Even if you know exactly what you want, finding a laptop can be difficult.

Laptops are one of the most essential and versatile devices in our modern world. Whether you use them for work, study, entertainment, or anything else, you want a laptop that suits your needs and preferences. But with so many laptop models and features available in the market, how do you choose the best laptop for your needs?

We don’t all buy new laptops every year. It’s more likely that you’ve been sitting on your laptop for three, five, or even ten years. Much has happened in computer technology since then, so we’ve compiled a list of must-have features to look for if you are considering to buy a new laptop in the upcoming months.

Here are some general tips and criteria to consider when buying a laptop. Of course, there are many more factors and features to consider, depending on your needs and preferences.

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Define your needs and goals

For what do you need it? How often do you use it? Where do you use the computer? How much are you willing to spend? MacOS or Windows? These questions will help you narrow down your options and focus on the most nessential features.

Do some Research and Comparison

Don’t just buy the first premium laptop that catches your eye or has the most hype. Read reviews, watch videos, visit websites, and compare specifications and prices of different laptop models. You can also use online tools and guides to help you find the best laptop for your needs. The operating system should be your primary priority. While Apple’s macOS and Microsoft’s Windows used to dominate the argument, Google’s Chrome OS is now a popular option, often found on considerably more cheap computers.

Test and Try Before you Buy

If possible, visit a store or a showroom and see the laptops in person. Feel the weight, size, shape, and texture. Check the display quality, brightness, and colors. Test the keyboard, touchpad, speakers, ports, and cameras. Try out some applications and games that you use frequently. This will give you a better sense of how the laptops perform and fit your needs.

Performance

Performance is one of the most essential aspects of laptops, as it determines how fast and smooth your computer can run various applications and tasks. Performance depends on several factors, such as the processor, the memory, the storage, and the graphics card.

Processor

The processor, also known as the CPU central processing unit, is the brain of your laptop. It handles all the calculations and instructions that your computer needs to perform. The processor’s speed and power are measured by its clock speed in gigahertz or GHz, its cores, the number of independent units that can process data, and its threads – the number of tasks each core can handle simultaneously. Generally speaking, the higher the clock speed, the cores, and the threads, the faster and more powerful the processor. When choosing a processor for your laptop, you need to consider your needs and budget. You don’t need a potent processor if you use your computer for basic tasks, such as browsing the web, checking emails, or watching videos.

Memory

The memory, also known as the RAM random access memory, is the short-term storage of your laptop. It stores the data and programs your laptop uses or runs. The memory’s speed and capacity are measured by its frequency in megahertz or MHz and its size in gigabytes or GB. Generally speaking, the higher the frequency and the size, the faster and more capable the memory. When choosing memory for your laptop, you must consider your needs and budget. If you use your computer for basic tasks, such as browsing the web, checking emails, or watching videos, you don’t need a lot of memory. Bear in mind that more memory also means a higher price tag, so you need to balance your performance and budget.

Display

The display, also known as the screen or the monitor, is the visual output of your laptop. It shows you the images and videos that your computer produces. The display’s quality and performance are measured by its size (in inches), its resolution (in pixels). Generally speaking, the larger, higher resolution, higher refresh rate, brighter, wider-colour-gamut, and better panel type the display, the better the show.

Storage

The storage, also known as the hard drive or the SSD (solid state drive), is the long-term storage of your laptop. When choosing storage for your laptop, you need to consider your needs and budget. If you use your computer for basic tasks, such as browsing the web, checking emails, or watching videos, you don’t need a lot of storage. A minimum of 256 GB of SSD storage should be enough for your needs. However, you need more storage if you use your laptop for more demanding tasks, such as gaming, video editing, or graphic design. Of course, more storage also means a higher price tag, so you need to balance your performance and budget.