Buying an expensive device is not easy. It entails many questioning and asking advice from friends, relatives and officemates. There are some stores that give leaflets wherein the price and the feature of the product are clearly understandable. Buying a laptop should meet up your personal needs. For this reason I have listed some guidelines which can help you in making decision when it comes to laptop buying.

As what the users require, we may classify needs under four special categories. 1. For students; both in high school and in college 2. For business use 3. For surfing the internet 4. For important operations like processing of multi-media applications

In this case you have to have knowledge about a laptop; its parts, operations, and quality. Here are some basic concepts that comprise the backbone of any laptop.

1. Processor: The prices of the laptop are largely depending on the processor it supports. There is ample range of processors nowadays. This includes Intel Core Duo, Intel Celeron M, AMD’s Turion X2, and so on. Intel Core Duo Processor series like T7200/7300/T7400/T7500 is highly suggested for a laptop to be used as desktop substitute. It is can also be used for running high-end multimedia applications or to have a fun gaming experience. While, Intel Celeron Processor is priced fairly and is best for running office applications. Laptops which have AMD processors are both practically priced and optimized for realistic processing speed. This laptop fits the needs of the students, since it is has a reasonable price and these models are good in accessing the internet.

2. Installed Memory: this is the most important factor to consider next to processor. Modern laptops today support DDR Memory. 1GB is enough for processing office documents, or fro running applications and is great fro internet surfing. But Windows Vista needs to have a minimum of 2GB memory. Therefore, it is more advisable to find a laptop with even up to 3-4 GB if you have some reasons for doing so. Also, you have to check well to confirm the amount of installed memory.

3. Hard Disk Space: Laptops with 80GB to 160GB space is a good choice for all purposes. I think space is not a problem unless you have intended to keep all your collections in your dear laptop hard drive.

4. Screen Size: this is one constraint that is to be take note of with precision for laptop to be used as a substitute for desktop counterpart. Go with 17”-19” screen size, while 14”-16” monitor size will keep the laptop handy without compromising its usability. On the other hand, laptop with 13.3” or less monitor size are frequently referred to as Ultra Portable model because obviously you can travel very comfortable and light while you carry the set with you. While laptop with monitor size of 10” or less is termed as Netbook. It offers more flexibility in terms of portability but may not be the best choice when it comes to presentation purposes.

5. Portability and Weight: Ultra Portable model weighing less than 2.5 lbs. is the best option to consider. If you plan to move a lot carrying the laptop weighing 7lbs. , I think it not a very exciting experience.

6. Battery: Present laptop uses lithium ion batteries with lots of new models using the new lithium polymer technology. Usual battery life for standard laptops is two to five hours for not-so-heavy operations. When you have chosen a particular model, read reviews about the model and its battery performance. This is, if you want to rely more on battery.

7. Networking and Connectivity: It is advantageous for every modern laptop to have support for different connectivity interfaces like Ethernet Card, built-in 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth connectivity, and to have built in modem. A laptop that features expansion ports like USB 2.0 ports, DVI, RJ-45, RJ-11, and cable lock slot offers better suppleness in terms of its usage.

8. Built-in Components: For laptops to be used for internet access, browsing, online networking or communications, or for playing multimedia files, or for gaming purposes the one that comes with built-in stereo speakers with microphone, and a webcam is a good selection. In particular, Webcam is very crucial for online interactions.

9. Graphics Card: NVIDIA or ATI graphics card is always the best preference for individual who wants to run graphics applications.

10. Warranty: Lastly, it is best to know that the warranty provided by the manufacturer is genuine and legal.

To end this, it is safer to address your needs first before buying a laptop. Always keep a balance between your requirements and the features to meet up with your allotted budget before purchasing a brand new laptop.