Once upon a time, choosing the right laptop was a simple task. There wasn’t much variation on the market, and your best bet was just to go with the latest model. Despite this, technology has evolved rapidly since then, and it’s almost impossible to get your hands on the latest piece of technology and, if you do, it’ll only be the latest piece for a matter of weeks. As a result, the decision-making process for selecting the right laptop is much more long-winded than it once was. You have to consider the most intricate of elements, from DC converters to adaptors; however, you must start with the basics.
Select a Platform
First things first, you need to select your operating system, with the three most common being Windows, Mac, and Chrome. Each are incredibly different, and every user has a different preference, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with each before you progress any further. The most flexible option is windows, as this operates on more laptops than the alternatives, and it tends to be the one that most users are familiar with. Similarly, Windows tends to have the largest price range, meaning they’re probably the better option for people with a tight budget. Despite this, many people prefer the aesthetics of Mac and Chrome alike.
Decide Whether a 2-in-1 is for You
Today, you’re able to get your hands on laptop/tablet hybrids, which might be something to consider for some users. With this being said, hybrids tend to be better at serving one purpose than the other. Therefore, if you’re looking for a laptop, you should do your research to ensure that the machine you’ve chosen is predominantly a laptop as opposed to a tablet. 2-in1’s are a good option for individuals who need a portable solution. Despite this, some people report battery problems with detachables, which doesn’t fare well for the aforementioned portability aspect.
Select the Size
Speaking of portability, you also need to consider what size laptop you need before going further with your purchasing. The lightest systems tend to be around 11 to 12 inches, whereas the largest options tend to sit at around 17 to 18 inches. You may need a larger machine if it requires an advanced level of processing power, such as for gaming. Despite this, you won’t be able to easily pick this up and move from place to place with it, so you have to weigh up what’s most important to you.
Consider the Ergonomics
Many of us spend hours of our day on our laptops, especially if they’re for working purposes. Therefore, you need to properly consider the ergonomics of the machine in order to make an informed decision. You need to consider the keyboard and touchpad alike, weighing up their sensitivity and their comfortability of use. After all, if you’re using something for eight hours a day, the last thing you want it to do is bring you stress and annoyance. This is also something to bear in mind when making the decision about which platform to use, as the ergonomic difference between Windows, Mac, and Chrome are staggering.
Consider Battery Life
Battery life is another thing that is predominantly influenced by how portable you need the machine to be. For instance, a bulky gaming laptop that sits beside an outlet all day doesn’t need to have the best battery life, whereas a notebook that needs to travel requires a prolonged battery life. Don’t take the manufacturer’s word on the battery life of a machine; be sure to also carry out third-party research based around reviews of real users.
