How to Choose a Laptop

What Type of Laptop is Best for Me?
Buying a new laptop can be a stressful event; especially if you're not
sure what type of laptop you need to fit your lifestyle (and your
budget). While laptops come in a staggeringly diverse array of styles
and prices, almost all of them can be classified into one of the
following groups.

Power Laptop

These behemoths come packed with the latest in high-tech gear and
maxed out RAM, hard drive capacity, and processor speed. They have a
heavy price tag as well, many of these powerhouses can cost $2,000 and
up. Unless you require enormous computing power for tasks like 3D
modeling or heavy computations, you probably don't need to shell out
for one of these.

Top-Rated Power Laptop: HP Pavilion dv8000z 85, $2200

Gaming Laptop

While not as powerful as the high-end power laptops, gaming laptops
come packed with top-of-the-line video cards, memory, and processors.
If you're an avid gamer and want crisp performance playing the latest
games, a good gaming laptop is right for you. Average gaming laptops
have a price tag of $1200-$1500, although many gamers claim the price
is well worth the improved gaming experience.

Top-Rated Gaming Laptop: Gateway M350XL, $1,900

Lightweight Laptop

Lightweight laptops are perfect for the constantly on-the-go. Many of
these beauties weigh in at only 3-4 pounds, and are slim enough to be
slipped into a handbag or small backpack. These lightweights are
perfect for business travelers and students, and can handle any
everyday computing tasks with ease. The cons include a higher price
(due to the high cost of small components) and limited computing
power, while the pros include extreme portability and convenience.

Top-Rated Lightweight Laptop: Apple MacBook Air, $1,500

Economy laptops are preferred by the majority of casual laptop buyers
due to affordable prices and the ability to handle everyday computing
needs. Economy laptops can handle videos and most video games as well
as word processing and Internet programs, making them attractive to
many types
of computer users. You can usually find a good economy notebook for
anywhere between $400 and $900, as there is a vast array of choices
and upgrades available. Choose the laptop that seems to best fit your
needs.

Top-Rated Economy Laptop: AcerAspire 1810T Timeline, $600

Once you have decided which type of laptop best fits your needs, do
some research to find out which brand and model is right for you. Ask
at your local computer store, and be sure to check for deals online.
Choosing a computer can seem like a daunting task, but you'll find it
to be much easier if you make use of all your resources to find the