When it comes to laptops (or any type of computer, really), many companies lump users into one of several categories.  You can use these categories to get an idea of what type of laptop is best for you.  Just pick the one that seems to match you best.

The Home User is the user who plans on using their laptop as their main PC, mainly because they can move it from room to room as they desire.  These users want a fast processor, at least a gigabyte of memory (more if they’re running Vista), and a good sized display.  A wireless network card is also necessary.

Students, on the other hand, generally want a lightweight, small laptop that they can carry anywhere.  They also need a good processor and memory, although since they will be using their laptop mainly for typing and doing online research, they may not need a high-end graphics card.

The Traveller will also need a lightweight laptop, plus they may want a laptop that has a good amount of hard drive space since they might need to take a lot of data with them.  A laptop with a very long battery life is also a good idea for frequent travellers.

If you’ll be using your laptop mainly for business, you’re going to want many of the same features.  However, you may also want to make certain your laptop comes with a DVD burner so you can back up all of your data. 

Finally, there’s the gamer and the artist.  Both need great graphics cards, a large amount of RAM (possibly even 4 GB), a large hard drive, and a top of the line processor.  A large screen size is also helpful, as is a full-sized keyboard for some gamers.  While other laptop users can get away without the newest and best, those looking to use their laptops for graphic arts or games need the best.

When you head into a store to look at a cheap laptop or search online, you may read some comments and reviews that just don’t sound right to you.  These laptop myths are often believed, but a smart laptop buyer (i.e., you) will know better.

1.    Laptops are always more expensive than the desktops.  While this is often the case, it’s not always true.  Many laptops are inexpensive these days, and while buying a top of the range laptop is going to be expensive, buying one that has been on the market for a year or so should be well within your budget.

2.    Laptops have very short battery lives.  With older models (ten years older or more), this is probably true—those laptops often needed to be charged every few hours.  However, some modern laptops can last as long as six hours or more.  Most of them now include power-saver settings.  If you dim your screen, for example, your laptop will be able to run longer.

3.    Laptops cannot be upgraded.  This one is somewhat true.  It is more difficult to upgrade your laptop’s processor and graphics card, but it’s not that hard to add more RAM.  Many laptops’ CD/DVD drives can be easily removed and swapped out for a new drive, too.

4.    Laptops don’t feature everything a desktop does.  On the contrary—some laptops actually feature more.  Laptops today are as fast as desktops and feature large hard drives.  You can get DVD burners and Blue Ray drives for laptops, plus most now include built-in microphones and web cams, two things many desktops don’t come with.

When buying a cheap laptop, many people latch on to things like the processor speed, the amount of RAM, and features like DVD burners, external mice, and touch screens.  However, two things some people fail to consider and later regret are the size and the weight of the laptop.

If you’re going to be travelling a lot or carrying your laptop around, you’ll want to think about how much your computer weighs.  College students, for example, may want a light laptop since they will be carrying it around campus.  If you’re not going to be taking your laptop to other places very often, weight may not be a consideration.  However, if you will be, know that your laptop’s weight will very quickly become an issue, especially if you’re hauling it through airports or train stations.

Another consideration is the size of your laptop.  Some small laptops might actually be too small.  If you’re doing graphic arts or playing games, you might find that the small screen size makes it too difficult to really see everything.  However, larger laptops, especially those that have a full sized keyboard, may not fit in standard laptop bags.  If you have any question about a potential laptop fitting in a bag, ask a sales associate for assistance.  If you’re purchasing your laptop online, check the dimensions for both the laptop and any bag you are considering seeing if it will fit.

Finally, don’t let either of these considerations dissuade you from purchasing a laptop that has everything you want on it.  You can always find a good sized bag for your laptop, and you may find that hauling around a heavy laptop is a price you’re willing to pay.