When it comes time to buy a laptop, the vast number of choices can be overwhelming. With so many options available, it is sometimes hard to tell what features you really need, and which ones are pointless upsells.

To make sure that you get a high-functioning machine without any unnecessary bells and whistles, here are the top four things you should consider when buying a laptop.

1. Size and portability - Laptop computers now come in a huge range of sizes. Some are tiny and very portable, making them great for Web browsing and email, but reliant on cloud computing for storage. Others are meant to replace a desktop, and tend to be much bigger and heavier. This is ideal for watching movies, but too heavy to tote around every day. Think carefully about whether you plan to take your laptop out a lot, and what you plan to use it for. This will help you determine a size that works best for you.

2. Memory - Random Access Memory, or RAM basically translates to computer speed. The more RAM you have, the quicker your laptop will be able to change applications and browse the Web. But Matt Smith, a writer for Digital Trends advised his readers that laptops really don't require more than 4GB of this kind of memory, and anything more than that would be overkill. The exception to this is for those who are running memory intensive applications like AutoCad, 3-D games or high-end video or photography programs.

3. Graphics - When you're buying a laptop, think about whether or not you're planning on using it for gaming. If so, even a casual gamer would benefit from thinking about the graphics that a laptop comes equipped with. Gamers should purchase a laptop with discrete graphics.

4. Storage – The first decision to make is SSD vs HDD.  Most casual users and those on a budget will want to stick with the rotational hard drive (HDD). But those who run demanding applications and and an incredible speed boost for their laptop will want to upgrade to a Solid State Drive (SSD). The performance difference is astounding. Click here to watch a comparison video.

While choosing the perfect laptop can seem like a daunting task, the knowledgeable staff at PortableOne can help you every step of the way. We know how to customize every portable device you need, and can make sure that you get it for a great price.