Considering how much laptops have improved in the past five years or so, it's no wonder that so many people are considering buying a laptop, or have already done so. Laptops used to be prohibitively expensive - about twice the cost of a desktop computer system. They were also heavy to carry, delicate, and had a short battery life - all factors that tended to discourage many consumers. Nowadays, though, things are different. Most problems have been ironed out, and laptops have come down in price. Buying a laptop is now accessible to a great many consumers, even those who don't absolutely need a portable computer.

There are several things to consider when buying a laptop - there is more variety available when it comes to laptops than there is with desktop computers. Do you plan to use your laptop primarily for writing? Do you have other business needs, such as calculations, database creation, or design? Or is your computer primarily for entertainment - internet access, downloading music, and playing DVDs? All of these considerations will impact your selection a great deal.

Finally, when buying a laptop, consider how durable you need it to be. How many people will be using it? How often will it be in use? Will it be carried from place to place, or stay in one place most of the time? The answers to these questions will also influence your purchase decision. The projected wear and tear on your laptop will help determine the quality of the model you should buy.