Whether you're headed off to college or just landed your dream job, you are probably in the market for a new laptop. Don't feel overwhelmed by the volume of information. You just need a little knowledge to help you find exactly what you're looking for. This article will give you that knowledge.
Before beginning laptop shopping, get an idea of the kind of work that you expect to get out of it. You may find that you really don't need the super-expensive top of the line model for the work you really need to do. This can save you a lot of money.
If you travel a lot, buy a laptop with a durable exterior shell. Some business laptops are created with travel in mind, and this can help them to withstand the bumps and bruises that often come along with frequent flyer miles you might accrue. Always ask about this feature before making your final purchase.
Find out whether a new model of the laptop you are considering is about to come out. Many times, the newest model of a laptop is merely the most expensive. Think about getting the model that just went out of season; you'll save money and still have a laptop that is pretty new.
Think about the amount of hard drive space you need when looking for a laptop. Like standard computers, the hard drive will hold all your files and information. It it gets full, you'll need to replace it, or use an external hard drive. When you check out the hard drive specs on a laptop, make sure to get the maximum size hard drive. It's usually best to consider the possibility that you will eventually run out of space.
Ample memory is imperative with a laptop. Technology and software advance rapidly and the key to keeping up is having a laptop that can maintain speed. Though you may not think you need multiple gigabytes of memory, or RAM, you will want it as time goes on. Don't be caught with a slow laptop that cannot keep up a year later.
Be weary of the amount of memory that your laptop comes with. As you start pushing the envelope and getting close to maximum capacity, you will notice it gets slower. Have a portable flash drive or external hard drive to transfer miscellaneous files like videos and music to save the storage on the device itself.
Before buying your laptop online, check the prices at your local brick and mortar store. Sometimes they are the same or even less, especially if you can find an open box or recently returned item. Another advantage is that returns are often easier at a local store since you can avoid the hassle or shipping an item back if you are not satisfied.
Be sure to pin your favorite shortcuts to your START menu to make computer navigation easier. Once you find the right shortcut, right click on it and choose "Pin to Start Menu." This allows you to place an program icon for quick access.
When shopping for a laptop, you should consider what you need it for first, then look at price later. Simply shopping by price alone is a good way to be disappointed later. You want adequate battery life, for instance, especially if you'll be away from a power source for long periods of time. Longer battery life costs money, though.
Make sure to always keep liquids away from your laptop. If any liquid gets on the keyboard of your laptop you could have more than just a mess on your hands. The liquid can fry your laptop's components. You can protect your laptop from any spills with a plastic, custom-built laptop cover.
Consider the speed of your computer when buying a new laptop. A hard drive at 5400 revolutions per minute may save you money but your computer will be noticeably slower. A hard drive at 7200 revolutions per minute will be more expensive but your computer will run much more quickly.
Consider how large of a screen you need before you buy. If your plan is only to watch movies, you still want to think about what size will best suit your needs. Having to stare at an 11-inch screen for 2 hours might cause undue eye strain and headaches.
Shut your laptop down when you are not using it. Laptops can overheat easily, especially on soft surfaces like couches or beds. Protect it and you by keeping it off when you're not using it.
Check reviews before purchasing your new laptop. While a laptop can look great in the store and offer all the bells and whistles, the real test of its level of success is how it performs with users in their homes. By checking online reviews, you can find out how happy others are with their purchases before you buy.
Be ever mindful of keeping your personal financial secrets safe if you own a laptop. Laptops are stolen far more often than you hear about. Either don't keep passwords and personal data on the hard drive, or make sure that the system is so heavily encrypted that no thief can ever hope to crack it.
Keep the cooling and venting system of your laptop clean by using compressed air. Dust can accumulate and clog the vents which can cause overheating. The problem will only get worse until finally the computer breaks. So blowing the dust out of the ventilation system will give your laptop many more years of useful life.
Read your laptop instructions fully before taking it out into the wild. You may think all laptop care is the same, but it definitely isn't! Your laptop may have unique needs based off of the construction, the build materials, and even the ports that are on it. Know what's best for care before it's too late.
After knowing more about laptops, it should be easier for you to get the laptop you really want. Apply the advice you got in this article, and your laptop buying process will be a better experience. You are sure to make a good choice that will bring you lasting happiness. But in the event you need yet another one, you have what it takes to choose the right one.
