Laptops offer you the power to be productive anywhere from the classroom to at home or on the go, and knowing your intended use for it will help determine which model best meets your needs.
As there are multiple hardware factors to take into account when buying a laptop, including central processing units (CPU), internal storage capacity capabilities, memory and screen size, this buying guide will help you navigate these specifications and make an informed purchase decision.
Processor
Laptop processors control how quickly information flows in and out of their respective computers, according to Ebay, making this an important determining factor of performance.
Intel’s Celeron series can satisfy those looking for basic performance, while those needing more power should look into Intel and AMD’s Core i3 to i9 chips as a source. Gaming and content creation programs benefit from having multiple cores with higher clock speeds.
An upgrade of any laptop’s processor is generally possible, with costs depending on various factors. Researching options, assessing compatibility and labor costs will all play a part in establishing realistic costs; additionally it’s essential to weigh risks such as nullifying warranties or damaging motherboards before proceeding.
Memory
Most laptops include a certain amount of random-access memory (RAM). RAM serves to transfer information quickly between your hard drive and storage space, enabling your computer to quickly access what it needs quickly – like clearing space when opening new files or calculating odds!
PC Mag recommends opting for at least 4GB of RAM to accommodate multiple programs and browser tabs without running out of storage space. Anyone seeking more than 16GB should consider their future needs for expansion as well as any software known to hog memory resources for optimal performance – like video editors working on time-sensitive projects.
Graphics Card
A graphics card (GPU) is responsible for rendering images and videos onto a laptop’s screen as well as processing resource-intensive applications like 3D games and video editing.
Most laptops feature integrated cards built directly into their motherboard. Integrated cards consume less power, making them ideal for laptops which rely on batteries to operate, produce less heat and prevent throttling which occurs when computer components slow down to prevent overheating.
Dedicated graphics cards can be found in high-end laptops and provide superior performance. They can render graphics at higher resolutions and frame rates – an essential feature for gamers looking to play demanding games – and can speed up tasks requiring parallel processing such as password cracking.
Screen
If your laptop will require extensive physical handling or travel, a durable model should be chosen in order to safeguard its screen from physical shocks and prevent problems like broken glass and severed microscopic dust traces from appearing.
Quality laptop displays offer sharp images with vibrant colors and an outstanding refresh rate, as well as the flexibility to open multiple windows side-by-side for multitasking. Modern models typically utilize LED backlights while older ones may utilize cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL). For high-end work and gaming purposes, the best screens offer higher resolution and wider viewing angles.
Battery Life
Select a laptop with an extended battery life for optimal performance. As you will likely connect external devices such as printers and drives to it, as well as keeping WiFi active, the power required may gradually drain from its battery over time.
Screen brightness can be another drain on battery life, so to extend its life you should reduce it as much as possible. Furthermore, make sure that if it begins getting hot that it gets shut down immediately as this could harm the internal components.
The Battery Report tool in Windows offers hard numbers on the endurance of notebook batteries; however, many factors can impact this number and lengthen or shorten its useful life.
Ports
Many consumers prioritize storage capacity, CPU speed and screen size when purchasing a laptop; however, ports should also be taken into consideration as these allow you to connect various devices like external monitors, wired keyboard and mouse combos, or an external power supply.
Dependent upon your needs, ports such as HDMI (which supports up to 4K resolution) or DisplayPort may be necessary. USB-C or Thunderbolt may also provide faster data transfer rates than traditional USB. In addition, full-sized Ethernet ports for connecting wired networks could come either built-in or via an adapter.
