JEDDAH, 24 June — I have never had so much difficulty buying anything before in my life, let alone a computer. I am known for zipping into a store, buying all the computer hardware and accessories I need and leaving within 10 minutes. Consequently I find myself astonished when three months have passed and I am still in a dilemma about which notebook to buy. People always come to me for advice on which computers or software to buy and now I find myself with “buyers block” when it comes to notebooks.
The first thing I normally advise is “Do your research.” Notebooks come in a range of sizes and weights. Taking into consideration a variety of processors, memory configurations, operating systems, and peripherals, choosing the right one is a serious business and takes some serious thought. The primary task is to decide what you’ll be doing with it. Then sort out the options you really need, versus those that you can live without. Then create a realistic range of how much you are willing to spend. Finally, find out which add-ons can really make a difference. During the research process I would keep a goal of finding three choices rather than just one. Having alternatives is a good idea so you don’t find yourself devastated if your original choice is not available or does not meet your requirements at the time of purchase.
An excellent place to start research is the Internet. There are many sites that review products and not only give you their opinions but those of others as well. These opinions come from people who have actually bought and used the very product you are considering. My favorites include www.cnet.com and www.zdnet.com. If you are one who prefers print, go to your local magazine store and pick up a copy of PC Magazine, PC World, or InfoWorld. Review the different articles that rate and review the notebooks you are considering.
The next step in your research is to question. Don’t be afraid to ask. If you have friends who have recently purchased notebooks, ask them for their opinions and experiences. Specialized sales people also have a good idea which products are pleasing customers and which aren’t. As you narrow your choices, keep in mind finding a reputable merchant and evaluating the warranty policies.
Now I have followed all my own advice and still find myself at a loss. I am searching for a fast processor, with excellent media capabilities and 15-inch screen at a price that won’t make me weep when more advanced technology soon renders my beloved notebook obsolete. I have narrowed it down to three brands: Compaq, Toshiba and IBM — yet I find myself not completely satisfied with any one for my needs. In this case the best advice I can give myself and anybody else is to hold out a little longer if possible. At the rate that new products with more advanced technologies are being introduced into the market, choices are continuously cropping up and the right notebook for you and for me will eventually appear.