What to look for when Buying a New Laptop
Processor
Look for a laptop with a fast processor, such as an Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7, Intel Core i9 or, an AMD Ryzen 5, AMD Ryzen 7, or AMD Ryzen 9.
Intel Core i5 processors are mid-range processors that offer good performance for a wide range of tasks, including photo and video editing, gaming, and running multiple applications at the same time.
Intel Core i7 processors are high-end processors that offer the best performance of all the Intel Core processors. They are ideal for demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and high-end gaming.
Intel Core i9 processors are the most powerful processors offered by Intel. They are designed for demanding workloads such as 4K video editing and 3D rendering, and are suitable for power users who need the best performance possible.
AMD Ryzen 5 processors are mid-range processors that offer good performance for a wide range of tasks, including photo and video editing, gaming, and running multiple applications at the same time.
AMD Ryzen 7 processors are high-end processors that offer excellent performance for demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and high-end gaming.
AMD Ryzen 9 processors are the most powerful processors offered by AMD. They are designed for demanding workloads such as 4K video editing and 3D rendering, and are suitable for power users who need the best performance possible.
It's important to note that there are many different models within each processor family, and the specific performance of each processor will depend on its specific model and other factors such as clock speed and number of cores.
Laptop Memory
Make sure the laptop has at least 8GB of RAM, although 16GB is ideal for most users.
The amount of memory (RAM) in a laptop can have a significant impact on its performance. In general, laptops with more memory will be able to run more demanding applications and handle more tasks at once without slowing down.
Laptops with 4GB of memory may be sufficient for basic tasks such as web browsing and word processing, but may struggle with more demanding tasks such as photo or video editing, or gaming.
Laptops with 8GB of memory should be able to handle most everyday computing tasks, and will be sufficient for many users.
Laptops with 16GB of memory or more are best for power users who need to run demanding applications and multitask extensively. They will be able to run resource-intensive programs such as video editing software and games without slowing down.
It's important to note that the specific performance of a laptop with a given amount of memory will also depend on other factors such as the processor, graphics card, and storage drive.
Hard Drive Storage SSD / HHD
Look for a laptop with a solid-state drive (SSD) rather than a hard drive (HDD), as SSDs are much faster and more reliable. A laptop with at least 256GB of storage should be sufficient for users that want to do the basics like surfing the web, but if you have a lot of files or need to store a large number of games, you may want to look for a laptop with a larger SSD or one that has both an SSD and an HDD.
LCD / IPS / OLED Screen
The Screen quality can vary by screen type and can make a visual impact on your eyes. Screen types are as follows:
TN (Twisted Nematic) screens: These are the most common and least expensive type of laptop screens. They have fast refresh rates and good response times, but generally poor color accuracy and limited viewing angles.
IPS (In-Plane Switching) screens: These screens have better color accuracy and wider viewing angles than TN screens, but generally have slower refresh rates and longer response times.
OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) screens: These screens have excellent color accuracy, wide viewing angles, and fast refresh rates and response times. They are also energy efficient, but tend to be more expensive than other types of screens.
AMOLED (Active-Matrix OLED) screens: These are similar to OLED screens, but use an active matrix to drive the pixels, which allows for faster refresh rates and better image quality.
Touchscreen screens: These screens allow users to interact with the laptop by touching the screen, rather than using a mouse or touchpad. Touchscreen laptops are convenient for certain tasks, but can be less precise and more difficult to use for long periods of time compared to laptops with traditional input methods.
High DPI (Dots Per Inch) screens: These screens have a higher pixel density, which makes text and images appear sharper and clearer. High DPI screens are particularly useful for users who need to see fine details, such as graphic designers or photographers.
Display Size and Resolution
Consider the size and resolution of the laptop's display. A laptop with a 15-inch, 1080p display should be sufficient for most users, but if you need a larger display or want higher resolution, you may want to look for a laptop with a 17-inch or larger display with a higher resolution.
Laptops are available in a range of sizes, from small, lightweight models that are easy to carry around to larger models with bigger displays and more powerful hardware. Here are some common sizes that laptops come in:
11-inch: Laptops in this size range are small and lightweight, making them highly portable. They are a good choice for users who need a laptop for on-the-go use, but may have a smaller display and less powerful hardware compared to larger models.
