Laptops have advanced so much that it has become difficult to know what you need in a laptop. If you are a savvy shopper, all of the new features and choices available to you can be a positive boon. This article will ensure you know the right questions to ask when you are considering a laptop.
If you have been contemplating getting a tablet and a laptop, think about a convertible laptop. Such laptops provide the convenience of both while costing less than getting one of each.
You should probably buy a cooler when you buy your laptop. You might not know just how warm laptops get. If you want comfy legs, then be sure to obtain something that will help displace the heat generated by the laptop.
Don’t get too confused when looking at netbooks. Although a lot of people think that netbooks are smaller laptops, they are mistaken. Netbooks have limited capabilities, but are great for email and Internet. However, the are not great for storing data or playing graphic rich games. Don’t get a netbook if you’re after a laptop when all is said and done.
If you bring your laptop everywhere with you, then you should learn how to take care of it while you are toting it around. Only use a sturdy laptop bag that will prevent your computer from swaying back and forth as you walk. A loose laptop in the bag may damage internal parts.
Large screens aren’t the best if you want a laptop that is portable. A screen that is 17 inches or larger will have a heavy weight, and may soon prove to be a chore to transport. Larger screens also consume battery power more quickly.
Monitor the memory available on the laptop you use. That will help you know when you need to get rid of programs that are not often used. The more space and memory you free up, the faster your computer will run.
Dim your LCD screen on the laptop in order to ensure you’re maximizing battery power and life. You can extend your laptop battery life by minimizing the display screen setting since this is a big drain on energy. Go to your Control Panel to change the settings there.
Start Menu
Pinning shortcuts of frequently used programs to your Start menu will make it easier to find them. Right click on the shortcut and click the Pin button. The program will be in your Start menu now.
Refrain from starting up your computer unless it is at room temperature. Quick, drastic temperature changes can cause condensation to build inside the unit. Turning your system on before it’s at room temperature can damage the inside components.
Laptops that don’t have a drive bay are lighter and more affordable. You will save a lot of money since everything that must be installed can be done online, or through a USB key. For less than $100 you can buy a portable disk drive, should you really need one.
For those who love to play games or those who need work programs that are memory intensive, a dedicated card for graphics is not always a must. Dedicated graphics cards suck up a lot of power, and also cut down on battery life. Many people buy laptops because they think they need the dedicated GPU, but oftentimes never utilize it beyond the capabilities of an integrated one.
If you are considering a laptop purchase, check your local Sunday paper each week. This will be when most advertisements are going to be in the paper for you to check out. There may be some great deals to be had.
If buying a laptop from a retail store, be wary of spending the money for an extended warranty. Extended warranties are a usually a big profit maker for the store but do not merit the expense. Most electronics that are going to have problems do so within the standard warranty period anyway. If you do want a long warranty, then purchase from an online retailer that provides longer warranties as their standard.
Keep in mind the advice that has been discussed so that you can figure out which laptop is best for you. Think about what is considered a great laptop and what type of laptop you actually need. It is important to get the right laptop for your needs.
