11 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Laptop

Is your laptop overheating quickly and keeps notifying you your hardware device is not detected? If so, it’s high time you upgrade to a new model.

Upgrading to a new model will give you the chance to acquire a lightweight laptop with better performance. But not all models out there will suit your needs.

Some have high processing powers, good picture quality, and a long-life battery. Others might have low processing power, high picture quality, and a short-life battery.

Whether upgrading to a new model or buying your first laptop, choosing a average laptop battery life that will offer the best value for your money is paramount.

However, choosing the best is not easy. There is a wide range of brands out there, with each brand having its unique features and specifications.

Are you hoping to purchase a laptop with high processing power and good visual capabilities? Well, this won’t happen if you choose the wrong model.

So how do you ensure to choose a laptop that will suit your needs and offer the best value for your money? worry no more

Here are 11 factors to consider when choosing a laptop that you can utilize.

1. Laptop’s Power

Whether buying a laptop for basic use or office use, consider the laptop’s power. It doesn’t matter if you will use your laptop for minor tasks such as browsing or major ones; never settle for the weakest option.

So, what should you look for to determine the power and performance? You can start by checking the available memory (RAM). At least aim for a laptop that has 4 GB RAM. But if you want to install high-power intensive software, aim for one with 8 GB or more.

You will also need to check the processor. Modern laptops will mainly have Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 processors. If you want a laptop for general use, Core i3 and Core i5 might be good choices.

But if you aim at using the laptop for high-performance tasks, Core i7 is the best option. However, a laptop with such a high processor emanates a lot of heat and might not be suitable for use on your laps.

2. Replaceable Parts

Even if a laptop has a life span of 5 years, it might never last that long. You might have to replace some parts over the years. Thus, you have to consider whether the laptop has integrated parts or not.

If you choose a laptop with integrated parts, you won’t be able to upgrade them. Integrated components such as hard drive, RAM cards, and graphics are soldered to the motherboard.

But there are high-end laptops like Lenovo that give you the option to replace such parts. To know more about them, visit lenovo.com.

If you plan on having your laptop around for long, choose the one with replaceable parts.

3. Laptop Screen and Size

If you are staring at your screen for hours, you must choose a laptop whose screen does not strain your eyes. But this does not mean you go for a 4K UHD resolution screen. They are mostly expensive and might not be worth it if your laptop is for basic use.

You should base the size and screen capabilities according to how you shall use the laptop. If you want a laptop for video editing and extensive multitasking, a 17-inch screen with a resolution of 1920 × 1080 is all you need.

If you use it for school work and minor browsing, a 14-inch screen might do. You have to keep in mind size and screen capability will affect its portability. The bigger the screen you go for, the heavier your laptop shall be.

Besides, a powerful screen will require a powerful battery.

4. The Type of OS

Before buying a laptop, you must choose the one with an OS that will suit you better. If you are accustomed to the Apple ecosystem, a laptop with macOS might be ideal for you. It allows you to synchronize all your files, music, and apps.

You can opt for other types of OS such as Linux and Chrome, depending on the use of your laptop. But if you want to run android games and apps on your desktop interface, Microsoft Windows is what you need.

5. Brand

Buying a laptop is a huge investment that you have to get right with the first attempt. For this reason, you must choose a brand that will suit your needs and offer value for your money.

There are already established laptop brands out there. Despite such brands being expensive, you will be assured of quality laptops. The upcoming brands might have good features and sell at lower prices, but why take the risk?

Most of these upcoming laptop brands are yet to be tested. Choose a well-known brand if you want a laptop that will serve you for years.

6. Ports

Suppose you want a laptop to connect with other devices; you have to pay attention to the ports. It would be unfortunate to buy a laptop whose ports are not compatible with connection cables.

Hence, ensure choosing a laptop with modern ports such as USB 3 ports. Most harsh drives, connection cables, and flash drives are compatible with such ports only.

You should also check whether the laptop comes with a thunderbolt port and an HDMI port. Having an HDMI will allow you to connect an additional monitor.

7. Storage

When buying a laptop, you can choose the one with 2 TB or 1 TB of storage. 2 TB might offer massive storage, but they will be more expensive.

If you want to spend less, the 1 TB storage might be what you need. If the space is not enough, you can back it up with an external drive. It’s essential that you also choose a laptop with a Solid State Drive (SSD).

The SDD does not rely on mechanical moving parts hence making them faster. If you opt for the old Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), they offer massive storage but are significantly slower.

8. Battery Life

If you purchase a laptop to use near your desk, you might not have to worry about the battery life. But if you plan to use the laptop on your laps, whether indoors or outdoors, battery life should be a point of concern.

You will mainly need a battery that will offer at least 8 hours of endurance. In most cases, the battery life is usually quoted on the box by the manufacturer.

But such information might not be indicative of what real-life experience is. Various factors at play can affect your battery life, such as screen brightness, resolution, and others.

The best strategy is to check the battery’s rating in terms of Watt-hours (Wh). The high the number of Watt-hours, the longer the battery will last.

9. Keyboard Quality

For long typing sessions, you will need a keyboard that does not strain your hands. It would be unfortunate to purchase a laptop whose keyboard has squished in numbers.

The best keyboard should have a comfortable layout and some space between the keys. The keys should also have adequate travel on the downstroke for the best typing experience.

If you aim to use your laptops in a dim environment, ensure it has a backlit keyboard. This might appear superficial, but it will make your work easier while typing.

10. Stick to Your Budget When Choosing a Laptop

It’s normal to have a budget that you want to stick to when buying a laptop. But with many brands out there with enticing features, you might be tempted to go for expensive models only.

It’s not all times the expensive models will be the best. But this does not mean you go for the cheapest laptops either. They might appear to save you money for now, but you will regret it down the road.

But to get it right when buying a laptop, you must come up with a reasonable budget. For low-end laptops, you must have between $400 to 900 $. For the mid-range laptops, be ready to pay between $ 900 to $1 500.

11. Check Customer Reviews

If you come across a new laptop model, judging its performance or battery life might be quite challenging. Reading online reviews from people who have used the model before might give you the information you need.

You can also check videos of people unboxing the laptop options of your choice on platforms such as YouTube. At the end of the reviews, you will determine whether the laptop model suits your budget and needs.

Choose the Best Laptop Today

Choosing the best might be challenging with the many brands and models of laptops out there. But with the right tips and knowledge, choosing a laptop that suits your need and budget becomes easy.

Please consider the above factors when choosing a laptop and get it right.

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