You've decided to buy a laptop, but don't really know how to go about it.

I get asked time and again how to buy a laptop. Sometimes it's for a student, other times for an adult who just wants the freedom to roam around the house while computing.

So I have come up with a short procedure to follow that will act as a guide to get the right product for the right purpose.

Step 1: Determine who is going to use it. Not just the individual, but is this person - old or young (need reading glasses yet)? Computer literate or illiterate (PC or MAC)? A person who takes care of his hardware or someone careless?

Once I had a client who was blind and looking for a laptop. At the time, Toshiba had the best name in the business. We called a techy type guy who worked for an association for the blind who was also sight impaired.

His comment to us was that blind people can be a bit harder on things, for obvious reasons, and that Toshiba laptops don't hold up quite as well to being banged around. He recommended some other brands instead.

Experience has also shown me that college students who don't have to buy their own laptop have a distinct tendency to be harder on things also. Make sure they have a well padded case and use it.

The answers derived in Step 1 will trickle down to the rest of the 5 steps, as you will see.

Step 2: How long does this person need it for? Is it a student going to college and you, the parent, want it to last for the entire 4 year program (hopefully they'll finish in 4 years!)?. If so, you want enough performance and warranty to last that long.

On the other hand, maybe you are buying for someone with plenty of money who likes the latest and greatest. (Is there a doctor in the house?) In that case, put money into power and toys, not lengthy warranty.

If it's for an election worker, the laptop is probably not needed for more than a year or so, two at the most. Configure it accordingly.

Step 3: Determine the ergonomics. This is about the only use I have for big box stores. Wander the aisles and try out the different pointing devices and keyboards. Decide if you want widescreen or standard aspect ratio (standard is getting harder to find).

Do you like the glossy screen or will glare be a big problem where you are likely to use it most? Maybe you prefer matte finish. Glossy looks a little sharper for movies and Windows Vista Aero interface, and to see if someone is sneaking up behind you. But if you have an office with lots of windows or flourescent lights, matte may be better for you.

If you will be using the laptop outside a lot, you may want to try out some laptops - from friends or coworkers - in that environment. It's no fun if you can't read the screen.

Size and Weight. Does it need to be compact or light? Some very nice units weigh in at under 4 pounds yet have a large enough keyboard and screen to be quite usable.

A typical high powered laptop will run around 6.5 pounds. But a laptop with a behemoth 17" screen tips the scale at almost 10 pounds!

Step 4: What kind of support will you need for it? Are you the type that just isn't comfortable talking to support staff in India, and would rather walk up to a counter with a live (even if disinterested) human being?

Or are you self sufficient enough to handle simple things on your own, maybe even get out a screwdriver and start prying the keyboard off if directed to?

Buy a laptop from a vendor who will give the kind of support that you require.

Step 5: Do you have budget constraints? If so, you may want to reference my article on "How to Buy a Laptop - 7 Areas to Cut Costs". Otherwise, you can skip right to my Laptop Buying Guide and see exactly what kind of system I recommend for the best price/performance purchase.

Do your research when buying a laptop. Do everything you can to help insure that you will be happy with it.

But, just in case, check out the return policy if you find that you really didn't get what you expected.

Roger DeReu has been working with PC's, as a programmer, IT specialist and independent consultant, since 1984. He currently consults primarily with small and medium sized businesses in the Midwest. He is a Microsoft Certified Professional and Small Business Specialist. The FreeComputerConsultant was originally created to be a free resource for the employees of his clients to have access to his knowledge for benefit of their home PC's.

Roger's daily computer blog can be found at http://FreeComputerConsultant.WordPress.com