Solid laptops provide portable, flexible computing abilities that mobile devices cannot match. Having a reliable laptop is like having the ability to take your home desktop machine where ever you go. Find out what features you need and what features are unnecessary.

If you’re not much of a gamer, or just a light one, you probably don’t need the best laptop on the market. You can play most common games on regular laptops. You probably don’t really need to pay extra to get a designated gaming machine. Save money.

Don’t purchase a laptop with the software pre-installed. You will typically pay full retail on this software. Instead, get the software from an online discount vendor. You’ll save 20% to 30% easily, and sometimes much more.

Think about the work you do when buying a laptop. This is a big aspect to think about when looking to buy. If you spend most of your time browsing the Internet for fun, you won’t need anything as expensive as a gamer or even an executive who needs something powerful. When you’re trying to figure out what the laptop will be doing for you, it will allow you to get yourself a machine with the right price.

Buy a laptop that has good speakers. It is not uncommon to find sound being overlooked on laptops because they are not a desktop system. So when you go to enjoy an online movie, or watch a DVD, it sounds awful. Ensure you listen to how the laptop sounds before buying it.

Always inquire if you will be able to upgrade the RAM or hard-drive. You may not need that right now, but it would be a good idea to plan for the future. When you need more space, upgrading can save you money since you won’t need to buy a new laptop. Think about it before you make your decision.

When you’re thinking about getting your laptop, you should consider spending a little more than you planned on. Basic laptops will not last as long as the more technologically advanced ones. Just a small spec bump can make a difference between the laptop that only lasts one year and one that will last more.

When shopping for laptops, give both Windows and Mac versions a look. Usually you will pay less for a Windows laptop, but some people prefer the Mac. Try both out to see which one you like the best. Then read customer reviews for the devices you’re considering.

Size is important when choosing a new laptop. Laptops are typically sized 13 to 17 inches diagonally. If you are replacing a desktop with a laptop, you will probably want the bigger model. If you want to be able to carry it around more places, select a 13 inch device.

Netbooks sometimes may seem confusing, but they’re not. People often think that netbooks are actually just smaller laptops, and that’s just simply not the case. A netbook is for checking email and light Internet use, whereas a laptop is capable of so much more. Don’t get a netbook if you really need a laptop.

Think about a tablet for mainly entertainment applications. The great thing about a tablet is that it can be used for downloading apps and that means you’ll always have access to your software. You can even connect the tablet to a keyboard so that you can write emails or take class notes.

A large screen is good to look at and heavy to carry around. A screen that exceeds 17 inches is going to make your laptop about 7 lbs or so and that can be hard to move around with you. They also use more battery power.

When trying to decide which laptop to buy, let your primary use for it be the biggest influence. For example, some computers are designed for gaming, while others are designed for business. Look for the type you will use and get additional features within your price range.

One key part of any laptop is a good graphics card. Integrated graphic chips are sufficient for most functions on a laptop. If you want to use your computer for entertainment, you will want a graphics chip that’s dedicated. The very best chips are typically found in workstations and gaming laptops.

Choose a laptop that has a built-in webcam. You may think it unnecessary, but technology changes may make it worthwhile. You’ll use it to Skype with others, or use FaceTime. These are fun for people that have family that lives far away. You may use the camera more than you think.

Are you only buying a laptop for web surfing and emails? A Chromebook is a good option to consider. These are laptops made by Google and they have little storage and a light operating system. They are ideal for web browsing, though. A good connection is more important than processor speed for that. They are also cheap. Many times you can purchase these for a few hundred dollars.

If you need an affordable computer, choose one without a drive bay. If you don’t have any drive bays, you will need to download software from the Internet or use a USB key. Additionally, you can get a portable DVD drive that is connected via USB for under $100.

You can save money on a laptop purchase by not choosing those with lots of storage space. It will just cost extra money that you really don’t need to spend. Look for a laptop with less space. You can what you save to buy a better processor.

Choosing and buying a laptop is a complex process. Because changes happen quickly with technology, it can be difficult to determine your exact needs. Salesmen and the Internet can often just complicate the process. Use the laptop advice from the above article to help you find a machine that suits you.