There are so many choices on the market when it comes to finding the right laptop that it is easy to be overwhelmed. This point is amplified if you have never bought a new computer before, or have not done so since the Clinton administration. Technology has changed a lot in the last couple of years, and the components and features that are available now are simply staggering.
But while a laptop with a 240 GB hard drive might have been top of the line several years ago, that is actually less than most laptop computers that might fall into the budget category now. Additionally, some new leaders in the laptop market have emerged and are certainly worth your time, while some other name brand electronics manufacturers have started producing some competitive machines as well.
So how do you figure out which laptop is the right one for you?
Step 1: Determine your budget.
It is very easy to get caught up in terminology and features on a laptop and wind up overspending for a machine that you cannot afford and probably don’t need. Educating yourself about processors, hard drives and video cards will inevitably put you in a frame of mind where you want the top of the line in every department but, for the most part, typical users do not need that type of functionality.
It’s also very easy to let 20 or 30 dollars above your price point turn into 100. Decide what you want to spend on a computer and stick to it. You will be pleasantly surprised to see what you can find for $500. Don’t ruin the experience of receiving your new laptop by purchasing something that you can’t afford. It will rob you of the enjoyment that comes from the initial use, and you might come to dislike the machine because it has hurt you financially.
Step 2: What are you going to do with it?
This is the point in the shopping experience where you need to decide exactly what you are looking for.
Is this a laptop that you want to take with you while you travel?
Are you going to be doing a lot of gaming?
Do you have a lot of music, videos and pictures that you want to store on your computer?
Do you intend to connect this computer to a TV or projector?
Are you going to be using programs like AutoCAD or Photoshop?
Do you know what a solid state drive (SSD) is? If so, is it worth the added investment and reduced hard drive space?
Do you care how long the battery lasts and how much the computer weighs?
By answering all of the questions above, you are giving yourself a good idea of the components that are important to you. For example, the thought of an ultrabook might be very appealing to you. They are thin, lightweight and have terrific battery life. But are you going to be traveling a lot, or are you often in places where you can’t plug into an outlet? If you answer “no” to these questions then you can save yourself a lot of money by going with a traditional laptop, because you don’t need an ultrabook. And chances are likely that you will enjoy having a CD, DVD or Blu-Ray drive, which is something that most ultrabooks are built without.
So make sure to do some soul-searching and personal reflection to determine exactly what you need and want out of your computer. By being honest with yourself you can probably save some money and put yourself in a position to find the computer that is right for you.
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