There are several things you need know when shopping for laptops. If you don’t, you will only have the advice from a salesperson. Utilize this advice to make a smart choice when buying a laptop. Take home the laptop of your dreams, not the one a store needed to get rid of.

A convertible laptop is great for if you want a tablet and a laptop. These laptops offer you both in one machine, and of course you’re going to spend less.

You should have look for dedicated graphic chips in a laptop if you are interested in playing games and watching HDTV movies. Without that, you may find that other laptops with integrated graphics could have trouble keeping up with your needs. Decide whether you require a quad-core chip or a dual-core processor.

Check for the ability to upgrade RAM and the hard drive for the laptop you plan to buy. You may need extra storage space and added speed later on. Upgrading is usually cheaper than purchasing a whole new laptop. Think this over prior to making your choice.

When searching for a laptop, consider its battery life. Though you may not have your laptop on the go often, constant recharging can be frustrating. Try to get a battery that lasts at least four hours if you’re not going to be far from a power outlet and then five if you can’t get to one.

You should always consider size when thinking about what laptop to purchase. Laptop sizes are typically 13 to 17 inches when measuring diagonally. If you will be using your laptop like a desktop, then you need at least a 17 inch monitor. If you want portability, then choose a smaller 13″ laptop.

Don’t get confused over netbooks. Lots of folks believe netbooks to be small versions of laptops, but that is not entirely accurate. Netbooks are convenient lightweight devices for web surfing and checking email, but they lack the true processing power of a proper laptop. When you are in the market for a laptop, you should avoid netbooks.

Create a type of exacting list for what you plan on using your laptop for. For instance, will it accompany you into the kitchen so you can view recipes? If you plan to do this, your laptop should be equipped with a waterproof skin. Use a list you come up with to learn which features you have to have.

You need to concern yourself with how you carry your laptop when on the go. You should invest in a sturdy, padded case that doesn’t swing around as you carry it. Swinging around your computer or consistent banging from walking or slinging it around can cause damage that you may not notice at first.

Think about a tablet if you’re only going to use a laptop for fun. Tablets are great for downloading apps, so any software you like will always be available to you. Tablets of course can often connect to your keyboard wirelessly so that it gives you more available functions.

A laptop computer which you’re going to need to carry around is going to get into more accidents than a desktop would, so you may want to get yourself a protection plan. This will save you money if your computer gets damaged in transit. Make sure and read the coverage details before you spend your money.

Large screens aren’t the best if you want a laptop that is portable. It can be difficult to lug around seven or eight pounds of computer wherever you go. Screen are also responsible for draining batteries, and the larger the screen means even more battery drain.

Shop smart when you shop for a laptop. Go to electronic stores to check out the laptops. Play around with whatever models you can to make certain that you are happy with your choice. After weighing your choices, you can then search online for special offers on that model.

Consider getting a laptop that is refurbished. These prices can be appealing if they have a good warranty to keep risks down. Most people don’t run into problems and are completely happy that they got the laptop of their dreams for a price they could afford.

Watch how much memory you have left. This will give you a good idea of when it will be time to remove any programs you don’t need in order to free up space. When you have more available memory, your laptop runs faster.

Many factors go into the decision of a particular laptop. Don’t allow the company selling it to make your decisions. Use these tips to your advantage. It will make the experience much easier.