Are you looking for a laptop computer? These days, it's rare to find someone 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!

Here's a breakdown of some of the 'specs' that you should give special heed to when shopping for laptops:

Size and Weight

First, consider the weight and size of the laptop if you know you'll often be lugging it around with you. Generally, a discount notebook computer is smaller than other laptops, and is much lighter and easier to carry. And the smaller it is, the smaller (and cheaper) carrying bags you can select 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.

Contemplate your computational requirements.

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.

Lifespan of cells

If you plan to be on the road a lot without frequent access to an electrical outlet, be sure to purchase a laptop that has a battery life that meets your needs. Some newer units come with longer-lasting 12-cell batteries as opposed to the older 4 and 6-cell batteries. Of course, these are also more expensive.

Warranty Considerations

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!