Laptops are essential devices for anyone who needs a portable computer to carry out work tasks, stay entertained, interact with other people, and organize their digital data. That said, there isn’t one ideal laptop that works for everyone; the right option differs for each user, as it needs to meet their precise needs. So, to find the most suitable laptop, one can rely on certain tips for determining their requirements and considering the right factors.
1. Set a budget
One of the most important considerations when buying a laptop is its price. The right laptop will align with the amount one is willing to spend. So, it is important to have a desired price range when looking for a laptop, as this budget would dictate the options one can consider. To set a reasonable budget, one must look up the prices of laptops and see what they can comfortably spend to get a device that would be able to meet most requirements. Some might consider $500 a good starting point, while others wouldn’t mind spending over $1,000 on a laptop. Typically, more expensive laptops can offer higher durability, better performance, and longer battery life than extremely affordable ones. However, one must still assess the value for money of each available option and avoid going beyond their budget for features they do not need.
2. Assess portability
While all laptops are portable by definition, some of them are more portable than others. Those who commute to work every day, travel and work on the go, or just carry their laptop wherever they go would enjoy an extremely portable laptop. Additionally, lightweight yet affordable laptops are quite popular among students and professionals. For them, shortlisting options with a lighter, slimmer build should be the first step. Those who do not mind working with smaller displays can consider 2-in-1 devices, which can function as laptops and tablets. Additionally, truly portable laptops must have a long battery life so users don’t have to charge them frequently throughout the day.
3. Choose the right display size
The standard screen sizes in laptops are 13, 15.6 inches, and 17.3 inches, but laptops may also be available in other sizes. The right variant here can vary based on precise needs. For instance, if one is buying a new laptop for basic college or office work, they can opt for a 13- or 14-inch screen. A 15-inch screen would work for those who use their laptop to design graphics, constantly work on multiple windows, or play video games. So, one must first determine the size they would be comfortable working with and then shortlist relevant options. Along with the size, one must consider the screen aspect ratio, which determines how wide and tall the display is. In laptops, 16:9 is the most commonly preferred aspect ratio; however, one may want a taller aspect ratio if they want to scroll less.
4. Review key specifications
While most people just scan the laptop specifications before making a purchase, carefully reviewing the key features can help one make an informed decision. If one already has a laptop, one can open the Start menu, go to System, click on About, and check the Device Specifications section to know the features their device offers. One can then look up a shortlisted laptop’s specs online and compare them with their existing device’s specs. If one wants their laptop to handle multiple tasks quickly, one can check the desirable specs for processor type and choose laptops with reliable processors like Intel and Ryzen. For first-time laptop buyers, an Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 can be a good place to start. Additionally, one must look up specs like RAM, storage space, ports, and connectivity options.
5. Check the battery life
This is a key factor to consider when looking for a laptop. The battery life determines how long a laptop can run on a full charge. To check if a given laptop will offer a good battery life, one can check the battery specs on the laptop brand’s official website. Then, one must also check customer reviews regarding the laptop’s performance and battery life to see if the brand’s claims are true. Additionally, when at the laptop store, one can ask the salesperson there to run a battery test on the laptop.
6. Consider the brand and operating system
While choosing a laptop just for its brand name is not a wise move, the brand can be a key factor in making a purchase decision. Lenovo, Apple, Dell, Samsung, Windows, HP, and Acer are some of the popular laptop brands today. If choosing a laptop from any of these brands, one can find a lot of information about the device and the manufacturer online. Here, it is important to check the reliability of the brand and its proactiveness in resolving customer issues. One must also consider the laptop’s operating system (OS). Windows, Linux, Chrome OS, and iOS are the popular options one can find today. If one is comfortable with a certain OS, they may want to get a device with the same OS to make transitioning to the new gadget as easy as possible.