If you’re on the hunt for a new laptop, it’s always good to know the key features to look for before committing to a purchase. Arming yourself with this information will prevent you from becoming overwhelmed with the selection out there.
You know your needs best, but there are some finer details to consider. Will it be used for work or play? This question alone will influence what size, features, and price range are best suited for the job.
Platform
Platform indicates what operating system (OS) the laptop uses. There are three choices on the market today if you want easy access to any repairs. They are:
- Windows: The most popular and well-priced option. Windows 10 is the latest version, although they bring new ones out continuously.
- Apple Mac OS: MacBooks have similar functions to Windows 10. The only option if you have already become an entrant into the Apple world by buying an iPhone or iPad.
- Chrome OS: More limited than the other two laptop platforms. The perfect choice if the main reason you need a laptop is for social media, emails, and internet browsing.
Hybrid Devices
If you want a laptop that can function as a tablet as well, then look for a hybrid model. It can be detached from its clamshell lid, and the tablet section comes with a stylus that turns your device into a slate.
Correct Size
If you’re in a hurry to get out and buy a laptop, you should be looking at screens with dimensions of around 30 cm to 35 cm. This size is perfect if you travel with your laptop a lot. Feel free to go bigger or smaller if your computer will stay sitting on a desk or used by children.
Laptops are sold according to their display size. If you need one to fit into a backpack pocket, look for dimensions of 28 cm. Remember that the slimness of the laptop indicates how heavy it will be to carry around.
Ergonomics
Developers have been aware for a long time that the keyboard specs are essential for long comfortable periods of use. If you need a laptop for 9 to 5 work hours or extended gaming hours, it’s necessary to sit down with the laptop and see how it “handles.” If you want to get a laptop online, then pay attention to what the reviews say about the position of the keys, the accuracy of the touchpad, and the pinch and zoom resilience.
Specs
This refers to the laptop components such as the hard drive, RAM, processor, and graphics. They can look extremely confusing to a computer newbie.
- CPU: The brains of the laptop
- RAM: How many gigabytes of memory it has
- Storage/hard drive: Look for one with SSD if you are after speed
- Display: The number of pixels the screen has
- Touch Screen: Used in hybrid laptops
- Graphics: Essential for gamers and anyone doing work with graphics or video
- Ports: Connections for USBs, etc
Battery
How long you want your laptop to run without worrying where your next charge will come from is not so important nowadays because so many places have plug points.
Budget
It’s easy to get excited about finding a laptop with as many bells and whistles as possible, but these come with a hefty price tag. It will also be out of bragging rights when the latest version drops next year.
Brand
If you have a smartphone of a particular brand, it makes good sense to buy a laptop within the same brand.
Now that you know the key points to look for, you can enjoy the laptop buying experience to the fullest.
Robert runs most of the daily operations at Clever Shop List. From finding new categories to cover, to researching to blog content, he makes sure everything stays up to date and is running smoothly. He is an expert on consumer behaviour.
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