Buying a Cheap New Laptop

Buying a new laptop can be a tricky business, especially if you are not real savvy with all the technology jargon that manufacturers, and retailers, love to throw at you. Then there are also the costs to consider, as laptops are generally a fair bit more expensive than your average PC. Still, it is possible to bypass all the confusion and financial heartache and purchase a relatively cheap new laptop. However, you will need to consider a few important factors first.

The first step in buying a laptop is to know why you want one and what you want to use it for. Sounds simple I know, but you would be surprised at just how many people rush out and buy a brand-name laptop, simply because of some enticing commercial or because someone told them they should have one, only to later realise that they cannot afford it and do not really have any particular use for it.

Or another scenario is when a person needs a laptop to use in their car, but they end up purchasing one that cannot absorb the vibrations of travelling. So, it is important to figure out whether you want a laptop to use just at home, for work or corporate purposes, or one that is portable and travels well.

Another factor to consider is whether upfront cost, or long term ownership, is more important to you. If you are in a position to do so, it may well be worth paying a bit extra if you want a laptop for long term usage, otherwise you might find you have to buy a newer model sooner than expected and it could end up costing you more in the long run.

If upgradeability is important to you and you do not really need the portability of a cheap new laptop, then perhaps a PC would be a better investment. This is also something to think about before buying.

A further point to consider before purchasing, is the extent of the life of the battery. If you intend to use your laptop, primarily when it is plugged into a wall socket, then this is not so important, but if you need a portable laptop to take on the road, or for study at school or college, then a laptop with a long sustaining battery is necessary.