A laptop is a portable computer that you can use for many different things. It is easy to bring it with you to school, work, your friend's house or where ever you are going. When you have a laptop computer, you want it to do what you want it do so it is important that you know a few things about these portable computers.
Think about your budget when you think about buying a laptop. The laptop features you require will dictate your spending budget. Do you favor a PC or a MAC? Macs always have good graphic technology and that's why they're good for people that need to work with graphics.
If you have your heart set on a more expensive laptop, consider a refurbished unit. Many manufacturers offer these, and they often come with a fair warranty too, protecting you in many ways. This will save you hundreds of dollars over a new laptop, while still offering you all the conveniences of the model you truly want.
If you need to get something fixed on your computer, make sure you know how long a repair place will take to do it. You don't want to have to send in a computer you need only for it to take forever to get back. Try finding some place that isn't that busy and does good work in your area.
Get the right sized screen when you buy a laptop. Look at the screen of your computer right now, and decide whether that is going to be a good screen size for your new laptop. In fact, take a look at bigger screens as well. Just keep in mind that the larger the screen is, the more the laptop will weigh.
Your laptop computer will last longer and run better if you keep it from overheating with a laptop cooling pad. Many laptops fail due to overheating. These cooling pads are inexpensive and can keep your laptop running longer.
To keep your laptop computer screen clean and dust free, simply wipe it gently with a soft cloth or tissue moistened with water. Follow with a dry cloth or tissues to remove any moisture. Avoid using harsh household cleaners that can cause damage to the delicate surface of your screen.
Try out the keyboard. There is not much worse than buying a new laptop to find that the keyboard is a pain. If the keys are hard to use, or too close together, they may not be comfortable for heavy tapping. Though you can add-on a keyboard, you may want to test the one you are buying by typing on it.
Be weary of the amount of memory that your laptop comes with. As you start pushing the envelope and getting close to maximum capacity, you will notice it gets slower. Have a portable flash drive or external hard drive to transfer miscellaneous files like videos and music to save the storage on the device itself.
Consider the software that is included in a laptop. There are some programs like word processors and spreadsheets that may be important for you to consider. Be careful as some of the included software is over-hyped. You need to know whether what is included are the full versions, demo versions, or shareware programs.
Think about what any discounts you may qualify for from certain retailers. Some retailers offer senior discounts, student discounts and discounts for members of the military. The discount might be small, but it is worth it to use. When you are purchasing something as large as a laptop, a small discount goes a long way.
A laptop can be an expensive investment, so protect it. If the store you are purchasing it from offers a warranty, purchase it. Components of laptops wear out faster and age faster than their desktop counterparts. Spending a few dollars up front will ensure the functionality of your laptop for a longer period of time.
If you are looking to reduce the weight of your laptop, consider skipping the optical drive. You don't need a DVD or Blu-Ray drive because most content can be downloaded from the Internet, including movies, games and software. You can save about a half pound of weight by losing the optical drive.
If you want to be able to connect your computer to your television screen, you need a VGA port. You also need a newer model television that can accommodate your laptop. This option give you a much bigger screen to work with. You can also use it to watch videos from your computer on your television.
Consider customizing your laptop. It's simple to purchase a computer that comes with predetermined specs. This is often the wrong thing to do. Custom laptop models can sometimes cost you less than a system that comes pre-assembled, as you can save by avoiding features you do not need.
Size is one thing you should consider when you want to purchase a laptop. They come in sizes ranging from eleven inches to eighteen inches. The size is all about personal preference as some people would like a bigger screen, where others are happy with a small screen since it means the computer is smaller and lighter.
You should ask yourself if you are gong to use your laptop as the primary computing device. Many people have replaced their PCs with smaller devices. If you want to do this, you'll likely require a bigger screen, more RAM than a budget laptop typically comes installed with and a faster processor.
Every time a new model of laptop is released, an older model will be reduced in price to clear the stock. If you are budget conscious the next time you need a new laptop, look for the previous model instead of the newest. There may not be a lot of difference except in the price.
No matter what you plan on using your laptop computer for, there is no doubt that you want it to do it's job efficiently. In order to make sure you get the laptop that you need, there is some information that you need to know. Use the tips here and make sure your laptop fits your needs.
