How To Choose The Best Laptop For You
When you are looking for a new laptop computer, you want to evaluate your personal needs and goals. By understanding your needs when buying a laptop, you can avoid undue complications with the buying process. It helps you find a laptop that has the power, speed, and versatility to address your specific goals.
Set Your Budget
Clarify your budget before you look at any computers. If you have a strict budget for a laptop, then you will not waste time on computers that exceed your budget. It allows you to avoid over-spending on a laptop and ensures that you focus on comparing the right computers.
You do not want to look at laptops that cost more than you can spend. As a general rule, laptops get more costly as you increase the speed, size, and function. By setting a budget, you compare options that are affordable.
Consider Size Requirements
A laptop comes in different measurements and sizes. For example, you can select a 12 inch screen for a small size that fits easily in most bags. If you need more space for your fingers due to heavy typing, then consider a 15 or 16 inch screen size. The size of the screen gives you an idea of the size of the computer. Generally, the keyboard is the same basic size as the screen, so larger screen sizes will have more space for your fingers.
Keep in mind that the weight of the laptop increases with the size of the laptop. In general, most laptops with a larger screen size will also weigh more than smaller options.
Consider Operating Systems
The operating system on a laptop falls into four main categories: Windows, Mac OS, Chrome OS, and Linux. If you need to use Office tools, then opt for either Windows or a Mac OS. Chrome and Linux do not always allow you to use Office for word processing, Excel spreadsheets, or similar tools.
For web browsing, you may consider Chrome OS. It is optimized for the web, but is not ideal for other uses due to lower power and limited access to useful programs. Linux may require a learning curve due to differences in the software programs used by laptops. Windows is the traditional operating system on most computers and is found on many budget-friendly and mid-range computers.
Compare RAM and Gigs
The RAM on your laptop refers to the speed of the computer. A higher RAM means the computer is able to keep up with multi-tasking or streaming. Keep in mind that some computers may have two numbers. One is the RAM that comes on the computer and the second number is the amount of RAM the computer can support.
Gigs, or gigabytes, refer to the space on your computer. Some computers may offer terabytes, which is 1000 gigabytes of space. The more gigs you have on your computer, the more space you have to save images, videos, or work.
Finding the right laptop starts with clarifying your needs. By setting a budget and then comparing the speed, space, and operating systems of the laptops, you can find an option that helps with your goals or needs.