The Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Laptop
Laptops are convenient and functional; you can tote them everywhere you go without a hassle and also use them for work, school assignments, and leisure.
However, with so many different types of laptops, and each one with different features and prices, it can be overwhelming to choose.
That is why you should use this laptop buying guide; it will make the purchase decision much easier.
Operating Platform
Choose the operating platform with care. You have a choice of three operating systems and they are Windows, Mac, and Chrome. Windows is the most widely used OS, but Apple lovers swear by MacBooks. Both offer ample functionality. Chromebooks too are gaining traction but they are best for students and kids. Ultimately, the OS you choose will be based on your preference, but ensure that you select one before you begin shortlisting laptops.
Size of the Laptop
Laptop size is important. The size varies from 11.6 inches to 17.3 inches, but the most common and sought-after display sizes are 13.3, 15.6, and 17.3 inches. If you are seeking portability, you will want a laptop that is small in size and lightweight. However, be mindful as small-sized laptops will not have the high-quality Intel Core i7 CPU and graphic card. Also, the number of ports will be fewer, allowing for limited external device connection.
Quality of the Screen
In the digital age, most people spend hours peering at their monitors. So, make sure you check the screen quality so that you can stare at it for extended periods without straining your eyes and feeling uncomfortable. Modern laptops have a touchscreen, but it means a glossy screen. Gloss leads to reflection that impedes your viewing and gaming experience. The next thing to pay attention to is the screen resolution. Opt for full HD if you have viewed things for a long time.
Quality of the Keyboard
Whether it is typing, gaming, or scrolling the net, ensure that the laptop you choose has a comfortable keyboard, where the keys are evenly spaced. Also, get a spill proof keyboard in case you develop butter fingers and drop your coffee on your laptop. If you work in a dimly lit room, it pays to have a keyboard with backlight.
CPU Specs
All major brands, like HP, Dell, Asus, and Acer, use Intel Core CPUs. This processor offers outstanding performance, allowing you to multitask and perform multimedia tasks without any hassle. Notebooks usually have an Intel Core i3 processor due to their smaller size. Most standard laptops have an Intel Core i5 processor. In case you want a laptop with an Intel Core i7 processor, remember the base of the laptop will heat up, making it uncomfortable to place it on your lap.
RAM Specs
A few years ago, laptops came with just 4GB RAM. However, with people working remotely due to COVID-19 or trying to balance their work-life, laptops now have a minimum of 8GB RAM. If you intend to use the laptop quite a bit, go for 16GB. In case you are a serious gaming fan, the laptop should have a minimum of 32GB RAM for a seamless gaming experience. Remember, the higher the RAM, the more applications you can run simultaneously without experiencing lag or your laptop getting hung.
Storage Capacity
Modern-day laptops are slim and slight, and that is why hard drives are no longer popular. Opt for a laptop SSD and enjoy the speed with which programs and application load. Even your laptop will boot quickly when you turn it on. However, SSD does not have large storage capacity. So, look for laptops that have a large hard drive that is paired with SSD. Install the OS in the SSD to enjoy fast-paced loading and booting; everything else can be saved on the hard drive.
Battery Life
Don’t go with the manufacturer’s battery life and extenuating factors, such as screen resolution, screen brightness, and applications that you are running will impact the battery life of the laptop. Look carefully at the mAh (milliamp-hours) or Wh (Watt-hours) of the battery. The higher the figure, the longer the laptop’s battery will last.
Build Quality of the Laptop
It is common for laptops to fall or get knocked around. Of course, while laptop repairs will be able to fix anything that goes wrong, you should consider the build quality with care. Most laptops from reputable brands are built to withstand dust and rain while others come with protection certificates to prove they can withstand rough usage. Research the testing that the laptop has been put through and then select one that is the hardiest. You will thank yourself at a later stage.
Things to Remember
- If you are looking to keep the content on your laptop secure, you can opt for a high-end laptop that comes with a fingerprint reader. It is now available for the latest version of Windows 10 OS.
- Remember, that a laptop is a device and with constant use, it will develop issues. So, find and connect with a reputable laptop repair service that offers exceptional laptop repairs. That way, should something go wrong with your laptop, you will know who to reach out to get it fixed.
The Bottom Line
These are the few things that you need to keep in mind when you are looking to buy a laptop. Ensure you have a realistic budget for your purchase. You may not get a laptop with all the features you want, but if it has most of them and fits into your budget, go for it.
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