Picking a New Laptop In 2021: It is important to look at specs when considering a new laptop. But there are many other criteria to consider when making your final decision. This article helps you cover all bases and find the best device you need to do for you.
Laptops are perhaps not as influential in our daily lives as smartphones are simply due to their larger composition. But they are still integral to getting work done, providing a platform for our entertainment, and carrying out home admin functions.
It’s an important decision.
Choosing a new laptop is an important decision with a larger screen than a smartphone and many other benefits. Getting it right ensures you will be on a budget and have the right balance of features and speed you need.
Peoples’ requirements from a laptop vary considerably, with some needing long battery life for working on the go, while others need processing power above all else. Whether you plan to use your laptop primarily for games and entertainment or for work and administration, considering the priority features for you is a must.
There are laptops for sale everywhere now, and finding cheap laptops for sale is easy. Deciding what you want from your device is the harder part, but spending a little time thinking about it can set you up to get the best from your machine.
You have probably heard some of the terminologies, whether it is for 2-in-1 PCs, tablets, ultra-portables, gaming-specific devices, and so on. Looking into the options and weighing them against your requirements is the trick to ensuring you end up with a device that does what you need.
Defining your requirements
Focusing on CPU speeds and RAM is not the best place to start. These are important considerations for what you may require further down the line, but the best bet is to think about your budget and what you will need your machine to do for you.
Your budget is the starting point. Working out how to prioritize the features you need within the amount you have to spend is the best way to get maximum bang for your buck.
No-frills but well-functioning entry-level devices are now readily available even with a budget below $500. During online sales days, this can be even cheaper. For checking email or social media and simple web browsing, these devices are perfect. They also work well as first laptops for kids as they understand tech and use different devices together.
Mid-range options
With a budget in the region of a thousand dollars, most features will be available should you need them. If you regularly travel with your machine, slim, compact models offer the perfect choice limiting the weight of your luggage. Longer battery life can also be a major plus if you travel to areas where charge points are at a premium.
4k touchscreens are will also be within reach in this price range. For gamers, more powerful CPUs and graphics chips can make the difference.
High-end laptops
For $2,000+, the full armoury of features will be available should you need them. The top devices have in-built cooling capabilities that enable a more comfortable on-lap experience and prolong the PC’s longevity. This is especially true for gaming PCs, for which running the best graphics processors generate heat.
Getting the most bang for your buck
The big PC manufacturers all have their own ways of calculating prices. It is possible to save a few dollars here and there by shopping around, but like-for-like prices are often very similar.
Buying a PC from a top vendor is not just about the hardware itself. Support plans and manufacturers warranties also ensure peace of mind. They also provide enhanced security features that provide advanced authentication and login protection. Build qualities are also highly robust, and the finished products are usually comparably light compared to their cheaper counterparts.
Smooth operator
It would help if you also went into your hunt for a new PC with an idea of your preferred operating system. Windows is the most common OS globally, but it has pros and cons like all the others.
Chrome OS is a fast riser, especially in the low-end laptop space. Up to around $1,000, a Chromebook can be a solid, robust alternative to a Windows PC. For simple functions such as writing simple text documents, using G Suite, watching SD movies, or using Sheets, Chromebooks are a perfect lower-end option.
No matter your budget, the important thing is to do some homework and go in with a plan when looking for a new laptop.