Laptops 101: What You Need To Know Before You Buy

Are you trying to get yourself a laptop? Are you interested in saving money on your next laptop? Do you wish that shopping for a laptop was less stressful and worry free? If any of these things are the case for you, then continue reading.

Dedicated graphic chips are a must for people who use their laptops for video gaming and watching HD movies. You may not be able to run these graphics with an integrated graphics system. Do some quick research to see if you’l be best served by a processor for your laptop that has two cores, of if you need one that has a quad-core chip.

TIP! Your laptop computer will last longer and run better if you keep it from overheating with a laptop cooling pad. Excess heat is among the most common causes of laptop trouble.

Look at testimonials and reviews from people before buying a laptop. New laptops are gorgeous and exciting, but you may discover unpleasant truths down the road. That’s why it’s a smart idea to look at what other owners are saying about it.

You may need one with an integrated graphics system.Choose a dedicated graphics chip if you think you need it in your video processor.

When you are transporting your laptop around outside of the house, care must be given as to how it is handled. Purchase a well-made bag that will keep your computer from getting too banged around. Swinging around your computer or consistent banging from walking or slinging it around can cause damage that you may not notice at first.

TIP! Because laptops travel around a lot with their owners, the risk of having an accident can be high. Consider getting an extended plan that provides some protection when you purchase a laptop.

You will usually pay full retail for the software. You can buy the software from a less expensive retailer and install it yourself in minutes. You may just find that you can save twenty or more on your purchase.

You should have a cooler when you buy your laptop. You may not know how hot the bottom of your laptop can get pretty hot. Your thighs can also get hot if you don’t have a way of keeping them cool.

A large screen is enticing, but it is not always convenient. A screen that is 17 inches or larger will have a heavy weight, and may soon prove to be a chore to transport. Large screens also cause the battery to drain quickly.

TIP! If you’re not sure what type of laptop to buy, think about what you will primarily use it for in order to help make a decision. Some computers are built for gaming, while others are more appropriate for work.

You may not see the need initially; however, but you never know what you might need later. Upgrading can be far more cost effective than a brand new computer. Think about this prior to making a purchase.

When purchasing a laptop, do keep in the mind the ones that are slightly more than what you originally wanted to spend. Technology is always changing, and basic laptops get outclassed quickly. A slight increase can make your laptop lasts for several years.

A graphics chip is an integral part of your computer. If you only need basic functionality from a laptop, then an integrated graphics card is enough. If you like gaming, video and films, a graphics chip can enhance your experience. Workstations and gaming laptops have the best graphics cards.

TIP! You probably don’t need a laptop with the most computing power available for everyday use. Unless you will playing video games, it is not necessary to get a fast motherboard and lots of RAM.

Size is important when looking for a new laptop. Laptops tend to range in sizes ranging from 13 to 17 inches diagonally. If you are replacing a desktop with a laptop, a 17″ version may be best. If you want portability, you may want a 13″ one.

Think about a tablet computer if you only plan to use a laptop for your entertainment. The great thing about tablets are the ease of which you can be used for downloading apps and that means you’ll always have access to your software.

Be sure to pin your favorite shortcuts to your START menu to make computer navigation easier. Once you’ve found the shortcut, you can right click and select “Pin to Start.” The icon you need will now appear all the time in your Start menu options, rather than remaining in the All Programs folder.

TIP! After buying your laptop, make sure you continue to test it thoroughly. There is usually a 30-day return policy on these machines.

Be a savvy shopper when in the market for a new laptop. Check out the laptops available at regular stores in physical stores. Play around with the computers to make sure they fit you can find one that you’re comfortable with. After you have found the computer you want, search online for special deals.

Avoid buying a laptop on brand name. Know what the hardware inside different laptops so you can figure out if a cheaper model will work for you. You may get a much better deal if you buy a laptop made by companies not many people know about.

When buying a laptop, find out how old the model is and when the newer version of it is coming out. There are two important reasons for making this your purchase time. The first reason is that older models become cheaper, so you save money. The second is new models can show you what they have to offer, which might be good.

TIP! Shop around, check the Internet and look at sales papers before purchasing your new laptop. Once you have decided on the computer you want to buy, check out several websites to see what sales and offers are available.

If the laptop of your dreams happens to be out of your practical price-range by a few hundred dollars, consider getting a refurbished one. The cost can be quite low, and if you get a decent warranty, there isn’t much risk. Most refurbs have no problems for their owners and put the best models open to everyone.

Graphics Chip

If you want a light, affordable computer, go for a “no drive bay” option. You’ll save lots of money by not having the drives. You could also get a portable DVD drive to connect to your laptop via USB for less than a hundred dollars.

TIP! When buying a laptop, keep in mind that different brands have different reputations. Check out a variety of brands to see what others are saying.

A major component to your laptop will be the graphics chip. Integrated graphic chips are sufficient for performing basic laptop functions. If you want to use your computer for entertainment, you’ll want a graphics chip that provides better performance. The very best graphics are typically found on laptops designated for gaming or workstations.

A lot of the laptops are produced without DVD drives. The reason is that the content shifts toward online streaming media. If you plan on ripping discs or watching DVDs in your laptop, you’ll need to check that the laptop you’re going to buy will come with a DVD drive.

For those who love playing games or need work programs with intensive memory, a dedicated card for graphics is not really an option you must have. A dedicated graphics card will greatly reduce battery life and are typically power hogs. Most people never use the GPU as much as they think they will.

TIP! If laptops worry you due to security concerns, get one with an additional layer of protection. There are laptops these days that use facial recognition and fingerprints to log on, so this will not be an issue.

After you travel with your laptop in hot or cold weather, don’t boot up your system if it is not at room temperature. This moisture can cause damage to your computer.

Are you prepared to go purchase a new laptop? You should now understand a little bit more. Do you know feel competent when it comes to purchasing a laptop? Get started shopping now!

If you are considering buying a laptop, check the Sunday paper. Sunday is the normal day to find sales advertisements. The expense of a paper can quickly diminish when offset by laptop offers and bargains.