Top 6 Laptop Buying Guide
With the advancement in technology, it is becoming compelling for everyone to own a Personal Computer (PC).
Because of their portability and cost effectiveness, laptops are preferable than desktop computers for video editing, graphic designing, and so on.
Whether you want a laptop for business purpose or for personal use, it is important you know what to consider when buying a laptop.
Below are the various laptop guides I have compiled for you to consider when buying a laptop.
6 Laptop Buying Guide
1. Operating System (OS)
This is the medium of communication between the hardware and software.
Just like the various mobile phone operating systems like Symbian, Blackberry, and Android operating systems, the computer also has its own operating systems.
Without the OS, a computer is useless. Yes!
There are numerous computer operating systems but the most popular and ones I’ll recommend are; Windows, Linux, Macintosh, and Apple. Basically, the difference between them is the user experience.
Do you own a business? Do you want to own a business?
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2. Random Access Memory (RAM)
RAM is a form of memory installed in a computer. Your purpose of use should determine what size you’ll go for. RAMs are of different capacities: 500MB, 2GB,4GB, 6GB and so on.
The higher the capacity, the faster the computer.
Now, let me break it down…
If you intend using your laptop solely for browsing, watching videos, typing, and viewing pictures, then, a laptop with a 32-bit operating system and 2GB RAM should be enough for you.
The good news is, you can still upgrade to 4GB in the future if need be.
For video editing, programming, and web designing, 64-bit operating system, and at least 4GB RAM is highly recommended. This will make your work faster!
Note that more RAM means more power consumption. You may want to consider the battery type too. No worries, I will discuss batteries later.
3. Hard Drive
This is where you save your videos, pictures, and audio files. While you might be considering a large-spaced hard drive, I implore you to focus on the speed rather than the size.
Hard drives come in various sizes (297GB, 320GB, 500GB, 720GB, etc) and speed (5400rpm, 7200rpm).
If you want a fast hard drive, choose 7200 revolutions per minute (rpm) rated one over 5400rpm.
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Solid State Drives (SSDs) are the fastest drives that make your computer boot in a fraction of seconds. Although they are quite more expensive than the traditional hard drives, they come with less capacity.
But talking about speed, they are the fastest.
4. Keyboard and Touchpad
Another important laptop guide to consider is the keyboard. Most people are not cognizant of this factor when making their choices. After buying your laptop, you will ALWAYS use the keyboard and mouse.
If you are fat and have thick fingers, you may want to go for a keyboard with wider space between its keys. Keyboards with firm support underneath are more preferable.
Do you plan to use your laptop at night with lights off? Then, go for a laptop with LED back-lit keyboard. This way you can comfortably do your typing in a dark room.
Confirm that the mouse sensitivity of a laptop is good enough before you go for it. I bet you don’t want a cursor that lags or jumps around. The mouse buttons should click properly and not stiff.
5. Battery Life
A great advantage a laptop has over a desktop is the battery. While you can move around with a laptop when fully charged, you are always glued to the power source with a desktop.
Battery life matters a lot! If you travel most times and plan to use your laptop during transit, you should go for a laptop with at least 6 hours battery life.
A laptop with 4 hours battery life is satisfactory for someone whose power supply is readily available.
6. Customer Review
Some days ago, I bought a power bank. From the company’s specifications, it was supposed to charge my phone at least 5 times. But guess what, it could only charge my phone once.
Before you buy a new laptop, it is important you visit the company’s website and read what customers write about their products.
Do you own a business? Do you want to own a business?
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I wish you good luck in buying your new laptop.
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What about the processor of the laptop maker and its durability
Hi Abdul,
The processor of the laptop is also very important. It determines the speed of the system. Knowing the maker helps to determine it’s durability. Intel, for example, is known for producing fast and durable processors.
Thank You, Fouad for a great article.
Are there any laptops that have warranty on broken hinges? Every second laptop i have had or even seen recently have issues with hinges. Cpu power, ram, hdd, ports – whats the point of all this, if the thing breaks apart in six months and the warranty does not cover it?
Regards
Nice writeup. Thanks for the heads up
Thanks Fouad
You’re welcome.