Size

• The size of the monitor and the keyboard are usually to critical features that users are concerned with. Laptops come in many different sizes and somewhere between 15-inch and 17-inch screens are generally considered acceptable. When you get into smaller screens, it can be difficult to see everything. Some laptops also have a full keyboard, while others have a smaller keyboard. If you will be doing a lot of typing, you should opt for one that has the full keyboard. If you plan on just surfing the web, the reduced keyboard can work.
  
  

Memory

• When buying a laptop, you should also make sure that you get one with enough memory for what you need. The RAM or random access memory is the statistic to look for when shopping around. The more RAM the computer has, the faster it will operate and the easier it can handle applications. If you are using the laptop to type papers for school or save business documents, 1 to 4 GB of RAM should be fine. If you are playing video games or playing with photos and videos, somewhere between 4 and 8 GB RAM might be better.
  
  

Cost

• When looking at laptops, the cost is most likely a driving factor in your decision. You want to find a laptop that will fit into your budget. In today's market, you can generally find a decent laptop for less than $1,000. If you have $1,000 to spend, you should be able to get one that accommodates your needs without sacrificing quality. You should not always go for the cheapest option, but a higher price does not necessarily mean better when dealing with laptops.
  
  

Type of Laptop

• When choosing between the various laptops on the market, you can choose one from many different categories. The UMPC or ultra-mobile PC is a tiny handheld laptop that is similar to a smartphone. The netbook is a small laptop that is primarily used for web surfing. The ultraportable version typically carries with it a 12-inch screen and has a little more functionality than a netbook. The midsize laptop is the most popular type with a good balance of size and functionality. The desktop replacement is the biggest laptop with the most power and functionality.