Whether one is primarily a business, home or student laptop user, he or she will find a number of options when choosing among size and weight, processing speed and memory, screen resolution, networking capability and battery life. A frequent flier looking for a laptop to use for a presentation, a home user looking to email photos to family and a student looking to do research for school will all find the right laptop to suit their needs and budget. The number of laptop categories, from ultraportable to desktop replacement to budget, has increased significantly in the last several years as markets have increased and prices have decreased.

Business, Home or Student User Those who need to work on a laptop for business purposes such as spreadsheet calculations and preparing presentations should make sure it is durable enough to stand up to the rigors of travel. Home laptop users should also make sure it’s tough enough for family use, and may want to make sure it is capable of burning DVDs, has enough power for complex games and can easily be wired into a home network. Students, who might want to make sure the laptop can withstand a late night coffee spill, can find inexpensive laptops on which to write papers, edit photos and watch movies.

Size and Weight There is a significant trade-off between the size and weight of a laptop and the screen size and processor speed. A lighter laptop has smaller screen, a less powerful processor and shorter battery life. A CD or DVD burner drive will also increase a laptop’s weight and size.

Processor Speed and Amount of Memory The processor, or CPU (central processing unit) is the brain of any computer. It executes the functions the user commands within a certain amount of time. Many laptops today have dual processors to provide faster response. Random access memory or RAM, allows the laptop to dynamically store the data to which a user needs access. Since most laptops come with a limited amount of RAM, all users should make sure RAM can be increased post purchase.

Screen Resolution The resolution, or clarity of pixels, is higher on a larger screen. A larger screen will also make it easier to toggle between two or more open documents or windows, and it will be easier on the eyes. Older users in particular may want to choose a laptop with the largest possible screen.

Networking Capability Users who will be connecting to a work, home or wireless network should purchase a laptop with the fastest Ethernet interface, as all laptops today come network and wireless ready. Wireless connections are especially important for laptop users who travel frequently.

Life of the Battery The power of the processor has a direct impact on the life of the battery. The battery will drain faster with a more powerful processor. A second battery for use as a backup is a good idea for those who regularly work on their laptops while on battery power.

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