A laptop is much more than just a computer these days. It’s a digital hub for your movies, music, and photo collections. It’s where you connect with friends and family; where you stream your favorite shows. And, of course, where you get things done. While many laptops are capable of doing it all, the differences between them can be quite drastic—from weight to battery life to performance. Before you begin the process of actually shopping around, though, it’s important to know what you’re looking for. So we put together this guide where we walk you through all the factors you need to consider so that by the end of it, you’ll have a good idea of which one is best for you and your needs.
Usage
Before you start walking into stores and checking out their latest models, make sure to consider what you need a laptop for. For instance, if you use sophisticated video and image editing software, you’ll want to invest in a laptop with a high-resolution screen and powerful processor. Whereas if you only intend to use your system to browse the web, a basic laptop will do.
Operating System
The operating system, also called the OS, is the heart of your device. It essentially manages pretty much all the hardware and software. At present, there are three types of operating systems that you can choose from. This includes macOS, Windows, and Chrome OS. If you want to use a Mac, you’ll have no choice but to go with macOS. Else, you can take both Windows and Chrome OS into consideration.
Look and Feel
Once you have an idea about the list of features you want your laptop to have, it’s important that you walk into a few stores and check how your favorite models look and feel. Remember that portability is key for most people, so you need to look at how heavy the laptop is and if you’ll find it easy to carry or hold the device for long periods. You can also check out the quality of the clasps and hinges and test the body and lid of the device.
