Laptops have many advantages over other types of computers. They are more portable than desktops, but are still more powerful than tablets. With a laptop, you can have access to all of your files no matter where you go. However, finding the right laptop for your needs can be difficult without using these tips.

Battery life is important when you buy a laptop. Even if you are not planning on traveling with it, you don't want to worry about recharging it all the time. Demand a minimum of four hours from your battery if you won't be going far from an outlet with it and at least five if you will.

Does the laptop under consideration have more than one USB port? These ports are often overlooked when considering laptop choices. USB ports are necessary to connect any number of peripheral devices to your laptop. A good amount is four USB ports, so consider that in your purchase.

To keep your laptop safe on the road, pack it in its own suitcase; if you do not have a separate laptop bag, then get a padded case for the laptop that you can place in another bag. Make sure that there is nothing else in that larger bag heavy enough to crack the screen through the case.

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.

It is always nice to have spare parts and accessories. When it comes to laptops, the best spare part you can have around is a charged battery. a place to charge your laptop, or plug it may not always be available, so having a spare battery can possibly be a life saver!

Do you need a DVD drive? If you plan to watch movies, install software or burn back-ups to disk, a DVD drive is a must. If not, you might be better off buying a smaller, lighter laptop at a lower price which doesn't include a DVD drive. Only pay for what you need!

When shopping for a laptop, you should consider what you need it for first, then look at price later. Simply shopping by price alone is a good way to be disappointed later. You want adequate battery life, for instance, especially if you'll be away from a power source for long periods of time. Longer battery life costs money, though.

Every time a new model of laptop is released, an older model will be reduced in price to clear the stock. If you are budget conscious the next time you need a new laptop, look for the previous model instead of the newest. There may not be a lot of difference except in the price.

If your laptop is not keeping a charge well, it is possible to change the battery. This is much cheaper than replacing the entire computer. In fact, you can find low-price batteries if you shop some of the major internet markets rather than shopping on the computer maker's website itself.

If you do buy a laptop from an online source, always go to a brick and mortar store fist to be sure you like the actual size and configuration of the laptop. You may find that the actual product is small or more fragile than you anticipated. So being able to have a hands-on experience with it first is a great idea.

Keep the cooling and venting system of your laptop clean by using compressed air. Dust can accumulate and clog the vents which can cause overheating. The problem will only get worse until finally the computer breaks. So blowing the dust out of the ventilation system will give your laptop many more years of useful life.

Buy a computer that has extra security if you need to. This won't be an issue if you purchase a newer laptop that requires fingerprints and/or facial recognition to log on.

If you travel with your laptop, it is wise to invest in an app that will allow you to track your computer if it is stolen or lost. Laptops and other small electronic devices the hottest targets for thieves. So protect your laptop and your information on it by using apps to help you track it wherever it may be.

If you ever need to ship your laptop somewhere using UPS or FedEx, see if you can buy the laptop box they use first. You can often save twenty or so dollars by buying the box and packing it yourself. They can still answer any questions about packing it up without charging you labor for doing so.

Your ideal laptop bag is going to have a shoulder strap. If you only have the option of carrying it by hand, you are going to get tired and set it down often, making it easier to damaged through kicking or dropping. A shoulder-worn bag is easier to carry and harder to get stolen off of you.

Try not to carry a laptop in a backpack. While it might seem convenient, anyone who doesn't know what's in the backpack is not going to be as careful with it as need be. This can risk damage to your laptop by someone packing a car trunk or someone handling your bag at a security checkpoint.

To keep your muscles from suffering while you use your laptop, it is important that you position your laptop on your desk right in front of you, so that you do not have to bend your neck to see the screen. This may require a monitor pedestal, but it will preserve your neck over time.

After reading this article, you should be better prepared to go shopping for a new laptop. As with any major purchase, you need to be as informed as possible before you spend your hard-earned money. Keep these tips in mind the next time that you are looking for a great new laptop.