How Do I Choose a Laptop?
There are a lot of choices when you want to buy a new laptop. From the operating system to screen size and more, it can be overwhelming if you don’t know what you want.
You’ll also need to consider what you use your laptop for and whether it should be lightweight or heavy-duty. These things will determine what features are most important to you.
Pick an Operating System: Choose between Windows, Mac or Chrome OS (for MacBooks only). Each platform has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The most popular is Microsoft Windows, which offers a variety of security and productivity features that make it the best choice for most people. But Chrome OS and Apple’s macOS have their own sets of benefits as well.
If you don’t mind spending a little extra money, you can opt for a touch-screen display that allows you to use your finger on the screen to navigate the computer and access all of its features. However, if you don’t have a need for touchscreen capabilities, you can still find excellent options for your budget.
Processors and RAM: You’ll want to make sure you pick a laptop with a processor that can handle your workload. CPUs are the brains of your computer and they have a big impact on how quickly it runs.
Most laptops feature processors from Intel and AMD. In general, the more cores a CPU has, the faster it can run. In particular, look for a processor with at least four cores if you need to do many tasks at once.
Solid State Drives: You should look for a laptop that uses a solid state drive (SSD) to store your data. A SSD is much faster than a hard drive and is great for storing lots of files, especially video files.
Display: There are a few different screen types to choose from, including TN (twisted nematic) and IPS (in-plane switching). TN panels are faster for gaming but have less color accuracy, while IPS displays are better for watching movies or viewing photos.
Screen Resolution: You should be looking for a laptop with a minimum resolution of 1,366 x 768 pixels. This is enough for most web browsing and light word processing.
Portability: You’ll need to choose a laptop that’s lightweight and has a battery life that’ll keep it going for a long time between charges. While laptops aren’t as versatile as desktop computers, they can be great for traveling and light work.
If you’re a student, you’ll need to decide whether you need a simple Chromebook, a Windows laptop or an ultraportable Apple MacBook. This depends on what you’re studying and the type of programs you’ll be using.
If you’re a professional, you’ll likely need a machine with higher-end specs that can handle a wide range of tasks. A powerful laptop with a high-resolution display, a high-end graphics card and a fast processor will allow you to work on complex projects without lag or delays.
