience is a happy one so they actually CARE what your experience is. You see the difference? I sure hope so. This is an important piece of advise that should be applied to your decision making process.
Get Google Chrome: Next Generation Light Browser
Meanwhile, you're going to be sitting there wondering why Internet Explorer is taking a full minute to open and load a page (which is actually almost normal anyway for IE) Get CHROME and save years off of your life. Chrome is about 10 times faster than IE and 5 times faster than Firefox.
Get warranty information for the HP 110 Mini Netbook.
HP Mini 110 Extended Warranty Purchasing Options
1-year Accidental Damage Protection
Extended Service Plan for HP or Compaq Mini PC
Up to one year coverage from damage caused by spills, drops, or electrical surges. This option costs $64.99.
2-year Accidental Damage Protection
Extended Service Plan for HP or Compaq Mini PC
Up to two years coverage from damage caused by spills, drops, or electrical surges. This option costs $119.99.
3-year Accidental Damage Protection
Extended Service Plan for HP or Compaq Mini PC
Up to three years coverage from damage caused by spills, drops, or electrical surges. This option costs $179.99.
3-year HP Total One Extended Service Plan with Accidental Damage Protection, Next Business Day Exchange
You can also save $160 instantly off The 3yr Total One with Accidental Damage Protection when purchased with HP customizable Minis.
You get up to three years coverage from damage caused by spills, drops, or electrical surges for your HP Mini netbook.
This option costs $199.99 and is recommended if availability concerns matter over cost.
Surge Protector For Notebook Computers
This is one of the most popular items to get when you purchase your new computer.
It's The Power Spikes You Need To Avoid
You see, your computer is very prone to power surges and spikes. For brown-outs, you don't have to worry because your battery will kick in and prevent any loss.