When it comes to purchasing a laptop, PC laptop computers are a great choice. PC stands for personal computer, but it has come to be generally known as computers that run Microsoft Windows as their operating system. The other major type of laptop computer is the Apple Mac, which runs Mac OS X (or OS Leopard) as the operating system. Laptop computers are simply portable versions of a desktop computer. They are typically in a folding metal or plastic shell that houses the screen in the top half, and the rest of the computer components in the bottom half. There is a rechargeable battery that allows use without being plugged in. Learning a little more about the components and uses for a laptop will help in your decision making. Laptops are also known as notebook computers.

There are 5 main components to PC Laptop Computers: the case, the screen, the hardware, the software, and the battery.  These vary in importance for purchasing.  The case is the covering to the laptop, keeping things safe.  The screen displays the images of what you are doing.  The hardware allows tasks to occur.  The software assists tasks and performs functions to allow computer use.  The battery is what keeps the computer running when it is not plugged into to power.

The case is the outermost protective layer for PC laptop computers.  Typically it is a variation of plastic, but lightweight aluminum is common as well.  The plastic used in most laptops is durable, light and easy to clean.  Some plastics are vulnerable to cracking and scratching.  There are ultra rugged laptops, designed to withstand extreme conditions, which are made out of ultra rugged plastics.  The aluminum used in some laptops is easy to clean, durable and light.  The aluminum does not scratch as easily as some plastics.  It is also easier to recycle at the end of its life. 

Important things to look for in a case is the feel of the plastic.  Some plastics feel as though they are rather "soft" (as far as a hard plastic can be).  These should be avoided.  You should also squeeze sections of the plastic between your hands to get an idea of the thickness and flexibility of the laptop.  Rigid cases can crack easier if the plastic is thin, but very flexible plastic could also not provide as much protection.  With aluminum, typically you just want to determine the outer finish.  Some are just lightly sealed aluminum, whereas others are painted.  Stay away from painted, as they tend to chip or peel over time.  If you find an anodized aluminum case, consider it strongly as anodized cases are very durable.

The screen on a PC laptop is a Liquid Crystal Display, also known as LCD, that potrays images using very little energy. The low energy usage works well for the laptop, especially when running on battery.  The newest version of LCD is TFT, or thin-film transistor, technology.  This uses less energy, and can produce images faster than LCD.  This means for a better quality pictures, and is especially helpful when watching movies. 

The size of the screen is the most important thing to consider.  The larger the screen, the more you will be able to see at one time, but the heavier the laptop will be.  While the actual screen size doesn't affect the weight much, the additional casing needed to form the laptop does.  The weight is not dramatic though, and would be a good trade off for a larger screen for many purposes.  If you enjoy watching movies, or you do any graphic, music, video game, or movie editing or production then you will want a larger screen.

The hardware on a laptop computers is one of the most important aspects to consider when purchasing.  The main hardware components are the central processing unit, also known as the CPU, hard drive, computer memory, graphics card, and optical drives.

The CPU is the main brains behind the laptop.  It allows all functions to happen on the computer, and therefor has a huge affect on performance.  CPU performance speed is rated in GHz.  A GHz rating of 2.0 or above is generally good enough.  Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon processors are both good quality.

The hard drive is the permanent storage device on your laptop.  Generally, most laptops have at least a 40 - 50 GB hard drive, which will suffice for normal use.  If you intend to store lots of music and videos, shoot for at least 80 GB, and if you do graphic or video game design, or photo or music editing then a 120 GB one or higher would be ideal.

Computer memory allows for temporary things to be stored that are being used to process certain functions.  The amount of memory has a direct relation to over all computer speed.  2GB is find for average use, but if you have more advanced needs then shoot for 4GB.

The graphics card is what process and handles images for your screen.  It also has a memory, and again the size relates to function, as with computer memory.  Shoot for the best graphics card and largest memory you can afford, as it will only benefit you in the long run.

Optical Drives are the additional hardware added to your laptop that are not necessary for basic function.  These include DVD, CD, and DVD/CD writing drives.  DVD and CD drives simply play their respective types of discs.  The DVD/CD writing devices write them, which can be valuable.  This is generally denoted by the RW after the letters.  For example, a DVD drive that writes would be a DVD+RW.

All PC Laptop Computers come with software installed onto them.  The most important one is the operating system, which will be some version of Microsoft Windows.  A Less common type of operating systems on PC laptops is Linux, which is generally used for hosting servers or for some programmers. 

Other types of software include things such as music players, graphic design programs, Internet browser, and movie players.  Software bundles are very popular, so you should take time to investigate software bundle deals that would work for your needs when purchasing.

The battery on PC laptop computers is the device that allows you to use it without having it plugged into a power source.  This is one of the main differences between a desktop computer and a laptop computer.

Battery life varies dramatically from computer to computer and even between two nearly identical computers.  The amount of hardware, screen size, and software programs that are being used all affect the battery life.  Also, the size of the actual battery will affect battery life too.  Generally, the greater the battery life the heavier the laptop.

Choose a laptop with the battery life that best suites your lifestyle and needs.

Choosing a PC laptop computer is a challenging task. If you follow a few easy steps, and use your knowledge from above, then you should make it pretty easy.

Step 1: Determine how you intend to use your laptop the most. Ask yourself how mobile you need your laptop to be. Also figure out what things you will want to do on your laptop.

Step 2: With step 1 done, you should now be able to pick out components according to your needs. The more mobile you need your laptop, the lighter it needs to be, and the less mobile the less important weight is. Generally, the more basic needs for your laptop you have the less important the case, screen size, computer memory, graphics card, hard drive, software, and battery life are. More complicated or specific needs warrant more specific requirements. Determine what components are important based on step 1.

Step 3: Choose 3 brands to look into. It helps to start with brands that you have other electronic items from.

Step 4: Give your self a price range to work within

Step 5: Look up the 3 brands online, and check out their models. Utilize the consumer reports available to know what others like you think of the computer.

Step 6: Always go to a store and try out the laptops before purchasing, even if you want to purchase online. A laptop might look great online, but feeling it in your hands and using it are very important.

Step 7: Now it is time to buy! Since hopefully you will know at least 1 laptop you are interested in, checking out Amazon should help you find it at the lowest price possible.

Step 8: Think about long term warranty coverage for your laptop, because if something does go wrong it can be very expensive to get fixed.

Step 9: After purchasing your laptop, consider what accessories are important. A laptop case is one accessory that can help keep your PC laptop clean and protected, helping to ensure its longevity.