So you need it a laptop but have no idea where to start. You are not alone. Investing in a new laptop can present many challenges, particularly if you're unfamiliar with laptops or mobile computing.

Over the last short while so much new laptop technology has to enter the market... Intel Duo Processors, SLI, Dual Images... it can all be totally brain boggling to the common consumer. For the very first time laptop buyer understanding all the techno jargon can be downright frightening.

Mainly because a complete new generation of notebook technology comes around every 2 yrs or less; probably significantly less considering all the new improvements made recently. It can even be a little overwhelming even for someone like myself who operates an online Laptop Guide and who has a keen interest in every things laptop.

Regardless of each one of these fancy new improvements, devices and notebook technology, you must remember you're buying  a fresh laptop for you and you alone. You must first decide if all this new stuff is important for you? You don't need all of this new notebook technology?

But primarily before you consider that question you must first find out WHY you will want laptop? Why are you buying a laptop? What chores or tasks would you like the laptop to perform?

In the event that you just want a laptop for simple web browsing and emailing, a laptop made five years back will do the job nicely and cost you a heck of great deal less. You really don't need a high of the collection laptop until, you're maintaining the Jones and want the latest top  style of everything. But that's getting into Dr. Phil's territory... lets not venture there!

So what do you will need the laptop for?

Do you need a lightweight laptop for business outings or meetings? Do you will need a student notebook for classes? Or do just want a desktop substitute computer that it is simple to move around in your house?

Your answer will greatly determine which kind of laptop you should buy.

In my own case, I needed a desktop replacement that I could easily maneuver around my home and undertake very infrequent trips or holidays. Long battery life had not been a major consideration because I'd mainly be using it plugged into a power outlet. Besides, the laptop I needed would be 7 or 8 pounds and I had no intentions of lugging that baby around over any good distance.

I work regular at home and do a lot of web site design so I needed a good machine with a lot of RAM. I also enjoy downloading and enjoying the casual movie so a DVD Multi Drive and a broad screen were important. High quality graphics and sound was also very important to what I needed.

* RAM
RAM is to computer what location is to real estate. RAM or Random Access Memory could very well be the most important factor to consider when buying your laptop or any computer.

RAM will greatly determine the velocity of your laptop or computer. How fast it will process your jobs and graphics. You need to make sure you have sufficient for your needs. Now you can find many laptops pre-loaded with 1 Gig of RAM and with the capacity of upgrading to 4 Gigs or more.

In comparison to yesterday's computers that is clearly a lot of RAM. If you are not into gaming, handling large video documents/editing, all that RAM isn't needed but it'll make your laptop run faster. Also, remember if you're into gaming, Video RAM will make a difference -- you need a top grade (read expensive) Graphics Card and it will raise the cost of your laptop.

And yes it may be smart to buy a laptop with upgradable memory - since new applications, multi windowed browsers, streaming video... of the very forseeable future may place popular on your laptop's RAM.

* Dual Core Processors
CPU or Computer Processing Device is the center of your laptop and in cases like this you have Two Hearts -- Intel Centrino Duo  is leading runner in this area right now. However, AMD is providing Intel some stiff competition in the dual core struggle with its Athlon(TM) 64 X2 dual core processor chip. Either one would be considered a wise choice.

* Hard Drive
The quantity of space or size of laptop hard disks are steadily increasing, a 100 Gig laptop is now common. Unless you want a great deal of storage space, buying a smaller  size hard drive can save you money.

Many laptop experts choose the SATA hard drive with a higher 5400 or 7200 RPM.

* Weight or Size
Possibly the major reason you're considering buying a laptop is its size or weight -- otherwise you're better of saving  your money and purchasing a pc instead. A laptop is  portable, you can make it anywhere... tuck it under your arm and cart it to course or the next business meeting. It is perfect for taking your details and work to wherever  you want to go. This portability is the primary selling feature of a laptop.

Obviously you must select the best sized laptop to fit your needs. Laptops are split into different categories, here's a quick rundown:

Tablet Personal computer (smallest) Size of a paper tablet or notepad, significantly less than 3 pounds.

Ultra Portable (small) 13" x > 11" A lot more than 1.5 inches,  more than 7 pounds and up

Select the size that suits your purpose and use.

* Price
Laptop prices are steadily falling, it is currently possible to get an excellent laptop for well under a $1000. Most are selling at th $500 - $600 range. Top quality gaming laptops provided by such  specialty laptop makers as Alienware, Rock, will still collection you back three to four 4 grand. Ouch!

* Warranties
Don't overlook this factor, if you are buying an expensive  laptop, you might like to check out these extended warranties. If you execute a lot of journeying, you may want to purchase insurance against thief and reduction.

* Dead Pixels Was the thing I Feared!
When you can check your laptop for just about any dead pixels. A lifeless pixel will provide you with white places(pixels)on your LCD screen.  Most instances you're buying your laptop right out of the package, booting up and finding you have dead pixels is no a pleasant experience. If you would like to check your laptop screen for dead pixels, just do a seek out the free " Dead Pixel Buddy" computer software and run it to check on your laptop for lifeless pixels.

* MAKE AN ONLINE SEARCH For Information Or Even Purchase
I run a straightforward Laptop Guide using one of my sites and I also keep a laptop blog therefore i is constantly utilising the web to gather  information and compare prices. You must shop around and browse the consumer reviews on the different laptop makers
and the various laptop products. You need to also check out  the service records/reputation of the major brands.

I researched all of the different laptop computers and found the main one that met my requirements and price. I purchased it in the true world at an area Computer store due to the fact I wanted to  examine the laptop's images and keyboard in the flesh. However, I tested all the product's details beforehand  upon this store's online site -- easier than in a busy crowded store.

Make A List

It might prove beneficial to create a summary of the minimum requirements or features you want on your desired laptop:

Intel Duo
1 Gig of RAM
100 Gig Hard Drive
15 Inch Screen
four or five 5 Hours Battery Life
Burn/Write DVDs...

* Kick The Tires
Like buying anything, it is usually smart to fully check out your purchase. Sample the laptop's keyboard, does typing feel safe? Try the touchpad, could it be responsive?  Open your preferred programs and check the digesting speed   of your laptop. Bring along a Dvd and blu-ray and sample the sound and graphics. Observe any problems or irritations that may pop-up, in my own case it was a little right shift key but this is so minor I knew I possibly could get accustomed to it and it didn't  stop me personally from buying my desired laptop.

* Research Your Laptop
Use the Internet to analyze your desired laptop, know exactly  what components it has and know very well what software has already been preloaded. Be cautious of salespeople who'll try to ask you for extra for configuring or setting up programs on your laptop when these programs may already be preloaded at the factory stage!

I settled on a Toshiba Satellite P100-SD3: it has Intel Duo,  1 Gig of RAM, 100 Gig HARD DISK DRIVE, 17" widescreen TrueBrite Display, appropriate for the new Home windows Vista... it meets  all my needs and I am quite happy with my new laptop. And I am writing a complete review when i have used it for a week or two... but that's another article.

If you consider the majority of the simple factors to check out the factors in the above list then making your own laptop purchase can not only be quite painless but it could even prove a satisfying experience. Do a little homework and you may easily find the perfect laptop for you.