If you're out looking to buy a new laptop, be warned ... there are a ton of things to consider before you before the machine. From battery life, screen size, USB ports to processor technology, there are many factors one needs to run through before deciding on the perfect laptop.



This article shows you what I deem to be 8 important factors in deciding which laptop to buy.

1. How Will You Use The Laptop?

If you want the laptop for simple emailing or word processing, you're obviously not interested in a machine with the best processor and 4GB of RAM. If you want the laptop for portability, you'd go for an ultraportable rather than a rugged, bulky model. If you need it for video editing, processing power becomes extremely important - plus you'll likely need a Firewire port too.

So it's critical to consider the intended usage of the laptop before deciding which model to buy.

2. Consider The Laptop Weight

One of the most important factors is the weight of the laptop. If you need the laptop anywhere you go, it is a bad idea to get a heavy desktop replacement. You want an ultraportable instead. Also, remember to compare the travel weight - not the system weight. The travel weight is effectively the laptop itself plus the power adapter (usually around 0.75 pounds) and an optical drive. The total weight of these things can add significantly to the overall package.

3. Think About Battery Life

One of the most frustrating things about laptops is the limited battery life. Make sure you choose a machine with the best battery life (minimum 4 hours). Remember that a smaller laptop also comes with smaller batteries - and these don't last as long as a large battery in a bulkier system.

4. Bigger Equals More Rugged

If you are considering a rugged laptop as a purchase choice, then a heavier machine is almost certainly your best bet. A small system with tightly integrated components is likely to break apart compared to a bulkier unit with room for extra bracing.

Add to the that the rugged exterior, and you have a wonderful winner of a laptop here. Last I checked this unit was going for about $1500.

5. Do You Need High-Res?

Many laptops tout high resolution displays as their selling points. However, you need to consider if you really need that extra resolution. If you have imperfect eyesight, a lower resolution WXGA (1280-by-800) might actually be better than WUXGA (1920-by1200).

6. Transreflective Versus Matted

This point is important. Many laptops these days come with transreflective screens which are glossy in nature. Some folks don't like that (myself included), particularly if the laptop is usef for business / professional settings. In those cases, you'd want a matted or anti-glare screen.

7. Do You Need Extended Warranty?

Extended warranty is usually considered a 'moneymaker' for the seller. You need to think whether you really need that. For individual owners, there is a comfort of knowing if the laptop breaks early in its life, you will get a new one replacing it. However, the flip side is that the laptop functions perfectly fine for many years - that dilutes the advantage of your extended warranty.

8. What's The Battery Price?

One of the most easily damaged components in a laptop is - surprisingly - the laptop battery. You might want to check out the battery price of the laptop you intend to buy. They don't come cheap - usually about $100 to $150 for a new one. You should also protect your battery's life span by charging it up fully, unplug, then let it run down and recharge again.