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Loading...by Jennifer Johnson
Whether you are a student, a freelancer, or a businessman, a laptop is a staple device that should be at your disposal. Given its portable and compact features, it helps in sustaining your productivity throughout the day.
However, finding a laptop that meets your needs at work, school, and home can sometimes get confusing and time-consuming.
If you’re a beginner and contemplating whether or not you should make that purchase, simplify your decision-making process with these laptop buying tips:
Identify the Purpose
Before making a purchase, it’s essential that you genuinely understand why you need a laptop. Take note that laptops, in general, can be quite expensive. Although many brands offer a wide range of affordable models, its usability doesn’t always match your needs.
- For example, if you’re specifically eyeing a laptop for editing, then explore options that will target that purpose. A good starting point would be to read tech blogs from everyday experts who write reviews on specific laptop models.
- If you’re a student or a teacher who uses a laptop primarily for powerful PowerPoint presentation purposes, then it would pay to have additional insights on laptops that are compatible with any projector system.
Know the Technical Specifications You Need
Now that you’ve identified the primary purpose of buying a laptop, it’s time to determine the technical aspects you’ll be requiring. If you are very particular when it comes to programs, then it would help to assess the following nuts and bolts:
1. Processor
Know that there are specific programs or software that are developed exclusively for certain laptop brands or models. At the very least, some programs have minimum and recommended laptop specifications. For example, if you’re looking at a laptop for everyday use, a dual-core processor would be enough. If you’re into gaming or video editing, consider getting a quad-core or higher processor for more powerful processing of multiple tasks at the same time.
2. Screen Size and Resolution
Brands now offer a wide variety of screen sizes and resolutions for laptops. The thinnest and lightest ones can range from 10 to 12 inches and usually have a smaller keyboard size. Meanwhile, the bigger ones can range from 15 to 18 inches, and can be bulkier yet offer a more convenient setup for word processing and gaming activities. There are also touchscreen laptops being launched. As a tip, know that these screen types tend to have a glossy finish. Thus, it would be less appropriate for certain computing activities such as gaming or editing.
3. RAM and Storage Capacity
If you want to experience optimum laptop performance, another valuable aspect you need to assess would be its RAM and storage memory. As a standard for comparison, take note that bigger RAM allows for more complex programs to run smoothly at the same time. Meanwhile, having more significant storage means that your laptop’s hard disk has more room for data.
4. Operating System
There are generally two conventional operating systems for computers: Windows and Mac OS. Between the two, Windows remains to offer the widest compatibility for a lot of existing software and hardware, and has good affordable options, too. On the other hand, the Mac OS is famous for its sophisticated and sleek design, as seen on all of Apple’s hardware. Although you’re expected to pay more for the Mac, it certainly offers only high-end equipment, excellent battery, and amazing touchpads. However, the downside is that most Mac software is web-based, thus having less compatibility.
5. Battery Life
Battery life is another essential element you must evaluate when you’re hunting for a laptop. To help you find out the battery life of a computer, you can learn to calculate it using its battery specifications. Divide the battery specification in watt-hours with your estimated wattage. Usually, machines take an average of 10 to 15 watts. As a rule of the thumb, heavy gaming and video rendering takes up around 60 watts, while web browsing and document editing would usually consume around 10 to 15 watts.
Set a Budget
This tip is perhaps a no-brainer for many, but it’s imperative to know what your budget is before you go searching for a laptop. No matter how specific you are with your needs, you’ll most likely find yourself compromising on particular software or hardware specifications. Always leave room for alternative options when choosing which laptop or any device to buy.
Read Tech Reviews
To get the most out of your laptop purchase, check reviews of tech experts online first for additional insights. Meanwhile, you can also seek advice from everyday experts on YouTube. A lot of vloggers give sound tips for buying laptops. You can also check out detailed listicles on best laptops for school, work or home from reputable websites.
In a Nutshell
Whether you’re a certified Apple pack or a Windows family, it would always pay to research on the pros and cons of a specific laptop before buying it. Start writing down your tech requirements today and work your way to find the best one that will fit your needs.
Jennifer Johnson is a website developer who’s been helping clients for many years. She understands what it means to have a well-designed website, especially for business owners. When she’s not working, she’s enjoying life to the fullest.
The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer or company.
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