When your computer finally gives up, the time is right to buy a laptop. They offer portable computing which can give you the ability to get up and go. If your computer is just outdated, a laptop can be a great replacement. Regardless of why you need a new laptop, the tips below can help you get it.
Think about the weight of the laptop. Lugging a laptop that is heavy can cause injury in your shoulders and back. If you have to carry your laptop with you a lot, choose the lighter weight ones. Lighter laptops do not have to be more expensive. But battery life will not be as high.
Don't buy a laptop solely on price alone. Yes, cheap laptops can keep a lot of your hard earned cash in your wallet, but they also might be susceptible to breaking down. It may end up costing you more in the long run if you decide to go cheap early on.
If you're a gamer, you'll want to make sure that your laptop has a dedicated graphics processing unit. If it's a standard (built-in) GPU, it may not perform well in the wild with the games you like to play. Look for an ATI or NVidia GPU. Both will deliver on graphics and speed.
Upgrade your RAM storage whenever possible. Random access memory is being used by the operating system and any software running on your computer. Increasing the RAM will help your computer run more quickly. If you plan to save a lot of media to your computer, you will need to increase your data storage capability.
When purchasing a new laptop, ask if you have the option of trading in your old computer. Many manufacturers will allow this, and it can save you several hundred dollars on your new laptop purchase. The old laptop is often refurbished and resold, meaning less waste going into landfills as well.
Consider a touchscreen laptop. More and more software for PCs is being created with touchscreen technology in mind, meaning this option will become increasingly essential as time goes on. By purchasing the technology now, you can take advantage of the touchscreen features and not feel a necessity to re-buy another computer for several years.
When buying a laptop computer, it is a good idea to consider how you will be using it before you compare all the different models. If you are doing just basic word processing and checking your email, you won't need as powerful a laptop as someone who intends to play video games.
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.
Before purchasing a laptop decide what you will be using it for. If it will be more business oriented you can probably go for a cheaper model that can do word, excel, and basic internet functions. If it will be your portable gaming device, you'll want to invest more to ensure performance.
Before buying a 17 inch laptop, consider how often you will be traveling with it. Laptops of this size are large, heavy and can be difficult to travel with. You might be better off opting for a 13 inch or 15 inch screen instead. You can always dock your laptop and attach a larger external screen if you need to.
If you only want to use your laptop for web surfing, simple word processing and watching movies, consider an ultrabook, notebook or tablet instead. These smaller, cheaper options provide you with a great deal of features, but they're lighter, fit your budget more easily and can still provide you with what you require.
To ensure that your laptop meets your viewing needs, make sure that you pick out a screen that is large enough for you to have the workspace you need. If you often look at one window and work in another, the smallest laptop screens may not work for you. Give any laptop you look at a quick spin with your work routine to see if it will work.
If you don't care much about battery life, consider buying a used laptop online. In fact, if you do care about battery life, you can even buy a whole new battery and you should be good to go. Used laptops work very well, plus the price is always right!
Take the keyboard for a test drive. The laptop you like may look very good. Sleek lines and compact keys. The downside of this is that it may lack comfort. Try out the keyboard on the machine you want before you make the purchase. Do an amount of typing that will be typical for you to see how it feels.
Find out what warranty is offered with your prospective laptop. See what warranty the manufacturer offers, how long it lasts, and if it covers software and hardware issues. It should at least have a one-year warranty. Many of the cheaper models have 90-day warranties, so consider whether or not a cheaper computer is worth paying for servicing and part replacements.
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 laptop 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.
Investigate the available memory for your laptop computer. This tells you that it is the right time to uninstall applications not in common use so that free space can open up. Reducing the held-up memory also increases speed.
Smart people always do their research ahead of making an important purchase. Just by reading this article, you have proven you are a smart shopper who plans to do things right. Now that you know all of these ideas, put them to use to prove yourself as the smartest laptop shopper ever!
