Computers are a central part of most folks’ lives. As more users require something portable, the laptop market answers. This means that it’s very important to know what to do when you’re buying one, so that you don’t waste your money and time. Use the tips located below as a guide through the laptop buying process.

Set a budget before you go shopping. Carefully consider what kind of laptop you want when making a budget. Does the Apple Mac appeal more than a Windows based version? Will you play a lot games? Will you just use the laptop for web surfing or checking email?

Prior to spending any money, give a prospective laptop a try. Most people don’t give a lot of thought to ergonomics when shopping for a new laptop, looking more at things like memory and battery life. A computer that fits you well will help stave off any negative health effects.

If you will be lugging your laptop to and from work, school, the office, and/or home, you want to be careful how you are carrying it. Buy a sturdy, tight-fitting bag that is easy for you to carry. Continual banging could cause component damage to occur.

If the only reason you would like a laptop is for entertainment, a tablet is a great option for you. A tablet will let you download apps. A lot of tablets can connect to a keyboard wirelessly, and can be used to keep records, take notes, or compose emails.

Protection Plan

If you travel a lot with your laptop, a protection plan is a wise idea since you have a greater chance of it being lost or stolen. A protection plan will pay for damages caused by accidentally dropping your laptop. Check the terms of the warranty before you buy.

A large screen is not the best choice if you are interested in portability. These laptops usually weigh more than seven pounds. Large screens also eat battery power much quicker.

When choosing a laptop, the biggest factor should be what you are going to use it for most. For example, certain ones are built for gaming, while others are better for business. Buy the laptop that suits your specific needs so you are satisfied for a long while.

Always know how much memory is available on your laptop. This helps you remember to remove programs you aren’t using in order to free up space. When you have more available memory, your laptop runs faster.

Graphics Chip

A graphics chip is an integral part of your computer. A standard, integrated graphics card is all that is necessary for most computing needs. If you like gaming, video and films, a graphics chip can enhance your experience. In general, work stations and gaming laptops have the best quality graphics chips available.

The amount of RAM and the type of operating system you need depends on what you will be using your laptop for. Unless you will playing video games, it is not necessary to get a fast motherboard and lots of RAM. The less computing power a laptop has, the cheaper it is.

Pin the shortcuts to your favorite programs to your Start menu. After you see the shortcut you want, right click the mouse and hit the option that lets you pin to the Start menu. Now you will find that icon on the Start menu where you can click on it easily.

Once you buy a laptop, put it through its paces for a few weeks. Usually a laptop comes with a 30-day warranty. Even if video editing is not in your short-term plans, try out the relevant features just so you know the way they operate. These 30 days are your window to really make sure you don’t get buyer’s remorse.

If you will be using your computer for work, you need extra security features. Some good features to look for are security cable slots, screen with privacy coating and built in security software. It’s is important to remember that no security measure is full-proof.

If you plan on using a laptop for listening to music, watching movies, or gaming, check internal speakers before buying. The speakers will be very important for your entertainment needs, and you don’t want to have to use external speakers every time.

If you aren’t using your laptop at the moment, turn it off. Prevent your laptop from overheating by making sure that air is able to circulate around it. Always turn it off when not in use as well.

If the hunt for your ideal laptop leads you into the retail stores, steer clear of the extended warranties offered there. These provide extra profit for the store while not always living up to their expectations. Many electronics issues often happen quickly, which falls within a normal warranty period. If you would feel more comfortable with a warranty that covers a long time period, you’re better off buying from a merchant who already offers longer warranties with the item’s purchase price.

Feel Confident

This information should help you feel confident when shopping for a laptop. Continue doing research to gain as much knowledge as you need to feel confident. The best way to purchase a laptop is to assess your true requirements as well as your desired budget in order to get what you really want.