Be Productive Anywhere with the Best Laptop

Buying a new laptop computer can be intimidating; there are so many numbers and specifications to consider that it’s hard to know where to start. Fortunately, there are really only a handful of things to be aware of and look for, with the rest of the features in a laptop acting as icing on the proverbial cake. In terms of performance, the processor, memory, and video card are really what matter most. You’ll also want to look at the amount of storage in a laptop, as well as how portable it is and the size and quality of the display. Once you know what to look for and what all the numbers mean, picking the right laptop becomes much easier.

Why do I need a laptop?

Laptops and desktop computers perform the same function of processing information and giving output. But can you imagine rushing out for a business trip and fitting your desktop computer’s monitor, CPU, keyboard, and mouse into your small bag? The answer is a resounding no. A laptop, on the other hand, will easily fit into your bag. Laptops are basically desktop computers that are easy to move.

Laptops evolved out of the need to eliminate the immobility problem that came with desktop computers. By being portable and compact, you essentially carry your office in your bag. They are often lightweight and easy to carry around. The clamshell design means they do not take too much space in the bag.

Laptops have now become a must-have for students, business professionals, gamers, and coders. For each of these users, the laptop computer serves different purposes. It affords them the chance to study, attend virtual meetings, and code from anywhere.

What do I need to consider before buying a laptop?

Since laptops serve different purposes for different people, the factors to prioritize when making the choice of a laptop varies. The following factors are some of the most important things to consider before buying a laptop.

What operating system do you want?

The laptop’s operating system comes top of the list because every program you run on the system revolves around the operating system. The operating system basically controls the system. It usually controls the interaction between the software and hardware of a system. Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS are three of the most popular operating systems. Linux is also an operating system that is popular among programmers and coders.

What’s the Processor Speed?

The processor, or CPU, in a laptop sets the rhythm and speed for all other components within a system, so it’s one of the most important parts of a computer. You’ll want to consider the speed of a CPU, measured in Gigahertz (GHz), with higher numbers indicating faster speeds. A fast CPU lets other components in a system run as fast as possible, so be sure to choose a processor with the speed that meets your needs.

You’ll also want to look at the number of cores and threads in a laptop computer’s CPU. Multiple cores let a processor run like multiple CPUs together, so you’ll get better performance from a system with a four-core or quad-core processor than you will from a single or dual-core CPU. Intel processors also use multiple threads, so keep that in mind when you compare i5 and i7 CPUs.

For in-depth information, check out our processor/CPU buyer's guide.

What does computer memory or RAM mean?

The memory or Random Access Memory (aka RAM) in a laptop is the temporary space used to run programs. More RAM lets you run demanding software or have multiple programs run together without slowing down your system and negatively impacting performance. A laptop’s RAM will determine its efficiency in smoothly running numerous tasks at a time. To make an informed choice of RAM for your laptop, you should consider your usage.

The amount of memory is measured in Gigabytes (GB), so look for more memory for better performance. 4GB of RAM should be sufficient for a low-end system, but if you want to run the latest PC games or need better performance, then look for 8GB or more. For more demanding use, like gaming, graphic design, and animation, laptops with a RAM size of between 16GB and 32GB are ideal. One thing to keep in mind is the type of RAM; you’ll usually find DDR3 in a laptop, but future improvements might make DDR5 more common in laptop computers since it’s much faster.

How much storage do I need?

Your laptop is bound to house different files and media, both new and old; this is where the laptop’s storage comes into play. A high storage capacity translates to more space for you to save various files. The storage capacity of a computer affects also can affect its booting time: systems tend to take longer to boot when the storage is almost filled up. Storage is measured in Gigabytes (GB) or Terabytes (TB), and hard drives are typically either mechanical or solid state. You’ll probably want at least 512GB of storage, though 1TB is better for PC gaming or editing media so you have plenty of room for your applications and files.

Mechanical Hard Drive

These are the most common and least expensive option, providing large amounts of storage, but because they rely on spinning disks inside a casing, they are prone to corruption due to physical shocks and shaking.

Solid State Drive

More expensive and typically have less storage, but their lack of moving parts means falls and shaking are less likely to corrupt or damage your data. Some systems even have a large mechanical drive for storage with a smaller solid state drive for your operating system and other programs.

Video Chip and Graphics Memory

Graphics cards with dedicated video memory have become more common in laptop computers, which has made them better for multimedia editing and gaming. Video memory is used by a computer specifically for rendering 3D graphics, playing or streaming video, and is measured just like other memory so look for 1GB or more of video RAM, preferably DDR5, which is much faster than DDR3 and fairly common for dedicated graphics memory. You’re not likely to find laptops that can handle more than one video card, but a few high-end systems have room for multiple cards.

