Even though market prices for laptops are drastically going down, they still are an expensive option in comparison with a PC. However, they do form an important element of the daily work routine of many. Speaking about the features desired in one's laptop, they vary according to personal usage. For instance, being an office professional, what you are looking out for is going to be completely different from what a student needs.

Hence, before shelling out those extra bucks from your pocket, you need to evaluate the daily tasks you perform and then start looking out for options which are competent enough to take care of your routine needs. Following is a list of the features that are worth consideration before a laptop purchase:

CONNECTIVITY – Quite obviously, laptops are a requirement amongst those who are constantly on the move. Hence, connectivity to the internet becomes an integral function for one to look out for in case of many. Thus, laptops with a Multi–Connectivity option can serve you better. A Laptop must be either well equipped with networking abilities or come with an add-on application . The various connectivity options available are :

• Wi-Fi Connection
• Shared Internet Access
• Created Network Connection in Windows XP

PROCESSOR – Today, the most popular and efficient processors in the market are the Intel Core 2 Duo and the AMD Turion 64 X2. With the available market options, the present speed of processors ranges from 1.6GHz, which is sufficient for a routine day-to-day performance, to 3.5 GHz, for those of you who have to use multi media programs or gaming on your system.

SCREEN – Today, markets offer laptops with screens that range from 12 inch – 17+ inch, and this of course, is a price governing factor. Although going for a big screen would make much sense if you have such kind of work profile, such as multimedia or animation softwares. But if your job requires working on routine applications such as MS Office, then the 14 inch screen would also do quite well for you.

SIZE – The thickness and weight of a laptop are also quite an essential feature. If your work requires you to be on your toes round the clock, then going for a lighter model makes sense. However, a lighter weight also quite possibly means a smaller screen or sometimes minus a CD/DVD drive and other essential add-ons.

MEMORY – When buying a laptop, one more important consideration is RAM - the amount of installed memory. Higher the RAM, faster is your computer performance, and more is the number of files & programs that can be run at once. Lack of an appropriate RAM means the processor would get strained and would lead to slower operating of the laptop. As a standard, any laptop should have a minimum of 512 MB of RAM, but it is advisable to go for 1 or 2 GB for better efficiency.

BATTERIES – Batteries are nothing but just like an in-built UPS that allow you to charge your laptop and then operate it from anywhere without the need of an electricity source, which is actually the very purpose of a laptop. Battery life, or how long a battery lasts, is completely dependent on one's usage. These days, there are many laptops that even come with an additional battery option, that can be charged and kept as a spare in case of emergencies.

HARD DRIVE – It is the file storage device on your system. Laptops usually come with an 80 GB storage space, but you must keep your needs in mind before deciding on the amount of space you require.

SECURITY ANALYSIS – These days, Laptops becoming a theft target is not a big deal, and hence, better security features are being developed and is gradually being looked upon as being a priority among a chosen few. For instance, a high-end laptop can include Personal Firewall softwares, Notebook Security Cable and other Safety & Security features. This would not only save your important information from any unauthorised access.

OPTIONAL FEATURES – With the new genre of laptops, you may find several alluring features, like touch screens, with the help of which you can operate the laptop only by touching the screen.

Another option is the Tablet Input Feature, where you can use a light pen to create designs or highlight items.

Apart from this, firewire ports, a swivel screen, Blu-Ray Capability, extended life batteries, integrated camera, bluetooth wireless are some more features that are available.

WARRANTY SUPPORT – One last important thing that should not be skipped out again is the warranty offered for the repairs and replacement in case the laptop fails to perform as promised. Further, additional warranty can also be purchased from a selected few manufacturers.

So now you know it for yourself how to pick your laptop in the light of above mentioned considerations.

So the next time you go for a laptop purchase, it would be easier for you to mirror your needs with the available features and decide on the same in light of the above-mentioned options