ASUS tailors its laptops to the most common ways people use them. As you begin shopping, consider which category best matches your needs.

• Gaming: For avid PC gamers, a powerful video card and processor (CPU) are a must. ASUS gaming laptops feature large, vivid screens, monster graphics cards, and high-end processors to deliver a desktop-quality gaming experience in a portable, if pricey, package.

• Working: Anyone whose job involves a keyboard knows how important it is to have a stable, fast computer. For ASUS, that means laptops that are durable and dependable, minus the glamour features of a high-end machine like the most current-generation CPU or a fancy video card. If you spend your day working with software, on the web, or both, you want a reliable machine that can keep up with you.

• Traveling: Some ASUS laptops emphasize portability, which is a big plus for those who have to lug their computer around everywhere they go. The so-called “Ultrabook” category of laptops was practically invented by Apple’s MacBook Air, and it isn’t hard to see how Apple has inspired ASUS in terms of both design and function (which, in this case, is a good thing).

Some ASUS laptops do double-duty as bulky but functional tablets. In the two-in-one ASUS, the screen is typically on a hinge or swivel that allows it to fold over the keyboard.

While the traditional mouse-and-keyboard approach is great for “lean-forward” computer work that involves typing or lots of clicking, using your ASUS laptop in tablet mode is ideal for “lean-back” activities like watching a movie.

If you expect to use your laptop for both kinds of activities, get a two-in-one. If you’re certain you won’t use the tablet functionality, you can save money – typically a few hundred dollars – by buying a laptop that isn’t a two-in-one.

ASUS uses two different operating systems (OS) on their laptops: Microsoft Windows and Google Chrome. As you’re shopping for an ASUS laptop, consider which OS best suits your needs.

This turns Google’s Chrome web browser into an entire operating system, complete with the ability to run apps found in the Google Play store. Backed by Google’s world-class, cloud-based software suite (including Google’s Search, Docs, Sheets, and Hangouts, among others), Chrome OS is a better choice for those who live their lives in the cloud (or aspire to).

This is ideal for gamers and anyone who has already invested in Windows-based software. It runs full-fledged applications, not just web- or cloud-based apps. Windows also brings the benefit of familiarity.

Many people have been using Windows for years and prefer a laptop OS that doesn’t require a learning curve.

Keep in mind, however, that Windows consumes a lot more battery life than Chrome, which means a Windows-based laptop requires more frequent recharging.

ASUS primarily adheres to industry norms when it comes to screen size. Displays are 11.6, 13.3, and 15.6 inches in size.

As you’re deciding what the right size screen is for you, consider the following:

• The screen size largely determines the weight and power of the laptop. While the screen itself doesn’t weigh a lot or affect the speed of the machine, it does define the size of the entire laptop enclosure. You can fit a faster processor and a bigger battery in a 15.6-inch laptop than you can in a smaller one. If you intend to use the computer for processor-intensive tasks (like editing video or compiling code), you’ll need a larger screen. If you plan to use your laptop mostly for basic tasks like web browsing and watching video, any size laptop would work well.

• The screen is the biggest drain on laptop batteries. While larger laptops often compensate for this by using the extra space for bigger batteries, that isn’t always the case. If you plan on using your laptop a lot when it isn’t plugged in, consider how the screen size will impact the battery life.

In the crowded laptop market, ASUS stands out by consistently producing high-quality computer hardware while maintaining some of the lowest prices available. While they often get mistaken for other budget brands like Acer, ASUS laptops have more in common with the major players than they do with “bargain basement” brands.

If neither of these price ranges is ideal for you, consider looking into older models. ASUS regularly discounts the previous year’s laptops when a new model becomes available.

• Under $500

Most ASUS laptops for the budget market cost $500 or less. They are commonly built with Chrome OS and equipped with just the basics.

• Between $999 and $1,300

ASUS laptops that feature faster processors and run Microsoft Windows usually start around $999 and can get as expensive as $1,300. This is still more affordable than most of the competition.

Before buying an ASUS laptop, familiarize yourself with these tips.

• List your most commonly used apps. If you’re not sure if you can make the leap to Chrome OS, list the tasks and applications you use most often. Determine which ones you can and cannot do from a web browser. If you’re not sure what can be done on a Chrome OS laptop, search the Google Play store. Review your list to see if there are any critical tasks that a Chromebook cannot accomplish.

• Pay attention to where the exhaust fans are on each ASUS laptop. Exhaust fans are critical for keeping the laptop’s processor cool and functioning properly. If you see exhaust fans on the bottom, plan on keeping your laptop elevated so it can ventilate properly.

• Remove “bloatware” from a laptop running Windows. When you first set it up, uninstall the proprietary ASUS applications (most manufacturer-installed apps are known as “bloatware” and can slow down your computer or, worse, introduce serious security flaws). If you’re not sure what’s safe to remove, spend some time searching the web for your ASUS model and the word “bloatware.”

Q. Can I run Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint on a Chromebook?

A. Microsoft’s current version of their Office suite of software products is Office Online – web-based versions of applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. Office Online is fully compatible with Chrome OS and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.

Q. If I’m an avid gamer, should I buy a laptop or a desktop computer?

A. Both are good choices for any computer gamer. Keep in mind that while a desktop can theoretically run a faster processor and be upgraded more easily, a laptop is portable and holds more of its resale value. Because laptops require smaller CPUs, they are often a generation or two behind the fastest available desktop processors.

Q. What upgrades can I make to an ASUS laptop?

A. Some ASUS models allow users to easily upgrade the RAM and, in some cases, the hard drive. Before beginning any upgrades, check the user manual to make certain they’re supported. Some changes will void the warranty or permanently damage the laptop.

Q. Can I install Microsoft Windows on a Chromebook?

A. Officially, Chromebooks don’t support the installation of a third-party operating system such as Microsoft Windows, Linux, or Mac OS X. Some users have found workarounds and successfully installed other operating systems, but doing so requires a decent amount of technical knowhow, and it definitely voids the laptop’s warranty.