How to choose a laptop

First you need to consider what your needs are in a laptop. This is a big decision because laptops are not cheap. If you're thinking about getting one then you obviously have a need. Consider those needs so you buy the correct one that will give you the best performance and usability.

When you decide to get your laptop consider these things:

1. Should I buy new, used, or refurbished?
2. Do I need a laptop or desktop?
3. Apple vs. PC

The first thing you might be thinking is new or used/refurb. A new laptop is great because they come with some type of warranty. Laptops are fragile and much more expensive to fix than a desktop so it's nice to have that piece of mind. Many companies also offer extended warranties and with a laptop I highly suggest purchasing one. A new motherboard for a laptop can cost anywhere from $250-$800 without labor! You may also benefit from things like free tech support and free accessories that come with a new laptop.

Everyone is looking to save money these days so you might be thinking used or refurbished. A used laptop might be cheaper but if you buy from an individual you probably won't get any type of warranty. A refurbished laptop might come with a warranty but it would be small like 30-90 days. You might save money right away but costly repairs could come down the road later. Do you homework and read reviews and opinions of users about the used laptop you're interested in. Only you can decide if this lower price is worth it in the long run. Don't be suprised when you get a huge bill or quote to fix your used laptop.

If you you've decided on a laptop which brand do you buy? Apple or PC? PC laptops tend to be less expensive and lest costly to fix but apple laptops have a great operating system and can be easier to use. If you've never used one before it's a pretty smooth transition that any novice computer user can make.