Finding the best laptop computer for you

The world of technology moves pretty quickly, especially when it comes to computers. I remember a few years ago when I was looking for the best laptop computer money could buy, and ended up with an Acer that had a 1.6 gig processor, 512 ram and a 40 gig hard-drive. These days, just several years later, you can pretty much get that and more on your cellphone.

So to find the best laptop computer, you first have to resign yourself to the notion that it won’t be the best for long. Technology always gets smaller, better and faster because there’s money to be made by making it smaller, better and faster. If you fork out thousands of dollars for a computer in 2009, by 2011 chances are you’ll be able to get the same computer off the scrap heap for hundreds of dollars. That’s just the nature of the business.

That doesn’t mean, of course, that a computer isn’t worth the investment. Far from it, having the best laptop computer means portability, flexibility and sustainability. See, the best laptop computer will be customizable and flexible, aiming to fit your needs as well as presuppose your future needs, as well as future technologies. Multiple ports that go unused now will house new drivers or video cards several years from now. The people who design these top-of-the-line machines know that their customer base doesn’t want to have to buy a whole new box every year, so they build that into the design.

Once you’ve checked out the specs and decided what particular computer fits your needs, it’s time to do some shopping. Make sure you check out ConsumerReports first, as they’ll have a run-down of just about everything on the market as well as some useful tips and price guides. It’s doesn’t do you much good to go all-in without doing the requisite research to make sure you’re not getting ripped off.

It’s also important to not just try to buy the best laptop computer, but to buy the best laptop computer for you. Someone who needs raw power but has no interest in graphic design (or doesn’t like being pandered to by annoying ad campaigns) should avoid the Apple MacBook line. However, if you’re into graphics, Apple is probably the way to go as it’s the industry standard and the one area in which it clearly outstrips PCs. Even if you hate the ad campaigns, it’ll be worht it to you.

So do your shopping, and just as important, make sure you identify yourself what your computer needs are. Don’t let someone sell something you don’t actually need or want to you – make the decision for yourself!