Today’s laptops are more powerful than even the fastest desktops of the past, whilst being lighter and more stylish. Many people are opting to ignore desktop computers altogether and use a laptop for all their computer needs.

Here are some handy tips to consider when purchasing your laptop;

• Step 1

Pick your laptops up from the store, this way you can check that it is sturdy and well built whilst not being too heavy.

• Step 2

Make sure you are happy with the keyboard as remember this is not something that you can replace on a laptop. Be sure to try it out on a desk and whilst on your lap.

• Step 3

Make sure you are happy with the mouse or tracker pad. Whilst external mice can easily be plugged in, it is more convenient to use the inbuilt option when on the move.

• Step 4

Will you be using your laptop predominantly on your lap? If so test the laptop to ensure the underside does not unbearably  hot when in use.

• Step 5

Pay attention to screen size and resolution. Current liquid-crystal display (LCD) screens on laptops measure from 13 to 21 inches diagonally. Screen resolution may be as low as 800 x 600 pixels or as high as 1600 x 1200. The more pixels, the crisper the screen image. View the screen in a variety of settings: A screen that looks great in normal room lighting can look terrible in bright or dim light.

• Step 6

Choose a laptop with at least two USB 2 connections and at least one Firewire (IEEE1394) connection. USB 2 and Firewire are very popular and fast ways of connecting iPods, digital cameras and other accessories to your laptop.

• Step 7

Check to see if the laptop has built in wireless capabilities, most do these days. A wireless network card (also called Wi-Fi or 802.11) will free you from having to be wired to your Internet connection.

• Step 8

Check to see if the laptop has a DVD Burner. That makes backing up documents, music files and pictures a snap because of the high capacity of the discs.