There are so many options available when it comes to choosing the right laptop for your needs. The choice to purchase a new laptop or even a used one can feel overwhelming when you don’t know a lot about technology. The following article was written to help you make wise choices when it comes to laptops.
If you plan to use your laptop for gaming or watching DVDs or movies online, look for one that has a dedicated chip for graphics. Some graphics cards aren’t powerful enough to handle a graphics driven game. Also make sure to get a processor that can handle the card, such as dual or quad core processor.
Tips for Buying Your Laptop
When looking at laptops, really consider battery power. Since this is an on-the-go machine, the amount of battery you have is very important. A laptop that only gets two to three hours of battery life may be of no real use to you if you’re constantly on the road. Weigh power against battery life very carefully.
Before buying a laptop, consider the type of work you’ll be doing. This information will help you set a budget for your laptop. If you don’t use the computer for business purposes, then perhaps all you will need is something that is good for surfing the Internet. Thinking about how you use your laptop will help you purchase a better priced laptop for you.
Find out what programs will come pre-installed on your laptop. This can be a great thing to do, particularly because sometimes the Microsoft suite of products are included, which can mean a substantial savings for you. Get a list of all the programs that will already be on your laptop before you buy it.
Get a case when you get your laptop. This will prevent wear and tear on your investment, and will also allow you to keep papers and a few other miscellaneous items on hand for when you use your laptop. The case is also an easier way to carry your laptop when you’re not home.
Size is something to consider when looking for a laptop. They usually come between 13″ to 17″ when they are diagonally measured. If you want to use the laptop for everything, replacing a PC, you may want a 17 inch screen. Smaller displays are great if portability is a requirement.
Before you buy your laptop computer, try it out first. Many large retail stores carry a large selection of makes and models that you can take for a test drive before you buy. You can see if the keyboard feels comfortable and check out how fast you can work before you make your decision.
Include the price of any accessories you plan on buying when creating your budget. A wireless mouse spares you the touchpad, and a good travel case is also a good idea. Look online to get an estimate of the price of each and build it into your budget one by one.
Are you afraid of your laptop being stolen? Invest in a tracking software such as CyberAngel Security, Absolute Software’s Lojack for TheLaptopLock (which is free). These increase the chances of recovering your laptop by pinpointing the location of the registered notebook once it connects onto the Web.
Look for a laptop with a hard drive that will offer the kind of storage you need. Laptops are designed for portability, which means you do not want to drag an external hard drive as well. Understand that software, music and videos take a lot of space, and target a hard drive that will give you ample storage.
As you shop around, be keen to notice which operating system the laptop has. If you are used to an older version of Windows, for example, the latest version may be a huge change for you. The learning curve can be steep, and there is no harm in choosing a laptop which has an older generation of software.
If you can only afford one upgrade on your laptop, consider an extended life battery. An extended life battery can keep you from being tied to a power outlet for six hours or more, meaning your machine is increasingly portable and can be used anywhere. You will thank yourself for spending the extra money the first time you travel with your computer.
Look for a laptop with a matte screen for a glare-free experience in all lights. Shiny screens reflect light from the sun and other sources. This is terrible for your eyesight. It might also be the cause of frequent headaches. To avoid this, look for the best model you want with a matte screen.
Before you buy from anyone, ask about any warranties, guarantees or return policies. If you end up with a computer which doesn’t work, you could have nothing more than a doorstop if the seller won’t take it back or fix it! Ask first, buy second to protect yourself down the road.
How long might you be using your laptop for at one time? This is a hugely important fact to determine before you make your purchase. Every laptop will have its own battery life, and you must choose a model which will fit your needs, otherwise you’ll find your computer just doesn’t cut it.
Think about getting your laptop customized. It is not difficult to get a laptop that is ready to go right out of the box. This is often the wrong thing to do. Customized laptops may cost less that an already put together system since you don’t add any extra components you don’t need.
Battery life matters when buying a laptop. Although you may think that you will stay plugged-in most of the time, you do not want to be chained to the outlet. A minimum battery life should be 4 hours at peak performance. If you plan on being mobile often, look for a laptop that can last 6 hours plus.
Conclusion:
Laptops have evolved over the years and there are some fantastic useful features available if you just know where to look. If you have ever felt overwhelmed about buying a new, just take it one step at a time. Use the tips from this article to help cure your confusion!
