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Choosing a laptop to send your son or daughter off to college with is tricky business. Watch advertisements from major companies especially during the back-to-school selling extravaganza, and parents will believe that they can get a great computer at really affordable prices. Well, hold your horses right there. These companies aren't exactly misleading, but the key words in those advertisements are: "Starting at...." and "As low as..." This is what I discovered when I was on a mission to find the right laptop to send my child off to college.

1. Research and compare features. Go to the websites of all the major companies and narrow down you options. Print out the ones that are in the running. Go to the major chain type store websites, even if you do not plan to buy from them. That is actually where I found the best side by side comparisons of products and manufacturers.

2. The lowest priced computer models that the companies advertise generally need quite a bit of upgrading to get to be the computer that the student really wants it to be. By the time the upgrades are added it usually adds up to what the newest model would cost anyway. I think the odds of better service and repair side with the newest model also.

3. Look at HD Memory. The low end lap tops start at 80 GB but most newer models aren't less that 120 and often offer free upgrades to 160. Look for one that has room for upgrades if this machine is expected to last through four year or more of college.

4. Look at RAM. Most newer laptops start at 1GB. Many companies offer free up grades to 2GB. The one we chose is upgradeable to 4GB.

5. Many companies as part of their promotions offer features such as free or low cost webcams, virus protection, printers or other upgrades. This can vary quite a bit from company to company and model to model within the same company. Make sure to compare those benefits.

6. Screen size and weight. These vary from 12 - 17 inches. As the screensize increases usually the weight increases. Do you purchase the lightweight small screen or the heavier large screen? The conclusion we came to was to go with the mid-sized computer that seemed to have the best features of both ends. The jury is out on this one, whether we made the right decision or not. The reason for our decision was that the 12 inch screen just seemed too small. Perhaps if she had a desk top in her room too it would have been the best choice. The 17 inch heavier computer just seemed a little large for taking to classes.

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