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10 Tips for Buying a Laptop from Microsoft

Posted: 04 Dec 2009 02:39 AM PST

Planning to buy a laptop but don’t know how to choose the one suit your needs best? Microsoft have some tips for buying a laptop for you.

Knows what you want — Microsoft has an interactive guide to take you through a quick laptop crash course and recommend a set of PC based on your needs.
Test it! — Visit local retailer to see and try the laptop. Don’t be afraid to ask the salesperson. Get an expert friend for advices.
See a similar laptop — put similar laptop side by side, you may find that one is clearly superior or better fit for you.
Don’t panic about price differences — two laptops can look identical but differ greatly in performance. Check the specifications of two laptops that look the same but vary wildly in price. If the specs match, you might be onto a good deal.
Check out the Windows 7 edition — Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate? Compare them here.
Ask about the cost of upgrade — for a little extra, you can boost your laptop performance. Usually, it is cheaper to upgrade extra when you buy the laptop. You also might do a little research to make sure you are getting a good deal on the extras.
Know what accessories are included — Be sure to ask what’s included, and make sure that everything is in the box. If you need a keyboard, mouse, or cable, you’ll want to get them at the store before you get home and unpack your new laptop.
Know your warranty options — Get extended warranty if you think your computer may experience some extra wear and tear.
Ask about the return policy — Many stores offer a 14- to 30-day grace period during which you can return a product for a full refund, no questions asked. Some stores will charge a restocking fee, however, so make sure you ask about that too.
Switch over from your old computer to your new laptop — you can transfer your data to new computer using Windows Easy Transfer. Are your software compatible with Windows 7? Check at Windows Compatibility Center.

Check out the Best Selling Laptop on Amazon.com.

My two cents

Whenever my friend seek my advice in buying a computer, I will ask them to list out the “must have” and “good to have” features, and their budget. Then, filter laptop models based on the list and budget.

Personally, I don’t care much about the laptop brand and will install more RAM whenever possible.