In the market for a laptop computer? Sometimes the answer to that question seems to be '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!

When you are shopping for a laptop, here are some of the things that you should consider:

Size and Weight

If you plan to carry the laptop with you often, it is important to consider the size and weight of the machine. Usually a discount notebook computer will be a bit smaller, lighter and easier to carry than other available models. The smaller the laptop, the smaller (and less costly) the tote bag that you can purchase for it.

Screen parameter

While a 15.4' screen has been standard for awhile, many are now coming with larger HD screens to enhance watching DVDs. However, note that while the larger screens are quite nice, they have a significant impact on battery life and weight of the unit.

Consider Your Computing Needs

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 will frequently be relying on your laptop's battery due to limited access to electrical outlets, it is crucial to find a laptop with a battery life that will work for your situation. Some newer laptops have 12-cell batteries that last longer than the older batteries with 4 and 6 cells. Naturally, these come with a higher price tag.

Guarantee Criteria

Don't forget to think about warranty coverage and life expectancy when purchasing a new laptop. It is extremely important to know what is covered by a warranty and what is not, when the warranty expires, and processes that should be used for repairs under warranty. For instance, many warranties do not cover damage that occurs to the screen if you drop your laptop. In addition, many warranties require the consumer to pay shipping charges related to repairs, and most warranties provide only one year of coverage. Sometimes extended warranties will offer screen coverage and other extras that traditional warranties do not. Of course, the extended warranty is more expensive, so the benefits should be weighed against the additional costs.

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!