If you are heading off to college, you will need a good laptop computer to take class notes, do research and complete home work assignments. There are numerous choices out there with lots of features. Of course price is a consideration along with how long you will keep the laptop.

I’m majoring in Information Technology and have extensively looked into this issue. I think on average, you should be able to find a great laptop for between $1,300 and $2,500 and in some cases less. On average, you’ll probably hold on to your laptop for 3- 4 years.

Ryan’s check list of what to look for in a Laptop Computer

1. Processor speed should be 2.2- 3.0GHz- if you are only going to be using the laptop for word processing, 1.8GHz is fine,
2. Remote access to Internet using wireless G at a minimum. Buy wireless N if offered,
3. Minimum 13 inch screen if you are just using the laptop for word processing. Get a 15 inch screen if you are a Graphic Arts or Computer Science major, especially since you'll be spending endless hours online,
4. If you are a Graphic Arts major get a glossy screen. Colors just render better. The rest of us should go with a matte screen which cuts down on the glare,
5. 2 gigabytes of RAM is the norm but get 4 GB, especially if you’re going to keep your laptop for 3-4 years,
   
   
6. Get a 160 GB hard drive,
7. Get a wireless mouse. If you go with an Apple Laptop, the Wireless Mighty Mouse is good,
8. Get DVD with read/write capability. If into new technology try and find an HD DVD/Blue Ray,
9. Get a laptop with 2-3 hours of battery life. At college, you’ll always be close to an electrical plug so don’t sweat it,
10. Get a backpack or accessory case to carry your laptop to class,
11. Definitely take out the insurance on your laptop. Things happen at college and you can’t really afford not to take the insurance, and
12. If you need to print documents in color than get an InkJet printer. Laserjets are fine for black and white printing and more economical.

Apple vs. PC Laptop Computers
The biggest question you have may be whether you should get an Apple or PC laptop computer. In the past, this depended on whether you used Microsoft Windows. Now that Apple laptops can also run Windows, the choice is more or less what you like.

If you decide you want an Apple, be sure to ask the salesman if it will run Windows and check the documentation. If there’s a particular piece of software or hardware, also ask about it’s compatibility with the laptop before you buy it.

Again if you are majoring in Computer Science or Graphic Arts and like Apple, we think that the MacBook Pros make a lot of sense. For the rest of us the MacBook is just fine.

If you like PCs, then check out the IBM wide screen Z series. Sony and Toshiba also make fine laptops. For simple word processing, a bottom of the line Dell laptop computer will do.

Take Advantage of Discounts
All the laptop manufacturers offer new and existing college students discounts either in price or by throwing in extra software and hardware. Many colleges and universities have information on their websites about these discounts. Make sure to go online and check to see what is available from each computer manufacturer.

If you work for the Federal or State Government, you may be able to buy computers at a discount. Apple, HP and many other computer makers offer discounts.

Discounts from Internet Purchases
Prices of laptop computers on the Internet and in brick and mortar stores may differ. So make sure you check out both.

For example, electronic store Best Buy’s website offers discounts on many items, including laptop computers. To get the price on the website, you must purchase the product online and then go to the store to pick it up. If you don't follow these rules, you won't get the discount.

Start with a Secure and Safe Web Browser
I strongly suggest that you Get Firefox with Google Toolbar for better browsing when you conduct Internet research and do assignments requiring use of the Internet. Firefox is used by millions of people and is less vulnerable to computer attacks then Microsoft's Internet Explorer web browser according to a CNET review.