Have you ever gone shopping for a new laptop? If so, you probably are aware of how confusing the process can be. There are so many different features and software packages available that it can be hard to know which one you need. Use the following tips to help make the process go more smoothly.

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.

Consider a touchscreen laptop. More and more software for PCs is being created with touchscreen technology in mind, meaning this option will become increasingly essential as time goes on. By purchasing the technology now, you can take advantage of the touchscreen features and not feel a necessity to re-buy another computer for several years.

Know what operating system you would like on your new laptop. In order to cut costs, some of the bargain brands do not put Windows on their new laptops. Know what operating system will be installed on your laptop, and know whether that is acceptable for what you plan to use the laptop for.

Find out whether a new model of the laptop you are considering is about to come out. Many times, the newest model of a laptop is merely the most expensive. Think about getting the model that just went out of season; you’ll save money and still have a laptop that is pretty new.

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.

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.

To keep your hands and fingers from cramping up while you are typing on a laptop, use a wireless keyboard that is the same size as a desktop. That way you have the comfort of a full size set of keys without having to cart around a desktop computer with you.

Ample memory is imperative with a laptop. Technology and software advance rapidly and the key to keeping up is having a laptop that can maintain speed. Though you may not think you need multiple gigabytes of memory, or RAM, you will want it as time goes on. Don’t be caught with a slow laptop that cannot keep up a year later.

To avoid adding even more costs onto the price of your laptop, skip the fancy software. There are plenty of free alternatives available to you, such as Google Docs instead of Microsoft Word. Only purchase software if you must for work or school, and talk to your administrator about discounts available to you before you buy.

To gain the functionality of a visual editor without the larger screen size of a desktop, consider using TinyMCE Advanced. You can produce HTML that is more advanced, as well as support for inline CSS and tables. The image and link dialogues come with more options as well, making it as versatile as many desktop-based editors.

Check out the keyboard before purchasing a laptop. Play around with it and find out if it is comfortable for you. Is there enough space between the keys? Do you like the touchpad, which is used as the mouse? A great laptop could be useless if you do not like the keyboard.

Now that you have read this article, you should find it much easier to go shopping for a new laptop. Sorting through all of the different choices is a lot simpler when you have armed yourself with some good advice. Use the tips you have read to find the perfect laptop.