Written by Denise Martins

Some people can yield the power of a pen remarkably well. They can write quick, legible, coherent notes that later prove to be excellent study guides. Some people are perfect; but then there are the rest of us.

Laptops are revolutionizing the way we take notes and interact with faculty and peers. They are becoming an essential component of every student’s backpack. And although not so long ago not everyone could buy a laptop, now even the most debt-filled souls are beginning to see laptops as a worth-while investment. The challenge has now become how to choose the perfect laptop that will meet your individual needs.

Know your budget.
We all want the best but unfortunately, we can’t all afford it. Sit down, log in to your bank account, and start calculating how much you can actually spend without cutting into essential expenditures.

Prioritize.
Choose what’s most important for your computer to have. Some may prefer speed over storage capacity. Others may prefer good graphics over portability. Speed, storage capacity, size, weight, design, sound quality, warranty, battery life. These are all important factors that will determine what type of laptop you will choose.

Window shopping.
Now that you have a budget and a list of priorities, it’s time to hit the market. Surf the big stores but also don’t be afraid of liquidators and pawn shops. Although you may not find what you’re looking for, browse as much as you can so that you may make an informed decision, as it is likely that this laptop will be yours for a very long time.

Buy a laptop.
When it’s right, you’ll know. Don’t feel pressured into buying anything too quickly. Everyone has their own pace and some people are more particular about their needs than others. If, however, you really feel you can’t make a choice, groups on campus like the IT desk at the library may be able to give you some advice. Also, if you feel inadequate, your friends are there to help you out in times of need. Don’t be afraid to seek out help from your computer-savvy friends. They’ll appreciate that you find their advice valuable.

Take good care of it.
When you’ve got it, flaunt it. All the while, of course, make sure that you’re doing everything within your power to ensure your laptop lasts you as long as possible. Clean it often, and consider buying or making a protective case for your laptop.

Not being an expert should never turn you off from making informed decisions. Do some research of your own to gain some basic knowledge on how computers work. Also remember to verify that your operating system supports software you might need for classes in specific streams.