Are you looking for a new place to spice up your gaming or working space?
The best laptops are often the tools of choice for most people to run heavy-duty apps on the go. However, there are a lot more aspects that you need to consider other than the operating system.
This laptop buying guide will tell you how to pick a laptop according to your preference and needs. Read on to learn tips for choosing a laptop and take a closer look at the types and specs.
Pick An Operating System
An operating system (OS) is the software that runs everything on your laptop. It manages everything from the computer hardware to the software resources. Most laptops come in one of the three main OS: Windows, MAC, and Chrome.
Choosing an operating system all comes down to personal preference. To further your understanding of how to pick a laptop, here's a rundown of the three OS:
Windows
Windows OS has the most usage share, with about 72.2% of Windows-only devices running their latest version. Windows is the standard OS for game development and plenty of business-related programs. They also have the most improvements in their software for the past few years.
One of the few advantages of Windows is its wide range of apps. Windows has the most extensive library for software and programs, including Steam and Epic games store. The user interface of Windows is easier to use than macOS.
The user interface adapts to the type of device you have. It also offers two modes: a user interface for mouse and keyboard and a tablet mode. Windows was once considered the weakest operating system when it came to security.
However, the constant updates improved the security from log-in to searching online. Windows has its own antivirus protection, which scans for malware and viruses. You can choose from the best laptop brands that run Windows 10, such as Lenovo, HP, Asus, and Dell.
macOS
The operating system of Apple is exclusive to only Apple Macbooks. This makes Macbooks more protected, prohibiting illegal hacks from other brands. Apple is more user-friendly since you can ask the company's support network for help.
macOS offers similar functionality as Windows. However, they differ on the interface, start menu, and taskbar.
One of the main differences between macOS and Windows is the touch screen. There are no Macbooks that offer touch screens, but they do offer a secondary display for iPads.
One of the best features of macOS is its quality design. Apple's operating system looks and feels more elegant than the other two OS. The macOS also comes with a suite of preinstalled programs suited for many tasks.
The macOS can handle more extensive tasks such as editing music or videos. Macs use faster hardware, so you can rest easy knowing that your Mac can perform well for everyday use. Macbooks are less likely to overheat if you use the laptop for a few hours.
One of the macOS downsides is that Apple has a strict design standard for all its products. This means that you have less freedom to change and customize your device. Apple Macbooks are also more expensive compared to Windows and Chrome.
Chrome
Google Chrome's OS is the most inexpensive and is simpler compared to Windows and macOS. It operates in Chromebook laptops based on the Google Chrome browser. One of the main differences in the Chrome OS is that it's more web-based.
The user interface of the Chrome OS looks like Windows's interface. It has a desktop where you can edit and drag the windows around. You can run plenty of Android apps with many available extra features.
Chrome OS is perhaps the easiest operating system to handle. One of the limitations of this OS is that most of the web apps won't run unless you have an internet connection. If you only need a laptop to surf the web and check your emails, Chromebooks are a great choice.
Aside from its limitations, Chrome OS is portable and offers low prices. Chromebooks are less likely to get malware and have more functionality than tablets. They are cheaper to license and are open to many third-party manufacturers.
Match Your Needs to the Type of Laptop
Before deciding on the laptop designs and specs, you have to figure out what type of laptop you need. You should pick a laptop that matches what you want to use it for, such as gaming or working. Below are some of the most common and popular categories of laptops:
Basic laptops
Basic Laptops are laptops that don't convert into tablets and doesn't offer touch screens. They don't provide many fancy features, but they are worth buying to save some of your cash. These types of laptops are the best choice for students or those who want a secondary screen.
2-in-1 Laptops
2-in-1s are the most popular types of laptops due to their convenience and portability. These are hybrid laptops that you can use as both a laptop and a tablet. There are two styles for 2-in-1 laptops:
- Detachables where you can separate the screen from the keyboard
- Flexible laptops that can bend 360 degrees to change modes
They are the best choice for those who like to watch shows in bed or work at a desk. However, most 2-in-1 laptops function better in acting for one purpose than the other. Some 2-in-1 laptops are better as laptops than tablets, while some are better tablets than laptops.
Ultrabooks
Ultrabooks are portable and easy-to-carry laptops due to their slim and lightweight nature. They use SSDs with powerful Intel Core Processors for more power use in their clamshell design. They are capable of living through dropping and thrown objects.
The downside of this lightweight laptop is that it lacks some hardware. This includes things such as low-power processors and DVD drives. Excluding that, Ultrabooks are the best choice for their performance and versatility.
Gaming Laptops
Gaming laptops have a thicker and bulkier design for their gaming-focused counterparts. With the extra space, the laptops can hold larger batteries and more powerful processors. They have higher resolution displays for graphic-intensive games.
These types of laptops perform better with external displays, gaming keyboards, and mice. However, many everyday laptops can now handle basic gaming with lesser resolution.
Business Laptops
Business Laptops have smaller frames compared to gaming laptops. They often come with better color accuracy for video editors and photographers. These types of laptops have better protective systems, such as biometric validation.
Learn the Laptop Specifications
Specs have a huge impact on the performance of your laptop. If a laptop has better specs, it can run longer and process apps faster. Here are some laptop specifications that you need to consider:
Central Processing Unit
The processor is the brain of a laptop. Everything you open and do on your laptop runs through your CPU. You can choose from the latest 8th generation models, including the Core i3, i5, and i7.
Graphics Card
Graphic cards or GPUs produce images that programs need to display on your screen. NVIDIA and AMD are primary vendors for GPUs for powerful gaming and business laptops. A laptop with a GPU is a great choice for those who are hardcore gamers and editors.
RAM
Random Access Memory or RAM refers to our laptop's ability to store files and access info. Programs and apps open on your laptop make use of RAM to process quicker when you need to access them. The larger your RAM is, the better the performance and the more app you can open at the same time.
The best RAM you can get for laptops is either 8GB and 16GB. If you need to open more intensive tasks, go for 16GB. However, if you have more RAM, it can consume your laptop's battery life.
Storage Space
If you're the type who saves plenty of files and programs, you need plenty of storage space. Go for the laptops that offer SSDs for a boost in performance. If you want to lower your laptop's cost, you can opt for laptops with local storage and subscribe to cloud storage.
Ports
Ports are important for those who need data transfers or display projection. Check whether the laptop's port matches your USB ports, such as USB-A or USB-C ports. USB-C ports are a more advanced version that can transfer high-definition videos or photos and move plenty of data at once.
For a larger screen work, you should opt for a laptop that can connect to other monitors. This includes a Display port or HDMI ports.
Screen Size
The screen size can go from 11x12 to 17x18 inches. Laptops often come in four display sizes:
- 11x12
- 13x14
- 15x16
- 17x18
The 11x12 inch screens have thinner and lighter systems that weigh 2.5 to 3.5 pounds. 13x14 inch screens give the best balance of usability and portability.
15x16 inches is the ideal screen size for those who don't plan to bring the laptop around. The 17x18 screen size is best for those who do heavy work and play heavy intensive games.
Your Guide On How to Pick A Laptop
Now that you know how to pick a laptop that suits your needs, you'll have no problem doing your tasks on the go. Use our guide and shop for the laptop that's right for you today!
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