How to Buy a Laptop Computer

Guide Note Buying a laptop computer is crucial to doing any work on the go, whether that means jetsetting all over or simply being able to work from the couch instead of at your desk. New laptops have come down in price over the years, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs fairly easily.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Step 1: Do Your Research
Step 2: Factors to Consider
Step 3: Buying New or Buying Used
Conclusion

Laptop Buying Tips

Decide how you want to use your laptop before doing any research.
Your lifestyle and your profession, as well as the environment you work in, will dictate the type of laptop that's right for you.
Read up on the specs of popular laptops and determine how much you want to spend before waltzing into a retail outlet.
Buy a new laptop, not a used one that might have been dropped and banged around a lot by a previous owner.
But do remember to recycle your old machine and think about how to save energy with your new laptop.

Technology How Tos

by Tracy C.

Introduction

If you're reading this, you've likely already solved the laptop vs. desktop dilemma, and have decided that a laptop, or notebook, is the right computer for your current needs.¹ Going forward, you'll need to assess exactly what it is your require of your computer and whether this will be your primary workstation or another model to add to your stable of memory machines. Consider the main points below—price, memory, weight and extras—before making any purchases.

Step 1: Do Your Research

As with any significant purchase, you'll want to think carefully about the factors of a laptop computer that are important to you and make your choice after thoughtful consideration.

Before anything else, read Mahalo's guide to How to Buy a Computer to understand some of the vocabulary you'll need to make your laptop decision.

Manufacturers often let you choose exactly what components you want in your laptop. (Creative Commons photo by danja vasiliev)
If you're unclear about what laptops are popular with users right now, check out NotebookReview.com's list of "Most Popular Laptops" to get started.²
You'll also need to get past the Mac versus PC debate. According to a recent Consumer Reports piece, Apple's operating system is as good as Microsoft Windows, and Apple computers may now be "less susceptible to most viruses and spyware" than their Windows counterparts.³
Companies like Dell made customizing your computer common practice. If you choose to custom-order your laptop computer, watch how different options will affect price and be sure you are clear on exactly what you want and why you want it.³
You can also buy a computer at a retail store that is pre-configured to specifications that are widely popular.³
For great "out of the box" laptops, see PC Magazine's list and don't worry about DIY custom computers.⁴

Helpful Sites for Laptop Research

NotebookReview.com regularly updates its site with reviews of new laptops.⁵
Laptop Magazine has a comprehensive buying guide tailored to different types of users.⁶
Business Week's reviews of popular laptops are helpful to get a general sense of the market.⁷
Consumer Reports has a good page on laptop ratings.³

Step 2: Factors to Consider

The primary factors to consider when buying a new laptop will depend on what you want to use it for (school, business, as a desktop replacement or simply something to take along on trips). Beyond that, the major areas to learn about include price, performance, weight, battery life, hard drive size and screen size. Before launching into these specifics, see Mahalo's guide to How to Buy a Computer for a review of these areas.

Price

Research your purchase to make sure your laptop fits perfectly into your life. (Creative Commons photo by Jérôme)

Good news: in the past few years, the price of a laptop has dwindled.

At one end of the spectrum, you can get an Asus Eee PC for $400, which gets you a seven-inch screen and basic memory and capabilities. (Consumer Reports says they recommend it for only "basic tasks like web browsing and word processing.")⁸
From there you can spend a whole lot more, so think about your budget before you even start looking. Try to look for a computer within your price range that will meet your needs.⁸
Consistently scour NotebookReview.com's list of deals to find a good price on a laptop.⁹
Look at Laptop.com's advice on budget laptops if you're looking to spend less than $1000.¹⁰

Performance

What we call "performance" will essentially encompass processing speed and memory, as well as additional bells and whistles.

Consumer Reports suggests foregoing additional processing speed in favor of more memory, noting that most available processors are speedy enough, but memory can always use a boost.³
The performance you require in a laptop will be dictated by your intended use. To that end, consult Laptop.com's Buying Guide to determine what category of laptop buyer you fall into: business person, student, etc. Obviously a graphic designer will have different needs than someone who just wants a laptop to surf the internet.⁶
The buying guide will also lead you to the right type of laptop if you're trying to replace your desktop altogether or work in an environment (outdoors, moving vehicles, etc.) that makes the durability of your laptop particularly important.⁶

Weight/Size

The point of most laptops is to be portable. To that end, you'll need to think about exactly how much computer you want to carry around.

The newest in the Apple group of laptops is the MacBook Air, weighing in at 3 pounds and measuring a mere three-quarters of an inch. But all that "air" comes at a price, making the MacBook Air one of the most expensive laptops currently available (it starts at $1799).⁸

There are all shapes and sizes of laptops available to suit your specific needs. (Creative Commons photo by Matt Biddulph)
The budget-conscious Asus Eee PC is a tiny 7-inch screen and weighs just 2 pounds for less than $400 (but you may sacrifice some memory).
Laptops are considered lightweight (otherwise known as "ultraportable") if they weigh less than four pounds, so if you're looking for something easy to carry, that should be your benchmark.¹¹
Often, an ultraportable laptop will be fairly small, which means your screen will also be small. Thus, you'll want to think about what is more important to you: how heavy your laptop is or how big your screen will be.
There are some models that are extremely lightweight and feature large screens, but these are some of the most expensive laptops on the market. HP's Pavilion HDX is a good example: lightweight with a twenty-inch screen for $2,000. (Though it received high marks from reviewers.)⁸
In addition to weight, you'll also want to think about ergonomics. Look for a keyboard that tilts slightly and a touchpad that's easy to use.³

Step 3: Buying New or Buying Used

Though many products are great deals after they've been "pre-owned" (think used cars, for example), a computer isn't necessarily something to get off Craig's List.

Laptops topped MSN Money's recent list of the ten things you shouldn't buy used because of how often a laptop is likely to be dropped or mistreated before you get your hands on it.¹²
The financial gurus over at MSN Money also recommend getting an extended warranty including tech support for any laptop you buy new—an option you likely won't have with a used computer.¹²
As exciting as the new, new thing can be, be sure that you aren't buying more computer than you need. Evaluate the next-gen laptop features currently available (and if they're worth it) before you get talked into spending more than you'd budgeted.¹³
Be sure to evaluate how green your new laptop will be, and don't forget to recycle the computer you're replacing!¹⁴

Conclusion

Remember that the laptop market moves pretty quickly. Sites like the aforementioned NotebookReview.com and Laptop.com are great because they are constantly updating their information and reviews, keeping you abreast of any new computers that become available. With careful research and a little restraint, you'll find a laptop computer that suits your needs and your budget, as well as that desire to work from home every now and again.