How to Choose a Laptop

Regardless of whether you've never owned a laptop or want to replace your old one, it is usually a daunting task selecting a new device. Laptops typically come in different prices, sizes, and specifications. You would want to consider these factors while choosing a laptop.

This article gives a handful of ways of finding and selecting the right laptop.

Choosing Platform
Size and Screen Quality
Specifications
Budget

Choosing Platform

Selecting a platform or operating system (OS) is reasonably easy for those that are familiar with laptops. However, new laptop users and those unfamiliar with computers can find selecting the right platform difficult. In general, laptops come with three main OSs: macOS, Windows, or Chrome OS.

The MacOS is strictly for Apple MacBook laptops. The latest OS on the MacBook is Catalina. This OS is stable, secured, and similar to windows in certain features. A well-maintained MacBook can last a lifetime, although it lacks compatibility with some applications, unlike Windows.

Windows, on the other hand, is the most widely used OS on desktops and laptops. It is simple and compatible with almost all applications in the market. Many laptop manufacturers such as Samsung, Acer, and Dell preinstall Windows on their computers. Windows 10 is the latest version of Windows in the market.

Chrome OS is the least used amongst the three OSs. It is similar to Windows, but most of its applications require an internet connection. This OS is most suitable for small portable laptops.

Size and Screen Quality

Another crucial decision to make while purchasing a laptop is deciding on the screen size and quality. Different laptops come with different screen sizes. Smaller and portable laptops are usually less than 13-inches in size. Some laptops are even as small as 11-inches.

These types of smaller laptops are most suitable for recreational use. Laptops with bigger screen sizes start from 13-inch to about 16-inch. These wide screened laptops are ideal for professional usage in offices, programming, and design (architectural or engineering).

Just like sizes, different laptops have different quality of screens. Most newer versions of MacBooks come with Retina Display Technology. Other types of laptops use a variety of high-quality LED or LCD screens. Therefore, your preference and the type of work you are involved with can determine the laptop screen quality and size you are likely to select.

Specifications

It is also essential to keep an eye on the laptop's specifications when deciding which to purchase. Apart from the screen size, other specifications include CPU type, RAM size, internal hard disk size and type, and battery life.

CPUs come in different types and processing speed. The higher the processing speed of a CPU, the better your laptop performs. The two main CPU types are Intel and AMD technologies. Intel processors usually come in i7, i5, or i3 core processors. These processers are suitable for a wide range of usage. AMD processors are calibrated differently and are more suitable for gaming.

The RAM of a computer supports the functionality of a processor. RAMs usually begin at 2GB and increase by the factor of two. The higher the RAM, the better your laptop's performance. Therefore, a laptop with a RAM of 16GB is better than the one with 8GB.

Internal hard disks are used to store data within your laptop. However, due to cloud services, the size of a laptop's internal storage is of less importance. Nonetheless, if you usually work offline, you may want to have sufficient storage capacity. In the past, magnetic disks were used for internal storage. Nowadays, most internal storages are SSD. These usually come in order of 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, etc.

The battery life is also an important feature when selecting a laptop. Most laptops in the market come with lithium-ion batteries, which offer high power density and quick recharge capacity. However, if you usually work on the go or live in third-world countries with electricity supply problems, you may want to look through the manufacturer’s battery life specification before selecting your suitable laptop.

Budget

Your spending power is the most crucial consideration when selecting a laptop. The higher the size and specifications of a computer, the more expensive. Therefore, you may want to cross-reference specifications against your budget before purchasing a laptop. You may also want to look through to see retailers that offer flexible payment plans that are suitable for your budget.

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