If you will be using your computer to watch HD movies and play video games, you will be better off buying a laptop with a dedicated graphic chip. Using the standard integrated graphics often won't run game or HD movies as well. Decide between a quad core chip and a dual core processor.
If you are buying a laptop online, don't pay extra for added productivity and word processing software. Usually, if you do that, you pay full price for those productivity and word proceessing programs. Instead, shop online for a discount vendor for your software. Twenty to thirty percent savings are often available.
Remember to include accessories in your laptop budget. You will likely want a carrying compare gadget insurance case. You may want a spare mouse. The price can add up. Find the best price for these accessories and include their costs in your budget.
Many people do not understand what netbooks are. There are those who believe that netbooks are simply little laptops, but this is incorrect. A netbook is for checking email and light Internet use, whereas a laptop is capable of so much more. Stay away from netbooks when your real need is for a laptop.
Make a list of what you are going to be doing on your laptop. For example, would you like to bring it into the kitchen as you cook to display recipes? If you are going to be using it in the kitchen or bath, consider purchasing a waterproof skin. Make sure you see what features you need, based on your list.
If you are going to be carrying your laptop with you everywhere you go, you should pay attention to how it's being carried. Choose a bag that will not bang against you or swing as you walk. Over time, if you bang it around too much, you could damage the insides of the laptop.
If you find your laptop budget comes up short by one or two hundred dollars, you may not have to compromise on features if you're willing to try a refurbished unit. They come with same warranty as new models and the prices are very attractive. You get essentially the same deal for less. Most refurbished models work perfectly fine.
Think about getting your laptop from a vendor that includes an extended warranty in the deal. It isn't cheap to repair or replace a laptop. Paying a little more for that extra protection can help you actually save money.
Most laptop users do not need a lot of computing power. Unless you plan to play video games, you won't need a ton of RAM and a very fast motherboard. Economizing on features like this can really bring down a laptop's price; make sure you don't splurge on anything you aren't going to use.
Take a look at the ports on any prospective model. If you want to plug in a wireless mouse, your iPod, your cell phone for charging, an ethernet printer and more, you'll need many USB plugs. Make sure you know the ports that you need and that they are available.
Do you only want a laptop so that you can check your email and surf the Internet? You may want to think about getting yourself a Chromebook. These laptops are from Google and they offer a good online experience without the bulkiness of a regular laptop. However, they offer performance and speed. They are also quite inexpensive. You can often get a good, large laptop for less than $300.
When you aren't using your laptop, turn it off. Prevent your laptop from overheating by making sure that air is able to circulate around it. Always turn it off when not in use as well.
Some computers are built specifically for gamers. A lot of the top laptop brands make laptops for gaming, making your features easier to find. If you need a laptop for work or school, you may prefer a different set of features.
Folks everywhere make the most of the flexibility laptops provide. Most people don't know what they are looking for in a laptop. Hopefully the information in this article has given you some good ideas.
