Just compact enough to carry around with you, yet versatile to run your demanding applications. A laptop is probably the best tool for accomplishing your work or playing at home or on the go. While the popularity of smartphones and tablets is on the rise, most people have come to the realization that a laptop would best suit their gaming, works, watching videos or just typing a research paper. The question lingering in most consumers is: what type of laptop should you buy? Today, there are several features, sizes and prices, thus making the choice a bit challenging. Here, I will provide you a complete laptop buying guide and help you determine the most important factors to consider while purchasing a laptop.
Laptop Buying Guide: 6 Essential Tips
1. Operating System
The Operating System (OS) is the heart beat of your laptop. It manages all the hardware and software components including memory, files and all other connected devices. Most succinctly, it lets you interact your laptop in a more visual way. Currently, there are three different types of operating systems in the market: Mac OS, Windows OS and Chrome OS. The latest Windows operating system interface is designed specifically around an intuitive touch screen interface. Also, it features a streamlined suit built in apps and file management best suited for its users. On the other hand, Mac OS is purely built on Mac computers and boast for an elegant easy to use user interface. It’s complemented with a sleek aesthetics and long lasting battery life. Historically, few incidences have been reported about issues with malware and viruses. However, there craze of prices sends people off from owning them. Chrome Os is best suited for people surfing on the internet,
since it runs on a customized cloud based programs. Thus, it is ideal for keeping up either your social networks and emails, since it’s not intensive oriented.
2. Screen Features
The screen sizes for most laptops ranges from 11 to 17 inches. A wider screen is best for those who love gaming, watching movies and video editing. However, it’s worthy to note that a big screen can increase the overall size of the laptop, power consumption rate and the overall weight. Size of screens alone does not give you the quality you would want hence, you need to further consider the resolution of the screen. Higher resolution equates to better quality of pictures. Screen resolutions come in various ranges: HD (1366*768), HD+ (1600*900), Full HD (1920* 1080) and retina display.
3. Processors
The laptops processor is just like a brain. It works with the systems memory. Additionally, the power of the laptops memory determines the complexity of the programs and apps you can open or run in your machine at the same time without having an issue with your machine hanging. Most laptops feature AMD or Intel processors.
4. Storage Capacity
The traditional HDD offer large storage capacities; however, they lead to much weight and generation of a lot of heat and noise. Alternatively, most people prefer using the solid-state drives (SSDs) which are much lighter, cooler and faster than the hard drives. Notably, the SSDs are expensive than HDD. When buying, your laptop be sure to ask the vendor about the internal storage capacity as well. If you are a heavy user, then you need a high storage capacity just to ensure you have enough space and does not run out of space to install your programs or apps.
5. Laptop Accessories
Typically, this is an area where most users miss out. For instance, if you buy MacBook pro today and you misplace your charger is possible for you to get a replacement with ease? Well, checking if the other accessories are available near might help you avoid some of the inconveniences… so next time you go to a shop to buy a laptop be skeptical and have all your concerns addressed.
6. The Touch-pad and Keyboard
The laptop you are shopping for should have good ergonomics. If you are planning to do a lot of work, then you need to ensure that the keyboard offers a solid tactile feedback and enough space between the keys. You should always be on the look for a keyboard that does not give you a jumpy cursor and responds promptly to multi-touch gestures.
Another factor that can never be wished away is the capacity of your battery. Consider a laptop that can sustain its power when fully charged and thus even when you are on the move you are not worried about the issues of power since you can easily estimate at what times your machine will go off.
Do you have any other features which you think are important and are worthy discussing? Just drop us a comment in the comment box section and we will be happy to discuss it with you.
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