8 Tips on How to Choose a Perfect Laptop ...

If you’re really unsure on how to choose a laptop, you need one of those terribly useful friends who is knowledgeable about computers (or at least, knows more than you do). An expert friend will be able to advise you on what would best suit your needs, if a machine is not powerful enough for your requirements, and whether model A, B or C is the one for you.

When choosing a laptop, it’s important to be clear on what your needs are. If you just need a laptop for internet access, word processing and chatting on Skype, then a fairly basic machine will do you fine. A game player, on the other hand, will need a much more powerful version.

The keyboard is more important than you might think. If you do a lot of typing, then it’s essential to have one that feels comfortable for you. So be sure to try out the keyboard on machines that you’re interested in. And if you have cats, pick a keyboard with the keys close together, or the cats will pull them out (I speak from experience …).

You also need to consider if a laptop is the better option for you. You will get more for your money with a desktop, so if you need a powerful machine, a laptop may not be suitable for you. However, if portability or space is more important, then you are better off with a laptop.

The screen size is also worth considering. If you do a lot of work on the laptop, or like to watch films, then a 15” screen is the minimum that you should choose. Peering at a screen that is too small can be annoying and uncomfortable, so pick a screen size that you are happy to use.

This is generally where the expert friend comes in, as lay people can be rather confused by the specifications of computers. Obviously computers tend to become obsolete fairly quickly, so as a general rule it’s best to go for the highest specifications that you can afford.

Desktop machines are pretty easy to upgrade; this is not true of laptops. If you think that you may need or want to upgrade, a desktop will be better. If you prefer a laptop, look for one that will serve your needs for as long as possible, and buy the best you can afford.

Finally, price is obviously a factor as well – you want to get the best deal that you can. When you decide on a model, don’t buy in the first shop that you see it in. Search around to see if anyone else is offering it at a cheaper price, although bear in mind that you may prefer to buy from a local shop rather than online, as it will be easier to take the machine back if there are any problems.

Choosing a laptop can be complicated, as there are so many things to consider. Since it’s an expensive purchase that will have to last, you want to pick the right one for you, and choose a model that is reliable. So ask around among your friends which brand they recommend, as well as considering all the above points. What is the most important factor for you when buying a laptop?