It doesn’t matter if you’re surfing the web or writing a paper or even teaching kids, you will definitely need a good laptop that fits your budget and your current needs. When you first start shopping for a laptop it can seem quite stressful and confusing.
After all, there are hundreds of different types and models of laptops. These laptops all come in varying price points, operating systems, specifications, and more. The cost of these laptops could range anywhere between $150 to over $5,000. Read this article Dell Optiplex vs Inspiron laptops for a comparison of two popular brands.
Thankfully, it is not that difficult to find and buy a good laptop. We will now dive into 6 tips that will help you in your quest.
1. Smaller screens offer better portability
The vast majority of laptops have screens that are sized between 11 to 17 inches. Keep in mind that no matter the size of the display that the system would be sized to fit that display. So, when you have a smaller screen, the entire laptop would be smaller and lighter.
The laptops with bigger screens would be bigger and a bit bulkier. So, if you don’t need to move around with your laptop, then a model that has a 15-inch screen should work just fine. However, if you need to carry around your laptop regularly and place it on your lap, then you should opt for one that has a 14 inch or 13-inch screen.
One good example of this type of laptop is the Dell XPS 13. This particular laptop offers excellent screen space while being light and portable. If you need to get a laptop for a child that is under 12 years old, then you should get them a laptop that has a screen size of between 11.6 inches – 12.5 inches. A larger laptop that has a screen size of 17 inches should only be purchased if you intend to keep it on your desk.
2. 1080p resolution
It is highly recommended that you buy a laptop that has at least a 1080p resolution. It is possible to get a laptop of this resolution for under $400. 1080p resolution is also known as full HD and the screen has a 1920 x 1080 resolution.
Once a laptop has this resolution, it will make it simpler for you to read web pages and even place two windows, one next to the other so that you can multitask.
3. Minimum battery life of 8 hours
Once you intend on using your laptop some distance away from an outlet, then you should get a laptop that has a good battery life of over 8 hours. Even if you only want to use your laptop on your couch as opposed to your desk, you should look for this feature.
One excellent example of a laptop that has a fantastic battery life is the Asus ZenBook UX330UA. Once this laptop is charged, it will last about 9 hours on battery alone. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to get gaming laptops with this much battery life due to the sheer amount of power that they require.
4. Windows/MacOs for adults and Chromebooks for children
In schools, laptops that use the Chrome OS are quite popular due to the fact that they are simple for children to start using and they are much more difficult to get malware on. Currently, one of the best Chromebooks that you can get is the Asus Chromebook Flip C302CA.
However, when it comes to adults, it is best to get a MacBook or a laptop that has Windows 10. This is because this OS will provide a lot more functionality. In the event that you don’t know if you should go with Windows or Mac, then keep in mind that Windows is a lot cheaper.
They also have cheaper options such as touch screens. On the other hand, a Macbook offers better security and photo/video editing software.
5. 2 in 1 laptop for touchscreens
There are lots of laptops that you can get that offer 2 in 1 functionality where you can move from tablet form to clamshell form. One great option is the Lenovo Yoga 920 if you need a touch screen.
However, it is better to go with the typical clamshell type of laptop if you want the most value for your money. This is because 2 in 1 laptop usually have lower battery life and they are typically more expensive according to surplus.
6. Minimum specs of 256 GB SSD, Core i5, and 8GB RAM
Once you intend on spending more than $600 to buy a laptop, you should get one that has minimum specs of 8GB RAM, Intel Core i5 processor/AMD Ryzen Mobile/Intel Core i7, 256 GB SSD hard drive, and 1080p screen. You should make sure to get the SSD since this will ensure your programs load and run much faster.