How to Look for the Best Versatile Laptop Computer

With a laptop, you can take your work with you anywhere.

Since 2008, laptop computer sales have surpassed desktops in the retail market, according to the U.S. Quarterly PC Tracker. Laptops offer many advantages over a desktop. Most importantly, laptops are portable, allowing you to carry your work with you wherever you go. Laptops have also become more powerful, letting you perform tasks like photo, video and audio editing on the go. Finally, laptops are extremely affordable these days. If you know what to look for, it is easy to get a good deal on a powerful laptop.

Instructions

1. Do the background research on what laptop you want to buy. Since hardware specifications are updated every few months, it's helpful to look at computer review sites like CNET and ArsTechnica. CNET's "Best Laptops" section has lists of the best laptops in several categories. This research will allow you to set your budget.

2. Decide your laptop's configuration. Major manufacturers use the same major components. Important specifications are processor, RAM and hard drive size. A good rule of thumb is to get as much RAM as you can, and the biggest hard drive without paying extra for hard drive speed. Processor speed makes little difference in everyday computing performance. However, keep in mind the screen size to weight ratio--a 17-inch screen will increase the weight of your laptop, reducing portability.

3. Start comparison shopping. There's always a sale going on somewhere. In general, Dell and NewEgg always have good prices. There are also many sites that list current sales and deals, for example Gizmodo's "Gadget Deals of the Day." A name brand laptop bought from a trusted site will save you headaches later on.

4. Look into refurbished or returned models. They are often significantly cheaper than brand-new laptops, but carry the same warranties. Oftentimes, you'll be able to buy an upgraded laptop with the same budget. Most online retailers stock these models, but you'll have to look around. Dell has a big refurbished computer store that offers the same warranties.

5. Buy your laptop. Avoid all extra peripherals such as mice or services like extended warranties. If you want to buy extra hardware, such as mice, keyboards and speakers, buy them separately. You will find better prices.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy the most RAM within your price range. This will always help performance.

• Remember to incorporate shipping into your final budget. Look for sites that offer free shipping. Most retailers offer shipping discounts during sale periods (Black Friday, Christmas, etc). Otherwise, Gizmodo's "Gadget Deals of the Day" page and other deal aggregator sites list free shipping offers.

• Don't buy the fastest or latest processor. It's more expensive, with imperceptible performance gains.

• Don't get home installation services or tune-ups. They are overpriced and unnecessary.

References

• CNET: Best 5 Laptops
• IDC: Notebook Shipments Surpass Desktops in the U.S. Market for the First Time

Resources

• Gizmodo: Gadget Deals of the Day