There are dozens of laptops available in the market today. This can make it a challenge to choose a laptop that best fits your needs.
To get started, you should first determine what you will be using the laptop for, as this will dictate the required specifications. Once you have noted down your requirements, look for the following features to find a model that matches your preferences.
Besides specs, it’s also important to think about whether you want a Windows-based laptop, a Mac, or a Chromebook. Depending on your needs, you may not need a more expensive Windows or Mac laptop, and a Chromebook may do the job.
What happens if you’ve already got a Chromebook and it’s not working? What if you want to learn more about Chromebook black screen errors? It’s important to understand how your laptop works and what to do if something goes wrong.
But, if you’re looking for a new one, here are some of the must-have features of your new laptop.
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Processor
The best processor for new laptops depends on what you need the laptop for. For general tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and light photo editing, an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 is a great option.
For more intensive tasks such as video editing and gaming, an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 is a better choice. For the highest performance, an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 is the best option.
So, to give an example, if you are thinking, “I will use my computer to pay someone to write my paper and play games,” – you should opt for high-end processors that provide both good performance and efficiency.
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RAM
The size of RAM required will, once again, depend on your unique needs. For most users, 8GB of RAM is a good starting point. However, if you use your laptop for heavy multitasking or demanding applications, then 16GB or more is recommended. Additionally, you should also look for RAM with speeds of at least 2400 MHz for good performance.
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Storage
If you use a lot of large files, such as photos, videos, or audio recordings, you should look for a laptop with at least 500GB of storage. Instead of hard disk drives, you can buy a laptop with solid-state drives. These are preferred for faster boot times and are much more efficient. That being said, despite the size of the in-built storage, you should always back up your files with an external hard disk or cloud.
This is especially the case if you save all your files on the computer. For instance, if you are a student, you might be storing study materials and term papers on your computer for easy access. According to the experts from the best research paper writing services, many students make the mistake of not backing up their files, and if something goes wrong with the computer, they end up losing access to all their study materials.
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Battery life
The biggest attraction of laptops is that they are convenient for on-the-go use. However, this advantage becomes a moot point if your computer doesn’t have a long battery life. The battery life rating of a laptop indicates how long it will last on a single charge. Look for a laptop with a battery life rating of at least 8 hours.
Remember that lighter laptops require less power to move around, so they also have better battery life.
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Build Quality
The build quality of a laptop is important because it affects how durable the laptop is. Laptops that are made from higher quality materials and have better construction are more likely to hold up better over time.
Furthermore, such laptops can also provide better protection for the laptop’s components, such as the screen, keyboard, and hard drive, which can help to extend the lifespan of the laptop and prevent damage from occurring.
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Display
A high-resolution display with good color accuracy and viewing angles is important. After all, you will be staring at the screen every time you use the laptop. In simple terms, the more pixels you have, the higher the screen’s resolution.
A higher resolution can give you a sharper picture. When shopping for new laptops, you will see different options within screen resolutions. We suggest going for a machine that comes with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 or higher.
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Graphics
Many modern laptops come with integrated GPUs, which can handle basic tasks such as web browsing and light gaming. However, if you plan on playing more intensive games or doing more intensive tasks such as video editing, then a dedicated graphics card may be necessary.
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Port selection
Port selection has become an important factor to consider when looking for laptops. You should not only ensure that the laptop has a sufficient number of ports but also that they are the ones you need.
These days, if you opt for slimmer models, the laptops might not come with USB-A or HDMI ports. This means that you have to look for laptops with USB-C and use adapters when needed.
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Touch Screen
If you have some money to splurge, you can also consider hybrid models that let you use your laptop as a tablet. These come in different models. While some allow you to detach the keyboard altogether, others can be folded 360 degrees.
If going for such hybrid models, look for products from well-known brands that offer good build quality.
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Price
Needless to say, there will be several laptops that can offer you everything you need and then some more. However, the trick is finding one within your budget. This is why it is important to determine how much you can reasonably afford to spend before you start shopping for a laptop.
The laptop should offer good value for its price, balancing features, performance, and build quality. You might come across lesser-known brands that offer top features at relatively lower prices. However, you might want to stick with reputable brands as they tend to offer better quality and, more importantly, reliable customer service.
To Wrap Up
It would also be a good idea to read reviews from trusted sources to make sure the laptop you’re considering is reliable and has the features you need. If needed, don’t hesitate to visit a store to get a hands-on look at the laptop you’re considering.
For most people, a laptop is an important and costly investment. So, the best package is to look for something durable and long-lasting, with features that will cater to your needs for the next few years.
