Choosing a laptop that suits you best can depend on a variety of factors, from the hardware configurations to how much you are willing to spend on a device. A laptop or notebook computer that is ideally suited for one person may not meet the needs of another. With the wide availability of models from several manufacturers falling under many price ranges, the task of choosing one can be confusing and time-consuming.
Once you’ve set yourself a budget, keep the following factors in mind to help guide you to make a decision.
Battery life
It is essential to have a good battery in your laptop to keep you powering through the day even when you are out and about. While most laptops these days have good battery backup, the battery life can vary depending on factors like screen brightness, WiFi usage, and media playback. Laptops with high mAh ratings will generally give you the most time before requiring to be plugged in.
Size
Laptops come in varying sizes, and you should choose one depending on your needs. If you travel and portability is an issue, a smaller machine is a good buy. Keep in mind that smaller laptops don’t always offer high-end specifications.
CPU
Depending on what you use your laptop for, you could choose a machine powered by a primary CPU or a high-end Core i9 processor.
RAM
If you plan to run multiple applications simultaneously, you should consider a high-end machine with 32GB of RAM. For less demanding primary use, a minimum of 8GB should suffice.
Screen quality
Settle on a laptop with a screen that is comfortable to look at for many hours at a time. The resolution of your screen is essential if your work requires graphics and photos to stand out. For gaming laptops, higher refresh rates offer a better, smoother experience.
Storage
Though SSD drives are faster and more expensive than traditional HHD drives, they are less prone to failures. If you rely heavily on cloud storage and cloud-based applications, you won’t necessarily require a very high inbuilt storage.
Once you’ve made an informed choice and narrowed down your options, be sure to compare prices online and instore to grab the best deals.