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If you’re thinking about buying a laptop, there are several features you should take into account. These include portability, functionality, and price. Following are some tips on how to evaluate and compare different laptops in order to choose the one that will best serve your mobile computing needs.
When it comes to cost, you don’t have to shop at the top end of your budget to get a laptop that will perform well. With the advent of netbooks, it is very possible to get a good laptop for less than $1,000. You don’t need the most expensive models in order to be able to utilize programs like Word or Firefox.
Netbooks are small, lightweight and low-cost. Many types of netbooks can be found in the $400 range. A netbook can be a great first computer for a child, and adults may find that they are best suited for use as a second computer. It is not advisable for you to purchase a netbook for use as a primary PC, mainly because they have a smaller screen and slightly smaller keyboard which are not ideal for full-time use.
A step up from a netbook is an ultraportable laptop. This class of laptops are lightweight, but have a faster processor and larger size than the netbook. Most ultraportables weigh between 3 and 4 pounds. Models start at just under $1,000.
Mainstream laptops are the 13- to 15-inch models that straddle the line between being productive and portable. They usually weigh no more than 5 pounds. Mainstream laptops can be suitable for home use as a primary computer and you can also take it with you when you need to.
Desktop replacement laptops are larger in size and are best used in place of a traditional desktop computer. The average screen size for a desktop replacement laptop is 17 inches. This category of laptops are ideal for watching movies and playing computer games. They typically have high-resolution screens and top-quality speakers.