When you’re thinking of getting a laptop, or you just need some advice on how to use one, this article is for you. Here you’ll learn the basics of laptops so that you know what you’re doing with one. Keep on reading if this is something that you need to learn about.

Before buying any laptop, it is important to consider what you will be using the laptop for. For example, if you will be using your laptop to primarily play games, you need one that has a graphics card. If, on the other hand, you will be using your laptop to do business presentations, you will need one that comes with the necessary programs.

Consider the weight of each computer while you are shopping. Most laptops are less than 5 pounds, which is important if you will be using your computer while on the go. Although some laptops focus on mobility issues, these computers are often more expensive. Consider buying a computer with a smaller screen.

Read online consumer reviews prior to shopping for a laptop. New laptops always look great and seem like great deals, but you might see that later you would’ve wished that you knew more about them. That’s why you should look at what other owners have to say about it.

If you travel a lot, buy a laptop with a durable exterior shell. Some business laptops are created with travel in mind, and this can help them to withstand the bumps and bruises that often come along with frequent flyer miles you might accrue. Always ask about this feature before making your final purchase.

Consider online reviews when you want to buy a laptop online. While reviews should be taken with a grain of salt, it can help you see if the model you want is worth buying. Many times, these reviews will contain important information on how great or poor a model is and what their experience was. This can save you a lot of frustration and money if you know what to buy or avoid.

Look for a laptop with a hard drive that will offer the kind of storage you need. Laptops are designed for portability, which means you do not want to drag an external hard drive as well. Understand that software, music and videos take a lot of space, and target a hard drive that will give you ample storage.

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.

Check out online reviews of the various laptop manufacturers before you go shopping. There are some brands, such as Asus, which are highly regarded, while others are considered to be lower end and less than impressive. The more you know, the better informed you will be to make a purchase decision.

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.

Set a realistic budget before you start shopping for a laptop, and stick to it. Many people start shopping and spend far more than they need or can afford. Knowing how you will be using your laptop will help with establishing your budget. If you are in need of a workhorse device, your budget will need to be larger. If you want more simplicity, set your budget accordingly.

Many of the newer laptops are not coming with DVD/Blu-ray drives. Since a lot of users are now getting their media content via online streaming, this makes sense for them. If you rip discs or watch DVDs, you’ll need to check that the laptop you’re going to buy will come with a DVD drive.

It’s pretty easy to see now why a lot of people have laptops. They’re portable, and they’re not that difficult to use. Just remember that the next time you need a laptop, you should put the things you’ve read here into practice. This will save you a lot of time and money.