There are certain features that are important to look at when buying a laptop or notebook. This laptop features guide illustrates the main features to look for and all the important laptop components.
Laptops, are also known as notebooks, and basically the terms are interchangeable, and are usually just used by certain manufacturers to describe a mobile computer. Apple for example calls their laptops notebooks, while Dell prefers the name laptop. The important laptop features to look at and consider when buying a laptop are outlined below and hopefully will assist you in purchasing the right laptop for you.

Not all laptops are the same nor do they have the same features. One of the most important actions to take prior to buying a laptop is to consider what you will be using it for and then making sure those features are part of the laptop you buy. (Image: Apple Mac Book Pro)

Laptop Features

Processor: The processor speed is a very important laptop feature and is determined in GHz (gigahertz) and determines how fast the laptop will process information and run. The best processor today is the Intel Core 2 Duo and most newer models of laptops feature this processor.

1.73 GHz processor is more than sufficient for everyday work like word processing, spreadsheets, email and Internet surfing.

Memory (RAM): Another crucial laptop feature to the performance of a laptop is RAM memory, which refers to the amount of programs you can run on your notebooks without running into slow downs and causing your laptop to drag.

512MB RAM is usually a standard, however, 1GB is best and especially if you intend to use your laptop for gaming, video and entertainment, like storing a lot of music files and 3-D graphics.

Tip: Check the RAM the laptop supports because this will indicate the most memory you will be able to upgrade to.

Hard Drive: When buying a laptop a 40-80 GB hard drive is more than sufficient unless you plan to generate mass amounts of music or data files or you want to install more than one suite like Microsoft Office.

All-In-One Design: The all-one-design is a great laptop feature, and unless you need to buy a lightweight laptop, choose one with an internal bay for the optical drive. Simply put this drive lets you to swap in other devices, such as an extra hard drive or a second battery and be an essential feature down the line.

Screen Size: One of the most important laptop features is screen size. The screen size dimension of laptops is measured diagonally across the screen. You really don't want to sacrifice viewing comfort in order to gain portability. A screen larger than 14 inches is best to avoid strain on the eyes. Larger screens or wide screens result in heavier laptops and are more bulky but do provide a more comfortable experience whether you're surfing the net, watching movies or working a lot on your laptop.

Weight: The weight of a laptop is another important feature and it is usually to go with one that is 5 pounds or more. While ultra light laptops (less than 4 pounds) are easier to carry, they have cramped keyboards, less speed and memory, usually no CD or DVD drive and smaller screens. If you buy an ultra-light laptop, its performance may be so compromised that after all of the accessories you carry with it are added up (a CD drive, a larger battery, a better keyboard, etc...) it may weigh as much as a regular 5 or 6 lb laptop.

Keyboard: Another important laptop feature is the keyboard. The keyboard should be full size or it will take some time to adjust.

Tip: Look for the % of full size when looking at the keyboard features of a laptop.

Mouse Options:

Touch screen, which is controlled with finger movements on a pad.

Knob feature that lets you control the mouse by moving the finger in only one spot. This feature is harder to adjust and unless you have a preference get the touch panel.

Both Touch and Knob, often the best option for laptops.

Tip: You can always hook up a standard mouse to your laptop if you prefer the desktop comfort when using a mouse with a laptop.

Warranty: Getting a warranty, whether you buy refurbished laptops or pink laptops, can save money down the road.

Tip: If the laptop you wish to buy comes with a warranty check to see if they cover shipping charges in the event you need to send it in for repair. There are also warranties that cover an in-home repair.

Battery: Watt-hours determine the life of a laptop battery. Lithium batteries use cells to determine life, more cells equals more life. Usually a laptop needs a new battery every 1 to 5 years. The way you determine battery consumption depends on how you use the laptop.

Tip:  Most battery ratings are given for a computer running minimal processes which does not include Internet usage, graphics, power-save mode etc. If you want more more freedom from the outlet buy a laptop that has a modular bay which is capable of holding a supplementary power pack.

Wireless - WI-FI: When buying a laptop Wireless Internet Capability is necessary if you'd like to surf the net without being tied to a wire. One of the best things about laptops is that you could surf the net anywhere and WI-FI provides just that. Wireless cards are easily installed into most laptops.

Ports: Simply put a port is a specialized outlet on the back of a laptop or desktop computer to which a plug or cable connects. The more ports you have the more variety you will have.

You should have at least:

1 USB (multipurpose, very useful port).
At least one VGA (video connection to external monitor/ projector).
Ethernet Port for wired Internet connection and
Headphone port
Microphone port

Other ports include:

FireWire port for iPod connections
S-video port for video output
PC card slots (card bus), which provide a large variety of functions are important to have on your laptop, usually you can buy a PC card to replace any type of port.
Printer port for printers - This one is important, most often a printer may not be foremost on the minds of those looking to buy laptops, but it can come in handy down the road, especially, if the laptop is your primary computer it is useful to have printer connection capability at home.

Audio: Media Centers have higher quality speakers built-in. Laptops that save weight and space will have small speakers which gives just an OK sound quality and quiet music.

Video/Graphics: When buying a laptop video/graphics options are important for playing and editing movies and is crucial for 3D gaming.

VRAM or dedicated video memory usually comes with a graphics card (ATI Radeon, GeForce, etc...) and has its own memory in MB which includes 32MB, 64MB, and 128MB. If video/gaming is important to you pick the highest one you can afford.

Tip: Check the back of your games or media software CD-case or manual to see the "system requirements" for the video memory requirements.

Learn more at: Gaming Laptops Features Guide

Laptop Security: Security is an important laptop feature since laptops are portable and mobile you want to protect your laptop and data from theft. A variety of methods are available including security cable for laptop computer and biometric fingerprint readers. Many laptop come with built in biometrics for security.

Laptop Brands

There are many different brands of laptops, each boasting certain features and models. For example Dell is considered to have the best gaming laptops like the XPS M1730. The Toshiba Oosmio is the best multi-media type of laptop providing exceptional video and audio experience. Some very affordable and cheap laptop computers are are HP Compaq Presario V 5000Z and the GATEWAY NX100X.
(Image: Dell XPS M1730)

The key to buying the right laptop is determining personal use and then buying the one that has the most features for the right price.