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Are you looking for a laptop computer? These days, it's rare to find someone who isn't.

If you've only owned a desktop computer and you are interested in purchasing a discount laptop computer, there are a few things you should know. There are some significant differences between desktop computers and laptop computers. There are things to look for in a laptop that you didn't need to look for in a desktop computer. If you do not want to regret your purchase you should read this!

Here's a breakdown of some of the 'specs' that you should give special heed to when shopping for laptops:

Size and Weight

First, consider the weight and size of the laptop if you know you'll often be lugging it around with you. Generally, a discount notebook computer is smaller than other laptops, and is much lighter and easier to carry. And the smaller it is, the smaller (and cheaper) carrying bags you can select for it.

Screen Size

A 15.4 inch screen has been a typical laptop screen size for years now. However, many laptops are employing larger screens in order to enhance the enjoyment of mobile video applications and DVDs. Although larger screens are very nice, they extract a considerable toll on battery run-time, laptop size and weight.

Contemplate your computational requirements.

Even a hard drive that is slightly bigger and a bit more RAM in a laptop will add a noticeable cost to the unit, so it pays to purchase only as much as you need. RAM and hard drive size demands vary according to how one uses the machine. If you are going to use a laptop for only email and word processing, you may get by with one of the discount notebook computers which are little, have less RAM, hard drive space, and a nice but not too expensive CPU. Going on from there, we've got the business class units that are designed for PowerPoint presentations, video, business graphics, and more. If you want to use a laptop to engage friends in some sort of online gaming using recent games on the market, though, you will need more horsepower. In such cases, think about getting either a high-end system that is made for gaming from companies like Alienware, or else go with a 'white box' custom gaming laptop built specifically for your needs.

Battery Life

If you plan to be on the road a lot without frequent access to an electrical outlet, be sure to purchase a laptop that has a battery life that meets your needs. Some newer units come with longer-lasting 12-cell batteries as opposed to the older 4 and 6-cell batteries. Of course, these are also more expensive.

Guarantee Criteria

In addition to cost and size, you must also consider warranties and expected longevity of the laptop. Make sure that you know the full conditions of the warranty. Usually, the standard warranty is limited in regard to the screen should you drop the laptop and the screen cracks. Also, most standard warranties are only 1 year warranties with you covering the shipping cost to the repair facility. Optional extended warranties are usually sold that cover screen protection as well as overnight pickup/return service to and from the repair facility. Though these are not cheap options, you will need to carefully evaluate whether it makes sense to acquire the extended warranty in your situation.

Hopefully these tips will steer you toward the laptop that's just right for you. Good luck and enjoy your new laptop!

Shop a wide selection of discount laptop computers at DiscoutComputerWorld.net. Whether you're an Apple or PC fan, you'll find all of them listed, including custom laptop computers for gaming and other resource-intensive applications. Be sure to check out our video section featuring discount notebook computer reviews, demos, and more!