When you are planning to buy a new computer, many things come to your mind that includes questions surrounding operating systems, cost, features, functions, and more. With quite a lot of devices available in the market, decision-making becomes more challenging.
The article will give you a deep insight into the features and specifications that you need to consider when purchasing a laptop.
#1. Operating System
Although this is the most complex decision you have to make before purchasing a laptop, it’s the easier one as well. When deciding on the operating system, you have your individual preferences and choice, so you would like to stick to them, no matter what. Once you make a clear decision on which operating system you want to purchase, you are halfway through.
Both macOS and Windows come with specific pros and cons, such as you may find drivers compatibility issues on Windows and may need to convert avi to mp4 on macOS as the former is not compatible on MacBooks. Do your thorough research to avoid such problems.
#2. Screen Size
The dimensions of your laptop screen contribute to its portability. The device must be able to fit into the carry bag without adding considerable weight to the baggage. Consider buying a laptop that is sleek and smaller in size as only then would it serve the portability purpose.
Optimal screen size will contribute to maintaining productivity when you are working on laptops. Since laptops are a long-time investment, you should make a wise decision to save money and get an efficient device.
#3. Display Quality
Laptops anywhere between 13.3 inches to 15.6 inches screen with resolution 1366 X 768 pixels are ideal for home users. For a sharper display, you can get a 1920 X 1080 pixels screen if the budget allows.
Although high-definition screens are comparatively expensive, it’s worth investing in these screens. A good quality display will prevent your eyes from stressing out when you are spending too much time working.
#4. RAM
The memory of your computer decides its performance; the more, the better. If your work involves multitasking or you are going to use heavy-load applications on your computer, don’t settle under 8GB RAM. If you are a little less than a power user and will be using your laptop often for making assignments or watching movies, 4 GB will be sufficient.
Having RAM anywhere between 4 GB and 8 GB means you don’t have to click an app icon and wait for a couple of minutes or give up on high-end games. Keep in mind that Windows laptops are easy to upgrade, while this may pose a challenge on MacBooks.
#5. Storage
When it comes to storage, we usually think about hard drives; yet, we have advanced storage drives available today. Ensure that you purchase a laptop with SSD (solid-state drives) integrated within for fast data read and write operations.
The SSDs are faster and more versatile and maintain your work productivity better than HDDs. Having at least 500 GB of storage will allow you to download as many useful apps as you want without affecting your performance.
#6. Processor
Selecting the right processor for your computer matters a lot, not just now but in the long run too. Higher core counts and faster clock speed is something that you keep in mind as it makes a difference.
Opt for purchasing an Intel Core i7 computer and nothing less than that. If you are thinking of buying a laptop with Ryzen, select one that has been launched within the last two years. It’s a sure shot aspect that you should consider when finalizing the processor.
#7. Battery Life
How long your laptop runs without charging is something that is worth considering before you purchase one. Portability matters, and battery life is another aspect that adds to its ability to work efficiently on the go.
Tweaking several features such as screen brightness and visual elements can improve the battery life. If you are looking for the best deals on laptops, keep note of the milliamp-hours (mAh) and Watt-hours (Wh), and remember that it operates on the bigger, the better rule.
#8. USB Ports
Make sure that your laptop has USB 3.1 ports which is the latest standard for USB Type-A connectivity. It can transfer data at the speed of 10Gbps and has the capability to deliver as high as 100-watts of power. Thunderbolt 3 can offer an amazing speed of 40 Gbps, given that the cable is 1.6 feet long.
Anything longer than that, and the speed will drop by 20 Gbps, but don’t worry as this speed also meets above-average speed expectations. Also, ensure that the device has HDMI ports and an individual jack for headphones.
The Conclusion
Buying a laptop can be a significant decision for many of you. Therefore, it’s recommended to jot down your requirements considering your budget and other preferences to get an optimal device that gives you higher performance in the long run.
Read more: Laptop or Desktop: Which one is Good
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