Laptops are one of the fastest growing portions of the personal computer industry. If you've had one, then you already know why. Being able to take your work or fun on the go is incredibly convenient and allows you to get out of the office or to maintain your productivity even when you're busy. Plus, the increasing access to wireless Internet in your home and through public hotspots makes laptops and mobile computing even more appealing.

However, before you start spending money on a new laptop, there are a few things you need to think about.

What to Look for in a Laptop

First, you need to think about what you'll be doing with the laptop. If you're going to be using it for gaming then you'll need to look for some high-end features that won't be necessary if you're going to be using the laptop mostly for word processing, accounting, or school work.

Second, you need to consider your budget. Cost is a major factor with laptops. They do tend to be a great deal more expensive than desktops but you're paying for convenience. That doesn't mean you should go in without a clear idea of what you can afford. Don't expect to pay than $700 for a basic model. If you're looking for a gaming laptop, you'll end up paying around $1,500 and up.

Additionally, you'll need to consider what features are important to you. Screen size is one such factor. Because your monitor is part of the laptop, you can't replace it with a larger one down the road. Consider how important a larger screen is to you. You probably shouldn't get anything smaller than a 15 inch monitor. Keep in mind larger screens will cost more and will be harder to transport because carriers in that size are hard to find.

Weight might also be an issue if your laptop is going to be traveling with you a lot. Larger monitor weigh more. Smaller laptops weigh around 6 pounds or less while some of the bigger models can be double or even triple that weight.

Don't forget to think about battery life. You might want to consider buying a back up battery for your laptop, especially if you want to use your computer on the go a lot and may not want to deal with plugs.

Several Ways to Buy a Laptop

Laptops are usually purchase in three ways. Many brands can be purchased in electronic stores right off the shelves. Of course, your selection is going to be more limited because they can't carry everything that's available even from certain brands. The majority of companies also offer direct buying. You can call the company or go to their online stores to order your laptop. This can be a good option if you want to customize your laptop or if you want to do some comparison shopping. Finally, you'll find many laptop brands being sold through other online vendors.

Regardless of where you go to buy your laptops, make sure to pay attention to the details so you'll get exactly what you need.