For in-depth information, check out our graphics card buyer's guide.

How much battery will I need in my laptop?

You will likely be using your laptop mostly away from places with power outlets. Thus, the battery life of your laptop becomes essential. Ideally, you should aim to get a laptop that guarantees at least 5 hours of use. However, you should note that factors like screen brightness and the number of programs running could impact the laptop’s battery life.

How much do laptops cost?

This is a tough question to answer. You can find a laptop priced anywhere from $100 to $3,000. It truly depends on what you need and your budget. A sweet spot for a quality laptop is probably in the $400-$800 range. While the features will get better and better the more you spend, it's important to ask yourself what you're going to use your laptop for!

Extra Features

Despite the small size of a laptop, there are a lot of secondary features you can often find on them. You can get optical drives for playing media on wired or wireless speakers, as well as burners that let you back up data and make DVDs or even Blu-rays with your information and video. Touchscreens can be very handy as a form of input on a laptop, but touch sensitivity usually comes at an increased price.

If you need higher security, there are laptops that include fingerprint scanners, letting you keep others from accessing your data. A lot of laptops include built-in webcams, which make it easy to use video chat programs while traveling or to conference with coworkers. These types of features might not be the first thing you look at, but consider what media you might want to access and if you plan on using video conference software, then make sure whatever laptop you choose has the right optical drive and a webcam.

Customization Options

One downside to laptops is they’re typically difficult to customize and add upgrades to on your own. While it’s easy to open up the side of a computer tower and add components to the motherboard, laptops are harder to get into and change. With that in mind, look at customization options when purchasing a laptop.

Manufacturers like Origin provide incredible customization options, giving you dozens of choices and even the ability to add components they don’t normally offer. If you don’t want to make as many choices, then look at companies like Toshiba or Lenovo that keep it simple and offer a range of pre-built systems.

Convertible Options

As tablets have become increasingly popular, a lot of people have found that a tablet works better for them than a laptop. With that in mind, there are more and more laptops that include convertible options that let them work like a tablet in some way.

For example, there are laptops with displays that can fold back to work in a number of positions, as well as laptops with screens that can rotate around and close to resemble a tablet. If you want something more than a traditional laptop, then look at convertible systems offered by different manufacturers and pick one with the components you need.

Portability and Screen Size

One of the best reasons to have a laptop is the portability it provides you with. Look at the size and weight of a laptop; most of them are based on the size of a screen. If you want a small laptop, then it’s going to have an equally small display. You can get some large size in a slim design with an ultrabook or similar model that is built around optimal portability.

A 17-inch display is about the largest you’ll find in a laptop, but it’s also going to be a pretty big system. Weight is usually based on the components in a system, as well as its size. A laptop with a 17-inch display and minimal components can be lighter than a 15-inch display model that includes two hard drives, an optical drive, and other features. If you know you’re going to be traveling a lot, look for a system that is lightweight and not too large.

Tips for Handling a Laptop

You may encounter problems with your laptop as with any other gadget. However, care must be taken when replacing the parts. Using incompatible parts to replace old ones may negatively affect your laptop’s performance.

For all its compactness and mobility, care should be taken when carrying your laptop computers around. Avoid casually hitting them on walls or railings while transporting them. A crack here today and another tomorrow could render your laptop useless in no time. Also, avoid spilling liquid on the keyboard or any part of the laptop.

Warranties and Product Protection

While good warranties are worth looking for on all electronics, a laptop with a good warranty is very important. Some manufacturers only provide one year of protection, which is much lower than it should be. Others, especially on high-end models, offer three or even five years, which is excellent protection on a portable system. Even companies that only offer one year typically allow you to extend that for more money. While the components in a system might be your first consideration, you should still look at the warranty to ensure your investment is properly protected.

Laptop FAQ

Q: What is the difference between a laptop’s RAM and processor speed?

A: The difference between a laptop’s RAM and a processor is that the RAM size determines how many tasks can run efficiently at a time. The processor speed determines how fast inputs are processed. The RAM is like a chopping board that determines how many ingredients can be chopped at a time. While the processor determines how fast the ingredients are chopped.

Q: Is a convertible laptop worth it?

A: Yes, convertible laptops are worth it. They afford you the full range of a laptop’s functionality and the versatility to serve as a tablet. You get a laptop and a tablet by buying a convertible, hence the name 2-in-1 laptop.

Q: Is it possible to add more storage to a laptop?

A: Yes, you can add more storage to a laptop. Adding more storage to a laptop could take the form of opening up the system and replacing the internal drive. Some laptops also come with a second internal drive bay. However, the easiest option is the external hard disk drive that can be plugged into the computer without opening it.