Choosing a laptop is not an easy task. There are dozens of manufacturers. Each of them has a lot of models and modifications. It is so easy to get confused in all of them. We decided to tell you about the most important points to pay attention to when choosing a laptop.
Laptop Type
Laptops are conventionally divided according to the type of device.
- A classic laptop is a portable computer that can work autonomously. It looks like a “book”: one part is the screen, the other is the keyboard. When they say “laptop”, most often, they mean just the classic form.
- The transformer is a laptop with a rotatable touchscreen. Such a device can be folded in both directions and turned into a tablet. Usually, transformers are small, with a screen up to 14 inches, and are thinner than classic laptops.
- Tablet laptops are another type that is convenient to use anywhere you go. The screen is detachable from the keyboard and can function as a tablet.
Operating System
An operating system is a set of programs that makes a computer work.
- Windows is the most popular OS on the market. The current version has a new browser, voice assistant, and the ability to create multiple desktops.
- Linux is mainly used for system administration. On Linux, you can play games, work with Excel spreadsheets, surf the Internet, develop websites, write music, and more. It is a complete alternative to other operating systems.
- MacOS is the operating system for Apple’s MacBook laptops. Such devices have their own operating system, which can’t be controlled by other laptops.
Screen Diagonal
It should be chosen depending on the way of use. If you need to constantly carry your laptop with you, it will be more convenient with a compact one.
- Small laptops have a screen of 10-14 inches. It is perfect if you need to travel a lot.
- Standard — 15.6-inch laptops. These laptops are good if you have to take them from the office to home sometimes.
- Large — 17 inches laptops or more. On such a screen, you can comfortably watch a movie, but it’s hard to carry it with you.
Screen Resolution
Resolution is the number of pixels on the screen. Usually, the ratio of pixels in width and height is indicated: for example, for Full HD format, this is 1920 by 1080 px. The larger the screen, the higher the resolution should be. The resolution parameter is relevant mainly for large monitors and TVs. In the case of a laptop, even on a 17-inch device, a picture in Full HD will look just great.
CPU
The central processing unit is the “brain” of the laptop. All the processed data, the speed of launching, and the work of the program depend on it. Usually, two parameters are distinguished: the number of cores and the frequency of the processor. The cores are responsible for the number of simultaneously launched and processes. And the frequency is responsible for the processing speed. Most likely, in stores, you will find laptops with Intel or AMD processors.
RAM
This is a board that contains information that the processor and video card need at a particular moment. This memory is called RAM — Random Access Memory. When we load the operating system, information from the utilities is placed into RAM. Even when we launch the browser, each tab takes up space in RAM. The more memory, the faster the laptop will work. The required minimum for a laptop is 4 GB. This is enough for the operating system, browser, player, and a couple of other undemanding programs.
Storage Device
This is the main repository of any information that is on the computer. There are two types of storage devices for laptops.
- SSDs — it is a high data rate microcircuit. Such devices are convenient to use if you need to constantly record and give information. It is necessary for the operating system, programs, and games to work well.
- HDD is also called a hard drive. These discs are cheaper but slower. They should be used as file storage, for example, for a collection of movies and TV series.
So, these are the main points that help you choose a laptop for your needs.