Laptops can come in handy for many reasons. They can be used for just about anything from work to play. There are some things you should think about before you buy your next laptop. Continue reading to learn more about laptops and how you can get the one that you want.

Look for laptops with a dedicated video card. This will be important for those who watch Hi-Def movies or enjoy playing video games. You may not be able to run these graphics with an integrated graphics system. Determine if quad-core chips or dual-core processors are what you need.

Do the proper amount of research before you buy a laptop. Don’t see a deal and jump at it. It may not have the right specs for you, and it might not be at all what you wanted. Even if you get excited for a price, don’t buy until you have checked it out.

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.

To repair just one faulty key on your laptop, gently pull up on the edge until it comes off, and look at the hinge underneath. If the hinge is cracked or broken, you need to order just a new key kit instead of a whole new keyboard. Installation instructions come with the kits, and you end up saving money.

Ask relatives if they get any discounts on laptops through their work. Some companies have deals with certain manufacturers so they can get laptops at a reduced rate. If you’re lucky, they can get you a computer at a fraction of the cost you’d pay in a retail outlet, so ask around!

Because laptops are designed with mobility in mind, consider a laptop with a locking mechanism. Unfortunately, we live in a world where others may not value your privacy or personal property. A laptop that locks down can deter thieves and prevent others from trying to access the personal information you keep private.

Pixels are important when choosing a laptop. Basically, the more pixels you have, the more information you can fit on the screen. Many budget laptops come with fairly low pixel counts. Higher end laptops will be full HD screens with very high resolution. You should see the difference in person at the electronics store before making a decision.

How long might you be using your laptop for at one time? This is a hugely important fact to determine before you make your purchase. Every laptop will have its own battery life, and you must choose a model which will fit your needs, otherwise you’ll find your computer just doesn’t cut it.

If you constantly carry your laptop with you, invest in a laptop bag. There are many styles and prices available. To get the most protection, opt for one that has a sleeve with built-in padding. If you want a less conspicuous bag, choose a stand-alone sleeve which covers your laptop and place it in your briefcase or backpack.

Consider if your new laptop has bluetooth capabilities. This can come in handy if you want to attach an external mouse, keyboard or other accessory. While most computers come equipped with WiFi, bluetooth is not a guarantee. Look for it before making your purchase, and consider how useful it will be to you when selecting the price point you want to spend.

When you have a laptop, there are certain things that you would like it to do. In order to make sure your computer is able to do what you want it to do, you have to consider a few things. Use what you learned in this article to help you make the best choice.