Computers have been an indispensable tool at work, in school, and even at home, as most tasks can be accomplished online now. For this reason, you’d do well to invest in a laptop since it’s more portable than a desktop computer. You can bring a laptop anywhere and do a lot of things with it—browse the internet, store files, stream media, work on documents, and so on.
To maximize your investment in a laptop, you need to consider its price, durability, speed, efficiency, and other similar factors. Use the list below to guide you as you buy your first or next laptop:
- Choose an operating system.
Undoubtedly, the most popular operating systems for laptops are Chrome OS, macOS, and Windows. Each one has its own strengths and weaknesses, as you can see below:
- Chrome OS—This is Google’s OS that powers Chromebooks, so you should be able to familiarize yourself with it quite easily. The main app in a Chromebook is none other than the Chrome browser, which makes it an ideal device if you’re mostly surfing the web, checking emails, browsing through social media, and chatting.
However, Chrome OS’s functionalities are quite limited if you are to compare them with Windows or macOS.
- Windows—The latest version, Windows 10, is easy to use even though Microsoft has done several upgrades to the previous iterations of the OS.
However, that also means your computer hardware needs to be on par, so expect that you’ll be spending on a faster, more powerful processor, a larger hard disk, or higher internal memory—not exactly surefire ways to save money.
- macOS—All MacBooks come with the macOS, regardless if you’re buying refurbished MacBooks or brand-new ones. The macOS has always been one of the most secure operating systems since Apple’s policy is to have Mac users download apps from the App Store instead of third-party sources.
So. if you’re looking for less exclusivity and more flexibility in your computer, Macs may not be on top of the list.
- Pick the right size for you.
What you’ll be using your laptop for can help you determine the perfect size to get. If you want something portable that you can carry with you anytime, anywhere, then the right size may range from 11 to 13 inches, or even 14 inches. Laptops of these sizes should weigh no more than 4 pounds since they have a slim body.
However, if you’re after functionality or usability more, you should go for laptops whose display size ranges from 15 to 18 inches. With larger displays, you can indulge yourself in watching your favorite shows or movies or playing the latest online games that you fancy.
- Decide on the screen resolution.
Screen resolution is as important as the size. The resolution can dictate the kind of visual experience you’ll have when using your laptop. The higher the resolution, the clearer things show on your screen. Then again, you can also settle for the minimum resolution of 1366 pixels x 768 pixels and still be able to perform a wide range of tasks online and offline.
- Check the hardware.
The various external and internal physical parts of a computer make up its hardware. Your computer’s hardware is crucial since it’s mainly what makes your machine work. The kind of hardware you choose can also determine what your computer is capable of doing in terms of speed, power, and storage, to mention a few.
Here’s a summary of important things to check regarding hardware:
- CPU/Processor—The CPU (core processing unit) is considered the brain of your device since it’s the one that accesses your computer’s data and tells it what to do. The newer version your CPU is, the more data your computer can process at faster rates.
- Graphics—The graphics chip enables computer programs to display images on the screen. One of the key points to remember is that laptop graphics are not usually upgradeable, so you may want to go for high-end specs right off the bat.
- Memory—The random access memory (RAM) makes all the applications and programs in your computer run. To be more specific, the RAM works by storing information and accessing it each time you need it to perform a particular task. The more RAM your computer has, the more information it can pull up, allowing you to do more things.
- Storage—Unlike the RAM, the storage—also known as an internal drive, flash memory, or solid-state drive (SSD)—of your computer determines the total amount of data your computer can hold. Any program you install into your computer will take up storage space, but not necessarily memory, unless you run that program.
- Determine your budget.
Last but not least, you’ll need to set a budget for buying your laptop since it involves a considerable amount of money. Fortunately, you have the option of either buying an all-new laptop with standard features or shop for refurbished units that cost less but are as efficient as the rest of your choices.
The bottom line is that before buying a laptop, look at the various aspects to help you make the best choice for your needs and capabilities.
Author bio
Garry Everrett is a Tech Geek who is a writer by passion. Mostly he writes about topics revolving around the latest gadget and technology. On his free time, he likes to read sci-fi novels and play golf.
