When you seek out information online about buying a new laptop, do you wonder which articles can be trusted? Do you fear that what you are reading is just marketing material intended to get you to buy? This article has been written to provide you with honest facts about shopping for a laptop, so check out the tips below.

Before you start shopping for a new laptop, decide how much money you can spend on it know what you will be using it for. If you simply need a laptop for business or school, you can get a great laptop for less than one thousand dollars. In this case, make sure Microsoft Office is already loaded onto your computer.

Look at testimonials and reviews before buying a laptop. New laptops always look great and seem like great deals, but you might see that later you would've wished that you knew more about them. This is why it is always best to read reviews first.

If you are looking for a very light weight laptop, consider a Netbook. Netbooks are light weight, very portable and usually less expensive than traditional laptops. The downside of Netbooks is that they are not as high functioning as traditional laptops. Still, if you are looking for a simplistic laptop with a budget friendly price, this is the way to go.

Do not assume that just because you are paying more that you will be getting more. It is not always the case that a more expensive machine means a better machine. Sometimes, you are in fact paying for the brand and the status that the brand affords you. You want to look at the specifications more closely than price.

When you buy a laptop, consider getting a protective carrying case to go with it. While most laptops are fairly durable, they are susceptible to damage, wear and tear, and the weather. A good case can shield it from unnecessary damage, help it to last much longer, and keep it running properly to boot.

Invest in your laptop's sound system. Some lesser laptops have a low volume. Then when you try to pull up videos and watch them, you get poor sound. Check the laptop's sound capabilities before purchase.

Find out what programs will come pre-installed on your laptop. This can be a great thing to do, particularly because sometimes the Microsoft suite of products are included, which can mean a substantial savings for you. Get a list of all the programs that will already be on your laptop before you buy it.

People sometimes forget to look at the keyboard when they purchase a new laptop. Take the time to look closely at the way the keys are set up. They will be in different locations depending on the brand of laptop. Make sure that the keyboard has all the keys that you need and they are in easy to access locations.

Consider the operating system. Most laptops will come with one of two operating systems. Those systems are Mac or Windows. There are advantages and disadvantages to each operating system. Consider what you will be using the laptop for, and the features you will require. This will help you make the best decision.

If you're on the hunt for a laptop, don't simply by one because of the name of the manufacturer. Big name brands often offer quality products at great expense. Therefore, it is important to understand the computers specs and buy accordingly. Companies that aren't as well known typically have products that are quite similar to other brands without a huge price tag.

Due to their tiny vents and cramped, small cases, laptops are subject to overheating. If you use your laptop on top of a blanket when on your lap to protect your lap from burning, you may be stifling the ventilation and making matters worse. Instead, use a laptop cooling pad or lap desk that won't block the laptop's vents or conduct heat.

Consider the speed of your computer when buying a new laptop. A hard drive at 5400 revolutions per minute may save you money but your computer will be noticeably slower. A hard drive at 7200 revolutions per minute will be more expensive but your computer will run much more quickly.

Solid State Drives, or SSDs, used to be a high-end option and not found on most laptops. Prices have came down, though, and they offer real benefits for laptop users. In addition to being faster and more efficient than traditional hard drives, boosting performance, SSDs also use less power, saving valuable battery life.

Take care of your laptop's computer by cleaning it regularly with compressed air or an anti-static wipe. This is important because it is very expensive and difficult to replace a keyboard on a laptop, so it is likely you will have the same keyboard for the life of your computer.

When buying a laptop, you should be aware that you have fewer upgrade options later. PCs are typically very customizable. You can add components later. It is often a matter of popping away a side of the case and installing a new component. For laptops, this process is usually much harder, if even possible. Graphic cards, for instance, are not usually upgradable in a laptop.

Screen size is not the most important factor when buying a new laptop. Almost all laptops today are capable of using dual displays. With a simple HDMI plug, the smallest laptops can be converted into a dual screen of any size. This allows you to use your small laptop when you are on the go, but plug in at home for any size you want.

Think about the other electronic devices you own prior to deciding on a laptop. Do you have Apple TV along with an iPhone? You can get a Mac Air, for example, so that it will work best with your other devices. This also applies to purchasing a PC if you have Microsoft or Android devices. You may find the functionality of all your devices is improved when you keep in the same general manufacturing family.

These tips have been filled with the information you need to succeed. As long as you are able to find a laptop which suits you, our job here is done. Go out and start shopping to find the model that offers you the best features and enjoy it once you bring it home!