When you seek out information online about buying a new laptop, do you wonder which articles can be trusted? Do you fear that what you are reading is just marketing material intended to get you to buy? This article has been written to provide you with honest facts about shopping for a laptop, so check out the tips below.
Know what kind of operating system you’re going to get before you get your laptop. This should be displayed where you get your computer, or you can ask someone working there. Some people like to get computers and change the operating system, or you can just get one that you already know that comes with your laptop.
Upgrade your RAM storage whenever possible. Random access memory is being used by the operating system and any software running on your computer. Increasing the RAM will help your computer run more quickly. If you plan to save a lot of media to your computer, you will need to increase your data storage capability.
Avoid using your laptop computer on a soft surface, such as a pillow or bed. Setting your laptop on a soft surface blocks air flow that is supposed to flow through the ventilation holes on the bottom. This can cause your laptop to overheat. When using your laptop in bed, rest it on a book or other hard surface to allow for ventilation.
You may want a cheaper laptop, but buy as much battery life as you can afford. Prematurely running out of juice is the most common complaint about cheaper laptops. Shop for at least four hours of battery life, but try to snag a model that lasts six hours or more if possible. Look for power saving features.
Battery life is an important consideration when you are considering the purchase of a laptop computer. Check how long the manufacturer says the battery will last, but keep in mind that your actual usage may affect this number. If you intend to use your laptop for more than 3 or 4 hours, plan on an extra battery or someplace to plug it in and recharge.
Size matters in laptop selection. Laptops range in size from 13 inches to 17 inches and beyond. If you are using the laptop as a substitute for a desktop, then a 17″ monitor is probably best for you. If portability is the goal, a smaller version will be ideal.
Large screens look great, but they aren’t always convenient or versatile. If a laptop has a seventeen inch screen, it will probably weigh around seven pounds. In addition, a large screen uses battery power quickly.
Windows and Mac notebooks offer different advantages and disadvantages. Windows laptops, and computers in general, are usually less expensive than their Apple counterparts. Macs are considered easier to use, however, and built better. Software choices are more numerous in the Windows environment, but Apple usually makes software installation easier for the novice.
Like your laptop lightweight? Then go for a netbook or ultraportable laptop. These laptop varieties are very lightweight compared to the traditionally-sized laptops out there. In fact they can be about half the weight. These are perfect laptops for the travelers out there or for students who are always moving from classroom to classroom.
Do you need a DVD drive? If you plan to watch movies, install software or burn back-ups to disk, a DVD drive is a must. If not, you might be better off buying a smaller, lighter laptop at a lower price which doesn’t include a DVD drive. Only pay for what you need!
These tips have been filled with the information you need to succeed. As long as you are able to find a laptop which suits you, our job here is done. Go out and start shopping to find the model that offers you the best features and enjoy it once you bring it home!