You don't have to be a technology guru to end up buying the laptop of your dreams. After all, we all have things that we want our laptops to be able to do. If you are looking to purchase a new laptop, look no further than the tips below to help you make decisions.

Before buying any laptop, it is important to consider what you will be using the laptop for. For example, if you will be using your laptop to primarily play games, you need one that has a graphics card. If, on the other hand, you will be using your laptop to do business presentations, you will need one that comes with the necessary programs.

Pricing is important when it comes to buying a laptop, but it should not be the only deciding factor. Some brands are more expensive than others due to materials and other specs. It also depends on if you want a new, used, or refurbished laptop. Consider what you want to do with your laptop and decide if it is worth any extra costs.

If you just do light gaming, do not succumb to the notion that you require a high-end computer. Mid-level games work fine on mid-range laptops. The extra money you pay for a gaming machine is not worth it since you probably won't need all of it's components. Don't waste your money.

When purchasing your laptop, do not let the salesman talk you into every upgrade under the sun. Upgraded memory, a huge hard drive and the best graphics card available are important to some, but consider if they will be important to you. If you're not using your laptop in a way that requires these features, you are only wasting your money buying them.

To repair just one faulty key on your laptop, gently pull up on the edge until it comes off, and look at the hinge underneath. If the hinge is cracked or broken, you need to order just a new key kit instead of a whole new keyboard. Installation instructions come with the kits, and you end up saving money.

Make sure your laptop includes WiFi. While most laptops today do, some older models are still around that do not include this important feature. Without WiFi, you will not be able to connect to a wireless router, and this means you cannot use your laptop in a coffee shop, many hotels or even the airport.

You need to concern yourself with how you carry your laptop when on the go. You should invest in a sturdy, padded case that doesn't swing around as you carry it. Swinging around your computer or consistent banging from walking or slinging it around can cause damage that you may not notice at first.

Write down the features you need before going to a retail outlet to buy! When you shop online, you can have a list next to you, making the process simpler. If you go to the store and forget your list, you may end up with a laptop which doesn't meet every need.

Try out your keyboard before buying a laptop. You will be doing a lot of typing on your new computer, and if you are not comfortable using the keyboard it can cause quite a problem. Make sure it is comfortable, with keys spaced adequately and easy to use. Try a few different laptops out before making a final decision on which keyboard is best.

When you buy a new laptop, spring for a DVD drive on it. While going without one may seem feasible, especially considering the lower price, you could really be up the creek when it comes to installation or repair. When you need to put new software on, update it, or perhaps fix an existing problem, being able to use a disc is essential.

Be weary of the amount of memory that your laptop comes with. As you start pushing the envelope and getting close to maximum capacity, you will notice it gets slower. Have a portable flash drive or external hard drive to transfer miscellaneous files like videos and music to save the storage on the device itself.

Think about the mouse. every laptop has one. You could easily overlook this key feature, and find out you do not like the one you ended up with. There are several types of built-in mouse types. From track pad to track ball. Find one that is comfortable for you to use.

If you want to be able to connect your computer to your television screen, you need a VGA port. You also need a newer model television that can accommodate your laptop. This option give you a much bigger screen to work with. You can also use it to watch videos from your computer on your television.

While buying a used laptop from the classifieds or online can be affordable, you are better off purchasing one from an authorized reseller. They will only sell you a factory refurbished model which has been tested time and time again. They will likely also offer you a guarantee for a year or so.

Consider if your new laptop has bluetooth capabilities. This can come in handy if you want to attach an external mouse, keyboard or other accessory. While most computers come equipped with WiFi, bluetooth is not a guarantee. Look for it before making your purchase, and consider how useful it will be to you when selecting the price point you want to spend.

Understand what your hardware needs will be. If you are a gamer, sound and video cards will be important to you. This will also mean a faster processor and more RAM. If you are a more casual user, avoid the latest, greatest sound and video hardware. However, if you are watching movies regularly, they become a consideration again.

It is easy to purchase a great laptop when you know what you should be looking for. You don't need to be technology savvy to purchase something that you will get much use out of. Hopefully, this article has helped you get a better understanding of the subject of laptops.