Some people may ask friends and family for advice when it comes to buying a new laptop. If you don’t know any computer savvy people, what can you do to get great advice? This article has been written by those who know all about buying a laptop, so you can read it and enjoy the tips within!

Before beginning laptop shopping, get an idea of the kind of work that you expect to get out of it. You may find that you really don’t need the super-expensive top of the line model for the work you really need to do. This can save you a lot of money.

Get on the mailing list of different laptop brands. You will be able to get insiders-only discounts and coupon codes. When you are in the market for a new laptop, you might get just the coupon you need to make a purchase. Sometimes, a good coupon will help you make up your mind.

Before buying that netbook, really consider whether you’ve got the processing power that you need in the machine. Netbooks are amazing on battery but typically poor performers in terms of power. If you are using the machine for emails and light word processing, you’ll be ok. But if you are looking for more, then another option may be better.

Battery life is an important consideration when you are considering the purchase of a laptop computer. Check how long the manufacturer says the battery will last, but keep in mind that your actual usage may affect this number. If you intend to use your laptop for more than 3 or 4 hours, plan on an extra battery or someplace to plug it in and recharge.

Consider accessories you will use when purchasing a laptop. From a backpack to wireless mouse to case, these pieces will add up. Find the best price for these accessories and include their costs in your budget.

Are you afraid of your laptop being stolen? Invest in a tracking software such as CyberAngel Security, Absolute Software’s Lojack for laptops or TheLaptopLock (which is free). These increase the chances of recovering your laptop by pinpointing the location of the registered notebook once it connects onto the Web.

Large screens may look very good, but they are not always convenient for a versatile laptop. A screen that exceeds 17 inches is going to make your laptop about 7 lbs or so and that can be hard to move around with you. Larger screens also use more battery power.

Always think like a smart shopper when purchasing a laptop. Look at laptops in person at the store. Get a hands-on feel for your prospective machine in order to verify that it will work for you. After finding a laptop you like, search online for special deals.

Consider selecting a laptop with a higher pixel count. Your pixel count will determine how clear the images on your screen are, and this can make it easier to view pictures, watch movies and play games. While most budget laptops offer lower pixel count, this is one area where it might be worthwhile to pay a little more for something better.

If you want to be able to connect your computer to your television screen, you need a VGA port. You also need a newer model television that can accommodate your laptop. This option give you a much bigger screen to work with. You can also use it to watch videos from your computer on your television.

Choose a reputable brand when buying your new laptop. Your computer is only as strong as the brand name behind it, and you might find this out if you have to contact customer service for any reason. You want a company that honors the warranty it offers and assists you with updates or other needs too.

Investigate the available memory for your laptop computer. This will allow you to know when you need to remove programs so you can free some space up. Greater available memory will help the computer run faster as well.

With each tip you’ve read today, your knowledge about buying a laptop has gotten a little bigger. As you go out and shop, you will find these tips easily play into making your process simple and straightforward. If you start to use them, your laptop will be in your hands in no time.