Finding a high quality, cheap laptop computer is an easy thing to do when you know what it is that you are looking for (and, of course, not looking for). Cheap laptop computers can be a great way to teach yourself the you get what you pay for lesson of life, but that does not always have to be the case. The first thing to realize is that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. This means that the chances of you getting a free laptop by filling out surveys online are slim to none.

The first trick to getting a cheap laptop computer that will run like it cost three thousand dollars is to avoid buying it on websites like Craigslist or Ebay. This is because usually, when you purchase a cheap laptop computer from a person instead of a store, you do not get a return policy or warranty like you do when you go to a brick and mortar store (or even the manufacturers website). Also avoid buying a cheap laptop computer out of the Penny Saver or newspaper classifieds.

However, do not throw away your newspapers just yet. You should still check out the ads in the Sunday paper to see what stores like Best Buy, WalMart, Circuit City and others are offering in terms of sales and rebates. Make sure that you do not get suckered into buying more of a machine than you need. If you do not need dual DVD burner drives, there is no need to get a computer that features them (even if they are only $15 more!).

Once you know what you want, go check out the cheap laptop computers in the stores. Pick up the demo models to feel how heavy they are, and try typing on the keyboard of them to see whether or not the key spacing is comfortable. Chances are, you will have the cheap laptop computer you buy for at least a couple of years, so make sure you get one that is not going to be a pain to type on.

Then, go home and sleep on it before making the final decision to buy your cheap laptop computer. When it comes time to actually buy your cheap laptop computer, do not let the sales associate talk you into buying the extended warranty, which usually cost a couple hundred dollars more and are a waste of money.