How To Shop For A Student's Laptop

Step 1: The Price is Right

The biggest factor in how much you'll pay for a laptop is how it's going to be used. Luckily, even today's budget laptops come with enough power, memory and battery life for your adverage students needs. If your student is a film student and will be editing or needs to use any type of graphics program you will pay more money for the memory and power that they will need.

Step 2: The Big Picture

Laptop screens continue to get not only bigger but better with hi-resolution color and LCD now common features. Bigger screens are nice to look at but they also mean heavier loads, shorter battery life and a bigger price tag. Middle of the road is a safe bet at 14.1 or 15.4 inches.

Step 3: Weigh It Out

Laptops are a portable unit, but you want to make sure they don't weigh too much. Lugging your computer all over campus can really be a pain if they weigh over 7 lbs. Consider the size and weight of adapters, batteries, and any external drives, too. They can add extra weight to what you are already carrying around.

Step 4: Mind Your CPUs

Your computer's CPU or central processing unit determines power and speed. Dual-core processors like Intel's Core Duo are significantly faster than single-core processors, especially when multi-tasking. So decide if you want it to be fast or super fast and buy according to your needs.

Step 5: Don't Forget Memory

Power and speed without enough system memory won't get the job done. At least 512 MB or 1 GB of RAM is optimal. Gamers and YouTubers will want an additional 128MB of dedicated video RAM as well. Upgrading memory in a laptop isn't easy so buy as much preinstalled memory as you can afford.

Step 6: Batteries Not Included

Battery life is important especially if you are carrying your laptop around with you all day. Some laptops can run up to seven hours on one battery. To stay unplugged longer, buy a supplemental battery or look for a laptop that can store an additional power pack.

Step 7: License To Drive

Unless you are going to major in photo shop or manage databases in your spare time, an 80GB hard drive is more than enough storage space. It's always worth buying a portable hard drive to back up your laptop, and for storing a stacked music library, too.

Step 8: To USB or Not To Be

Universal serial bus (USB) is how your computer communicates with any external hardware you plug into it like digital cameras, MP3 players,scanners, game consoles or printers. The more you can plug in, the more you can print.

Step 9: Want That Warranty

School is rough, but don't take it out on your laptop. Laptops are sturdy, but be careful. Invest in that warranty. And a backpack with a nice, cushy laptop compartment - extra padding equals more protection.