Having a computer that you can bring wherever you go is what makes the laptop a viable choice. Despite its appearance, it also has the performance to do all the tasks you need and more.
Finding the right kind of laptop is a crucial decision. You have to consider a lot of factors before buying a brand new laptop. To make sure you get the best one for you, we will look at these tips to help you buy a new laptop.
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Choose a Platform to Work With
In looking for a brand new laptop, consider looking at the operating system or platform. This is the system that powers your computer, letting you do a lot of tasks and features with it.
Laptops come preinstalled with an operating system. This platform depends on the type of laptop that you choose.
For this, you have three notable platforms to choose from when buying a new laptop. These are Windows, Chrome OS, and macOS. Out of these three, one of them only appears in a specific brand of laptop, namely the Apple MacBook.
Windows
Starting with the first of the three, Windows 10 is one of the more versatile platforms you see in computers. It is also the most flexible as it can cater to the user’s needs, whether for office work or gaming.
Another good feature about Windows 10 is in its constant updates. In each patch, Windows installs improvements on its system.
As Microsoft’s flagship OS, you can see Windows 10 on various laptops and desktops. It is the go-to platform for many users. It works well for students and business users, while it is the only option that gamers turn to.
Chrome OS
One of the upcoming operating systems, the Chrome OS, is the platform of choice for Chromebooks. It has a simplistic setup, making it an easy choice to pick up for new users. This is a great choice when you only need to browse the internet and check email.
It may fall back due to its limits when compared to Windows. Though with recent updates, it can also run Android apps for increased functionality. If you need a device for social media and the internet, this is a good choice.
macOS
Another notable option for a laptop platform is exclusive to the MacBook and its other models. MacOS Catalina is its latest iteration, boasting a set of updates and features in later MacBook models.
One of its main draws is in its use of an ecosystem. Where you can link various Apple devices together in one singular network, in this case, you can have your iPad work in concert with a MacBook, and so on.
Its stability lends well as an option for users that want to focus on productivity. This works well for graphic designers, video and audio editors, and so on. While some games also run on a Mac, it is not the primary choice for gamers.
Pick the Type or Model You Need
When you buy a new laptop, you also need to consider the model or type you need. The types that they come in can also give you a glimpse of the features they offer.
You also need to check them by brand. Each one would have a set of features and traits that you can only find in that specific laptop.
The most common ones are Windows laptops, which can come in any brand. Due to the variety of laptop brands available, they also offer many options to work with. This includes 2-in-1 laptops, although Chromebooks also come in this configuration.
A 2-in-1 laptop has two modes that you can work with. One configuration is the setup that lets you use the device like a laptop. The other configuration lets you transform the laptop into a tablet, where you can operate it using the touch screen.
You also have gaming laptops. These tend to use powerful specifications, from the memory cards to the processors. Mainly aimed at playing video games, they can also function well as workstations due to how they can handle heavy processes.
When choosing, look for a model you wish to use and see if it suits your needs. Do you prefer to play games with a laptop? Do you want to use the laptop for office use or only for creative ventures?
Knowing the answer to these questions should give you a clearer image of the laptop you want.
Check the Laptop Size
Size can play a role in choosing the laptop of your choice. This can dictate many factors on the laptop’s functionality, namely the size of your display. The size of your keyboard and touchpad is also affected by the size.
Size also affects portability. The smaller you go with the laptop size, the lighter it gets. Consider these sizes when picking a brand new laptop.
Smaller laptops, such as the 12-inch models, work great for portability. You can bring the laptop with you by hand or by stowing them away in a backpack or laptop bag. A good balance point in portability and usability is at 13 or 14 inches.
Laptops at 16 inches work great for having a large screen with an easier time to use. They tend to be on the heavier side alongside the 18-inch laptops. Gaming laptops at 18 inches would lend well as portable workstations, where you set them up in one place and leave them as is.
Check its Specifications
Once you have the model and the size settled, check the details of each one. These specifications can tell you how effective and powerful a laptop is. We will look at these specific details and help you find the right one, which is as follows:
- Processor (CPU): the main processing system or “brain” of the laptop
- Memory (RAM): for running and working processes
- Storage (HDD/SSD): for storing and accessing files
- Display: for what you see on screen (also if it has a touch screen included)
- Graphics Chip: for rendering 3D graphics or for gaming
- Ports: for plugging hardware
- Connectivity Options: for wireless connections
- Disc Drives: specifically for DVD or Blu-Ray Discs
Each part influences a specific function in a computer. For instance, you need to keep an eye on what to go for with the CPU or the RAM. You might need to look up some reviews on each bit to know what you need.
To help point you in the right direction, we will look at some recommendations. Consider these details when checking the laptop’s specifications:
For CPU
You can see a lot of contenders in finding a fitting CPU installed on the laptop. Most of them come with a dual-core as a minimum, though others come with quad-core or more. You can even look at these processors if you want to go for the best.
A quick recommendation would be the Intel Core i9 for something powerful, while the i7 and i5 are good contenders behind it. Another contender that can stand as a comparable choice would be the AMD Ryzen 4000.
Depending on what you want to do with the laptop, any of these options would do. It boils down to the nature of work that you wish to go for with the laptop.
RAM Recommendation
At the minimum, a laptop with 4GB RAM should serve most of your features. However, the best setup would be to go with 8GB RAM instead. You can push this even higher if you need more, reaching up to 32GB RAM.
What Storage to Go For?
HDD and SSD are the notable terms for file storage. As a crash course, a solid-state drive (SSD) works great when you need to access files fast. This means you have a faster loading time.
A hard disk drive (HDD) would serve you well for storing media files and archiving. It takes longer to load, but it can last far longer and hold more.
If you don’t need too much memory, going for SSD would be a great choice. You can augment your storage with external drives for backup purposes.
Other Features
You have a lot of features to look at in a quick glance. For instance, the USB ports on the laptop can tell you the type of devices they can connect with. Please pay attention to whether it has USB-A or USB-C.
Some of these would come with ports for SD cards, HDMI cables, and much more. Depending on the model, it may also come with a drive for Blu-Rays or DVDs.
Look at the Price and Your Budget
How much do you have available after all these features? This is where you decide if the purchase is worth it. Before going, set your budget and go from there.
You might even think of going for a desktop instead if ever a laptop cramps your style. You can check out lenovo.com for options on a desktop unit that suits your needs.
Scout for a Brand New Laptop Today
Once you take note of these details, you can scout a brand new laptop that suits your preferences. This way, you can find a portable computer that lets you do wonders.
Did you find this helpful? Check out our other articles, where we cover various topics such as this one.
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