As laptops continue to improve, the selection grows. Now it’s not just whether you want Mac or windows, but whether you want a 12-inch or an 18-inch screen, how much space you need, and if you want a 2-in-1. We’ve highlighted some of the more important aspects to consider when buying a new laptop.
Screen Quality
Staring at a screen for hours on end can be really hard on the eyes, so screen quality is pretty important. Touch screen computers use glossy screens that can be reflective and hard to look at. If you can, it’s best to shop for the computer in person, to see the screen for yourself.
RAM
Lots of RAM lets you run more applications simultaneously. It’s also essential for 3D gaming and video or photo editing.
Battery Life
If you plan on always being plugged in, this one doesn’t matter that much. But if you care about how long your laptop will last unplugged, make sure you pay attention to the milliamp hours (or mAh). The higher the mAh is, the longer the battery power lasts. Some laptops have detachable batteries that you can swap out, but this has become less common as laptops have slimmed down.
Keyboard
It may not seem important, but because laptops are getting smaller, key sizes are changing and shrinking. It’s a good idea to try some typing exercises to make sure the keyboards fit your hand size and style of typing. The responsiveness of the touchpad is another good thing to test, unless you plan on using a mouse.
Size
If you often find yourself finishing up projects mid-flight or poolside at a hotel in Florida, that probably means you’re on-the-go a lot and you’ll want something smaller and lighter, a laptop you don’t mind lugging around. If you can’t remember the last time you’ve moved your laptop then a heavier system is probably better.
11 to 12 inch laptops usually weigh around 2.5 to 3 pounds, but are primarily built to handle more basic programs- and not more than one at a time.
13 to 14 inch laptops are a good middle ground, portable at an average of 4 pounds but still holding enough storage and processing power to be used for more than Microsoft Word and the internet.
15 inches is the most popular size, weighing between 4.5 to 6.5 pounds. If you’re only occasionally traveling with your laptop and need a big screen, this is your best bet.
17 to 18 inch laptops mean you’ll be able to get impressive processing power (the kind you need to play high-end games or do workstation-level productivity). But carrying this laptop around is akin to carrying a large newborn baby around with you.
There are of course other considerations to make, like the number of USB ports or the type of graphics used, but these are some of the bigger things to look out for. If you have further questions, be sure to reach out to Gemmis Technologies technicians, we’re happy to help you make the decision.
