Computers have become essential items in our daily lives. While desktop computers remain a good choice for home use, many people find that laptops are the more convenient option. The very first laptop, designed in the year 1979, was very basic and different from what we see today. Still, it did form the basis for the portable computing industry we know in the modern world.
Advancing technology now allows you to choose from quite a large number of laptops – regardless of your budget, needs, and preferences. This wide selection can make the process of buying a laptop harder. Let’s take a look at how to distinguish between good and bad options and how to find the best value pick for your scenario.
What To Look For In A Laptop
Modern laptops come in a range of stylish designs. This causes many people to shop according to how the laptop looks – but just because a laptop looks great does not mean it is going to work for your needs. Thus, before considering the aesthetic elements, start by taking a look at what the laptop is equipped with inside.
Below, you will find a few essential factors to consider. Take each of those into consideration when you are shopping for a laptop:
- Screen Size: Laptops are generally considered portable computers that people travel with but are also becoming popular replacements for full desktop setups. Consider how you will use the laptop, and then determine the best screen size. If you are traveling with a laptop, consider an option with a screen that is between 12.5 inches and 14 inches.
- Battery Life: We often find ourselves in situations where we need to send a quick email or type a document, but there is no power socket nearby. This is especially the case among travelers. With this in mind, make sure the laptop’s battery can give you extended performance. Try to opt for a laptop with a battery that lasts at least nine hours.
- Operating System: There are different operating systems that can be installed on a laptop. Apple Macbooks come with the Mac OS operating system. Other laptops generally come with Windows pre-installed, but many companies are also moving toward Linux distributions. Alternatively, Chromebooks run the Chrome OS system. Choose the operating system you feel comfortable using.
- Internal Hardware: You also want to ensure the laptop has powerful hardware. This ensures smoother use and reduces the chances of lag. You can do more with a laptop equipped with powerful hardware. A minimum of 8GB RAM is a good option to consider, along with a multi-core processor.
What Should You Avoid?
There are a few things you should aim to avoid when buying a laptop. Take these pointers into consideration to help you find a laptop that won’t end up being a big disappointment:
- Never opt for a laptop with less than 4GB of RAM. In fact, many people even find that at 4GB, the laptop is still relatively slow.
- Avoid laptops with single-core processors, especially if they run on Windows. Chrome OS is a less resource-intensive operating system, which may still provide adequate functionality when using a single-core processor.
- While not essential, do see if you can avoid a regular hard drive – and rather opt for a laptop with SSD. This significantly increases the read and write speeds of your system, makes boot time faster, and provides for a more pleasant overall experience.
How Much Should You Pay For A Laptop?
Prices for laptops differ significantly between brands and models – which is why setting up a budget beforehand can be helpful.
If you have a low budget, then consider opting for a Chromebook. You can usually find a decent Chromebook for under $250, but this may come with limited functions and storage space. If you have a budget that spans over $600, you have a more premium selection of laptops to choose from.
Conclusion
With a significant variety of laptop models on the market, there surely is something for everyone. We looked at a few essential factors to consider when buying your own laptop but also considered a few things to avoid. Take all of these factors into account to ensure you get the best value for your money.