Laptops/Notebooks Buying Guide
If you are in search of a laptop or notebook, you’re in the right place. This is a buyer’s guide that will help you decide on which one will be best for you. This will be the perfect travel companion for when you need to get work done, watch your favorite TV and movies, or even play your favorite games.
It’s always a good idea to find one based on the many considerations we’ll be looking over. Once you’ve gone through this guide, you’ll be confident in making a choice based on your personal needs and preferences.
Let’s take a look now at what you need to be looking at.
Size
Laptops or notebooks come in different sizes. This will help you determine the kind of carrying case that you need to have when you’re traveling. The size will also determine how large the screen will be.
The screen measurement is done diagonally from one end to another. If you have an old laptop, use it for the purpose of getting a measurement done and deciding if you want the same size or not. You may want something smaller or larger.
Intent and purpose
The intent and purpose of a laptop and notebook varies from one person to another. Do you need something to cover the basics like web browsing and work? Or do you want something a bit more powerful for gaming or additional tasks?
This consideration comes down to personal needs and preferences. Decide on a laptop based on your actual reasons. If you plan on playing multiplayer games on the go, a basic laptop won’t cut it.
That’s because it won’t have the specs to support any games you plan on playing. You may end up choosing a laptop that supports gaming, but use it for just work purposes. It may be overkill for some, but you may have just enough specs to support additional devices (whenever you need them).
Operating system
The operating system may come down to personal preference. Are you someone that has an affinity for Windows? Or are you someone who favors the Apple OS?
Either way, it’s up to you to decide. Each operating system has its own pros and cons. However, it all comes down to what you really want.
Keep in mind that when you choose an operating system, it can play a role in what other devices you choose in the future. For example, you might be looking for a notebook docking device that will support a specific operating system.
How many ports do you need?
You might be considering a number of ports for the purpose of using additional devices. However, if you need more than what a laptop or notebook offers, you will need a notebook dock or port replicator.
This will depend on the need for more USB or HDMI ports. If you need HDMI ports, it may be due to the fact you plan on using more monitors. USB ports will support other devices such as keyboards, printers, and other needed devices.
CPU
The CPU will determine the processing power. The higher the CPU, the more work it can get done. If you want a laptop or notebook that will work hard, it will have a higher number of CPUs.
If you are looking for something that is basic, it will have a low number of CPUs. It will handle various programs. However, it won’t be able to handle certain tasks that are demanding (such as gaming).
GPU
GPU focuses on graphics. Higher GPU will be good for processing higher quality graphics when you are playing games or watching videos that were shot in 4k or at various resolutions. Like CPU, the higher the GPU, the more it can handle demanding tasks (especially when it comes to graphic support).
Likewise, lower level GPUs can handle lower resolution graphics. It might not handle higher quality graphics like 4K or higher. Keep this in mind when you are deciding on laptops or notebooks.
Price
The price can play a factor in your purchasing decision. When looking at the price, you want to consider what you’re paying for. You don’t want to go for the cheapest option so you can save money.
The consequences of this will be poor performance. The quality in graphics won’t be the best. So you’ll want to decide on what you want in a notebook or laptop. Then decide on which one will provide you what you need so long as it fits your budget.
Yes, the higher end the notebook/laptop, the higher the price. If you have enough money to play around, you’ll be able to easily find one that will fit your personal needs and preferences. But if you need to stay within a certain budget, look for the best possible performances that will fit it.
Other features
There are some other features that you may consider. These include but are not limited to convertibility. This means you can remove the notebook or laptop screen and use it as a tablet.
Other features include additional accessories such as a stylus. That can come in handy when you are using a touchscreen and want to keep it free from any fingerprints. These are two of the other features you may want to consider (and decide if it fits what you want).
Keep an eye out for any additional features that may apply when choosing a laptop/notebook.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a laptop/notebook can be a challenge. However, using this buyer’s guide will help make the process easier. It’s always a good idea to consider your options as you go.
You may start out with a wide selection. But soon, you’ll whittle down the list because of various factors. It may be too expensive for your budget, doesn’t meet your requirements, and more.
Rest assured, you’ll find a laptop/notebook that will help fulfill your intended needs and purposes. Check out the specs of each computer you are interested in and see if it fulfills them.
