The first question a laptop shopper should ask is, what will this computer be used for? A laptop that will be used mostly for word processing and business work should have different specifications than one that will be used to play computer games. For ultra-portable word processing, netbooks are a good choice. These small cheap laptops are smaller and cheaper than their bigger cousins, and usually fit into a standard bag for easy transport. They make great cheap laptops for students. Asus, Lenovo, and MSI are established netbook makers whose computers average in the low $200s. A laptop that will be used for graphics-intensive computer games or design, however, should have a larger screen and more memory. Toshiba, Compaq, and Acer all make good computers for less money: a basic Compaq Presario with 2GB memory costs around $299, and similar offerings from Toshiba and Acer are under $400.

The next question to ask is, what specific model should this laptop be? There are only so many ways to build a computer, and many companies offer copies of what is essentially the same computer. To decide between similarly-priced versions of the same thing, consider each company’s reputation for the durability of its products. How long does each company’s laptops typically last? What kind of guarantees do they offer on their products? Can a customer send in their broken laptop for repairs, or are there repair shops conveniently located? Since even expensive computers inevitably have hardware trouble, the laptop you buy may be less important than the service you buy with it.

The third thing to consider is, can a laptop be tested before it is purchased? Even if a laptop is bought online, often the same or similar model can be tested in stores to make sure it will meet the customer’s expectations. Before you order any laptop online, write down the maker and model and then check with local electronics stores to see whether they carry it in stock. Even if you plan to buy it elsewhere, it is worth the time to go and examine a computer in person to see whether you like the design and its performance.

Finally, the last thing to consider when buying any laptop, but especially an inexpensive one, is how to make it yours! Personalization is important and can make a computer something special, not just a tool. Cheap laptopsare often more standardized than more expensive ones, with fewer custom options, so taking advantage of what customization is available can make a huge difference. Don’t like the boring back of your laptop? Consider buying a “skin” or wrap for your computer. Skins come in many colors and designs, from many different companies–some will even allow you to create your own design and have it custom-made. Accessories like skins or wireless mice can make your laptop experience more fun, more productive, and an even better value for your money.

When netbook was first introduced in 2008, it came with just enough processing power to handle non-CPU extensive tasks such as web browsing, email checking, and document processing. This has however changed over the years. The quality of netbook keeps improving. Netbook manufacturers like Asus, Acer, Dell, and Toshiba continue to release new netbook models with better specs and design over the years. Now it has come to a point where a netbook is almost as capable as a standard laptop — some of them even have enough horse power for gaming and high definition movies playback!

Of course, there are some features that a netbook still cannot compete with a standard laptop. For instance, a netbook is lack of optical drive, having a lower-end CPU, and comes with smaller screen and keyboard. But as a netbook user, I can tell you that these “limitation” actually give some advantages to the netbook. Here’s how:

• Lower-end CPU: Most netbooks today are using the Intel Atom CPU. While it’s not as powerful as the processors that other mainstream computers are using, it’s more energy efficient and thus providing better endurance. The Asus Eee PC 1005PE, one of the netbook with the best endurance, can provide up to 14 hours of battery life!
• Lack of optical drive: There are two benefits for not including an optical drive in a netbook. First, it drives the netbook’s price lower; and second, the netbook is lighter. You can always get an external optical drive when you need it.
• Smaller keyboard and screen: This makes the netbook more portable and incredibly easy to be carried around.

Now comes to the most important question: which netbook is the best? There’s no exact answer for that. Asus is good at creating netbook with great endurance; Toshiba has the best keyboard design; while Acer is well known for their competitive netbook price. In terms of popularity though, Acer does seem to be one step ahead of the rest — affordability is still the most important factor in this era of economic crisis. Just look at some Acer netbook deals online, and you will be surprised by how cheap these mini computers can be!

1. Look at sales ads for local stores that sell laptops. Most stores come out with new sales ads on a weekly basis so it is a good idea to look at these sales ads for at least a month to see if you spot the lowest price. By investing time in looking at these ads you are sure to find the sales patterns of the stores and you are also sure to run across the best sales on laptops.

