Five Tips to Choosing the Right Laptop Or Notebook Computer

Whether looking for cheap laptops or a nice HP notebook, knowing what to look for in a computer makes the purchase more smooth and satisfying.

With gigabytes, wireless connections and multimedia setups, choosing the right notebook computer from among the sea of cheap laptops often seems like a daunting task for consumers who aren't tech savvy.

Is there a difference between an HP notebook and a Toshiba laptop? Are cheap laptops a good way of saving money or is it worthwhile to spend the money on an expensive one? What kind of performance should be expected from a modern laptop?

There are so many questions. The easiest way to ensure the right laptop is purchased is to look at these Top 5 tips.

Go with a name brand: Toshiba, Dell, Sony and HP notebook computers are all well established names. There is a reason. They've all been around for more than a decade and have demonstrated they produce quality products. If the goal is to upgrade a current laptop, there is nothing wrong with brand loyalty. If an HP notebook computer satisfied earlier needs, it will probably be good again. Cheap laptops may save money initially, but they are more likely to break or die early.

Cheap isn't always bad: Consider what the laptop will be used for. Many people don't need full-blown multimedia notebook machines with all the latest technology. Those who are looking for cheap laptops that will only really be used for writing, emailing and surfing the internet are finding that basic a notebook computer fulfills those needs at a greatly reduced price. They also tend to be significantly smaller, making travelling easier. Just make sure they have the ability to plug in accessories.

Check for expandability: While this advice is truly important for a notebook computer, it holds for all laptops. Look for at least two USB ports, which allow accessories like a mouse, storage device or video camera to be connected to the unit. A slot for memory cards is incredibly useful, especially when transferring photos, and a firewire port is also good to have.

Try the keyboard: Some keyboards have a great feel, while others can make typing difficult. Pay special attention to the spacing and responsiveness of the keys. Most people who've used laptops grow accustomed to the feel of a particular manufacturer's keyboard. This is another example of why replacing an HP notebook with another HP notebook can work well.

Check the standard features: Cheap laptops might not contain some of the devices that most would believe come standard. DVD burners are important for watching movies or transferring data. Internal wireless modems are almost a must for those who do a lot of work on the internet. Just because one laptop offers an item, doesn't mean all do.

These five tips should provide a good starting point when deciding which laptop or notebook computer to buy. There are, of course, other factors like processor speed and screen resolution that can be considered, but the advice on such features is simple: get the best that can be afforded. Technology tends to advance quickly, so better speed initially will allow the computer to stay current longer.