You can easily find laptops online and offline. If you have specific needs for your computer, however, you will need to do additional research. The following article contains expert tips and tricks to help you though the process.

Don't go shopping until you have developed a budget. When determining your budget, keep in mind what kind of laptop you want. Do you want to purchase a PC or a Mac? Macs offer the latest in graphics technology making them perfect for those who work in a graphics rich environment.

If you expect to do a lot of video production on your laptop, make sure you buy one with enough processing power and storage to fit the need. Budget laptops typically don't fit the bill here. You'll need to pony up some additional money to get a laptop that can deliver.

If you are limited on space, consider a laptop as a desktop replacement. Laptops are smaller and lighter than desktop computers, making them a good option for a small student desk or smaller apartment space. They are also more expensive though, and that should be taken into consideration when making a purchase.

When using your laptop for extended periods of time, perhaps long gaming sessions, always be weary of the temperature on the inside. More than likely, if it is getting too hot you will feel the heat on your lap or the desk the laptop is on. An overheated laptop can result in permanent irreversible damage to the electronics on the inside.

Before buying a 17 inch laptop, consider how often you will be traveling with it. Laptops of this size are large, heavy and can be difficult to travel with. You might be better off opting for a 13 inch or 15 inch screen instead. You can always dock your laptop and attach a larger external screen if you need to.

Don't forget to include any accessories you need in your laptop budget. A wireless mouse, computer case and extra batteries can get expensive. A quick online search should give you a good idea how much these items will cost.

Remember that a laptop is not a long-term investment. You'll likely only use it a maximum of six years or so before you either are forced to get a replacement or decide it is just too outdated. That means you should factor in replacement costs when determining your budget.

Learn a little bit about specs before you purchase a laptop. Know the differences between various CPUs, hard drives, graphics chips, and RAMs. You do not need to know everything about each of these items, but understand what each is and what function they have in a laptop. You do not want to spend more for something that you do not need or not spend enough for something that you wanted after the fact.

Size up your purchase. Small laptops usually have less features, but can fit in any size case. This makes them easy to carry. Large laptops are harder to stow, but have all the features. If the work you will be doing is processor intensive, you may want to go bigger.

Back to school time, in September, is a great time to buy a new laptop computer. Almost all manufacturers offer special deals and discounts at this time. They may also offer discounts on bundles that may include software and add ons, such as printers. Even if you are not going back to school, you can save money.

If you can only afford one upgrade on your laptop, consider an extended life battery. An extended life battery can keep you from being tied to a power outlet for six hours or more, meaning your laptop is increasingly portable and can be used anywhere. You will thank yourself for spending the extra money the first time you travel with your computer.

Keep the LCD screen on the dimmest setting to get the most out of the battery. Your display screen drains more power from your laptop battery, so keeping this setting at a minimum can boost your battery life significantly. Adjust the settings on the Control Panel.

Check out the keyboard before purchasing a laptop. Play around with it and find out if it is comfortable for you. Is there enough space between the keys? Do you like the touchpad, which is used as the mouse? A great laptop could be useless if you do not like the keyboard.

To keep your laptop from overheating, take a look at the cooling options inside the Control Panel. Once you are on the panel, look at Power Options. One of the choices should involve cooling. If your laptop gets too hot, make sure this settin s Active, so that the fan is in use.

Avoid buying a laptop computer model that has problems by checking online reviews before you buy. One reliable source for professional reviews is CNET.com. It is also important to check out reviews from customers who own the laptop you are considering. Look for reviews of company customer service as well.

To make sure you end up with the right laptop, consider whether you want a Mac or a PC before you hit the store. Both operating systems have many advantages. If you choose a Mac, you generally have more virus protection, but many Windows programs do not work on a Mac.

Even if you will be using your laptop for gaming or work, you may not need a dedicated graphic card. Dedicated graphics tend to severely reduce the life of a battery, and use a lot of power when they are plugged in. Many people buy laptops because they think they need the dedicated GPU, but oftentimes never utilize it beyond the capabilities of an integrated one.

You should now feel more confident about buying and using laptops. There is no better way to learn about laptops than searching online and reading reviews and other information. Apply your newfound knowledge carefully to choose your next perfect laptop.