How to Buy the Perfect Laptop for Your Needs

Your Guide to buying the best laptop

Overview

This laptop buying guide provides helpful information to those who are looking to purchase a laptop and want to make sure they get the best product for their needs and budget. Here we will review the different types of laptops available on the market, discuss the different features and performance specifications to consider, and provide information on how to choose the best laptop for your individual needs. By the end of this guide, you should have all the necessary information to make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing a laptop.

Key features

  1. Price
    What price range are you looking for? Do you need a high-end laptop for gaming or video editing? Or do you need a basic laptop for light web browsing and other tasks?
  2. Size
    Do you need a laptop that is small and portable, or one that is larger with a big screen?
  3. Processor
    Do you need a laptop with a powerful processor for heavy multitasking, or do you only need a basic processor for light tasks?
  4. Memory
    How much RAM does your laptop need? The more RAM, the faster the laptop can multitask.
  5. Storage
    How much storage space do you need on your laptop? Do you need a huge hard drive to store photos, videos, and other documents?
  6. Graphics
    Do you need a dedicated graphic card for gaming and video editing, or do you only need basic graphics?
  7. Battery Life
    How long do you need your laptop to last on a single charge? Some laptops can last up to 10 hours on a full charge.
  8. Operating System
    What operating system do you need? Windows, macOS, or Chrome OS?
  9. Connectivity
    Do you need a laptop with a lot of ports and other connection options? Or do you only need a basic set of ports?

See the most popular laptop on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Portability - Laptops are usually much more portable than desktop computers, as they are typically smaller, lighter, and more energy efficient.
  • Mobility - Laptops are designed to be mobile and can be used anywhere with an internet connection.
  • Functionality - Laptops offer the same functionality as desktop computers, with the added benefit of mobility.
  • Price - Laptops are generally cheaper than desktop computers with similar specs.
  • Battery Life - Most laptops have good battery life, allowing for extended use without needing to be plugged in.
  • Versatility - Laptops can be used for a wide range of tasks, from work to entertainment.
  • Upgradeability - Laptops are usually more upgradeable than desktop computers, allowing for easy adding of more RAM or storage.

Cons

  • Price - Laptops can be expensive, depending on the model and features, so a potential buyer should consider their budget when purchasing.
  • Battery Life - Generally, laptops have a shorter battery life than tablets, so a potential buyer should consider how often they plan to use the laptop away from a power source.
  • Portability - While laptops can be more portable than desktop computers, they can still be relatively bulky and heavy. A potential buyer should consider how important portability is to them.
  • Upgradeability - Some laptops have limited upgradability, so a potential buyer should consider how much internal customization they plan to do in the future.
  • Heat - Laptops can generate a lot of heat, especially when performing processor-intensive tasks, so a potential buyer should consider how often they use the laptop for these tasks and if they can handle the heat.

Best alternatives

  1. Tablet - A lightweight, portable device with touchscreen capabilities and a user-friendly interface.
  2. 2-in-1 - A laptop/tablet combo device with a detachable keyboard.
  3. Chromebook - A laptop running Google's Chrome OS, designed for web-based computing.
  4. Ultrabook - A thin and light laptop model with increased portability and battery life.
  5. Desktop Computer - A stationary computer with more powerful hardware than a laptop.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

Common questions

  1. What is the best processor for a laptop?
    The best processor for a laptop depends on what type of tasks you'll be using your laptop for. For basic tasks such as surfing the web, checking emails, light word processing, or streaming media, an Intel Core i3 or AMD A6 processor is sufficient. For more intensive tasks such as video editing, gaming, or intensive multi-tasking, an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor is recommended.
  2. How much RAM do I need for a laptop?
    It is recommended to have a minimum of 8GB of RAM for most modern laptops. This will ensure that the laptop is able to handle intensive multi-tasking and can keep up with new applications. If you are doing intensive tasks such as video editing or gaming, then 16GB or more is recommended.
  3. How much storage do I need for a laptop?
    The amount of storage that you need for a laptop depends on what you plan on using it for. If you just plan on surfing the web, checking emails, streaming media, and other basic tasks, then a 128GB SSD should be more than enough. But if you plan on doing more intensive tasks such as gaming or video editing, then a 256GB or larger SSD should be considered.
  4. What type of laptop should I get?
    The type of laptop you should get depends on what type of tasks you plan on using it for. If you need a laptop for basic tasks such as surfing the web, checking emails, light word processing, or streaming media, then a standard laptop with an Intel Core i3 or AMD A6 processor should be sufficient. For more intensive tasks such as video editing, gaming, or intensive multi-tasking, then a gaming laptop with an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor is recommended.
  5. What is the best laptop for students?
    The best laptop for students depends on their budget and what type of tasks they plan on using it for. For basic tasks such as web surfing, email, light word processing, or streaming media, then a standard laptop with an Intel Core i3 or AMD

Trivia

In 2011, a laptop was launched into space as part of an experiment to test the effects of radiation on computers. The HDParm-enabled laptop, developed by Lenovo, was launched from the International Space Station to determine the effects of a year in space on its hard drive. The laptop was recovered after almost a year, and it was still in working condition. The experiment was deemed a success. Source: https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/thinkpad/thinkpad-x/X220/p/22TP2TXX220

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.