Are you looking to buy your first laptop? Or maybe you’re looking to sell your laptop online to upgrade to a newer model? Perhaps you’re an entrepreneur looking for a laptop that can grow with your expanding business needs? Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right laptop for you.
Important Things to Consider
We’ve listed some of the important elements that you should consider when looking for a new laptop. And yes, sometimes brands don’t really play a big role in the selection.
Platform
The platform or the operating system allows you to use your laptop and run your laptop’s various programs and applications. Most laptops run on one of three operating systems, and choosing the perfect OS for you is really a matter of personal preference.
- Microsoft Windows
- It is the most widely used OS in the world and is known to be the most flexible of the three.
- Its latest iteration, Windows 10, features Cortana, which is Microsoft’s virtual assistant.
- MacOS
- Apple’s flagship OS allows you to move seamlessly from your MacBook to your other Apple devices.
- Its latest version, macOS Catalina, lets you use your iPad as a second screen for your MacBook.
- Chrome OS
- Google’s Chrome OS is a fast and simple OS ideal for people who work online and those who are always on the go.
- Chromebooks now have Android app compatibility, which allows you to download, install, and run your favorite Android apps.
Laptop size and weight
Picking the right size and weight for your laptop will depend on what you’re planning to do with it. Laptop sizes usually start at the 11.6-inches range and can go up to 17.3 inches.
If you want a portable laptop, you can opt for smaller laptops (11.6 inches to 13.3 inches) with lighter weights, around 1-1.5 kgs.
Consider the balance between portability and performance. Remember, the bigger your laptop, the heavier it will be.
CPU
The CPU is the brain of the laptop that controls all of its functions.
If you’re going to be using your laptop for basic tasks, you can opt for a dual-core processor. However, if you’re into gaming or video editing, you might want to also consider the graphics card, RAM, and hard disk drive (HDD) or the unit’s solid-state drive (SSD).
Storage
It goes without saying that bigger hard drives allow for more storage. But if you tend to use advanced computer programs, you may want to opt for SSDs, which are faster and more reliable due to their build.
RAM
The Random Access Memory (RAM) is what enables your laptop to multitask. If you’re using advanced programs or are into gaming, you’ll need more RAM.
RAM generally comes in four sizes: 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB+, with the latter two being most suitable for running demanding and advanced professional software.
Other factors that you need to consider are:
- Graphics
- Display
- Ports
- Battery life
- Connectivity
- Build quality
It goes without saying that you should consider these features along with your needs and your budget. Be prepared to make some compromises along the way.