Acer Notebook Buying Criteria & Recommendations - Cape Town

Buying a notebook computer is a serious decision andCeleron-based notebooks will be the intelligent choice
should be done after proper needs analysis, researchfor students and Microsoft Office users.
and consultation. Herewith a synopsis of five criteria toConnectivity
assist new buyers to make an informed decision toToday most notebooks are configured with state of
achieve maximum return on their investment.the art connectivity options. It is important that your
Pricenotebook is configured with your current and future
To buy the cheapest notebook computer available onrequirements in check. Standard on all Acer notebooks
the market today may not necessarily meet individualwill be Wireless Networking / LAN / Modem / USB
performance / connectivity / mobility / warrantyports. Other options to consider will be Bluetooth and
requirements over the primary lifespan of the product.embedded 3G HSDPA.
Notebook pricing generally range from R4 800 toRecommendation: To buy as much technology as you
approximately  R20 000 and it's not to say yourpossibly can - stretch your budget a little for this.
choice should be at the extreme ends of this pricingBluetooth should be a serious consideration as it allows
continuum. A notebook should be acquired to fulfill afor excellent synchronization with most cellular phones.
specific personal / business requirement and a threeFor 3G HSDPA your Cellular Service Provider will
year ownership period should be considered to provideeither provide an Express card or USB modem. It will
the required Return On Investment.work on all Acer Extensa and TravelMate notebooks.
Recommendation: The Acer notebooks in the R5 500-Mobility
R7 500 range will be a solid investment for the seriousThis is one of the main reasons for acquiring a
student and / or Microsoft Office user. Backed withnotebook. Generally the Acer notebooks will vary from
the standard one year warranty or extended threeabout 2.5 - 3.5 Kg in weight. In notebook terms the
year on-site Acer Advantage Fetch, Repair andlatter is heavy. Decide on your normal day at the
Return warranty these products will want to "work"office / work. How often do you need to lug the
for you long past your daily bedtime.computer between meetings / clients / home and
Performanceoffice? The lighter notebooks are not necessarily the
Notebooks today are as powerful as most desktopcheapest as they have smaller technologies
models and will provide an excellent mobile andembedded to keep the weight down.
integrated platform for an array of high intensityRecommendation: Buying a notebook with a bigger
Central Processing Unit (CPU), graphic and memoryLCD screen than 15.4" will make the notebook not just
applications. Acer notebooks will either be configured inheavier but will also drain the battery much faster. 15.4"
an Intel Celeron or Intel Centrino solution. The Intelis more than adequate and currently the main stream
Celeron CPU product is for entry-level and value users,standard. Consider a 12" or 14" for ultra-portability.
whereas the Intel Centrino solution will provide forWarranty:
higher level CPU and graphic applications.All Acer notebooks come standard with a 1-year
Recommendation: Acer notebooks configured with thewarranty which for R995-00 can be upgraded to a
Celeron CPU is an excellent choice for students and3-year on site warranty.
Microsoft Office users. The Centrino-based
TravelMates will provide superior performance with aRecommendation: Seriously consider the 3-year
choice of optional graphic / rendering possibilities. Bewarranty if you can afford it. Notebook parts can be
prepared to pay a premium for high-end graphic /very expensive to replace once the product is out of
gaming functionality. In most instances thethe initial warranty.