How to choose the right or the best laptop
If you are in the market for a new laptop, then you would be forgiven for feeling a little bewildered by the number of choices. There’s, after all, a huge selection of models in the market, what with hardware makers pushing out dozens of new laptops every year.
In addition, the good news is that you do not need to look at every single laptop out there in detail. Because you can quickly narrow your options down by asking a few questions about what you want in next computer or PC.
Consider both portability and power:
Generally, every laptop is a compromise between portability and power and they all vary on where they draw that line.
A faster or quicker and more capable machine needs bigger internal components and more room to keep them cool which means it will end up larger, heavier, and much more battery drain as compared to a less powerful computer or PC.
Moreover, as portable computing power has improved over the last few years and this compromise has become less of an issue.
Today, the decent or incredible processors and graphics chips slip into the svelte laptop frame, or still, if you want a laptop capable of the most demanding task such as gaming and video editing, then it is going to have to be relatively chunky.
However, the other obvious factor that affects portability is the screen size which is usually listed first in the specifications of a laptop. Go for a bigger screen laptop and you will have more room for your Excel spreadsheet and Netflix movies.
Opt for a smaller size laptop and you will get something that is easier to slide into your messenger bag. In fact, the laptop display typically ranges from around 11-inches to around 17-inches.
Furthermore, you can find laptops to suit every point along the portability power scale, so you will need to decide which is important for you. How much of your time will you be spending carrying your laptop from one place to another place?
Will it have to last a long time between the battery charge and how much heavy use do you want to get out of it? So, answer those questions and you will be able to quickly pare down the list of suitable choices.
Pick an OS operating system:
Usually, your choices for a laptop OS operating system are Windows, Mac OS, and Chrome OS and they are all speedy, stable, secure, and reliable as well.
Each OS operating system has its own pros and cons and it is very hard to definitely rank them in any objective way. Ultimately, plenty of people tend to just stick with what they are already familiar with which can make picking a new laptop is a little easier.
Additionally, Windows remains the most popular or famous of the three, which also means it is the biggest target for malware and viruses. So, make sure that you have a robust security system in place.
As many different manufacturers make Windows devices, then you will have a broader range of laptop designs to pick from the standard ones like the folding laptops that double as tablets and many more.
However, the Apple Mac OS operating system has a strong reputation for stability and security. It comes with a host of software from office apps to the music-making tools as well.
On the flip side, there is a smaller choice of laptop design to pick from and the prices tend to be toward the higher end scale. This Mac OS plays well with other Apple laptops, but less well with non-Apple gadgets.
In addition, the Chrome OS operating system is essentially just the Chrome web browser, so you are limited to web applications, but it also means the lightweight and streamlined OS operating system needs little in the way of maintenance.
Chromebooks running Chrome OS operating systems are available in a variety of designs and are usually competitively priced too. That is a whistle-stop tour of your three main options, but it’d give you a flavor of what each has to offer.
Unless you are the first-ever laptop, then you are already going to be familiar with at least one of these OS operating systems. If you are thinking about switching to something else, then try a test run on a laptop owned by a friend and family member to see how you like it.
Moreover, Microsoft, Apple, and Goggle all make laptops to show their respective OS operating system.
Select your specifications:
Browse through the laptops at your local store and you will see a whole host of specifications. But, do not get overly worried about the small print.
As a useful shortcut, you can just look at the prices which will often tell you which computer or PC are more powerful than others. Still, it helps to know a little bit about what you are dealing with.
Although, the central processing unit is also known as the CPU. It is the brain of the computer and it controls all the calculations that hum through your laptop’s circuitry.
To find out how capable a computer CPU or processor is look for references to a clock speed, which is how fast or quick it does its thinking.
Also, keep on an eye out for the number of cores which are basically the mini CPUs. Additionally, more cores mean more simultaneously thinking.
These specifications are often hidden behind the brand terms such as Intel labels of core i3, core i5, core i7, and Core i9 as well.
Watch out for the generation of chips such as the 10th generation CPUs and the new generation means battery performance with less battery drain.
