Laptops have come a long way from the clunky boxes of yesteryear. Today's laptops are sleek computing devices that can be customized in any number of configurations. If you're shopping for a new laptop, the choices can seem overwhelming. What do you look for in a laptop? What constitutes a good model as opposed to a simply average choice?
Start by looking at the processor(s). Most new laptops come with Duo Core technology, though single processor models are still available. Avoid the single processor options and go with a Duo Core model, or a Quad Core model. The computing power that this technology offers is much greater than you might think.
RAM is another major concern when shopping for laptops. You want a model with at least 1 GB of onboard ram, though 2 or even 3 GB models are better choices. Upgrading the RAM in a laptop can still be done if necessary, though it is more complicated than replacing the RAM in a desktop computer.
Hard drive size is the third consideration that you want to bear in mind. A laptop should offer at least 120 GB of hard drive space, though you can find options with much more space than this. The more space on your hard drive, the better, though models with larger hard drives can be significantly more expensive than other options on the market.
Screen size is yet another consideration. This will be a question of personal taste, in the end. Larger screens provide a better picture, though the cost rises as the screen size goes up. Smaller screens can often be more portable, can be used less obtrusively, but have obvious drawbacks. The amount of money you can spend and your personal preferences will determine just how large a screen you get.