Buying a Laptop

Before starting college, Rahul visits an electronics store with his father to buy his first laptop.

Meanings in Rahul, Vikram (father), Store salesperson

Key words and phrases

laptopa portable computerHe needs a laptop for his college assignments.

processorthe part of a computer that handles tasks quicklyThis laptop has a fast processor.

storagethe space used to save files on a deviceHe chose a laptop with more storage.

battery lifehow long a device works before needing to be chargedThe battery life is around eight hours.

warrantya promise to repair or replace a product if it breaksThe laptop comes with a one-year warranty.

budgetthe amount of money available to spendHe had a fixed budget for the laptop.

softwareprograms that run on a computerThe store installed the necessary software.

lightweightnot heavy, easy to carryHe preferred a lightweight laptop for college.

invoicea document showing the details of a purchaseHe kept the invoice for the warranty claim.

student discounta reduced price offered to studentsHe got a student discount on the laptop.

RAMthe memory a computer uses to run programs quicklyThis laptop has eight gigabytes of RAM.

graphics carda component that processes images and videoHe wanted a laptop with a good graphics card for editing.

screen resolutionthe sharpness and clarity of the display, measured in pixelsThe screen resolution made the text look very sharp.

touchpadthe flat surface on a laptop used to move the cursorThe touchpad felt smooth and responsive.

keyboardthe set of keys used to type on a computerHe liked the feel of the backlit keyboard.

portssockets on a laptop used to connect other devicesThis laptop has enough ports for a mouse and a pen drive.

brandthe company name under which a product is soldHe preferred a well-known brand for reliability.

modela specific version of a product made by a brandThis is the latest model from the company.

EMIa fixed monthly payment used to pay off a purchase over timeHe decided to buy the laptop on EMI.

accessoriesextra items sold along with the main productHe also bought a laptop bag and mouse as accessories.

Useful sentences

Ask What is your budget for the laptop?
Answer Around fifty thousand rupees.
Ask How much storage does this model have?
Answer It has five hundred and twelve gigabytes.
Ask Does this laptop come with a warranty?
Answer Yes, a one-year warranty is included.
Ask Is there a student discount available?
Answer Yes, we offer ten percent off for students.
Ask How is the battery life on this laptop?
Answer It lasts about eight hours on a full charge.
Ask How much RAM does this laptop have?
Answer It has eight gigabytes, which is enough for college work.
Ask Can I pay for the laptop in EMIs?
Answer Yes, we offer EMI options for up to twelve months.
Ask Does the price include any accessories?
Answer Yes, a bag and a mouse are included for free.
Ask How many ports does this model have?
Answer It has two USB ports and one HDMI port.
Ask Which brand would you recommend for durability?
Answer This brand is known for reliable after-sales service.

Dialogue

RahulI need a laptop for college. Can you suggest a good one?

Store salespersonSure. What's your budget, and what will you mainly use it for?

RahulAround fifty thousand rupees, mostly for assignments and browsing.

Store salespersonThis lightweight model would be perfect, with a fast processor.

VikramDoes it come with a student discount?

Store salespersonYes, and it also includes a one-year warranty.

VikramCan we pay for it in EMIs instead of the full amount?

Store salespersonOf course, we offer EMI options for up to twelve months.

RahulDoes it come with a bag and mouse as accessories?

Store salespersonYes, both are included free with this model.

Common mistakes

Saying "I want to purchase laptop" instead of "I want to purchase a laptop" (don't drop the article "a").
Saying "Laptop has good battery" instead of "The laptop has good battery life" (use the full phrase "battery life").
Saying "Give me bill" instead of "Can I get the invoice?" or "Please give me the invoice" (more polite and precise phrasing).
Saying "This laptop have good RAM" instead of "This laptop has good RAM" (use "has" with a singular subject).
Saying "Buy on installment" instead of "Buy on EMI" (use the standard term "EMI" in Indian contexts).
Saying "Which model you have?" instead of "Which model do you have?" (don't drop the auxiliary verb "do").

Quick quiz

1. What is the part of a computer that handles tasks quickly called?

2. Complete: "He got a student ___ on the laptop."

3. What document shows the details of a purchase?

4. What is "RAM" used for in a computer?

5. Complete: "He decided to buy the laptop on ___."

6. What are sockets on a laptop used to connect other devices called?

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