That is why, when a new generation of processors arrives, then you will often see the laptop’s prices updated across the board. Another essential or important specification is RAM memory, which essentially controls how much your laptop can think about at any one time.
Basically, the RAM memory lets you’ve a lot more going on without forcing your machine to come to a grinding halt. The absolute minimum these days is 4GB of RAM, though if your needs are even somewhat demanding, then you will probably want to go above that.
The graphics processor or CPU is basically just a CPU dedicated to graphics and it is very important for gaming and video editing as well. If visuals are more important to you, then make sure you look at the screen resolution which is measured in pixels.
More pixels mean sharper screen display. If you see an otherwise decent-looking laptop at a budget price, then the discount maybe because the screen resolution is not there with the best.
There’re few other specifications to consider. The hard disk drive indicates the amount of room for a computer that provides for the files and applications.
If you are planning to keep your videos, photos, and music on your laptop, then make sure that the hard drive you buy can handle all your data with room to spare.
Also, you can pay attention to the number of inputs and outputs ports a laptop has especially if you are planning to connect it to a lot of peripherals.
Check for ports:
While, the CPU, RAM memory, and the hard disk drive will have the biggest impact on performance and the amount and types of ports on your laptop are very important. ports are the various ways thing into your laptop such as USB devices and recharging it.
You’ll want at least 1 x USB Type-C, at least 1 x USB Type-A, and a microphone jack as well. Look into the USB Type-C charging and an SD card reader as well.
I recommend laptops that can charge via the USB Type-C. A laptop says it can charge via the USB Type-C on the page or in the specifications section.
This method of charging allows you to use a portable or reliable charger if you ever need extra time away from a power outlet. USB Type-C chargers also tend to be very cheaper to replace and you may already use them to charge your Android phone.
Never, buy those cheap, no-name replacement chargers you see on amazon. Just do not. Spend an extra and buy the manufacturer charger or a well-known brand. I’ve destroyed multiple laptop batteries by relying on junky chargers.
Battery life:
Manufacturer quoted battery life is almost never indicative of what the real world or globe experience of using a laptop is like.
There’re simply too many variables that affect the battery life and there are the screen brightness and the screen resolution, the number of applications you’ve run in the background plus whether or not you actively remain connected to the WIFI networks and Bluetooth devices as well.
The OS operating system a laptop runs on can also play a major role in determining the battery life. It is for this reason that ultrabooks and convertibles running Chrome OS operating systems tend to offer superior battery life as compared to those running on Windows 10 OS.
In addition, if you run programs that need a lot of processing, stream plenty of online videos, play graphics-intensive games, or if transfer plenty of files over a wireless network, then your battery life will drain a lot sooner as compared to what the vendor has quoted.
Furthermore, a good practice here is to look at the rating of the battery in Watt-hours or mili ampere-hours.
The larger or bigger these figures are, the longer the battery life that can last. For a 13.3-inches laptop, for example, a battery with a rating from 44 Watt-hours to 50 Watt-hours will give you the best results.
Another key thing to look for here is the fast charging feature. Much like the standard or modern smartphones and many new laptops support fast charging features which is always good in a pinch.
Do not forget the price and hands-on appeal:
The one big factor in your decision that we have not really talked about its price. If you are on a budget, then this another way to quickly narrow down your choices of laptops.
To save some cash, look for older laptops that have since been superseded by something new or special. This’s particularly a good option if you know what you would be texting your laptop to hard and thus would not need cutting edge specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I get a free laptop?
If you are wondering how to get a free laptop from the government, then you might want to check for local programs.
Additionally, many governments do offer complimentary and low-cost laptops to low-income families, so check with organizations in your area, if you’re looking for a laptop at no cost.
Why are the Asus laptops cheap?
The budget-friendly segment of the Asus laptops is much cheaper as compared to other brands with the same core specifications.
The only reason behind that the Asus compromise in their built quality, but never compromises their features and specifications. Furthermore, Asus manufacturer their own components most of the time.
Is HP better than Dell?
Generally, the Dell computers are some of the best available and they are considered to be better than the HP. Though HP has some great laptops, across their whole range there’re many that can not compete with other brands. Whereas, Dell has a great range of laptops across the board.