| Part of the process of purchasing a new laptop is | | | | system, and additional features chosen. This range is |
| sifting through the many choices available today. | | | | for the laptop hardware, with software products and |
| Don't be swayed only by style, colors, size of screen, | | | | service agreements adding additional costs. If usage |
| and auxiliary features, although these may play a role | | | | is light, a netbook, which is a wireless low-end laptop, |
| in your final choice. Ultimately, being satisfied with | | | | can be purchased for under $500. |
| your purchase depends mainly on thinking about how | | | | Apple MacBooks come in three versions, MacBook, |
| you will use your laptop, choosing one to meet your | | | | MacBook Pro, and MacBook. A smaller percentage of |
| requirements, and purchasing a good value that fits | | | | users choose Macs over PCs, but those who do cite |
| your budget. | | | | ease of use, brighter displays, and longer battery life. |
| Questions to consider in choosing a laptop include: | | | | For those following creative pursuits such as |
| --Will you use your laptop mainly for basic functions | | | | photography, graphic design, or web design, Macs are |
| such as word processing, spreadsheets, Internet | | | | generally preferred. They are more expensive than |
| access, and email? | | | | basic PCs, ranging from $1100 and up. |
| --Are you into hobbies requiring a multimedia | | | | For gamers, movie fans, and video enthusiasts, |
| workhorse machine that can handle intensive video, | | | | manufacturers now sell "gaming laptops" which |
| music, gaming, photography, or graphic design | | | | perform those functions quickly and easily. These |
| functions? | | | | laptops often have larger, brighter display screens |
| --Do you need an ultra-lightweight model, housed in a | | | | and more intensive graphics features than a basic |
| good case to protect it? Or will you use it in more | | | | laptop. Prices start around $700 and can reach |
| active environments where you will need a rugged | | | | several thousand dollars for a very high-end machine. |
| and less delicate machine? | | | | Don't forget to reserve funds for add-ons like a |
| --Do you prefer a PC or MAC? | | | | protective case, wireless card, webcam, extra |
| For basic users, brand name companies like Dell, | | | | battery, and service contract. Choosing the right |
| Toshiba, Gateway, Acer and HP make PC laptops to | | | | laptop for your lifestyle will give you the convenience |
| suit your needs in the range of $550 to $1500 for | | | | of using your office, communication, and |
| new computers, depending upon the amount of | | | | entertainment tools wherever you go. |
| memory, size of the hard drive, the operating | | | | |