Everything You Should Consider Before Buying a Laptop

            Have you thought about buying a new computer recently?  Is your old desktop computer on its last legs?  I recently had the same problem.  My old one could be turned on before I went to bed and would just be booting up to use by morning. 

            I took a look at my bank account, seen I could afford a computer and decided that a new one was definitely a must-buy.  I didn’t want to go back using a cumbersome desktop model, though.  Their lack of mobility was more of a hassle than it was worth.  So, I did some homework about buying a laptop.

            Considering how laptops have improved so much over the past couple years, it's no wonder that so many people are turning to laptops as their personal computers over desktops.  While there are a number of things to consider when it comes to buying a laptop, you can easily work your way through knowing what those are by following these steps:

1. Size Matters – Consider the size and weight of the laptop and how often will you be carrying your laptop.  Your answer will help determine which size and weight will best suit your needs.  If you will be carrying your laptop frequently, a lighter model will be to your advantage.  The keyboard is another area to consider when buying a laptop.  A larger laptop will have a slightly larger keyboard area.  Keep in mind that if you worry about your fingers or wrists taking on too much stress from typing on a keyboard that is too small, you may want this to be a main factor in your decision,
2. Choose Your Mouse - A laptop will come with a built in touch pad, an alternative to the mouse, whereby the pad is controlled by the user's finger movement.  For some people, this type of pad is uncomfortable and not easy to work with.  Before purchasing a laptop, determine what mouse options are available.  Test each one and determine which one best meets your needs.
3. Wireless Options – When many people think laptop, they think wi-fi.  No doubt people want to make sure that their laptop computer will be able to access the Internet with a wireless connection.  Many try to account for this by ensuring that their laptop has potential upgrade options, such as room for an expandable PC card or a USB port.  However, since so many laptop users are looking for wireless connections, many of today's laptops come pre-wired for wireless Internet.  All you need to do is activate your wireless Internet service, and your laptop will take it from there.  
4. Check for Ports - Peripheral equipment will be connected to your laptop through USB ports.  You will make your life much less complicated by ensuring that your laptop has enough adequate ports.  Connecting equipment such as printers, scanners, and digital cameras will be much simpler if you have the ports readily available.  If you are not sure, thoroughly read the specs for any laptop that you are considering purchasing.
5. Check Your Budget First – When buying a laptop, beware that you do not overspend.  Create a budget and stick to it.  When you think that you have found the laptop that you want, do not rush into it.  Wait a day and check over your budget and see if you are still as excited about the laptop in the morning.  If you still feel that it is the laptop that you want to purchase, then go for it.
6. Know what you plan to use the laptop for - Sounds simple, but it will also define what is on the laptop you purchase.  For example, if you are a professional looking to buy a laptop, not only do you need to insure the right software is on board, but you'll need to make sure there is enough space to run it.  For the personal user, do you plan to watch DVD's or do you plan to use it for video games?
7. Compare and then compare some more – When you are out there looking at the various laptops, make sure to take some notes about the various aspects of the laptop.  Online research can really save you some time here.  You'll want to compare hard drive space, monitor size, drives, speed and other features that are important to your purchase.  Not only are you looking for the best price, but the best overall product.
8. Warranties are important – Warranties vary greatly from one laptop to the next.  When buying a laptop, you need to realize that the most common problem will be with the screens, especially those that are LCD.  Make sure your warranty gives you the best coverage from parts that may break down.

            For more information on topics such as this try looking in the pages of PC World.  Subscriptions to magazines like these are available at Magsforless.com at www.magsforless.com.  Magsforless.com sells a variety of magazine subscriptions on computer and consumer issues along with hundreds of other magazines on any subject of your choice.

►Reprint Rights◄

Log in to become a member of Bill H's Fan Club!

Comments on this article:
No comments yet.

Was this article helpful to you? Leave a Public Comment or Question: