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Today's laptops combine a desktop's power and wireless networking capabilities in an easily portable package. Many laptops weigh under 6 lbs. (desktop-replacement models are heavier) and ultraportables can be as little as 3 lbs. Lightweight designs are ideal if you want to carry your computer around the house, office or campus or on your travels.

Screen sizes start at 11.6"
(diagonally) in ultraportable models, all the way up to 18" in some entertainment laptops. For easy viewing, many people prefer a 14.1" widescreen or larger, but keep in mind that display size is a key factor in a laptop's weight. Today, brightness, color and sharpness quality tends to be uniform across the board.

The processor is the brain of the computer, impacting its speed and performance as well its price. Laptop processor brands offer a hierarchy of technologies to suit a range of needs. Processing power becomes more critical for those using their laptop as their primary PC and for those engaging in demanding activities such as multimedia or gaming applications.

Also known as RAM (Random Access Memory), this is the physical working memory a computer uses to run applications and the operating system. Therefore, it directly affects speed and performance. At least 1GB is recommended for Windows operating systems and Mac OS X (2GB is preferable).

A hard drive's capacity indicates how many gigabytes (GB) of electronic information (such as files, applications, photos, songs and videos) can be stored. The amount of hard drive space you need is proportionate to how you plan to use your laptop. Everyday tasks do not require as much storage space as digital photos, music, high-resolution digital media and 3D games.

Make sure the laptop and router can work together by matching wireless standards: 802.11a, b, g or n. Wireless-B, G and N are compatible with each other, but to get the full benefits of range and speed, your laptop and router should be the same. Today's models come with wireless built in, so you won't need a separate laptop card for a new laptop.

Before you connect to the Internet, ensure that your laptop is protected by installing at least antivirus and antispyware protection or a more comprehensive security software solution. Very few computers include antivirus software preloaded, although some do have a short trial version.

Do you love playing today's popular games, like Spore, The Sims, Civilization and others? Look for a laptop with dedicated graphics or adjustable video memory, which will provide better performance than an integrated graphics chip.

Still have questions? Speak to Geek Squad® Agents over the phone or chat online. You can also turn to them to take the hassle out of installing security software or setting up a wireless network, plus they will be standing by if any issues arise down the road.