7 Things to Consider When Choosing Your Next Laptop

When it’s time for an upgrade it can be quite daunting trying to figure out which is the best fit for you. We have created the ultimate buying guide to make the process as easy as possible. Keep reading to find out 7 things to consider when choosing your next laptop.

Size

When buying a laptop the size is something to consider first. Unlike some of the specs in your laptop, the physical size can’t be upgraded. Laptops come in a variety of sizes ranging from 11.6” all the way up to 17.3”, however the most common sizes are 13.3”, 15.6” and 17.3”.
If portability is your biggest priority the smaller, and lighter the laptop is, the better. However, keep in mind these smaller machines do not support the same high quality specifications that larger laptops carry. Smaller laptops may also feature a limited selection of connectivity ports. There are adaptors for this, however if these ports are essential for your work it may be best to look into a larger laptop.

Type

The type of your laptop is another factor to consider. There are 4 main types of laptops that you may be interested in.
 
Ultrabooks are thin, small and lightweight, portable and a solution that is great for on-the go use. Ultrabooks tend to favour sizing over high-end performance, if you are after a powerful machine you may need to find another option.
Notebooks offer a mix between power and portability. These are your most common laptops, especially for work and business.
Convertible laptops are also known as 2 in 1 laptops. These laptops offer versatility. These laptops double as a tablet, by folding or disconnecting the keyboard.
Gaming and traditional clamshell laptops fall into the last category. These are usually quite bulky, heavy and feature powerful specs.

RAM

Random access memory, better known as RAM, is where the data you are actively using is stored. The amount of RAM we require for our projects, programs and general use has increased over the years. 4GB of RAM used to be the go-to amount for any use, nowadays 8GB should be the absolute minimum. If you are a power-user and run various programs and applications at a time 16GB would be the way to go. Finally, if you are into gaming 32GB will provide you the best experience.

Storage

Hard drives are what we are used to seeing as the storage for laptops. However, recently there has become a new kid on the block. Solid state drives (SSD) have become more favourable to manufacturers for a number of reasons. SSD’s are smaller, compact, have minimal temperature levels and less noise. SSD’s require less power to function, which is great for boosting your battery life.

Battery Life

The battery life of your laptop is essential for ultimate usability. For business, study, traveling or for at-home use a minimum of an 8 hour battery life is ideal to perform at it’s best. To feel confident about your laptop’s battery life read third party reviews from real customers to learn more on their experience.

Quality

A quality laptop can imply a number of things, like the build, screen or keyboard elements.
Build quality refers to the materials, and resistance factors of your laptop. Look for laptops and brands that pride themselves on endurance
You will be looking at your screen for potentially hours at a time, the quality is important to ensure it’s comfortable to look at and use. Depending on the use of the laptop consider things like display refresh rate, colour accuracy, wide colour gamut and HDR standards, as well as in-plane switching for the most comfortable experience possible.
You will want to make sure your keyboard has a comfortable layout, full sized keys and enough space. Keyboards that also offer backlit functions are great for laptop use in dim environments.
Before making the final decision on your next laptop be sure to do your research on how much testing the laptop has undergone, if it’s good it shouldn’t be too hard to find. You will usually find the manufacturers raving about it

Brand’s Repertoire

Finally, the last factor we have chosen to include is the reputation of the brand. You want to feel confident in your choice of brand. Before making any decisions read reviews to see how the brand looks after their customers. Accurate and timely support is a necessity. Remember, your laptop is only as good as the brand who stands behind it.

Although choosing the right laptop for you can be an overwhelming decision, renting can be a great way to try before you buy. If you decide the laptop isn’t the right match for you simply return any time after the minimum rental period. Alternatively, if you have found your perfect fit you can apply to purchase at any stage! 

Feel free to get in touch via email or phone if you would like to know more, or find a tech store near you here.

 

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