When buying a new computer, you must first choose one of the two main options: a desktop or a laptop, and it is the latter that we are going to focus on. In this article we detail several factors to consider before making your purchase , such as battery life, screen type and processor speed, among others .
It is important that you know from the outset what will be the use that you will give to that equipment, because only then will you be clear about your needs and what requirements your new laptop must meet. In this sense, you should also look at key aspects such as versatility (for example, 2-in-1 convertibles), comfort (for example, ultra-light), performance and of course, your budget. The choice should not be taken lightly, so here we are going to tell you in detail some of the key elements before considering the different options that are on the market.
What use are you going to give the laptop?
As we have told you, this is a crucial question to answer before buying a new piece of equipment and it will depend on the type of activity you do on a daily basis.
everyday use
If you are one of those people who use the computer to browse the web, attend to your social networks, a model with features more focused on a good screen and camera resolution will serve you if you also hold videoconferences.
student/worker
If you are a student, your laptop should give you the guarantees to carry out tasks in programs such as Excel, Office and Powerpoint, even to maintain quality videoconferences. On the other hand, maybe you are looking for a computer that allows you to work just as you would on a desktop computer.
In both cases, you will need a computer with a good processor to perform all these tasks with good performance and not miss anything in online sessions. Laptops that stand out for their versatility (2 in 1, lightweight, etc.) are perfect for these tasks.
Advanced user
Now, if professional video or photo editing is your thing, you’ll need a computer with high performance for processing without any type of limitation. Similarly, if you need a laptop to play at the highest level, you will require the latest in graphics and processor power that will allow you to enjoy your games at the “gamer” level you are looking for.
types of laptops
Within the possibilities you have when choosing a laptop, in general, you should keep in mind that they are classified as follows:
- Conventional laptops . They are those more traditional models that have two different parts, but linked together, the screen and the keyboard area.
- Convertible 2 in 1. The same device can be used as a tablet thanks to its touch screen. Here we will find two main formats. Those whose hinge allows you to rotate 360 degrees to hide the keyboard, and those tablets in which the keyboard is an accessory that, with a small movement, you can assemble it to use it as a conventional laptop.
- Ultralights . Designed to be comfortable when transporting, in appearance they are like a conventional laptop, but made of lightweight and very thin material. They are high-end models on the market and usually adjust the edges of the screen to the maximum to optimize its dimensions.
- Gaming. They are computers that include high-end components (processors, next-generation graphics cards, solid-state drives with high transfer speeds, larger screens and optimal RAM memory) to be able to run the most modern games that take up more space. resources.
What to look for when choosing a laptop?
Now that you know the use you will give it and what types of laptops there are, you will have to decide between the features that this new equipment will have. When choosing between the best laptops that fit your needs, look at the following:
OS
There are several operating systems for computers, but the most popular are these three: Microsoft’s Windows, Google’s Chrome OS and Apple’s MacOS . But what is an operating system? It is the software that manages the physical components of the hardware and makes it possible for different applications to run on it.
You should take into consideration what programs you need to know which operating system you have to choose, since not all applications are compatible with all operating systems.
Windows has the advantage of having a greater number of programs, while MacOS, although it has fewer programs available, is famous for its stability and intuitive integration with the rest of the devices in the Apple ecosystem. On the other hand, Chrome OS was designed with the idea that most services and applications are available through the Internet browser, which is an operating system focused on simplicity, security, and highly optimized performance for the navegation.
Processor
It is one of the most important parts of a computer. The processor is in charge of supervising the proper functioning of the computer components and of controlling all the processes that are carried out in it. There are two manufacturers that lead the market in the world of laptops, Intel and AMD, although Qualcomm is also making inroads in this field and Apple recently launched a new line of processors for its Macs.
Processors can be divided into subcategories according to their operation and power, understood as speed and performance. In this case, we find:
High-end : Like the speedy Intel Core i7 , featured in the HP EliteBook 1030 and featuring four cores, eight threads and an integrated Intel® UHD Graphics 620 graphics card , or the Intel Core i5 processor in the Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga , computer 2-in-1 type, which can be easily converted into a tablet for added convenience.
Mid-range : In this category are processors such as the AMD FX or the Intel Core i3 , hardware installed in the Lenovo ThinkBook 15 , capable of two cores, four threads and Intel Core UHD graphics. It is common to see references to the generation to which each chip belongs (for example, Intel is in its eleventh version), indicating how new the design of that model is.
Low range: They are the cheapest processors on the market and although they have less power than those mentioned above, they work optimally in computers that do not require much power. Intel Atom, Pentium and Celeron, are in this category.
RAM
It is the main memory of a computer and where the data of the applications you are using is temporarily stored. Therefore, it makes it possible to have several programs open at the same time and perform tasks in parallel without running the risk of the computer freezing and not responding.
The starting point for Windows laptops is that they have at least 4GB of RAM, enough if the use given to it is light (browsing, social networks, etc.) although it is recommended to have 8GB. In this 8GB segment, there is the Lenovo ThinkPad L13 , a computer that stands out, in addition to its memory, for the speed of its WiFi and a long-lasting battery.
Now, if you are going to use the computer to work intensively on photo or video editing, at least 16GB of RAM is recommended. The same advice applies to those who want a gaming laptop , and enjoy games with the best experience.
Screen size and resolution
When choosing the screen size for your new computer, you should once again evaluate the use you plan to give it. A suitable type of laptop screen allows you a better visual experience by having, on the one hand, the ability to see the elements with greater definition and, on the other, to handle different office applications with comfort without resorting to external monitors.
A 14-inch size with Full HD resolution is a minimum standard configuration suitable for most routine tasks. If you need high resolution, whether for video editing or gaming, your options start at Full HD (1920×1080 pixels) all the way up to higher resolutions like 4K (3840×2160 pixels).
Choosing the correct type of laptop screen is essential, but resolution is not the only thing you have to look at when deciding on one or the other. The refresh rate of the screen plays an important role in the fluidity of video game graphics, so we are beginning to see laptops with rates that even reach 144Hz. Keep this in mind to make the correct purchase.
Storage
This is one of the aspects that is often taken less into account when opting for a new computer. It is usual for laptops to have a built-in mechanical hard disk (HDD), which has a higher capacity and is cheaper than solid state drives (SSD), but which take up more resources and do not offer the same fluidity in some tasks.
Therefore, if the budget allows it, it is always advisable to choose an SSD storage, since they offer a faster boot, smoother use and consume less battery than HDD disks. They usually have less storage capacity than HDDs, but this is not a big problem since cloud services can be used, where you can save more information without taking up physical space on your computer.
SSD options start at 128GB and can go up to 4TB.
connectivity
Another important point to consider when choosing the best laptops is their connectivity. They can be connected to:
- Peripherals (external monitors and keyboards, headphones, printers, etc): Normally via bluetooth, WiFi, USB connectors, HDMI, etc.
- Internet via Ethernet ports, WiFi and even with cellular connectivity since they include a SIM for mobile connection.
It is important to confirm that the laptop has the connectivity you need. The current trend is that the most compact models do not have HDMI, Ethernet or VGA inputs, but only incorporate traditional USB and USB-C ports, which take up less space in the equipment and allow higher data transmission speeds. You will be able to connect the latter to USB concentrators (called hubs) that will allow you to connect to all kinds of peripherals and networks.
As you can see, the choice of a new laptop will depend on some key factors to get the most out of your day to day life. Whether for work, studies, video editing or gaming, you can find the laptop you need at Tu.com . Review the different options, compare them and buy your new computer right now!
