If you’re shopping for a new laptop, you’ve probably noticed that there are countless options out there on the market. There are so many models to choose from that it can seem almost impossible to select the best one. There are even new models with advanced features released every day by famous brands. Knowing what you should be looking for in a new laptop will help you narrow down your options and choose the most suitable model for your needs.
The best way to go about this is by researching the different models and specs out there to learn about the amazing perks they can offer you and find out what features you need. We have simplified this process for you by putting together a simple shopping guide that will walk you through all you need to know before buying a new laptop.
Choose an Operating System
Usually, people would go for a device with the operating system they are familiar with, but the three options you can choose from are Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS. Each of these operating systems is stable and reliable in its own way. Since they all are fast, secure, and well-built, it’s hard to pick one over the other two. However, most people go for Windows, which used to be a big target for viruses and malware until the latest security updates were released. Since there are a lot of manufacturers that make Windows devices, you’ll have a wide range of options and laptop designs to choose from. On the other hand, macOS offers a limited variety of laptop designs, and their prices are significantly high compared to other Windows or Chrome OS devices. macOS is compatible with other Apple devices, but it doesn’t work well with gadgets that are not made by Apple.
On Chrome OS laptops, you only get to use the Google Chrome web browser, which limits you to web apps only, meaning you can’t install Microsoft Office or any similar apps on the device. On the plus side, this also means that your OS will need little to no maintenance, as you will experience fewer lags and system crashes than you would with other devices. You’ll find the prices for Chrome OS laptops very competitive, which makes them a great option if you’re on a tight budget and have no problem sacrificing some online apps and offline tools.
Choose Your Specs
Usually, the price of a laptop can tell you a lot about its specifications, but there are a few things you can examine in order to understand what exactly you’re paying for. First, check the CPU or processor’s capability by looking at its processing speed, which is usually calculated in gigahertz. CPU is short for the central processing unit, and it is also known as the processor. It is responsible for processing all instructions needed to complete different computing tasks. A processor’s speed indicates how fast it can perform commands, which has a huge impact on your productivity, so make sure you choose a laptop with high processing speed.
You should also look for a laptop with a powerful core; cores are like small CPUs, and a strong core indicates a better and faster computing capacity. The tech experts at https://www.laptopblogger.com/best-laptops-under-400/ recommend learning the jargon your chosen brand uses to refer to these specs. For example, Intel’s i7 refers to high-end cores, while i9 refers to even more powerful cores included made for heavy usage.
While choosing your next laptop, make sure you have enough RAM to support your usual functions. The RAM of your laptop affects the number of programs your laptop can run or the number of tasks it can perform at once. This means that the more RAM you have, the more tabs you’re going to be able to open at once, and the more apps you can keep running in the background.
The Power and Portability
Before deciding on the size of your laptop, you must evaluate the specs mentioned above because they affect how big or heavy your device is going to be. A stronger laptop with higher speed and more capabilities will naturally need more space to fit these components. This means that if you’re going for a powerful device that you’re going to use for gaming or video editing, then you’re going to have to make some sacrifices when it comes to its ease of portability. This is definitely something you should consider before looking at high-end models with more powerful specs.
When choosing a new laptop, you’ll probably have to compromise power for portability and vice versa; powerful computers are usually heavier and harder to move. You’ll have to decide on the specs and features you need before you make up your mind, and also take your budget into consideration. Most of the time, powerful laptops with higher specs cost more than other simple models. This is why you need to make sure you can afford the type of specs you need before choosing a laptop.