Are you worried about how to choose a laptop for yourself or your friend? Which laptop to buy? What to look for when comparing or buying a laptop computer? We’ll guide you through the available options and tell you which features are most important while deciding which laptop you should select.

Comparing Laptops can be very complicated if you do not know what you’re looking for. Before shopping for a laptop computer or making any laptop comparison, consider how you’ll be using it. This will help you decide what features are important to you. This way you’ll be less likely to pay for expensive extras that you don’t need. If your primary goal is to do some word processing, email or web surfing, a Celeron model with a 12.1-inch screen and 250 GB will be fast enough and could save you hundreds of dollars.

Still confused…Which laptop you should get? What points to consider while buying a laptop? Go through this perfect laptop buying guide on: What specifications to look for when shopping for or comparing laptop computers?

Buying a Laptop- What to look for?

1. The Processor (CPU):

The first thing laptop buyers look at is the processor speed. The CPU determines how quickly a laptop computer runs applications and performs on-screen tasks. The speed is measured in MHz or GHz. Laptops with the latest processors can be very expensive so most people wait for new technology to drop in price before they buy. Alternatively, you can opt for a Celeron Processor , a cut-down and slower version of the Intel Pentium processor which is often used in budget notebooks (aka laptops).

For everyday work such as word processing, email, spreadsheets or surfing, you don’t need the latest or greatest Pentium processor. A Celeron 1.7GHz / Anthlon XP 1800+ is enough for most users. Some users may find a 1.6-GHz Pentium 4-M or slower ideal for your needs. Many people are still using last year’s Pentium III laptops.

2. Memory or RAM:

The more memory there is, the faster the computer. So, you surely need to keep this point in mind when buying a laptop. Look for 2GB – 4GB of memory or more for system memory. Anything less will slow your work if you’re going to be doing more than just word processing on your laptop. Windows 10 and other new applications can quickly use up memory and slow your system down. If your budget is really tight, a laptop computer with 2GB can perform most of the everyday tasks.

For Graphics memory, look for at least 2GB of video RAM particularly if you’re planning to use your laptop for heavy tasks. For most tasks, 4GB of video RAM is recommended.

3. Hard Disk/ Hard Drive:

Most people don’t need more than 100GB but if you work with databases, spreadsheets, digital photo, music or video files you should consider a large drive. A 500GB hard drive is pretty big enough for most activities. The larger the drive, the more data you can keep on your notebook. Most laptop hard drives are easy to remove if you want to keep your data safe.

4. Laptop Screens:

The size of a laptop computer’s LCD screen is quoted as a diagonal measurement. The larger the screen, the higher the maximum resolution and more information you can view at once. Research has shown that a screen larger than 12.1 inches eases eyestrain. A 14” 1024 X 768 screen is the entry level these days.

5. Laptop Batteries:

Lithium-ion batteries usually last longer on one charge than nickel-metal hydride batteries and don’t need to be replaced as often. But, this type of battery is more expensive. If portability is your main priority, you may choose to keep the spec modest and spend more on this feature.

6. Optical and other Devices:

Most cheap laptop computers come standard with either a floppy drive or a CD-ROM drive or both. New laptops come with DVD drives as standard and should allow you to watch films on the move. Most users are finding a CD writer very useful, but these can be pricey. Unless you need a lightweight laptop, opt for one with internal bays for both the floppy drive and the optical drive. This design eliminates time-consuming swapping of devices.

7. Connectors and Extras:

These days laptop computers come fitted with a modem (56K), network port, parallel port and one PC card slot. Also, Built-in Ethernet now comes standard on most laptops. If you intend to use your laptop to connect to digital video devices or other high-speed devices, then you’ll need a FireWire port.

You may like to read: Best All in One Laser and Inkjet Printers for Home use

8. Other Specifications for Buying a Laptop:

Pointing devices such as mice are a matter of taste. Make sure you are comfortable with whatever device you choose. If you’re going to spend long hours using these devices, choose one that’s easy on your fingers. Do you wish to buy a cheap computer desk for saving money? You may like to read – “Ultimate guide to glass computer desk“

Hope you are now aware of what to look for before getting a laptop. Have you checked all the above specifications while deciding which laptop to buy? How much RAM and HDD do you want for your laptop? Do let us know through your valuable comments and help our readers gain some deeper insights on buying a laptop.