How to Shop for a Laptop

In today’s world, the average person spends a lot of time on their laptop. It’s how we surf the web, how we watch our favorite shows and how we get work done from home. In fact, it has become such an integral part of how people live that many have trouble imagining life without a laptop. But with so many different models to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? We will give you all the information you need to find your perfect match between what you want and what is available on the market.

What should I look for when shopping for a laptop?

When shopping for laptops, there are a few features you should always have on your list of items to consider. They include how powerful the laptop is, how long the battery will last and how easy it is to upgrade/repair any components if required. If you know what these specs mean before walking into the store, you'll be able to choose exactly what you want.

Battery Life

How long should your laptop's battery last? How many minutes can you go between charges? Of course, the length of time varies by how much power is being used and the condition of the battery. It’s a good idea to compare how much time one laptop will give you over another to make sure that you get the most bang for your buck.

Screen Size

Another thing you should take into account when shopping for a laptop is screen size. Do you want it to be able to fit in your carry-on bag or will you be using it at home exclusively? Laptops with bigger screens tend to weigh more, so keep that in mind if portability is a priority for you.

Storage

How much storage do you need on your laptop? This will depend on how many files you plan to store on it. If you just need room for a few documents, a laptop with a small hard drive should do the trick. But if you plan to store music, videos and photos, you'll want something that can meet your demands for storage.

Performance

How powerful do you need your laptop to be? This is especially important to consider if you plan to use your laptop for gaming or video editing. If you’re not sure what the performance specs mean, ask a salesperson to help you out. They should be able to tell you how well the laptop will handle different tasks. Simple tasks like browsing the internet will require a different level of performance than a program like Photoshop.

Cost

Of course, how much you spend on a laptop will also affect how well it performs and how long the battery lasts. But there are other factors that can influence how much you end up paying for your new computer as well, such as how good of a deal you’re able to find or if you choose to purchase an additional warranty coverage.

Software

Be sure to know any types of software that you will need to use on the computer before you make your purchase. Most computers will come with the basic programs installed, but if you need specific software that isn’t included, be aware of how much it will cost to have it installed on your laptop.

Computer Connections

What type of computer connections do you need? Do you want to be able to use an external monitor or does your laptop need to have a USB port? Those are just a few examples of the things you should think about when it comes to computer connections. Make sure that you consider what connection types you will need and then make sure your new purchase either has those connections or has an adapter that will allow you to use them.

Tips and tricks to make your search easier

Know how much you want to spend before you go shopping

Knowing your budget before you go shopping will allow you to look at different models and how they fare within your price range. It will also keep you from being persuaded to buy something that you can't afford.

Research Options Ahead of Time

Doing your research will help you make an informed choice when it comes time to purchase a laptop. Look at reviews from other buyers and how well different models have been reviewed. Inform yourself about the specifications your laptop should have before going into the store and how much you should expect to pay.

Extend Purchasing Power

If your dream laptop is a little more expensive than you were initially planning, then Acima can help you by increasing your shopping power. Through Acima's lease-to-own alternative to financing, you can get the laptop you want without using credit.*

Importance of Laptop Reviews

One of the most important things to do when shopping for a laptop is to read laptop reviews. Laptop reviews can give you an idea of what different laptops are like and how they perform. They can also help you figure out which laptops are best for your needs. By reading these reviews you can get an idea of the best and worst features of different laptops.

Laptop reviews can help you narrow down your options and find a laptop that fits all of your needs. They can also help you figure out how different laptops compare to one another. Reading about how other people use their computers can be very helpful when trying to decide whether certain features are worth the price tag or not, as well as how good the laptop is for general use.

Common Questions About Laptops:

How long should a laptop last?

The overall life of your laptop is really defined by how well you take care of it. Because it is so portable, there are certain things that can happen to it that would never happen to a desktop computer. For example, if you accidentally drop your computer or knock into something hard enough, the casing on the outside may be damaged, which could lead to internal damage to the laptop. Keeping a regular maintenance routine for your computer can help to ensure that it will last as long as possible before needing any major repairs.

Why is my laptop slow?

A laptop is only as fast as how much information the hard drive can store, how quickly you are able to access that information, how fast your processor is and how large of a processing unit you have. So if your laptop takes an unusually long time to load programs or run certain functions then there could be something wrong with how it is being accessed by the user.

How to clean a laptop keyboard?

The best way to clean a laptop keyboard is to use compressed air. This can be bought at most computer or office supply stores. You can also try using a vacuum cleaner with the hose attachment, but be very careful not to get liquid inside of your computer. If you do have a spill on your keyboard, then you can try using a cotton swab to remove the liquid.