Exactly How To Buy A New Laptop That Works For You
The range of laptops available can be both a blessing and a curse when you are looking for your next one! Whether you are a bit of an expert or a technophobe, the search need not be a complicated one.
You need to make it about you and your expectations of your laptop. Doing so will immediately help you demystify your search and help you come out with the perfect device to fit your needs.
This article helps guide you through the minefield of the laptop market to help you do just that!
Define your budget
From a few hundred to several thousand dollars, there is a laptop for sale on this website to suit almost every budget.
Either way, whatever your wallet can stretch to, figure out what you can spend and you can start your search from there.
Finding the best laptops within your budget
The global laptop market is a competitive space. This is good for the consumer, as it means lower prices and better quality machines. From the lightest, cheapest models to the full bells and whistles of powerful notebooks, the trick is to find the features and specification for your needs.
This means finding the right balance between not overpaying for features you will not use. Similarly, you do not want to find yourself in the situation of expecting too much from an under-equipped PC. Narrowing your search criteria and being realistic about what you need will help you find the best compromise possible.
Portable, or immovable?
Okay, so all laptops can technically be moved. However, you would not want to try moving some of the heavier machines if you need to commute regularly for example.
So think about how you use your laptop. Whether it will remain rooted to your desk or be a more portable thing, it is important to take the weight into account when you make your purchase.
Ultimately, your use case is all about what you need your laptop for and how portable you need it to be.
Your laptop’s power
The performance of your laptop is ultimately dictated by its compute power (CPU). For demanding activities such as games or video design work, higher compute power will make for a much more rewarding experience.
The reality is that for most users, mid-range processing capacity is more than adequate for standard tasks. This includes using the web, watching movies, working with docs and spreadsheets, and so on.
Souping your laptop up
If you need a smaller laptop model for travelling regularly, but prefer to work with a bigger keyboard, you could consider adding a wireless keyboard and mouse to aid your user experience. By doing this, you can combine a smaller PC with the additional tools you need.
Reliability is also one of the main aspects you should look for in your PC. The top brands all use the best parts, meaning longer warranties and more robust durability. That said, even the lowest end PCs all come with some kind of guarantee, so check out some user reviews and make sure you are clued up on what coverage your device comes with.
At home or in the field?
Ultimately, one of the main points to consider with your new laptop is how much you plan to take it out and about. If the answer is rarely, then you do not need to worry too much. If you take it to a friend or relatives, or to an office in your car, again its weight may not be too much of a factor.
The main users where weight and portability are crucial are commuters or people working in the field. A heavy laptop can quickly become a real burden.
Not only that, but the larger the device, generally speaking the lower its battery life. Large screens and processing units all drain the battery’s power. Even in power saving mode this can mean your charge quickly evaporates.
In summary, think carefully about your use case and how you expect your PC to support your life. Getting the choice wrong could mean it becomes a burden instead of the asset it should be.
