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Step 1
Set your budget for the laptop. You can get a computer with the basic essentials for school for $500. Keep in mind that the more you spend, the more extras (i.e., software, memory, hard drive space) you will have.
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Step 2
Select a laptop that has a monitor large enough for your viewing pleasure. Screens range in size from 12 to 17 inches. Creating documents and doing research for school can be done on the average 14.1-inch laptop. Larger monitors will reduce eyestrain and possible headaches, but smaller laptops can lighten your load.
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Step 3
Consider the weight of the laptop. If you plan to carry your computer to classes with you, know that large laptops can weigh 7 lbs. While that doesn't seem heavy, it can cause a strain on your back. Fortunately, there are ultralight computers available that are only 4 to 5 lbs.
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Step 4
Check out the battery life on any laptop you are interested in, especially if you plan to use it away from the AC adapter a lot. Some batteries can last up to 7 hours. If you buy a smaller one, purchase a back-up battery or get a laptop that will store an extra power pack.
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Step 5
Determine the amount of memory you need. 1GB of RAM is recommended for those who just need a laptop for school purposes. If you plan to play games or watch videos on your computer, you may want to opt for up to an additional 128 MB of memory.
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Step 6
Consider the amount of hard drive space you will need. If you are just storing basic documents and photos on your laptop, the standard 80 GB hard drive is sufficient. If you need more space in the future, you can purchase a portable, external hard drive to supplement your computer.
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Step 7
Laptops can come with 2 to 6 USB ports, which are the connection sites for your printer, scanner, MP3 Player, microphone and gaming controllers. Your need will depend on how many accessories you will want to connect to your computer at once, so choose a number of USB ports that will be sufficient.
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Step 8
If your laptop will be more portable than stationary, invest in the warranty that is offered with it. It can get some general wear and tear from being carried in a backpack every day, so you should opt for this extra protection.
