Getting ready to buy a laptop? You know why you want one, but here are some guidelines in how to choose the right one, a laptop to suit your needs. So ask yourself:

Will my laptop's CPU accomplish what I need it to do?

The central processing unit (CPU), also known as the processor, performs all the instruction, logic and mathematical processing in a computer. The better and faster the processor the faster software will load and run. Consider the types of software and plan accordingly.

Is the RAM sufficient to run my programs on my laptop smoothly?

Programs use the random-access memory (RAM) to perform necessary tasks. The larger the RAM, the more programs you can run at one time. This is essential to run antivirus and antispyware software in the background while you are surfing the web.

Is my laptop's hard drive large enough to store all of my information and programs?

The larger the hard drive the more information it will hold. You will need a large hard drive to edit videos and to store photos. A good laptop comes with at least a 80 GB hard drive.

Does my laptop have an adequate sound card?

If you're going to do anything that requires sound (music and video editing, gaming, etc.) you will need a sound card.

Does my laptop have an adequate graphics card?

The graphics card allows the laptop to deliver video. The better the graphics card, the better the graphics. If you're going to do video editing or gaming, consider upgrading the graphics card.

How do I measure the quality of wireless? What's a good range?

The speed of your wireless connection is measured in Megabits per second (Mbps). Look for 802.11N.

Does my laptop have an adequate battery life? What about recharging?

The longer the better as far as battery life goes. The average battery life today is 3-1/2 hours. Consider buying a travel charger to augment your standard wall charger. Bottom line: don't get caught without power. In the future, look for a wireless charger, popular in parts of Europe and soon to be seen in the United States. 

How is the laptop's manufacturer or dealer support?

Manufacturer support is very important if you have a question or need technical assistance. Make sure the manufacturer or dealer offers support in the form of email, phone, live chat and documentation.

How is the laptop's warranty on parts and labor?

You'll be glad to have a warranty if something breaks. Most computers come with at least a 1-year warranty and extended warranties can be purchased.