A laptop really helps simplify the lives of some people. But, in order to be sure you have the best laptop for your needs and desires, there are some things you need to know about them. Here is some information that will help you choose the right one.
Think about the kind of work you want to do before you buy a laptop. That should dictate your budget. If you’re basically a web surfer, then a super pricy laptop with uber-powerful chipset is not necessary at all. Consider what you really need with it, and let that guide your buying decisions.
Usb Ports
Ensure that the laptop has several USB ports. This is an important feature that is often overlooked. USB ports are necessary to connect any number of peripheral devices to your laptop. Four USB ports is a good amount, but more is always better.
Watch how you carry your laptop. Get a firm sturdy bag so that it is not swinging and banging against you while you walk. Banging your laptop around can cause damage.
Big screens may be attractive, but they aren’t always the best choice to make for a new laptop. 17 inch screens tend to be attached to heavier computers, making transportation less convenient. Large screens also eat battery power much quicker.
Don’t buy a laptop because of its name. Lesser known companies often have great deals. Know what the hardware means so you can figure out if a cheaper model will work for you. Sometimes you can get great deals from companies that aren’t as well known.
If your laptop is not within your practical price range by just a couple hundred dollars, consider a refurbished model. The price can make it really worthwhile, and if it has a warranty that’s good too, you won’t be taking too big of a risk. Most people don’t run into problems and are completely happy that they got the laptop of their dreams for a price they could afford.
Try having your primary use be the deciding factor when buying a laptop. Some are geared towards game play, while others are more business orientated. Be sure that the laptop you choose fulfills your needs and can grow with you.
When thinking of raw power in a computer, most typical laptop users do not need much of it. You won’t have need of a fast motherboard and lots of RAM if you have no intention of playing video games. The lower the specs are on a laptop, the cheaper it is to make, which saves you money.
Pin your shortcuts to your Start menu. Once you’ve found the shortcut, you can right click and select “Pin to Start.” You can more easily access you favorite programs rather than looking in the “All Programs” folder.
Security Software
If you use your laptop for work or online banking, have strong security features enabled. Certain laptops have security software installed already, privacy screen coatings and security cabling features. No security software is perfect so you need to always be vigilant to protect your investment.
When changing from a cold to a warm environment, don’t boot your laptop up until it is at room temperature. Temperature changes build condensation in the machine. If you turn it on too quickly, the moisture can damage the inner components of your system.
If you desire a lightweight, affordable laptop, get one that has “no drive bay” as an option. If you don’t have any drive bays, you will need to download software from the Internet or use a USB key. There are also USB DVD drives that are relatively inexpensive.
As was already mentioned, laptops can make a person’s life much easier. However, you can’t just go choose any old laptop. It’s for that reason that it’s important to do your homework to learn all you can before purchasing one. These tips will help you find that perfect laptop.
