Whatever operating system you choose (Windows or Mac), there is a laptop to suit your needs. But with so many models to choose from, it’s crucial to know what features to look for when buying one.
Understanding these differences can help you find the system that best suits your needs and budget.
1. Processor
The laptop’s processor is its brain and determines how fast and smoothly it works. For gamers and graphic designers who need high-quality software applications to work efficiently, a powerful processor is essential for smooth performance.
There are several laptop processors on the market today, each with its own pros and cons. Every year, manufacturers often release newer processor models that are faster and more energy efficient.
As a general guideline, the newer the processor, the better; however, be careful not to spend too much just for this feature. A faster CPU may seem faster in the short term, but may experience problems later when faced with more demanding software applications.
2. Memory
RAM or system memory plays a crucial role in how quickly a laptop can load programs and run data-intensive applications. 8 GB should be sufficient for most applications; if you plan on gaming or heavy multitasking, 16GB may be more suitable.
If you anticipate needing additional RAM in the near future, look for a laptop that supports user upgrades. This way you can start with cheaper RAM and add additional memory later, saving you money and worry during the initial purchasing phase.
3. Hard drive
The hard drive is where all your files, downloads, music, games, photos, videos and documents are stored – and this should be standard on every laptop.
The drive, access arm and read/write head are combined in a sealed module to provide higher storage density and higher tolerance levels in a more stable environment.
Mechanical failures can occur due to general wear and tear or from a hard impact, such as a drop causing the read/write head to hit one of the rotating platters, while logical problems can include malware infection, file corruption or human error.
4. Graphics card
If you play games or work in video production, a laptop that can keep up with you is a must. Fortunately, laptops provide enough power to meet these challenges, whether at home, at school or at your favorite gaming spot.
The graphics card converts data from the central processing unit into image information and sends it to a monitor or display. A discrete graphics card (also called a GPU) works independently of the built-in graphics card on the motherboard and has its own memory.
Dedicated AMD and Nvidia cards are generally ideal for most laptops. Keep an eye out for Max-Q cards, which are specifically designed to improve energy efficiency in laptop use.
5. Screen
Screen quality plays a crucial role in your computing experience, whether you’re browsing the web, writing a report, streaming a Netflix movie, or participating in a competitive esports tournament.
Screen resolution and brightness are crucial and determine how bright and clear the elements on the screen are, and how bright the laptop is. Most modern laptops use flat-switching LCD displays, which offer wider viewing angles and more accurate colors than older technologies such as TN.
Help us rank the best laptop screen sizes by voting! Each vote rates that screen size so new buyers can find the screen size that best suits their needs.
6. Battery life
If you want a laptop that you can use away from an electrical outlet, such as in a coffee shop or conference room, or while traveling on a train or plane, battery life should be one of your most important considerations. Advertised battery life can vary greatly; therefore, look for third-party results from objective sources such as reviews and tests as a better indicator.
Certain components can quickly drain a laptop’s battery, such as powerful CPUs and graphics cards, as well as large monitors that consume extra power. Additionally, most batteries only last a certain number of charge cycles before their capacity decreases. To extend the life of your laptop battery, use only OEM or aftermarket batteries that have been tested to ensure quality and compatibility with your laptop model, and do not connect the battery to the charging port in the power supply after charging.
7. Harbour
There are a variety of laptop accessories designed to enhance your computing experience
Work in an office environment with a wired network.
8. Keyboard
A keyboard is an input device used to enter commands into a computer, similar to writing. Because its purpose is very similar to human writing, people generally find it simple and intuitive.
Modern laptops are lighter than ever with stunning displays, all-day battery life, and processors powerful enough for high-resolution video editing and easy gaming. Our laptop buying guide can help you find the right model for your computing needs; Use the matrix below to quickly determine which features are important for each role.
