How much is that laptop in the window?

• FEATURES: Though the computer belongs to a mature electronic product category, there are still some things to check out. The hard disk (the space available for storing information) should be between 20 to 40 gigabytes (GB) depending your usage requirements. ‘Memory’ is the space available for working programmes, that is, it determines how many functions you can perform on the computer at one time. For personal usage, say word processing, spreadsheets and internet surfing, 128 MB memory is usually enough. For high-speed gaming, you may require upto 512 MB (that is 0.5 GB). Check the speed of your ‘processor’ – a chip in the computer which performs all the functions. The higher the speed of the processor, the more number of functions it can perform simultaneously. Besides these, you can consider the operating system (like Microsoft or Linux) which comes with the computer, a ‘modem card’ (needed for an internet connection), keyboard and mouse (whether they are wireless). For those ready to shell out more, LCD and plasma monitors are also available in the market.

• CAVEAT: One of the major problems that can besiege a PC owner is a hard disk or motherboard failure. To guard against this, check the warranty provided by various manufacturers.

• PRICE: For a computer with 40 GB, 128MB, Pentium 4, the Indian brands like Zenith and PCS are available for Rs 32,000 to 35,000 (with Linux). Brands like Compaq, Dell and IBM begin at Rs 36,000 with Linux and Rs 45,000 with Windows.

• ASSEMBLED MARKET: The same configuration as above is available for Rs 23,000 if you get your computer assembled. For additional features, keep adding cost as follows – Rs 6,000 for Windows software, Rs 2,000 for multimedia, Rs 1,200 for a CD writer, and Rs 19,000 for the slim LCD monitor. Reduce Rs 3,000 from your cost if you would prefer a Celeron processor instead of Pentium.

LAPTOPS
Brands: Dell, IBM, Toshiba, HP, Zenith, Patni, Wipro, Acer

• FEATURES: Laptop features are similar to those of computers, with major price differentiators being weight and their configuration. A lighter, less-bulky laptop will always be more expensive than a heavier one. Look at the configuration, that is, the processor and memory, as price increases with each upgrade.

• CAVEAT: Watch out for post-sales service. Laptops are difficult to repair. So before selecting a model, check the company’s after-sales policy. Says laptop owner Vishal Gupta: “I bought a Toshiba laptop nearly two years ago, which developed a fault few months later. Since then I’ve been unsuccessfully trying to get it repaired”.

• PRICE: Rs 45,000 (3.5 kg, Celeron processor) to Rs 1,72,000 (2 kg, Intel Pentium 4).

• GREY MARKET: After the reduction in the duty structure, the price differential between the official and grey market has been reducing steadily. It stands at around Rs 10,000 for a 3 kg model today. The assembled market is not very popular since major consumers of laptops are corporate houses, and they don’t want to take the risk of buying an unbranded laptop. Most vendors give an annual maintenance contract for this product also, at Rs 6,000 to 9,000 per annum.

DIGITAL CAMERAS
Brands: Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Sony, Fuji, Minolta

• FEATURES: Why you want a digicam will determine which one to buy. If you want to just click pictures to send on e-mail, choose a camera with a lower picture resolution. Resolution is defined by the number of pixels in your camera. More the number of pixels, clearer the picture. If you want to print the pictures, you need higher resolution. Chinese companies produce cameras of 1 mega pixel for as low as Rs 2,000. But go for a minimum 3 mega-pixel camera for good results. It can go upto 6 mega pixel for professional cameras.

Other features to look out for is memory (how many pictures it can store), its shutter speed (to determine how well it can capture fast-moving subjects), and optical zoom. This zoom, like the one in an analog camera, gives you a closer picture without losing image quality. Don’t confuse it with a digital zoom, which is a feature to enlarge a picture. Select which battery you want to use – lithium battery or pencil cells. While the lithium battery lasts longer, it may not be readily available if you are in a remote area. Remember, you have to buy a separate memory card to save your pictures.

• PRICE: Rs 10,000 onwards (2 mega pixels), Rs 18,000 onwards (3 mega pixels) and Rs 1 lakh onwards (6 mega pixel, SLR, professional camera).

• GREY MARKET: Rs 7,500 onwards, Rs 13,500 onwards and Rs 55,000 onwards, respectively.

• SECONDARY MARKET: Since this a relatively new product, its secondary market is scant. Besides, its not recommended. “This kind of product may require servicing after two years of use,” says Ketan Shah, proprietor of Photo Centre Trading in Mumbai.

DIGITAL CAMCORDERS
Brands: Sony, Panasonic

• FEATURES: An extension of the digital camera, this can record moving pictures. Key features to look for are the optical zoom (look for a minimum of 10X), the size of the monitor on which you can see the recording, memory, the kind of lens used and the feature to record in low light. “Another price differentiator can be the place of production, is it Japan, Middle East or Malaysia,” says film-maker Bernadette da Cunha.

• PRICE: Since demand is not high, there is not much of a grey market. Price ranges from Rs 21,000 Rs 65,000.