With the exponential rise in electronic development, a previously simple task of choosing a new laptop has become increasingly fraught with complications, and subtle, almost unnoticeable differences between them. This article seeks to ease this process, by clarifying the finer points of what to look for when considering the purchase of a new laptop.
Of the many considerations to take into account, here is a list of some of the key elements to consider, and the reasons they must be considered in order to decide what is best for you, as an individual:
- Purpose – for what reason do you need the laptop? Will it be used for work, for leisure, for gaming, or for another reason entirely? Each different function will require different specifications for the device.
- Performance potential – how powerful do you need the CPU (Central Processing Unit) to be? For the simpler, day-to-day tasks, a mid-range processor should be more than enough – perhaps an Intel Core i5. For more demanding activities such as gaming, editing, or any use of higher-end software, consider a higher-end processor such as Intel Core i7 for better functionality. Similarly, for day-to-day tasks, 8GB of RAM memory should suffice, whereas for the more demanding activities, consider a laptop with 16GB or more RAM memory to optimise performance.
- Screen size – though this seems trivial to many first-time buyers, this is actually a very important consideration. How portable do you need your laptop to be? Are you seeking maximum portability, keeping it on you almost permanently, without sacrificing too much screen size? (11-14 inches) Is it more likely that you carry it around often, but less frequently? (15-16 inches) or do you effectively need a powerful PC that you can occasionally take with you? These are more suited for high-end gaming or complex work tasks. (17-18 inches).
- Battery life – this factor ties in closely to your needs regarding screen size. If you are likely to use the laptop near an outlet more often than not (as you may with the larger sized laptops), this factor is less of a priority. If however you are constantly on the go, you will be in need of a laptop with longer potential battery life. Perhaps consider choosing one with 7+ hours of potential battery life. Be sure to check more than solely the battery capacity, other factors effect a battery life, such as:
- Battery Saver Modes – what modes does the laptop offer in order to conserve power when necessary?
- Screen display – if you opt for a higher resolution screen, expect that this will also affect battery life potential.
- Processor efficiency – another reason to consider a higher CPU, as the better the processor, the more efficient it is, and the less battery it will drain.
Finally, consider the brand. The purchase of a laptops rarely ends at the transaction stage, therefore buying from a trusted, well-established brand is essential to any consideration. Choosing a brand that specialises in such equipment will affect reliability, any after-sales support you need, level of customer service, and possible warranty coverage. A professional brand/company will also offer even further, more personalised advice on the laptop you want or need, and ease the buying experience.
