Whether you are a student writing an essay, a teacher preparing a presentation for a class or a researcher organizing a project, or simply surfing the web, the laptop is the most obvious choice. But, to choose among different brands with different features can get a bit overwhelming.
Though tablets as well as smartphones have become quite popular, typing or playing some video games cannot really be replaced. So, now the question is that what features should you consider before deciding on a specific laptop.
First and foremost, it is important for you to be sorted about your needs and requirements. There are many features about the laptop that should be thought of. Let us talk in detail about these features.
Size
This is probably the most important feature for the sake of your comfort. Depending on why you require a laptop, you should select the right size for you. Unlike RAM or ROM of the laptop, you cannot upgrade or downgrade the size of your laptop. So, you should wisely think about the size of the laptop.
Laptops start at 11.6 inches and then go up to 17.3 inches. Obviously, if you want portability, then your preference would be a smaller sized Windows laptop. There are thinner as well as lighter compared to the other brands and models. Look for 12.5-13.3 inches in size, and 1 to 1.5 kg in weight.
Choose the platform: Windows, Chrome OS or MacOS
Windows is more flexible and has many more makes as well as models when compared to Chrome OS or MacOS. MacOS provides pretty similar features as Windows 10 but has quite a different interface. While the Chrome OS is found on the pretty inexpensive, this one is pretty simple as well secure.
But Chrome OS has fairly limited features as compared to Windows as well as MacOS.
Screen resolution
Apart from the size of the screen, the resolution also needs to be taken into consideration. The minimum resolution found for the laptops is 1366 x 768 pixels. This is good enough for almost all the tasks. Though there might not be much different for the space in case of a 15-inch laptop with 1920 x 1080 screen and a 15-inch model with 1366 x 768 pixels. The higher resolution will ensure that the text and icons will be more smooth as well as easier to see.
2-in-1
A lot of laptops nowadays come with the flexibility to convert between the traditional mode, tablet mode, and many other positions. 2-in-1s come in different styles: one comes as a detachable with screens that can come off completely and the other with hinges that can bend up to 360 degrees.
If you don’t see the need to use a laptop as a slate, then it is not worth buying.
But, if you choose a 2-in-1, then note that the bendable has a much better battery life than the detachable one.
Keyboard & Touchpad
A comfortable keyboard is a must if you want to type for long hours. Every laptop keyboard can be significantly different from each other. Some are pretty unpleasant to type on because of the flex in the keyboard tray while you type. So, make sure you choose a laptop keyboard which can make your life easier.
The same is the case with the touchpad of the laptop. The connection between you and the screen of your laptop is through the touchpad – and thus it needs to be smooth to make it easy for you.
But, unfortunately, most of the touchpads are awful. Make sure the laptop that you choose has a touchpad that is smooth and responds as soon as you touch it. Most of the touchpads support the gestures – two fingers to scroll, pinch to zoom – but the ease of use of these gestures is to use depends on laptops.
CPU
It is the brain of your computer! The processor is the most important specification and influences the performance of your computer. Intel Core i3 is old now, and you should be focusing on the mainstream processors of Intel like Intel Core i5, Intel Core i7, or Intel Core i9.
Better processor ensures faster speed of your laptop, depending on what you want to use the laptop for.
RAM
It has been a long time since 4 GB RAM is not enough for your laptop. 8 GB has become the bare minimum RAM for all the laptops. If your usage demands more power, then you should be looking at 16 GB. And, if you are a gamer, then only 32 GB RAM can give you the experience you want.
More RAM will let you run more applications simultaneously without any latency and thus RAM is an essential feature for you to consider. You can always upgrade the RAM.
Budget
This one is the most important factor that matters for you to consider buying a laptop. You can get a usable laptop with a sufficient and efficient number of features under $200. But, if you have more budget, then you will get a much better system with better quality, and display as well as a stronger performance.
Between the range of $150 to $250, you are like to get either Chromebooks or low-end Windows laptops with minimum storage as well as slower processors. Between $350 and $600, you will get Intel Core i5, and a 500 GB hard drive, but neither SSD, HD display nor long battery life apart from some exception.
Above $600, laptops are all classy with premium designs like metal finishes.
So, these are the main features and specifications that you should consider so that you put your money to good use, and do not regret it later.
Because a laptop is an investment for a few years at least, so you make sure it is worth it. Plus, do not forget to keep the brand of the laptop in mind. In the end, your laptop is going to be as good as the company that it belongs to.
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