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Step 1
Research different laptops and features. View computers on sites such as PC World, Super Warehouse and Laptop Closeout (see Additional Resources). Major electronic stores showcase computers on their websites, as well.
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Step 2
Buy as much memory for your laptop as your budget allows. If you've got memory, you've got the power to run multiple programs at the same time. Don't settle for less than 1GB of RAM--2GB is better.
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Step 3
Pump up the hard drive. No one wants to be forced to burn files onto a CD or, like the old days, copy to floppy disks (remember those?). If you work with sizable files, such as photos or large databases, make sure your new laptop comes with an 80 GB hard drive.
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Step 4
Make sure the laptop computer includes at least a couple USB ports. You'll certainly want to hook up a printer and camera for downloading photos, among other things. Without multiple ports, you'll constantly be plugging in, unplugging, plugging in, unplugging.
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Step 5
Lock in on a 14-inch screen. This is the optimal size for viewing on a laptop. Unless you just can't afford it, buy a notebook computer with a screen that's at least this wide.
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Step 6
Free yourself from the electrical outlet. Buy a second battery with a higher capacity between charges to extend the time you can work without being plugged in.