13-inch: Laptops in this size range are a good balance between portability and performance. They are small and lightweight enough to be easily carried around, but also have larger displays and more powerful hardware than smaller models.
14-inch: Laptops in this size range are similar to 13-inch models in terms of portability, but may have larger displays and slightly more powerful hardware.
15-inch: (Most Common Size) Laptops in this size range are larger and heavier than smaller models, but offer more powerful hardware and larger displays. They are a good choice for users who need a more powerful laptop but still want some portability.
17-inch: Laptops in this size range are the largest and heaviest available, and are primarily used as desktop replacements. They offer the most powerful hardware and largest displays, but are not as portable as smaller models.
Mobile Graphics Card
If you plan on playing games or using demanding graphics software, look for a laptop with a dedicated graphics card, such as an NVIDIA GeForce GTX or AMD Radeon RX.
Nvidia and AMD are the two main manufacturers of graphics cards for laptops. Both offer a range of graphics cards with different performance levels, and choosing the right one will depend on your needs and budget.
Nvidia graphics cards are known for their good performance and efficiency, and are a popular choice for gamers and professionals who use demanding graphics software. Some of the most popular Nvidia graphics cards for laptops include the GeForce GTX and RTX series.
AMD graphics cards are also a good choice for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks, and offer competitive performance and value compared to Nvidia cards. Some popular AMD graphics cards for laptops include the Radeon RX and Radeon Pro series.
In general, adding a dedicated graphics card to a laptop will greatly improve its performance for graphics-intensive tasks such as gaming and video editing. A graphics card with a high number of cores and a fast clock speed will provide the best performance, but will also consume more power and may result in shorter battery life.
It's important to note that the specific performance of a graphics card will depend on its specific model and other factors such as the amount of memory it has.
Laptop Battery Life
Laptops are available with a range of battery sizes, from smaller batteries that offer shorter battery life to larger batteries that offer longer battery life. Here are some common battery sizes that laptops come in:
- 30-40 watt-hours: Laptops with small batteries in this size range may offer 4-5 hours of battery life. These batteries are typically found in small, lightweight laptops.
- 50-60 watt-hours: Laptops with batteries in this size range may offer 6-8 hours of battery life. These batteries are a good balance between size and battery life, and are commonly found in mid-size laptops.
- 70-80 watt-hours: Laptops with large batteries in this size range may offer 8-12 hours of battery life. These batteries are typically found in larger laptops and are a good choice for users who need long battery life.
There are a few ways to determine the battery life of a laptop:
- Check the manufacturer's specifications: Most laptop manufacturers will list the battery life of their laptops in the product specifications. This is the most accurate way to determine the battery life of a laptop, but keep in mind that the actual battery life may vary depending on how the laptop is used.
- Check online reviews: Users who have purchased and used the laptop may have commented on the battery life in their reviews. This can give you an idea of the real-world battery life of the laptop.
- Test the battery life yourself: If you have the opportunity to test the laptop before purchasing it, you can get a sense of the battery life by using it for a period of time and seeing how long the battery lasts.
It's important to note that the actual battery life of a laptop may vary depending on how it is used and other factors such as the power of the processor and graphics card, and the brightness of the display.Make sure the laptop has good battery life, especially if you plan on using it on the go.
Laptop Portability
There are several factors to consider when evaluating the portability of a laptop, especially if you plan to travel with it:
- Size and weight: Smaller and lighter laptops are generally more portable than larger and heavier ones. Consider the size and weight of the laptop and how easily it can be carried around.
- Display size: Laptops with larger displays may be more difficult to carry around due to their size. If portability is a priority, consider a laptop with a smaller display.
- Thickness: Thinner laptops are generally more portable than thicker ones. Consider the thickness of the laptop and how easily it can be slipped into a bag or backpack.
- Battery life: Laptops with good battery life are more convenient to use on the go, as they don't need to be plugged in as often. Consider the battery life of the laptop and how long it can be used without being charged.
- Durability: Laptops that are durable and resistant to damage are more convenient to use on the go, as they are less likely to be damaged during travel. Consider the durability of the laptop and whether it has features such as a sturdy chassis or spill-resistant keyboard.