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What Should I Consider When Buying a Laptop?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Buying a laptop may be a new endeavor for you, or you may be replacing an older model. Either way, there are a few things to consider about your new purchase. Buying a laptop computer can represent a big investment. By assessing your needs, you can make a more calculated choice about what type of laptop to purchase. This can save you money and potential problems.

The first question to ask yourself is if you truly need to be buying a laptop. Laptops tend to lag behind desktops in terms of upgradeability and features. If you handle heavy graphics, do a great deal of video editing, or you are a gamer, a laptop might not be the best choice for you. In addition to having to spend a lot of money to get the system you need, you will also be unable to upgrade that system when the time comes. However, if you are highly mobile, a laptop is a good choice.

It's important to consider the number of USB ports available when choosing a laptop.
It's important to consider the number of USB ports available when choosing a laptop.

The second step is to look at what you require from your laptop computer. Students, for example, probably need Internet access and word processing capability. A laptop for business may need similar features, as well as the ability to handle databasing software. Assess your individual needs with care when buying a laptop. If you travel frequently, or carry a lot of heavy belongings already, you will want to look into buying a laptop which is very lightweight. If you travel less frequently, or have fewer concerns about heavy luggage, a larger laptop with more power and an easier to read large screen is a good choice.

One should consider their needs when purchasing a laptop.
One should consider their needs when purchasing a laptop.

Laptops tend to be more expensive than desktop equivalents. Do not buy a laptop which exceeds your needs. Make sure that the laptop features will meet expectations, without the need for expensive upgrades. Make an honest estimate of what you require, and seek out systems that will match your requirements. Often companies offer packaged deals, making it cheaper to buy a preconfigured laptop.

There are many types of laptops and computers available, some of which have been designed specifically for children.
There are many types of laptops and computers available, some of which have been designed specifically for children.

Determine what features you need when buying a laptop. A ready availability of ports, is very useful. Many devices are designed to connect to Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, so you may want several to connect multiple peripheral devices. If you have devices which use FireWire or other connections, make sure that your laptop will support them. A space for PC cards is also a good idea, as is an internal modem, wireless card, or ethernet port. Make sure that your laptop has headphone jacks so that you can quietly listen to music. In addition, you may want to consider a CD or DVD ROM drive. Software comes on CDs, data can be backed up onto CDs, and you can also listen to music or watch DVDs on your laptop computer.

CD-ROM drives allow users to upload new data to the computer.
CD-ROM drives allow users to upload new data to the computer.

When buying a laptop, it is important to think about what operating system you would prefer to use. Apples tend to be more expensive, overall, than PCs, but you may want to go that route if you interact frequently with an Apple network or use Apple programs. Especially if you are a student, look into what kind of software you need to succeed in school and which operating system it is designed for. Some schools also have promotional agreements with computer companies which can assist you in getting a good deal. Also look at what kind of software comes preloaded on the system, to see if it will meet your needs or if an additional outlay of cash is required to purchase software.

Portable laptops that can be synced with smartphones offer users greater flexibility.
Portable laptops that can be synced with smartphones offer users greater flexibility.

Numerous laptop buying guides are available. When you are getting ready to purchase a laptop, pick up several so that you can compare features and prices. Buying a laptop should not be a guessing game-do not be afraid to call companies to talk to them about their equipment, and to seek out examples of laptops you are considering to test them. Narrow your choices down to a few models, and then seek out the best deals. When buying a laptop, an extended warranty plan is highly recommended. Accidents happen, and it is better to be safe than sorry.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a EasyTechJunkie researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a EasyTechJunkie researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon280976

@lush: A lot of laptops come with windows 7 now so you don't need to worry about Vista or XP and if you have one with vista already, I would recommend upgrading to 7 rather than downgrading to XP.

splusdirect

@Lush: I would recommend you don't buy a laptop with windows XP. Windows 7 is much better than XP.

anon8606

For financial software, you should check out Quickbooks Simple Start (for the free edition, google "Quickbooks Free"). An alternative is GNUCash which is what I use, but its interface is clunky under Windows.

If you still need XP, I suggest you go order XP separately (perhaps an OEM edition?) and dual-boot Vista and XP. For the companies (like Lenovo) that still offer XP, you typically pay more to downgrade to XP so, why not use that extra money and have both XP and Vista?

lush

What software is recommended for a student's laptop (By the way, I'm still shopping around so any suggestions are appreciated :) who requires a user friendly program? I usually use Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, but is there anything else that can help me get a little more organized, specifically in the area of finances? I also have been hearing mixed reviews about Windows Vista-- is there any way that I can purchase a new laptop with Windows XP?

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    • It's important to consider the number of USB ports available when choosing a laptop.
      By: michaklootwijk
      It's important to consider the number of USB ports available when choosing a laptop.
    • One should consider their needs when purchasing a laptop.
      By: Minerva Studio
      One should consider their needs when purchasing a laptop.
    • There are many types of laptops and computers available, some of which have been designed specifically for children.
      By: oksun70
      There are many types of laptops and computers available, some of which have been designed specifically for children.
    • CD-ROM drives allow users to upload new data to the computer.
      By: overthehill
      CD-ROM drives allow users to upload new data to the computer.
    • Portable laptops that can be synced with smartphones offer users greater flexibility.
      By: NOBU
      Portable laptops that can be synced with smartphones offer users greater flexibility.
    • Laptops contain options for more memory, which makes them more attractive for avid gamers.
      By: JcJg Photography
      Laptops contain options for more memory, which makes them more attractive for avid gamers.
    • Netbooks are good alternatives to laptops because of their compact size.
      By: japolia
      Netbooks are good alternatives to laptops because of their compact size.
    • Laptops often lag behind desktop PCs in terms of features, so assessing whether you're truly mobile is an important consideration when buying a laptop.
      By: .shock
      Laptops often lag behind desktop PCs in terms of features, so assessing whether you're truly mobile is an important consideration when buying a laptop.
    • It's important to get a laptop that can be used comfortably.
      By: Art Allianz
      It's important to get a laptop that can be used comfortably.
    • The number of devices that can be connected to a laptop, and thus the number of ports it has, should be considered when buying such a computer.
      By: ussatlantis
      The number of devices that can be connected to a laptop, and thus the number of ports it has, should be considered when buying such a computer.
    • Many newer devices feature faster USB 3.0 connections instead of FireWire or USB 2.0 docks.
      By: Shawn Hempel
      Many newer devices feature faster USB 3.0 connections instead of FireWire or USB 2.0 docks.
    • Laptops should be equipped to allow for headphones to be plugged in.
      By: ILYA AKINSHIN
      Laptops should be equipped to allow for headphones to be plugged in.
    • Portability is an important factor when choosing a laptop.
      By: asife
      Portability is an important factor when choosing a laptop.