7 Things to Look for When Buying a Laptop

By Lewis

Buying a laptop can be confusing if you’re not familiar with all the different options and technical specs that are out there. There are many aspects to take into consideration in order to get one that has all the features you need. Here is a list of some of the important things to look for when you are buying a laptop.

Size

Which laptop size you pick will be influenced by what you need your laptop to do and if portability is a priority for you. Sizes can range from 11.6 inches to 17.3 inches. While a smaller size laptop is ideal for portability, keep in mind that if you choose one that is thinner and lighter, they may not be able to have the higher level processors and other components.

Durability

If you need a laptop that will be able to perform in rough conditions, there are heavy duty laptops such as a rugged laptop that can handle shock, rain, heat and cold. Do research on which ones have been tested for durability that can handle all kinds of harsh conditions.

RAM

RAM, or Random Access Memory, is a type of storage on a computer that stores data. A program being used is temporarily stored in the computer’s RAM. The amount of RAM, or simply put the amount of memory, you need will depend on what you need your laptop to do. If you plan to use your laptop for very basic tasks, you don’t need a lot of RAM. 4GB is probably enough in that case. But if you are going to be designing, gaming or programming, you will need more. At least 8GB in that case, and even more if you will be running multiple programs at once.

CPU

When comparing potential laptops to purchase, another important thing to look at is the CPU. The CPU, or the Central Processing Unit, is the chip that makes the computer able to perform any action or task. The processor you pick will depend on what you need it to do. For example, most basic tasks people use a laptop for only need an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor, which are some of the more basic ones. If you plan to use your laptop for gaming, a better processor like an Intel Core i5 or i7 or a AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 is what you need. If you need your computer to handle video editing and other more complicated tasks, you will probably need the best processors like an Intel i9 or AMD Ryzen 9.

Keyboard

If you do a lot of typing on your laptop, be sure to try out the keyboard and assess its quality before you buy. It’s important that it is comfortable and that the layout makes sense for you. Also, consider if you want to have a keyboard that is backlit for use in poorly lit settings.

Graphics

Choosing a graphics processing unit, or GPU, is very important if you use your computer for gaming or other applications that need a lot of graphics capabilities. Keep in mind that if you only need your laptop for basic functions, you won’t need a super powerful graphics card.

Battery Life

There are so many different things that can affect how much battery life you can get out of a laptop, such as which operating system you have, how many applications you run at the same time, the brightness of the screen and what you use the laptop for. For example, playing a lot of games, watching a lot of videos or running programs that require a lot of processing will all drain your battery faster. That means that whatever the estimated battery life is might be different for you depending on how you use your laptop. When looking at battery life, look for laptops that have high Watt-hours or milliamp-hours ratings.

Which laptop specs are the most important for you will depend on what you need the laptop for. When looking to buy your new laptop, keep this list of important features in mind so that you make the best possible purchase.

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