The versatility provided by laptop computers is among the features that have made them so popular in recent years. However, unless you have spent sufficient time familiarizing yourself with various models and features, you may be nervous about actually purchasing one. Follow the advice found below, and you should be able to move ahead with confidence.

Before you start shopping for a new laptop, decide how much money you can spend on it know what you will be using it for. If you simply need a laptop for business or school, you can get a great laptop for less than one thousand dollars. In this case, make sure Microsoft Office is already loaded onto your computer.

Have an idea about how you will use the laptop before purchasing it. That will factor into how much you need to spend on one. If you’re basically a web surfer, then a super pricy laptop with uber-powerful chipset is not necessary at all. Thinking about how you use your laptop will help you purchase a better priced laptop for you.

To keep your laptop computer screen clean and dust free, simply wipe it gently with a soft cloth or tissue moistened with water. Follow with a dry cloth or tissues to remove any moisture. Avoid using harsh household cleaners that can cause damage to the delicate surface of your screen.

Watch how you carry your laptop. Buy a sturdy, tight-fitting bag that is easy for you to carry. Continual banging could cause component damage to occur.

Ask relatives if they get any discounts on laptops through their work. Some companies have deals with certain manufacturers so they can get laptops at a reduced rate. If you’re lucky, they can get you a computer at a fraction of the cost you’d pay in a retail outlet, so ask around!

Windows and Mac notebooks offer different advantages and disadvantages. Windows laptops, and computers in general, are usually less expensive than their Apple counterparts. Macs are considered easier to use, however, and built better. Software choices are more numerous in the Windows environment, but Apple usually makes software installation easier for the novice.

Regardless of how much you spend on your new laptop, there are product minimums that you should be aware of. You should get at least 2 gigabytes of RAM and a 2.3 GHz processor speed. Choose a monitor that is at least 15 inches and check your computers wireless capability.

Buying a factory refurbished computer can save you some money when you are shopping for a laptop computer. A company or store will take a used laptop and restore it to factory settings and update the electronics with the latest drives and components. Make sure to check out what kind of warranty is offered.

Laptops are among the most convenient and flexible computing options available, and that is why so many folks love them. It can, though, be hard to sift through the available choices when it comes time to buy. With any luck, the piece above has cleared up any confusion and pointed you in the right direction.