Your One-Stop Guide to Choosing a Laptop – Complete Guide for Buying Laptop 2021
Your laptop sounds like it’s taking off into orbit. It’s making so much noise that using it proves to be a distraction. It’s also been overheating more often than not lately.
These are all signs that it might be time to go shopping for a new computer. With all the different models out there on the market, choosing a laptop can be tricky.
You need one that has enough processing power to handle everything you throw its way. Being able to play games on it would be a plus too.
We can help you find a device that will tackle all of this and more. Don’t head to the store until you’ve read this article.
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Choose Your OS
The first step in this guide to laptops is choosing an operating system. The big three are Windows, Mac, and Chrome. Each one has its own set of pros and cons.
Windows
If you want a gaming computer, Windows is the way to go. Most developers consider their Windows players first when making their games. You’ll be able to find pretty much any AAA title you want.
The reason why developers prioritize Windows is that it’s the most common operating system around. This popularity means that you’ll have your pick when it comes to choosing a laptop model. From high-end to simple specs, there’s something out there that can fit any budget.
All in all, Windows PCs are solid machines that work well for students and businessmen alike.
Mac
Macs can play games, but the library is nowhere near as extensive. You might be able to play The Sims and the occasional indie title, but that’s about it.
Macs make up for this disadvantage in other areas. They are the only computers you should consider if you have an iPhone, for example. The integration system is amazing.
If you start a project on your laptop, you can save it and pull it up on your phone. This will allow you to work no matter where you are.
You can also check your text messages on your computer, which stops you from checking your phone every few minutes. This doesn’t sound too impressive, but trust us when we say it does wonders for productivity.
If you want a computer with a touchscreen, you’ll have to go with Windows or Chromebooks. Macs don’t include this feature. Even so, they are solid machines that make doing any job a breeze.
Chrome
Chromebooks are popular with parents. They get these for their children because they’re not expensive and they aren’t as vulnerable to viruses.
Notice we said, “not as vulnerable”. You’ll still need to put some virus protection in place to keep them from catching anything. They can’t handle a lot, but if you only need to browse the web, do basic school work, and watch videos, they’ll work just fine.
Types of Laptops
Now that you’ve chosen your OS, it’s time to learn about the different types of laptops on the market. You have business laptops, gaming laptops, 2-in-1s, Ultrabooks, and your basic PC.
They each serve a different function and pack varying amounts of processing power.
Basic Models
Basic laptops don’t do anything fancy. You can’t flip the screen around and use it as a tablet. It might be able to handle some gaming, but not a lot.
They don’t have a detachable display, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t serve a special purpose. The lack of features keeps them affordable. Again, they may not be able to handle heavy gaming, but they’ll perform well enough for college students to get their work done.
2-in-1s
These laptops have become pretty popular because of how versatile they are. They function as both a laptop and tablet. You can take it over to your bed and watch Netflix or use it at your desk to do a paper.
Despite their popularity, they aren’t without their drawbacks. Their versatility makes them much more expensive than your standard laptop. Due to their design, they can be a little on the heavy side as well.
You can’t go cheap with your 2-in-1. The inexpensive models don’t pack that much processing power and the battery life is less than stellar.
Ultrabooks
Ultrabooks are seen as the top of the line. They pack tons of power. They’re lightweight enough for you to be able to carry them everywhere with you.
Lightweight doesn’t mean smaller. They often have a larger display than most standard laptops. what makes them easy to tote around is how slim they are.
Still, you’re often paying more for convenience with these models. Their features are alright. They have a strong CPU and GPU, but they don’t do anything that pushes the envelope.
If you don’t need the performance power, you might be better off putting your money toward a standard computer.
Gaming Laptops
You don’t have to be a hardcore gamer to have a gaming laptop. They are built to perform. If you do anything that uses a heavy amount of graphics or video editing, you want one of these computers.
Developers know that many people plug an external keyboard, mouse, and monitor into the laptop. This means that you’ll have plenty of ports to play around with.
The only drawback is that gaming laptops are bulky. If you need to carry it around a college campus or back and forth to work, you may struggle a little.
Business Laptops
Business laptops provide a good balance between functionality and portability. They’re light enough for you to be able to carry from the meeting room to the meeting room.
They pack the memory you need to hold the countless spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations that you’ll be doing. They’re durable enough where they can handle everyday travel, as well. Almost anyone will suggest an Ultrabook or 2-in1 when you ask how to choose a laptop for work.
Specs
When you grab a store associate to get help choosing a laptop, they’re going to throw a lot of specs your way. If you don’t know your way around it, you may end up getting swindled. Here are a few terms that you need to know before you go shopping.
CPU
The CPU is the brain of a computer. It’s in charge of all the processing that goes on. So, how do choose a laptop based on the CPU?
The answer is the model number on the back. Copy and paste it into your web browser. From there, you can look up the CPU and find out about it.
If it’s more than a few generations old, it might be best to pass on it. You don’t want to pay for more than you’re going to use either. If you’re only going to be browsing the web and doing schoolwork, the older CPU might suit your needs fine.
RAM
The RAM handles the computer’s short-term memory. Don’t go for a computer that has less than 8GB of RAM, or you won’t be able to do much with it.
If you don’t mind spending a little extra money, spring for 16GB of RAM. You won’t be able to run AAA titles without at least 32GB. It’s expensive but worth it.
Storage
When it comes to storage, you can choose between your standard hard drive or a solid-state drive. Hard drives allow for plenty of internal storage space, but they’re not that fast.
Solid-state drives run super fast, but you won’t have as much storage space to play around with.
Display
The more pixels that a screen has, the better. You’ll be able to fit a lot of content on the screen without the image becoming distorted. Don’t settle for a computer that has less than a 1920 x 1080 resolution.
You can get a 4K laptop, but most of the time, that kind of power isn’t needed. All it does is consume battery life without giving you as many benefits as you may think.
Graphics Card
If you’re going to be playing games, making high-quality videos, or doing any kind of image work, you need a good graphics card. If you’re not doing any of this, an integrated chip will suit your needs.
These chips are part of the CPU. They can’t render beautiful images that take your breath away, but they work. That’s all that matters in the end.
Choosing a Laptop That Will Meet Your Needs
Choosing a laptop can be complicated. The store clerk will throw a bunch of terms at you that you may or may not be familiar with. Then there’s choosing your operating system and finding the right model.
We hope that you’re able to use this guide while you’re shopping to make things a little less overwhelming. If you need any further computer buying advice, check out the Tech section of our blog.
