Are you confused by the process of buying a laptop? Do you walk into the store and feel overwhelmed by the massive selection? Do you have no idea what the difference is between notebook, ultrabook and laptop? This article will catch you up on all you need to know about laptop shopping.

Consider battery life when making a laptop purchase. If you purchase a laptop that has a minimal battery life, it will be more difficult to use it on the go, especially when a power outlet is not available to you. Instead, opt for a laptop that offers several hours of battery life to increase the portability and convenience.

Get the right sized screen when you buy a laptop. Look at the screen of your computer right now, and decide whether that is going to be a good screen size for your new laptop. In fact, take a look at bigger screens as well. Just keep in mind that the larger the screen is, the more the laptop will weigh.

If you’re going to play video games and watch HD movies, a good dedicated graphic chip should be installed on your laptop. You may find that integrated graphics are insufficient to support some video games. Choose a dedicated graphics chip for the best results.

Compare the options available with different laptop computers. Find out which ones come with a USB port, HDMI port and an SD slot. A USB 3.0 port will make your computer function more quickly. The HDMI port allows you to connect your laptop to your television. An SD card gives you an easily removable storage card for digital photographs.

Consider the size of your display. When it comes to laptops, you can save a lot of money by going with a smaller display. While you could connect an external monitor when you travel with it, it’s important to consider what you do and how big you need the display in order to do it properly. For instance, if you work with graphics using a tiny display may not be ideal. You need to make sure it’s large enough for your needs.

When it comes to owning a laptop you will want to avoid drinking near it at all costs. Any spray from your drink or accidental spillage will more than likely result in a permanent sticky spot on your laptop, if not worse. Therefore, have a drink before or after use, not during.

Often times your laptop will have sensitive personal and/or business related material on it. You will want to get in the habit of backing up all data as soon as you get home from the office. In this way if your laptop is ever misplaced or stolen the personal contained therein will not fall into the wrong hands.

Now that you understand more about buying the laptop you need, the next step is to make use of this knowledge as you shop. Check out all of your options and then determine which is best suited to the uses you have in mind for it. Once you bring it home, only great things will come to you.