Laptops are available in different sizes, have varied in features and prices. A good laptop should be versatile to serve your needs. Check from size to storage, budget, connectivity option, CPU, etc. The following are things to consider when buying a laptop.
The Right Size
The size of a laptop is categorized by screen display size. You need to know how portable you want your laptop to be. Here are the categories of display sizes:
- 11-12 inches- this is the thinnest and lightest laptop that weighs 2.5 to 3 pounds.
- 13-14 inches- this is the best for use and portability. They weigh below 4 pounds.
- 15-16 inches- this is the most popular size and weigh 4-5 pounds. Sixteen inches is useful if you need a large screen.
- 17-18 inches- this size is mainly good for a laptop that stays on a desk. It has the high processing power and can be used to play games.
Screen Quality
Consider if you want your laptop to have a touchscreen or not. Touchscreen laptops are popular nowadays since they are easy to use and make tasks easier. If you are more of a typist, you might consider getting a laptop that doesn’t have a touchscreen.
If you are a gamer, get a laptop that has a refresh rate of greater than 144HZ. The viewing angles should be good with IPS technology that offers the widest viewing angles. Most photographers and videographers need laptops with better color accuracy and 100% coverage DCI-P3 color gamut. Get a laptop with a high resolution of 1920*1080 pixels for line-up space.
Keyboard Quality
Get a laptop which is comfortable for typing. Check the quality of the keyboard to avoid keyboards that have squished in number pads. It needs to have full-sized keys and space around the arrow keys.
A keyboard with backlit is an advantage when typing in a dim environment. The keypads should not be stiff or shaky when pressing. The keys should also have adequate travel and quick responsiveness when you let them go. Before you buy, make sure you test, especially if you use the laptop mainly for typing.
RAM
The RAM size of your laptop will depend on the use. For tasks like browsing, streaming songs and watching movies, checking emails, etc., 4GB RAM is enough. If you need a laptop with better battery life, get less RAM.
A videographer or a gamer will require up to 8GB RAM. RAM is essential because it allows you to work with more information. Consult with the salesperson to advise the best RAM depending on the tasks the laptop will perform.