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2. Search online for the lowest prices on laptops/notebooks. There are some great websites that offer computers and electronics at discounted prices. Often times people are most successful in getting some great prices on laptops on the internet because there is such vast competition and there are so many more options than at local stores.

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3. Keep your eye out for computers on clearance. Often times you can find laptops/notebooks on clearance at local electronic stores or on the internet. You will likely find the best prices on laptops/notebooks when they are on clearance. One drawback to this is that the product is probably discontinued. Be sure you are still able to have warranty coverage even though it is a clearance item.

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4. When purchasing a laptop/notebook on sale, discount, or clearance always be sure that you are purchasing a quality warranty with it. You will often find that the computer has a warranty through the company that makes the laptop. This is great to pay attention to because it will further save you money from having to purchase an additional and expensive warranty from the store. If you find yourself spending a lot of money on warranty through the store it is almost as if you are not saving any money at all from the sale.

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Purchasing a laptop/notebook does not have to be a difficult or expensive process. With the right preparation and product research you can find a quality laptop/notebook at a fantastic price. Follow these tips for some great success when shopping for your new laptop/notebook on a budget.

Smaller and more convenient weighing in at 2 and a half pounds each, they feature a 10 inch screen and both come in a variety of bright colours. One would be surprised at how easy they are to use as well, seeing as they both feature a keyboard that is about 90% the size of a normal one.

Now for the differences folks. Price: Dell costs $239 and boasts 24 hour shipment and HP costs $229 and is available locally. The slight difference between the two does not indeed change the fact that these netbooks which work as well and as fast as a basic laptop cost half as much as their larger counterparts. Shopping for cheap new laptops is not hard when you know what each company offers.

One thought is that although they are a bit less beefy than larger screen laptop computers they are still only about a year behind and have a great price for the service they offer. RAM on each is 1GB and hard drive for each is about 60GB, great for a normal computer user.

The best function besides price is style. Compact, attractive and available in many colors they look great and somewhat futuristic at any age. WiFi makes it an ideal toy for checking email at the cafe or looking up quick facts at the lunchroom or library before a meeting.

Yes, there are a lovely variety of protective cases available for 10 inch netbooks, many of which are designed to look like a purse with art or floral patterns. If I were to choose a brand I would choose the HP in pink.

Although the Dell netbook has convenient options like payment plans, 48 hour delivery and a toll free technical assistance line for Dell owners, the HP has a slight edge in price and is generally of better quality and longevity. Dell has much better choice of colour in a multitude of strong candy-coloured casings but overall HP is still thinner, sleeker and more attractive.

If this does not sound like the type of device for you, then consider it for a young one on your gift list, as it is cheap and a fun starter computer. The best of luck selecting your next computing device.

The Asus Eee laptop is like the little engine that could. One of the smallest laptops for sale that are available is this one. The overall size of the unit is only 8-3/4″ x 7″ x 1″ and weighing less than 1kg. Making it quite easy to carry around without the bulkiness. Fits in a briefcase, handbag , pocketbook, or even a small knapsack. They claim to be more durable to bumps and shocks to the unit. Which is a good thing, I would think that something the size of a notebook and just as thin would take any abuse.

It’s size is not the only thing that’s small. You can pick one up of less than $400. As far as cheap new laptops go, this is one of the best. What’s inside is a 1.6 GHz Intel atom processor along with an Intel 950 graphics card, 1GB if RAM, a 80 GB hard drive, 512 cache memory and a few more items that make you want to give it some thought. As for start up speed, Asus claims the Eee is usable with Lixus booting in about 10 seconds (give or take). You can shoose to use Windows and take a fe more with that OS. When compared to a Mac, they’re ready in about the same time.

The programs that are available as standard with the Asus Eee are Microsoft Works, along with Star Office8 office suites (speedsheet, word processor, calender programs, database and much more. Keep in mind that with the 80GB hard drive, you sure have more than enough room for other software programs.

It seems that the Asus Eee at it’s regular price is like finding other notebooks on sale.