Buying a new laptop computer is an exciting time for everyone. You can get rid of the clunky old monstrosity that freezes every time you open a new tab. You can finally start getting the right experience with streaming, downloading, gaming, and working on your Spectrum internet plans. But the most important thing to remember is that there is nearly an infinite number of options available in most countries. So, it is very easy to let a glib sales rep talk into buying a machine that is overpriced and underperforming.
Instead, it may be a better idea to ask yourself a few questions. These can relate as to why you need a new laptop, what you will use it for, how much you are willing to pay, and your user behavior in general. You are the best judge of what you need. So instead of telling you what laptop to buy, let’s discuss the questions you need to ask yourself for the right purchase. Read on for more information.
The Size You Need
Size is an important consideration when buying a laptop. The size of your screen and body will have an impact on the overall look, as well as how portable the laptop is. Massive screens add to the total weight and the room the laptop occupies. If you have a smaller workstation or cubicle with limited desk space, a large laptop will likely make life difficult. Sure, you’ll still hear compliments on how cool it looks. But you’ll still be annoyed when you can’t find your work notes because your laptop keeps taking up all the room.
Desired Or Acceptable Screen Quality
Screen quality can make or break a laptop buying decision. Lower resolution screens are great if you only intend to use them for work that does not involve HD images, videos, rendering, or editing. You don’t need a lot of pixel density to be able to edit a Word Document. But if you intend to use the machine for graphic design, video editing, animation, gaming, or even HD video streaming, a lower resolution will only impair your experience. Higher resolution displays have amazing screen output. But they are overkill unless you’re actually using them for high-res content.
Keyboard Comfort & Quality
The keyboard is one of the primary input devices on any computer, including modern laptops. The keyboard acts as the interface for users to interact with the machine. A mouse or microphone-based voice commands are also input devices. But they have very limited uses compared to the keyboard, which you will likely use a lot, especially for work. Therefore, it makes sense to check if the keyword has the comfort and usability you want. If the keys are too sensitive (or even the other way around), you’ll be more annoyed than overjoyed at your new purchase.
Required Processing Power
When it comes to processing power, it all boils down to what you intend to use the new laptop for. If you’re going to be using regular office software and the odd streaming service after work, you probably don’t need the world’s most powerful processor. However, if you are a graphic designer, animator, or pro gamer, you need a far more powerful processor than the average laptop. Unlike the MacBook, most Windows laptops have a range of varying specifications. So, you’ll have to pick one with the right processing power that complements all of its other features in the context of its desired use.
RAM Size & Type Specs
RAM is always a big question on every techie’s mind. RAM or Random Access Memory helps computers locate the information you need and execute processes faster. The more RAM you have, the more space your processor has to store information while it works on it. For light to moderate users, even a 4GB RAM build is usually sufficient. But if you intend to execute more intense processes, such as graphic design, photoshopping, or pro-gaming, you need 32GB or even more.
Storage Type & Capacity
More RAM is a great asset for your laptop experience. But it isn’t device memory in the truest sense. You may think of it as a temporary workbench the processor arranges its tasks on while working on them. Once executed, they leave the RAM.
However, the real storage comes from the hard disk drive or SSD in your laptop. An HDD is a conventional piece of hardware that stores information on a moving disc within the HDD body. However, since moving parts can wear out and get damaged, HDDs are less reliable than SSD. An SSD or Solid State Drive can boot up far faster, and is much more resistant to shock or damage since it usually has no moving parts that can get damaged. Therefore if you’re going to be using your laptop for writing or something similar, this feature would enhance the devices memory so you wouldn’t have to worry about losing work- making it a perfect feature of a good laptop for a writer.
Battery Life & Standby Time
Finally, while laptops are meant to be portable, they only have limited battery life. The life and standby time of a laptop battery depends on its age, usage, and the original capacity of the battery. Over time batteries will inevitably degrade. But bad charging habits can accelerate this problem. You want to make sure the laptop you are going to buy has a strong battery. One that retains enough capacity to keep your laptop running for at least an hour when you are without power.
