Laptop Guide: How To Find The Right Laptop

Looking for the right laptop for you? Buying a laptop can be a simple process if you need it for general use. However, as soon as you start needing one for specific uses, not every laptop is going to fit the bill. So, whether you need a laptop for travel purposes, video editing, or graphic design, whatever your intention, here you’ll find a simple guide to help you find the right laptop.

Step 1: What operating system do you need?

The first step in choosing a laptop that will suit your needs and preferences is to consider which operating system (OS) you want to work with. This is one aspect that should never be overlooked because while you may like the idea of owning a certain type of laptop, don’t just think of the brand but what the operating system is geared towards because they all come with their own strengths and weaknesses. Here are the four main ones:

• Windows: best suited for those who need to work with Microsoft apps like MS Office or Outlook
• macOS: best suited for those who prefer a more beginner-friendly and prefer to work within Apple’s ecosystem
• ChromeOS: best suited for those who will be completing most of their tasks on Chrome and looking for a line of affordable laptops
• Linux: best suited to almost any piece of hardware as long as you don’t mind a slight learning curve

Step 2: Understand which processor (CPU) is best for your needs

The next step is to understand, based on what you intend to use your laptop for, what kind of software you will need to do your tasks. For this, you’ll need to be intentional about the processor (otherwise known as the CPU or chip). There are three main companies that manufacture laptop processors for consumers: Intel, AMD, and Apple. Apples M Chip or an anything above an i7 should be pretty versatile. We suggest starting there.

Step 3: What kind of Graphics are you looking for?

Every laptop you get will have some kind of graphics card in it, whether it’s an integrated, or dedicated graphics card. Your standard graphics cards will allow you to do basic tasks on a laptop, like watching high-definition movies, playing basic games, and running applications that don’t require too many resources. However, if you want to play games with advanced graphics, use your laptop to sort their large data files or edit high-quality pictures and videos, then having a better-integrated graphics card or getting a designated graphics card might be the best way to go.

Step 4: How much RAM do you need?

RAM (Random access memory), is where your computer stores information that it would need to access quickly and on a regular basis. Thus, the more RAM you have, the more memory your computer has to store the essential information that you work with on a daily basis. In the old days, finding a computer with 8GB of RAM was a lot. But, with the advances in technology, 8GB of RAM is now a standard for your average laptop.

8GB of RAM is enough to handle most tasks you would need your laptop to do. You can do some basic gaming, manage a decent amount of editing, and even sift through semi-large data files without it lagging too much. But, if you’re going to be handling resource-intensive applications and tasks simultaneously, then you want to consider having more RAM. Look for a laptop that has 16GB, or 32GB of RAM and upwards. Currency, the highest amount of RAM you can get in a laptop is 128GB.

Step 5: What are your storage needs?

When we refer to storage, we’re talking about hard drives. Older laptops and some entry-level laptops still come with a hard disk drive. These drives can store large amounts of data at a time but are typically slower than the alternative, a solid-state drive (SSD). Thus, as a result, many newer laptops have opted for installing SSDs as their means of storage.

They come in a range of different capacities, including 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and higher. The largest SSD in existence currently is the Nimbus Exadrive DC, 100TB SSD. But, for basic office work, a 128GB or 256GB should be perfect. If you need anything higher, then just bump up to the next category.

Step 6: Screen Resolution and Size

When choosing a laptop, start by thinking about screen size. A 13-inch laptop is great for portability, but it can feel cramped if you’re multitasking. If you want more screen real estate for working on multiple things at once, a 15-inch screen is a better option, though it adds some weight.

A 14-inch screen often hits the sweet spot, balancing usability and portability. Don’t forget about screen quality, look for at least 300 nits of brightness and a Full HD resolution (1080p). If you want even sharper visuals and a smoother framerate, consider 2.7K or 4K screens, this is ideal for gaming, but keep in mind they might drain the battery faster.

Step 7: What ports will you need?

Having the right ports is convenient. You don’t want to have to buy a bunch of attachments to plug in an SD card or USB. This is probably why Apple brought back their ports in their Pros this year.

Ports let you connect devices like USB drives or chargers. At a minimum, look for one USB-C, one USB-A, and a microphone/headset jack. If you're a photographer, an SD or microSD card reader could also be helpful. Opt for laptops that charge via USB-C; this lets you use a portable charger on the go, and replacements are cheaper. Stick with reputable chargers to avoid damaging your battery.

Step 8: Aesthetic

Let’s be honest, we all want a laptop that looks like it’s something out of an Iron Man movie. Aesthetics matter, so when it comes down to choosing a laptop, look for one that's designed to match your taste. If you’re into a more rugged, military look, then you might want to get a larger, more robust laptop or buy a cover for it. Likewise, if you’re going for something more compact and portable, you might want to consider a slimmer, more streamlined laptop with a smaller screen.