When you seek out information online about buying a new laptop, do you wonder which articles can be trusted? Do you fear that what you are reading is just marketing material intended to get you to buy? This article has been written to provide you with honest facts about shopping for a laptop, so check out the tips below.

Before you start shopping for a new laptop, decide how much money you can spend on it know what you will be using it for. If you simply need a laptop for business or school, you can get a great laptop for less than one thousand dollars. In this case, make sure Microsoft Office is already loaded onto your computer.

Consider purchasing your next laptop online. By doing this, you can compare brands from the convenience of your own home. You can also compare prices from different retailers. Many online retailers do not have a brick and mortar store, and the reduced overhead this offers then is often passed on to the consumers.

If you are limited on space, consider a laptop as a desktop replacement. Laptops are smaller and lighter than desktop computers, making them a good option for a small student desk or smaller apartment space. They are also more expensive though, and that should be taken into consideration when making a purchase.

Do not think that a more expensive laptop is a better laptop. A more expensive laptop isn’t always the best. Sometimes, you are only buying the brand name. Make sure you buy a laptop for the specs, instead.

If you don’t understand something in the description of a laptop, give the company a call. This will get you the answer to your question, and you’ll also be able to get in touch with customer service. The company’s customer service may help you determine whether that is a company you want to do business with.

Think about the keyboard on the laptop you want to buy. Is it comfortable? Most laptops allow you to plug in another keyboard if you choose to, but try to get a laptop with a keyboard that will be comfortable you right away. Get a feel for how close together the keys are, for example.

Always check battery life expectations for a laptop. If you are often on the go, having the longest battery life possible will be imperative. The specs that you see for battery usage can often refer to a laptop running at minimal settings. Look at the specs and judge this based on your expected needs.

Don’t be isinformed when shopping or thinking about netbooks. It is a misconception to think of a netbook as just a small laptop. A netbook is for checking email and light Internet use, whereas a laptop is capable of so much more. Don’t get a netbook when you really need a laptop.

Test the mouse and keyboards for comfort and functionality. You want to make sure your hands feel comfortable using these devices. Test the mouse touch pad to make sure it responds well to your touch. You can always add a mouse or keyboard if you plan on using the laptop at home. Put if you plan to use it on the go, you will have to rely on the attached devices.

These tips have been filled with the information you need to succeed. As long as you are able to find a laptop which suits you, our job here is done. Go out and start shopping to find the model that offers you the best features and enjoy it once you bring it home!