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Step 1
Understand the market. Almost every computer company makes laptops, so your choice will be seemingly infinite. The basic issue is Mac vs. PC, but the decision goes beyond that; within the PC category are brands like Dell, Gateway, IBM, etc. Consider any outstanding preference you may have for a particular company's product, based on past experience or recommendations you trust.
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Step 2
Prioritize your needs. Are you planning on doing design work? Will you be playing a lot of games to unwind? Generally speaking, Mac computers are better for design work. Then again, if all you need are the basic functions (word processing, internet, email, etc.), most of the models out there are more than capable of handling those minimal operations.
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Step 3
Finding the right laptop is all about feel. Go out and test a lot of models before you make your decision. You probably won't think much of the differences in feel before you have the computer in front of you, but they are important. For example: How does the mouse work? Is it a finger pad, or a ball? Where is it? Which is easier for you?What is the keyboard like? Is it smaller, and are the keys bunched right next to one another? Is this a problem? Does the unit open easily?These are all important questions that cannot be answered except in person. Either go to stores (like an Apple store or Best Buy) and test out the different types of laptops, or ask to borrow a friend's and fool around on it for an hour or so.
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Step 4
Think light. One of the most important factors in your decision should be the weight ofthe laptop. These machines are designed to be mobile, and you will probably be taking yours to and from class, to the library, etc. So the last thing you want is a heavy model. Every laptop weighs a different amount, and you would probably be surprised at how much they can vary. When you are shopping, be sure to test for weight (any store will let you). Think about how it would feel to lug a particular laptop across campus or on a plane with you when you go home.
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Step 5
Laptops do not come with much software on them, so make sure you get what you need. This means usually some sort of word-processing bundle that also includes a spreadsheet program, a database program and sometimes a presentation tool, like Microsoft Powerpoint.At school, odds are you might need to create a presentation or two, so make sure to buy Powerpoint or something like it. The other office-bundle software will come in handy too.Of course, you can always buy software at any time (it does not have to be installed right away), but it's easier to buy it all up front.
