There is a lot you have to consider when purchasing a laptop. Screen size, speed and many other factors determine whether the laptop works for your needs. Finding a decent price on a good laptop is also a challenge. Follow the tips below for some advice all about buying laptops.

One of the first things to consider when buying a laptop is if you want a PC or an Apple product. PCs are often considered better gaming units, while Apple products are known for their photo editing abilities. Consider how you will use your laptop when making this important brand decision.

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.

If you are looking for a very light weight laptop, consider a Netbook. Netbooks are light weight, very portable and usually less expensive than traditional laptops. The downside of Netbooks is that they are not as high functioning as traditional laptops. Still, if you are looking for a simplistic laptop with a budget friendly price, this is the way to go.

Consider walking into a store and physically trying a laptop, even if you plan to buy it online. Buying a laptop online is a great idea for a number of reasons, but it can be hard to get a clear idea of what the machine looks like. If you can handle it in a store, you will be more comfortable buying it, whether you buy it right there or online.

The size of your laptop depends on how much you need to travel with it. If you travel frequently, your best option is a small, lightweight computer. The screen and keyboard are small on these computers, but it makes traveling much easier. If you are mostly planning to use your laptop at home, you can go larger.

Make sure that any new laptop you buy comes with a way to return it if it doesn’t work right. Sometimes if you buy a new laptop they will give you a certain amount of time to return it if you have a receipt. Be very careful about this so that you don’t end up with an expensive broken computer.

You must balance the need for security with price when determining whether or not to buy a warranty on your laptop. Warranty options vary from total protection to extremely limited protection. If you are prone to accidents, pay more for the warranty that offers more protection. If you are relatively careful with your belongings, choose a limited warranty.

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.

Make a list of everything that will be needed when you’re using your laptop. For example, do you need it as a cooking resource? If you do, you want a waterproof skin. Use the list you wrote to determine what features are absolutely necessary.

Whether you need a laptop for work, gaming or searching the web, there are a lot of factors you need to consider first. That is where the laptop buying tips listed above really come in handy. Follow the advice above to find a great deal on the perfect laptop for you.