There’s a lot of technical mumbo jumbo to wrap your head around when buying a laptop. And although there’s a lot of information available out there, you may still find yourself asking: What is the difference between a “non-refresh” and a “refresh” screen? How do I choose which processor to go for? How will I know if the CPU is future-proofed?
We know the struggle of purchasing something as important as a laptop all too well. That’s why we’ve put together a step-by-step guide that explains exactly what you need to do.
Step 1: Decide on an OS
Before you start shopping for laptops, it’s best to figure out which OS will work best for you. Currently, there are four operating systems: Windows, Chrome OS, MacOS, and Linux. Each has its pros and cons.
Step 2: Assess how Much Processing Power You’ll Actually Need
If you’re an average user who runs one or more web browsers, Microsoft’s Office Suite, and maybe even a simple photo editing software, it’s a good idea to opt for a laptop that has an Intel Core i5 eighth-gen or later processor. If you’re able to afford it, the i7 is a better bet, given that it will make your laptop work a lot quicker. The extra power, however, consumes more battery, so you’ll need to keep that in mind.
Step 3: Determine if You Need a Graphics Card
All laptops have graphics cards, but they are bundled into the motherboard. This is all most people need. After all, you will be able to watch high-definition movies and even play games with an “integrated graphics” card. But if you do a ton of video editing or are a gamer, you’ll want to purchase a separate graphics card.
Step 4: Figure out How Much Ram You Need
When it comes to RAM, the more, the merrier! RAM is what your laptop uses to store data while the processor is running. If the RAM is insufficient, your laptop may freeze. So, get as much RAM as you can — 16 GB is plenty for most users.
