Laptop computers are now powerful enough to meet the needs of most users, while offering the added advantage of computing on the move.

Why buy a laptop as opposed to a desktop?

• Greater flexibility where it can be used without being restricted by power cables or telephone lines (when used with wireless telephone connections)
  
• Smaller & easier to store
  
• Now powerful enough to meet most users needs whilst being affordable
  

Understand your needs before buying
Factors that increase the price of a laptop computer are:

1. Many new or latest features
2. Tough & robust casing of laptop
3. Low weight & small size
4. Bundled accessories & software
5. Brand name

It is important to understand what you will use the computer for. The original purpose of the laptop was mobility, although now they are often used as a means to create a flexible computing environment.

The most common uses are word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and surfing the internet. Identify your needs, your preferred software and then shop around and see which models have bundled software that meet your needs

The following points will assist you choosing amongst the thousands of options available:

• Will many people in the family be using the computer or will it be carried out and about a lot? If so then the durability of laptop casing is an important consideration.
  
  
• Games and graphic manipulation programs require high specification graphic cards if they are to operate effectively.
  
  
• Processing speed (CPU), memory (RAM measured in megabytes) and storage capacity (hard disk size measured in gigabytes); go for as much as possible as these will dictate the life span of the laptop (software will always evolve to consume more disk space, RAM and processing power).
  
  
• Try different keyboards for size, layout and feel. They vary dramatically and can effect how much you enjoy using the computer.
  
  
• If you intend using the computer for data analysis and spreadsheets, separate numeric keypad and directional keys (for moving around the screen) are essential.
  
  
• It is now possible to add hardware such as printers, mouse, camera, scanners, additional hard disks as and when required without switching the computer off. For convenience, make sure that the laptop has at least two USB sockets so that you can easily connect a number of devices at the same time (multi socket USB's are available to expand functionality).
  
  
• Are the RAM and hard disk easily expandable ?
  
  
• Although technology and cost have improved dramatically to ensure that all laptops have good quality screens, make sure that the screen is large enough, viewable from many angles, and comfortable to use for hours at a time.
  
  
• As a minimum the battery should have a life of 3hrs or more.
  
  
• Laptops have integrated mouse control that come in many different guises tiny joystick, rollerball & touch pad. See which one you prefer, although it is recommended that an external mouse is added for usability
  
  
• Will you be carrying the laptop regularly? If so, its weight could be an important consideration.
  
  
• Are you an experienced and knowledgeable computer user? If not, an after sales care programme may be beneficial.
  
  
• As stated earlier, if you know your software requirements, then shop around to see if any laptops come with the appropriate software. Otherwise additional software can add 60% or more to the purchase price of laptop.