When people are looking to purchase a new computer, it is no wonder why they would turn to laptops. After all, one can carry one around wherever they go. But, everyone has different needs in a laptop, which is why it is so important to do your homework on them first. The following advice is a great start.

Make sure you know how much space the laptop will have. This should be something you either read where you’re buying it, or something you ask to the person selling it. This represents how much you can store on your computer. You want to be able to have something that you can work with when you need a lot of space for things like video files.

When looking at laptops, really consider battery power. Since this is an on-the-go machine, the amount of battery you have is very important. A laptop that only gets two to three hours of battery life may be of no real use to you if you’re constantly on the road. Weigh power against battery life very carefully.

When purchasing a new laptop, ask if you have the option of trading in your old computer. Many manufacturers will allow this, and it can save you several hundred dollars on your new laptop purchase. The old laptop is often refurbished and resold, meaning less waste going into landfills as well.

As you buy a laptop, be sure you get a cooling pad also. One thing you might not realize is that the bottom of a laptop can get quite warm. In order to keep your own thighs cool, buy something to put in between them and the computer.

If you don’t plan on carrying your new laptop around much, consider buying a full-sized 15 inch screen. It will offer you the best viewing options, as well as being the most cost-effective you can get. They are a little heavier than their smaller counterparts, but pound for pound, worth their viewing pleasure.

Before purchasing a laptop decide what you will be using it for. If it will be more business oriented you can probably go for a cheaper model that can do word, excel, and basic internet functions. If it will be your portable gaming device, you’ll want to invest more to ensure performance.

To keep your laptop from getting damaged, set drinks on a coaster instead of just on your desk. Glasses and cans can condense, and the water that runs down the side of the container can get on your working surface and then run under the laptop, damaging components. Water and your laptop are not compatible.

When you buy a new laptop, spring for a DVD drive on it. While going without one may seem feasible, especially considering the lower price, you could really be up the creek when it comes to installation or repair. When you need to put new software on, update it, or perhaps fix an existing problem, being able to use a disc is essential.

If the laptop of your dreams happens to be out of your practical price-range by a few hundred dollars, think about getting a refurbished model. If it has a good warranty and the price is good, you don’t have much to lose. Many of them do not pose any threat to owners and put good models within anyone’s reach.

Look for a laptop with a matte screen for a glare-free experience in all lights. Shiny screens reflect light from the sun and other sources. This is terrible for your eyesight. It might also be the cause of frequent headaches. To avoid this, look for the laptop model you want with a matte screen.

If you constantly carry your laptop with you, invest in a laptop bag. There are many styles and prices available. To get the most protection, opt for one that has a sleeve with built-in padding. If you want a less conspicuous bag, choose a stand-alone sleeve which covers your laptop and place it in your briefcase or backpack.

In conclusion, the fact that laptops can be brought anywhere is one of the many reasons as to why these devices are so popular. However, since no one laptop is the same, it is crucial to know what to look for in one if you want one to fit your needs. Use the above advice to help you with your search.