If you’re in the market for a new laptop, there are plenty of factors to consider before you make your purchase, from price and processing power to battery life and hard drive space. With all of these features to weigh, it can be hard to narrow down the options, especially if you’re not well-versed in computer lingo. To help you along your way, this laptop buying guide will give you some great tips on what to look for when shopping for a new laptop so that you don’t end up with buyer’s remorse later on!

 

1. Processor

As with all computer purchases, you’ll want to make sure your laptop has enough processing power. It’s tempting to go cheap here, but it’s not worth it—you need a processor that can handle everyday computing tasks without slowing down or freezing. The processor is often referred to as the brain of your computer, and we think that’s a pretty apt description. You don’t want to get anything less than what you need here. If you buy a PC laptop, be sure to check whether its processors are made by Intel or AMD (Advanced Micro Devices). Although both companies produce high-quality processors, there are some subtle differences between them that could impact how well your machine performs over time. If you opt for an Apple MacBook Pro or Air, remember that they use their own proprietary chipsets (the technical term for processor), so they won’t work on Windows PCs anyway.

 

2. Memory/RAM

Memory is one of your most important considerations when buying a laptop. There are two things to keep in mind: how much memory you need and how much memory you can afford. The amount of memory (RAM) your computer has will directly affect how fast it runs programs, so more is always better. Consider that many modern laptops come with at least 4 GB of RAM, which should be sufficient unless you’re gaming or doing very intensive work on your laptop.

 

3. Graphics Card

If you’re planning on playing high-resolution games, look for laptops with dedicated graphics cards. These are more powerful than built-in cards and allow you to play more demanding games. They cost a bit more than integrated graphics, but will pay off in terms of performance.

 

4. Storage/Hard Drive Space

In order to run all of your software, store your files, and save music and movies, you will need a large hard drive. You’ll want enough space on your hard drive that you won’t be running out of room anytime soon. For example, if you don’t think you’ll need more than one thousand songs or photos on your computer then buying extra hard drive space is probably not worth it.

 

5. Price

The most obvious factor to consider when buying a laptop is its price tag. Sure, you’ll probably want something that can do everything under the sun, but you needn’t go overboard just because you have some cash on hand. You should be able to find a solid model within your budget; figure out what features are essential and what aren’t, and trim off anything that isn’t absolutely necessary.

 

6. Connectivity Options

A common problem among laptop users is connectivity: when you buy a computer, you want to be able to connect to its components and other devices. It’s important that your laptop has an ample amount of USB ports, as well as options like HDMI, Ethernet, and Bluetooth. In addition, make sure that it has Wi-Fi capability so that you can access wireless networks. Even if your laptop does not come with built-in Wi-Fi capability, there are external adapters that can be purchased separately.

 

7. Screen Size and Resolution (or Type)

Before you buy your laptop, it’s important to consider how you plan on using it. Are you looking for something that will allow you to do work? Do you want something more portable that can go with you everywhere? If you’re going to be working on spreadsheets or writing papers, then screen size and resolution are incredibly important. If portability is key, however, then screen size and resolution may not matter as much to you. For example, if you have to have a larger screen (like 17 inches) in order to work effectively, but it means lugging around an extra pound of weight every day, then perhaps that’s not ideal for you. In addition to screen size and resolution (or type), also think about whether or not you need touchscreen capabilities—if so, make sure they come standard on your model. Some laptops offer touchscreens as an add-on feature.

 

8. Battery Life

When buying a laptop, it’s always important to consider battery life. This is because you won’t be near an outlet all day long—especially if you’re using your computer at school or work. You need enough battery power to last through your days away from electricity and outlets. The average laptop has about four hours of battery life on average, but some can go as far as ten or more. Choose wisely!

 

9. External Casing Materials

When you’re looking at laptops, know that there are three common casing materials: Plastic, aluminum and magnesium. It doesn’t really matter what your laptop is made of as long as it feels sturdy and you like its look, but aluminum laptops tend to be lighter than those made of plastic or magnesium. Lightweight is always desirable when buying a laptop because it makes carrying around your machine easier; however, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that aluminum = portable.

 

Conclusion

The laptop market is rich with incredible options, both expensive and inexpensive. However, all laptops aren’t created equal: some run better than others and come preloaded with all kinds of bells and whistles, while others are just barebones machines. The most important thing you can do when buying a laptop is get to know your needs before going shopping. What will you be using it for? How much memory do you need? Do you need extra inputs like SD card slots or ethernet ports? And, finally, how much do you want to spend? Once you have an idea of what features matter most to you, it becomes easier to decide which computer fits your lifestyle best.