With so many laptop choices today it can be confusing when trying to make the right selection. Don’t fret, as this article provides the advice you require to make a good decision. Read this article for some useful tips that will help you buy the best laptop.

Be sure your laptop is outfitted with a dedicated graphics chip if you plan to play HD games and movies. You may need one with more power for certain video games. Choose a dedicated graphics chip for the best results.

Don’t assume that paying more for a laptop will mean that you are getting a better laptop. More expensive machines are not always better performing. You are usually just paying more because of the brand. Instead, look over the different specs to see what it offers you.

A smart investment to protect the laptop from overheating is purchasing Many laptops fail due to overheating. A cooling pad will prevent this, and it is a minor investment.

Prior to spending any money, give a prospective laptop a try. Most people don’t give a lot of thought to ergonomics when shopping for a new laptop, looking more at things like memory and battery life. Yet, you can negatively influence your physical comfort and health if you get a laptop with bad ergonomics, so be mindful of this when shopping.

Consider the battery life when looking to purchase a laptop. Even if you’re not planning on traveling with your machine much, a constant recharge is not something you should need to deal with. If you’re going to be at home mostly, try to look for a laptop that will last around four hours before it needs to be charge. If you plan on using your laptop a lot while you’re out of your home, try to find one that will last at least five hours.

If you want a laptop, look at both Windows and Mac options. Windows laptops are cheaper, but some love the Mac more. Try testing both at the store. Then go online and read reviews of the ones that you are interested in.

You should always consider size when thinking about what laptop to purchase. Laptop sizes are measured diagonally, and typically range from 13 to 17 inches. If you are using the laptop as a substitute for a desktop, then a 17″ monitor is probably best for you. If you want to be able to carry it around more places, select a 13 inch device.

Don’t let the netbook concept confuse you. Some people believe that netbooks are simply small laptops, but they are incorrect. While netbooks do provide you with Internet connectivity to a degree, they do not have many of the capabilities that laptops have. Although netbooks have their purpose, they are not a good substitute for a laptop computer.

Look into a tablet PC if you are really into a portable computer for entertainment. A tablet will let you download apps. Tablets of course can often connect to your keyboard wirelessly so that it gives you more available functions.

Laptops that are transported frequently are at risk of damage, so think about buying insurance protection. This will save you money if your computer gets damaged in transit. Review all coverage details before deciding.

To get the most out of how long your laptop is able to retain power, try dimming your screen as much as you can handle. The screen that displays information is what is most draining to a laptop’s battery. Turning down the screen lamp can make a huge difference in the longevity of your battery. Look in the Control Panel to adjust the settings.

A lot of the newer laptop models do not include disk drives. This is because the content is shifting towards streaming media on the Internet. If you want to make discs of your own or just prefer to watch DVDs on a laptop, you must ensure that the model you are thinking about has a DVD drive.

Start Menu

To make it easier to find your usual programs, there is a pin feature that lets you attach them to your Start menu. Right click on the shortcut and click the Pin button. The program’s icon should now show up at the Start menu rather than just in the folder labeled “All Programs.”

Get adequate security on your laptop. Some laptops have security software already installed, privacy coating on the screen, or slots for security cable. No security software is flawless, so stay aware of what you can do to keep your laptop safe.

As this article has shown you, it’s not hard to choose a laptop when you have the right kind of information. Using this advice as you shop will demonstrate the truth of that statement. Most people will be able to make a better choice regarding their laptop if they follow the tips here.