The 6 Most Important Things to Consider When Buying a Laptop
The world nowadays is flooded with technological devices and gadgets. There are so many that the average user has trouble deciding which one to buy, whether it is needed at all, and, of course, whether it will be worthwhile in the end. Just to give an indicative number, in 2014 more than 2 billion PCs were recorded to function globally! This is truly an overwhelming number if you think of it. But, let’s narrow things down a bit and try to create order out of chaos. If you’re looking to buy a laptop, here are some useful tips to help you choose the right one, or in fact, the one that will be suitable for you.
1. The Right Laptop for You
The first and most defining criterion for your decision is what kind of laptop you need. If you are a graphics designer or an architect, you will need to look for a device with the highest specs and the best screen. If on the other hand, you’re the average user who just wants to surf the internet, chat on social media and maybe watch a couple of movies once in a while, then a simple best-value-for-money laptop will be the right choice. Even the cheapest laptop these days incorporates all the features and functionality that will be sufficient for simple, everyday tasks. Naturally, you’ll have to be more specific when it comes to your needs because even in this category of ordinary low-cost devices, there is still a wide variety, ranging from weight and build quality, to screen size, operating system, and modes.
2. Size Matters
The size of the laptop is certainly defined by the size of its screen. The smallest screen sizes vary from 11.6 inches to 13.3 inches, mostly intended for professionals or writers who are always on the go. The same applies to notebooks with up to a 14” screen, whereas the most common laptop screen size is 15.6 inches. You can find a large variety of those, as they are the most popular, due to screen size mainly.
3. Budget Issues
Prices also vary, so you are bound to find the right one for you. If your budget is rather limited, it’s good to know that there are stores that sell refurbished laptops, which are almost the same as new ones, both in terms of quality and specs. You should also keep in mind that in this category (as well as in the 17 to 18 inches) most laptops are quite heavy, so this limits their portability to some extent.
4. Specifications and Brand
The specs define the device’s functionality and capacity. More specifically, you shouldn’t opt for a laptop with a CPU lower than an Intel Core i3 or an AMD Ryzen 3, as these are the standards for speed and efficiency, and what’s more, they also incorporate premium graphics.
If you ask a computer specialist about laptops, they will surely tell you that the brand also matters, as some brands have a better market image than others, as far as product quality and durability are concerned.
5. Battery Life and Connectivity
Other factors to keep in mind are battery life and connectivity, as you would certainly need all the extra battery life you can get from your laptop, especially if you’re outside most of the time. As for connectivity, it should definitely include Wi-Fi, so that you can connect to all wireless networks, but if it comes with 4G (or even 5G) cellular connectivity, so much the better.
6. Keyboard and Touchpad
Lastly, you should also consider the performance and usability of possibly your most faithful companions in your laptop, the keyboard, and the touchpad, as these will be your main tools of use. You need to make sure the keys have a nice tactile touch for smooth and tireless typing and your touchpad must be as precise as possible, so you don’t have problems with your documents.
We have identified and laid down the most important factors that will help you to make an educated decision. Other factors may play, perhaps even the most definitive role for you, like the design, build quality, and portability. A product surely influences our final decision when we look at it up close and hold it in our hands. Sometimes, even the best specifications and features go out the window when a thin laptop with a sleek design, fully made of metal, sits comfortably on our lap and makes us feel that this is the device for us. No one can change our mind in that case, whatever the logical option might be.
