Monthly Archives: August 2025

  1. How to Choose the Right Laptop: The Complete 2025 Buying Guide

    How to Choose the Right Laptop Guide

    Selecting the right laptop can feel overwhelming with countless models, specifications, and marketing claims competing for your attention. Whether you're browsing the web, editing videos, gaming, or running professional CAD software, the "best" laptop varies dramatically based on your specific needs and budget.

    Our (very) comprehensive laptop buying guide breaks down everything you need to know about choosing a laptop in 2025, from understanding core specifications to finding the perfect machine for your particular use case.

    What to Look for When Buying a Laptop: Understanding the Fundamentals

    Before diving into specific categories, let's establish the core components that affect every laptop's performance, regardless of its intended purpose.

    Processors (CPUs): The Brain of Your Machine

    The processor determines how quickly your laptop can handle tasks and run applications. Modern laptops typically feature processors from Intel, AMD, or Apple (for MacBooks).

    Intel Processors now use the

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  2. What Exactly is a Copilot+ PC? Your Simple Guide to new AI-Powered Computing

    What Exactly is a Copilot+ PC? Your Simple Guide to new AI-Powered Computing

    If you've been shopping for a new laptop recently, you might have come across the term "Copilot+ PC" and wondered what all the fuss is about. Is it just another marketing term, or does it represent something genuinely different? At Landmark Computers, we've been helping Australians navigate technology choices for years, and we can tell you that Copilot+ PCs mark a significant shift in how laptops handle artificial intelligence, bringing powerful AI capabilities directly to your device.

    Let's break down what Copilot+ PCs are, what makes them special, and whether you should consider one for your next laptop purchase.

    Understanding Copilot+ PCs: The Basics

    A Copilot+ PC is Microsoft's term for a new category of Windows 11 laptops that include dedicated AI hardware called a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). Think of it as having a specialised AI brain built into your laptop, separate from the main processor and graphics card.

    To earn the Copilot+ PC badge, a laptop must meet specific requirements:

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  3. What to Do When You Spill Liquid on Your Laptop

    What to Do When You Spill Liquid on Your Laptop

    Emergency Guide: What to Do When You Spill Liquid on Your Laptop

    Spilled water on your laptop? Spilled coffee on your laptop keyboard? Don't panic! Quick action can save your laptop from permanent damage. Follow these immediate steps to minimise harm and protect your data.

    G'day! I'm Emmanuel from Landmark Computers, and after 12 years working with water damaged laptops, I can tell you that liquid spills are one of the most common (and panic-inducing) accidents we see. Whether you've spilled coffee on your laptop, dropped water on your keyboard, or had any other liquid mishap, the good news is that if you act fast and follow the right steps, there's a great chance your laptop can be saved.

    Let me walk you through exactly what to do when disaster strikes.

    Immediate Action Required (First 60 Seconds)

    Time is absolutely critical when liquid meets electronics. Here's what you need to do right now:

    1. Power Down Immediately

    • Turn off your laptop instantly - don't wait for a proper shutdown,
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  4. Neural Processing Units in Laptops: Your Guide to AI-Powered Computing

    Neural Processing Units in Laptops: Your Guide to AI-Powered Computing

    Neural Processing Units in Laptops: Your Guide to AI-Powered Computing

    If you've been shopping for a new laptop recently, you might have noticed a new term appearing in spec sheets: Neural Processing Unit, or NPU. While this might sound like tech jargon, NPUs are quietly revolutionising how laptops handle everyday tasks, and understanding what they do could help you make a smarter purchasing decision.

    What Exactly is a Neural Processing Unit?

    Think of an NPU as your laptop's dedicated AI assistant—a specialised chip designed specifically to handle artificial intelligence tasks. While your laptop's main processor (CPU) is like a highly skilled generalist that can handle any task thrown at it, and your graphics card (GPU) excels at visual processing, the NPU is the specialist that's brilliant at one particular job: running AI applications efficiently.

    Just as you wouldn't use a screwdriver to hammer in a nail, your laptop's CPU isn't the most efficient tool for AI tasks. That's where the

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  5. Certified vs Non-Certified Graphics Drivers: What's the Difference?

    Certified vs Non-Certified Graphics Drivers: What's the Difference?
    Certified vs Non-Certified Graphics Drivers: What's the Difference?

    Certified vs Non-Certified Graphics Drivers: What's the Difference?

    When selecting a CAD laptop, understanding the difference between certified and non-certified graphics drivers can be crucial for your professional workflow. While many users focus on graphics card specifications like VRAM and processing power, the type of driver support your graphics card receives can significantly impact stability, performance, and compatibility with professional CAD applications.

    Quarterly updates aligned with major CAD software releases

    Stability focus over cutting-edge features

    Thorough testing before public release

    Long-term support for established driver versions

    Best Practices for Driver Management

    Professional CAD users should follow these driver management practices:

    Use certified driver versions recommended by CAD software vendors

    Test new drivers in non-production environments first

    Maintain driver consistency across team workstations

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  6. Mobile Workstation vs Gaming Laptop: Why CAD Users Need Professional Hardware

    Mobile Workstation vs Gaming Lapto
    Mobile Workstation vs Gaming Laptop: Why CAD Users Need Professional Hardware

    When shopping for a laptop capable of running CAD software, you might be tempted by high-end gaming laptops. After all, they boast powerful graphics cards, fast processors, and often come with attractive price tags. However, there are crucial differences between gaming laptops and mobile workstations that can significantly impact your CAD workflow and productivity.

    Understanding these differences is essential for making an informed decision that will serve your professional needs for years to come.

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