Laptop computers, also commonly called as notebooks, are convenient and very portable. But as there are many choices available, so you should choose a laptop that fits your lifestyle, your needs and your budget.

Prioritise laptop price, portability and performance

Before getting into system specifications, decide if portability or added features are important for you. If you are a student or a frequent traveller, consider portability as a major factor when buying. But know that lighter and smaller laptops are usually less powerful than the heavier ones, and they don't come in cheap either.

More expensive laptops offer greater portability or offer more features than cheaper ones. Those that weigh less, for example, often cost more. If you are on a tight budget and would like to go for features more than portability, you should get a bargain notebook. But if you would rather have lesser weight to carry, it would be best to opt for a thin-and-light or an ultraportable one.

Once you find a laptop that exactly fit your needs, you can move on and choose from the narrowed-down choices. Here are some steps you can follow:

1. Pick the right laptop processor.

AMD and Intel are the two most common processors in laptops. The newer 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Turion 64 are generally more expensive than the lower power counterparts. Know what you will be using the laptop for and the processor you should pick have just a bit more power than needed. Don't opt for high processor power if you don't really need it.

2. Select standard features you need.

Next, you should choose the hard drive capacity depending on the amount of files you will be handling, the memory (RAM) depending on the performance you need, choose between drive combos (CD or DVD drives and writers), the graphics card as well as the screen dimensions. You should also identify which ports you need to connect all your peripherals, the networking and Wi-Fi support and other features such as built-in card readers, Bluetooth or camera.

3. Choose the essential accessories you need.

You can save some amount if you buy a bundle that includes the accessories you need, such as the mouse, an extra battery, a docking station and a carrying case.

4. Get the best laptop that matches your need and your budget.

Laptops can be expensive so it is best to invest on a unit that will best fit your needs and your budget. If you have extra budget to spare, consider buying a model that has more features that you need. If you have just about enough, choose the best deal that will give you a great run for your money.