In today’s digitally oriented world, buying a laptop has almost become as essential as owning your own transportation. Very much like buying a car with a laptop, you need to know what you’re looking for and what to watch out for, and at the end of the day, you need to know how to choose the right one.
Now, it might sound easier said than done. Here are some practical tips to help you choose a laptop.
-
Decide on an operating system
First, decide on what operating system you’d like on your laptop. Currently, laptops use four prime operating systems, each with its own pros and cons. You can choose from Windows, Linux, MacOS, or ChromeOS.
Windows is currently the most common and versatile operating system on the market. Most laptop brands, like Dell, Lenovo, or Asus, use Windows as their main OS. People enjoy Microsoft Windows because it is familiar. It’s easy to use and allows multiple users the freedom to use applications and software that other systems may limit.
On the other hand, Apple aims to offer users a simple system that caters to their needs across all their devices. For example, their iCloud system allows you to access data on all your devices seamlessly. Then, there’s the opportunity to sync devices and operate them remotely. One bonus of MacOS is that it takes significantly less space on your SSD and requires less RAM than Windows, providing your PC with more resources for other tasks.
Linux is often favoured by those who enjoy coding and having the freedom to customise their OS in multiple ways. Its open-sourced nature offers users significantly more flexibility, which is why it’s popular among developers. ChromeOS is known for its simplicity and popularity with educational institutes, as well as its workplace system and ease of use.
-
Consider what specifications you want
Secondly, consider what specifications you’ll need in a laptop. By specifications, we’re referring to things like storage, RAM, graphics, etc. Laptops have come a long way in the last two decades. Considering 4GB of RAM was a lot in the 2000s, things have certainly improved. Nowadays, many laptops come with a standard 8GB RAM, which is reasonable and can manage most moderate tasks. Choosing a suitable processor is also an important decision, though.
For a long time, i7 processors ruled the roost. However, the game has changed with Intel releasing the i9 processor and Apple coming out with their silicon-based processor. An i7 is still a competent processor for editing and gaming, but if you need something more robust, look at the i9 or M Series chip with Apple.
Regarding storage, HDD storage is outdated and considerably slower than an SSD. Most laptops nowadays will come with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or over a 1TB SSD. You’d need to consider what storage needs you have, too.
-
Choose the right screen size.
Screen size is another factor to consider. A larger screen offers you more screen real estate and more space to multitask if you need to. However, a larger screen also means a larger laptop. A smaller screen offers less screen real estate than a more compact laptop. It’s up to you to decide which would be better. Your choices would usually fall between 17” to 13”. However, the most common options are 15” and 13”. Some brands might have laptops that fit between these sizes with specific measurements.
-
Consider what features you need
Now, let’s discuss features. Are you looking for a standard laptop design with a basic keyboard, trackpad, and screen? Or are you looking for something more versatile, like a touchscreen laptop or a 2-in-1 laptop that converts into a tablet when needed?
Having a touchscreen or 2-in-1 laptop can be convenient if you regularly design or sign documents, but these laptops might be more expensive.
In addition to the type of laptop, what additional features would you like? Some laptops have a fingerprint scanner to allow you to access them, keeping them secure. Would you need a webcam and several USB or HDMI ports? These are all things you should consider while doing your research.
-
How much battery life do you need?
Battery life in laptops has also improved immensely in the last five years. Entry-level laptops used to last 4 to 10 hours on one charge. Standard laptops, depending on what you’re doing, average 10 to 14 hours on a charge.
If you’re using a laptop for work and are often on the go, consider looking for a laptop with exceptional battery life. The latest Macbook pros provide users an estimated 22 hours on average battery life. That means you should get away with using it all day without needing to charge it. Again, this depends on how you use it though.
-
Purchase within your budget
Finally, set a budget and shop around for deals. Throughout the year, tech stores offer many laptops good discounts to attract sales. Specifically on big sales like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Boxing Day. Take a look here to see deals on laptops this Boxing Day. Shop around using the tips above, and you can find a laptop that exceeds your standards at a discount.
Final thoughts
Having a laptop is a necessity these days. Whether for entertainment or work, there’s so much one can do with a decent laptop. Use the tips above to choose the right laptop for your needs, and keep an eye out for sales. You never know what deal you might stumble upon.
