Laptops are now handy and ultra portable, more powerful with 512 mb to 1 gb of memory. Laptops are thin, stylish and lightweight under 5 lbs. Some mobile people e.g. sales representatives and executives are opting out of desktop computers altogether and use a laptop for all their computer needs.

1. The basic rules applied when shopping for a laptop: (A) You can save a lot of money by getting a computer laptop which is not top of the line. New top of the line laptops can cost over hundreds dollars more. Do you really need the top of the line model for word processing and net surfing? (B) You can save a good chunk of money by getting computer parts at dirt cheap prices and assemble your own computer laptop... a clone computer laptop. This system is "cheap" in price but not in quality at all. You can choose the component parts from renowned components manufacturers such as Intel, AMD, Seagate, Viewsonic, Logitech. Buidling your own computer is fun. It does not need a rocket scientist to build it. (C) If building your own computer seems too much an effort for you, you can get a last year model. (D) Fourth, you can get a recertified computer systems from Dell, HP, IBM, etc.

2. Pick up the laptops at the store. Choose one that feels not too heavy, solid and sturdy.

3. Try the keyboard. Test it on a desk and on your lap. Make sure you're comfortable with its touch and responsiveness.

4. Test the pointing device, track pad or track ball, the laptop alternatives to a mouse. Make sure they are easy to handle. These built-in device should be handy when you're mobile.

5. The computer's bottom should not gets uncomfortably hot when it's running.

6. Pay attention to screen size and resolution. LCD screens on laptops measure from 12 to 17 inches diagonally. Screen resolution may be as low as 800 x 600 pixels or as high as 1600 x 1200. The more pixels, the crisper the screen image.

7. Choose a laptop with at least two USB connections. A FireWire (IEEE 1394) connection is also handy for high-speed peripherals such as CD burners.

8. Consider buying an internal wireless card and a Bluetooth adapter if you really plan to be mobile. A wireless network card (also called Wi-Fi or 802.11) will free you from having to be wired to your Internet connection Bluetooth capability will let you share information wirelessly with other Bluetooth-equipped devices, such as your cell phone or personal digital assistant.

9. Get an internal DVD player so you can watch movies on the road.

10. Get an antitheft device. Hundreds of thousands of laptops are stolen every year. Look for cables that secure the laptop to a desk. Install software that disables a stolen laptop, or better yet, reports the laptop's location when it connects to the Internet.

Key points:
Overall sturdiness
and solidness
Size
Weight
Keyboard
Pointing device
Temperature while in use
Screen size and resolution
USB, FireWire connections
Wireless networking
DVD player
Antitheft device

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