You probably know someone who always has to have the latest gadget.  They have the newest mobile phone (you know, the one that can check email, access the internet, and can probably even make a good cup of coffee), the fastest, newest computer, and a television as big as your car.  But is it always wise to run out and spend all that money on a brand new laptop?  Maybe not.

The main reason to spend money on a fancy new laptop is when you need a top of the range computer that can run just about any program.  If you’re not running something like AutoCAD 3D, a drafting program that uses huge amounts of memory, then you may not need the fastest, most powerful computer around.  If you’re planning to do a lot of high-graphic gaming, video editing, photo editing, or run any program that takes up a lot of processing time and memory, then a top of the range laptop is certainly something to consider.

However, if you just need a computer that can access the internet, send and receive email, and do basic word processing, then an expensive computer is not really worth it.  Sure, your computer will be fast, but you will be paying for things you don’t really need.  Top of the range laptops generally include things like DVD burners, multimedia programs, and a ton of other extras that the basic user simply won’t use.

If you’re looking for a laptop that does the basics, go with a slightly older model.  It will get the job done, and it won’t cost you nearly as much.  In fact, many of these “older” models were once top of the range, and they’ll handle just about everything the average user ever needs them to.  Many will even run graphics-intensive games and have enough memory to let you do photo and video editing as long as you don’t get overzealous and try to edit an hour-long film.  Before you buy the newest laptop, take a look at what you really need the computer to do.  You may find that you can save a lot and still get a great laptop.

We all want to save money these days, but if you are looking for a cheap laptop for your gaming needs, you need to make sure it has the essentials. Here is an easy word to help you in your search: GRADS

That is: Graphics + RAM + Display + Speed.

G = Graphics. Graphics are essential to gaming. Get the most advanced graphics chipset you can afford and make sure you can upgrade the graphics card at a later date. A cheap gaming laptop isn’t cheap if it will be obsolete next year.

R(A) = RAM or random access memory. Most gamers agree that you need at least 256 MB in order handle the graphics on a laptop. . Look for VRAM if you want to play 3-D video games. VRAM can be accessed by two devices simultaneously, so while your video processor is handling new data, it can also provide screen updates. VRAM is more expensive than ordinary RAM, but it is worth it if you like 3-D games.

D = Display. A sharp display makes all the difference in the gaming experience. Display is determined by picture resolution. Resolution is formed by the number of dots (or pixels) placed in a grid. This can also be a subjective matter: some people feel they can sacrifice resolution to get a less expensive gaming laptop, while others cannot. Take a look at several laptops in your price range and decide which is the best for your needs.

S = Speed. Who doesn’t hate it when the screen freezes up in the middle of a hot game?  Look for Serial Advanced Technology Architecture (SATA) rather than Parallel Advanced Technology Architecture (PATA). SATA transfers data almost 30 times faster. Also get the fastest microprocessor you can afford. This is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz). Lastly, look for the fastest hard drive speed, measured in revolutions per minute (rpm)

To get the best gaming laptop at the best price, you may have to sacrifice the most advanced technology. However, by careful searching, you should still be able to get a quality machine for your gaming fix.