Millions of people across the world own and use computers. Many use desktop models, but more and more people are turning to laptop models. They want to know what to consider when buying a laptop on a budget so they can get the best computer for the least money.

1. What size laptop do you want? Laptop technology is changing so rapidly. While the laptop was previously a workhorse, it often weighed almost as much. These days, however, most economical laptops will weigh between 6 and 8 pounds. If you want one that is lighter weight, you can expect to pay more for it.

2. What size screen do you need? Obviously, no matter what you’re going to be doing on your new computer, you’ll want as big a screen as possible. A 15-inch monitor is pretty much standard on budget-priced laptops. If you need something larger, you may want to consider purchasing a separate, larger monitor which can be plugged into the laptop to give you the screen size you want and need. Of course, if you’re going to be taking your laptop with you, this option isn’t valid; that will only work with stationary computers.

3. Think about what you’ll be doing on your laptop. Depending upon what you plan to do, you may be able to do everything with 256 MB of RAM (random access memory). However, most laptops will offer a minimum of 1 GB instead. This is one component on your computer which is easily upgraded should you find the current configuration isn’t enough for everything you’ll do with your computer.

4. How much video processing will you do? The video card, or graphics processing unit (GPU), can be a deal breaker when trying to purchase a laptop on a budget. If you will use your laptop for data processing or spreadsheets, you probably don’t need a large GPU. However, if you plan to watch videos or play graphic-intensive games on there, you’ll want a larger video card. Depending upon which manufacturer you choose, you may be able to upgrade this component later on if you find the graphics aren’t what you’d like.

5. The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of the computer. And, while it might be great to have the latest and greatest technology, it may not be necessary. If you’re buying a laptop on a budget, this is one area where it’s possible to save money. Use the money you save with the CPU to add in another component of your laptop, or simply save it.

The above areas will be the most important of what to consider when buying a laptop on a budget. You may also want to think about battery life, but that is something which may not be adjustable. Using the five areas above, however, you can get a computer that is cost-effective and it will still be able to do what you need it to do.