When my laptop crashed and burned recently, I turned to a laptop rentals company to get a replacement for a couple of weeks. It´s been a great arrangement. I´ve been able to get some work done using a much, much faster machine than my old one (I had no idea how much I had suffered with that old clunker until I tried that rental laptop). I also got the time I needed to figure out what was most important to me in a new laptop.
My Top 3 Laptop Issues
My rented laptop gave me an entirely new perspective on my old laptop. There were so many things about that machine that I didn´t like but put up with. Knowing what I didn´t want in a new laptop was just as important as knowing what I did want. Here then, are some of the things I knew had to change. These points may be instructive for you if you are looking to replace your laptop in the near future.
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Performance – When I bought my laptop, I went for price over performance. That means I got a cheaper processor that didn´t have the power I really needed. During my research for a new machine (on my laptop rental) I discovered that I also needed way more RAM. The specs on my machine were at the low, low end of what I needed. I am not yet running Vista, but I do run several applications simultaneously. None of them are real memory hogs, but with at least five on the go at one time, I need a laptop that can handle it.
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Battery Life – I was doing well to get 2 hours out of my battery. Considering the age of the computer, I guess that isn´t a bad number, but I need more time than that. I move around frequently with my computer and I need a battery that can handle it. I now know more about how the processor and battery work together (thanks to CNET), so I can make a better decision.
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Ports – I work from home, so I spend most of my time plugged in. When I want to move around, or if I need to plug in an accessory, my USB ports are all the way at the back of the computer. This sounds like a minor quibble, but it is quite a hassle. Newer laptops have their ports on the side, and I would definitely look for those.
Don´t Fear the Laptop Rental If Your Computer Dies
When my laptop stopped working, I knew I needed some time and, fortunately, my laptop rental provided that. I have not yet bought my new laptop, but I have narrowed the field considerably and will be making a purchase soon. My rental proved to be a cost–effective way to bridge the gap between my old and new laptops.
