10 Essential Tips for Buying the Best Laptop in 2024

In today’s market, laptops have overtaken desktop computers in demand and popularity, with many users particularly favoring MacBooks and budget laptops. While laptops generally have less computing power compared to desktops, their usage is far more widespread. The primary reason for this preference is portability, which is one of the key tips for buying a laptop. Laptops offer the convenience of being used in various settings—you can start working at a desk, and if your back starts to ache, simply move to a sofa and continue working with the laptop on your lap. If the battery life is good, you can even work from your bed, providing a flexibility that desktop computers cannot match. This portability makes laptops the preferred choice for many users.

The choice between a laptop and a desktop depends entirely on your needs and usage. Today’s we’ll discuss what to consider and what to avoid when buying a laptop, summarized in 10 key points. So, let’s dive into the details.

1. Your Purpose

When buying a laptop, the first thing to consider is your purpose. A laptop is much like a modern smartphone; it’s a powerful device that you’ll use for several years. Just like you can’t upgrade the Ram, processor, or GPU in a smartphone, the same applies to most laptops. Budget laptops can last 4-5 years with moderate use. So, before making a purchase, define your purpose. Are you buying a laptop for simple tasks like document editing, listening to music, watching YouTube, checking social media, or enjoying Netflix? If so, you don’t need a high-end MacBook or a gaming laptop. Conversely, you can’t rely on low-end Pentium Dual-Core laptop for intensive tasks like video editing, data mining, or gaming. If your needs include heavy usage, gaming, or video editing, a desktop might be more suitable due to its superior performance with the same configuration.

2. Your Budget

In 2024, there good laptops available across all price ranges. Just as you can find decent budget smartphones for $100-$300, you can find budget laptops for $300-$500. However, the hardware performance, build quality, and features will very based on the budget. Aim to set you budget as high as you can afford, but avoid overspending unnecessarily. A reasonable budget will ensure you get a laptop that serves you well for the next 2-3 years.

3. Brand

When buying a laptop, whether new or second-hand, that brand is crucial. Unlike desktops, where you can mix and match hardware form different brands, laptops require all components from a single brand. Therefore, decide on the band before making a purchase.

If you’re unsure about a brand, take some time to look into its features and reputation. Popular brands, like Apple, tend to have loyal fans who find it tough to switch to others, much like iPhone users feel when trying Android phones. For budget-friendly laptops, Asus, Acer, and Lenovo are great picks. If you’re in the market for something in the mid-range, consider HP and Dell. And for high-end options, ROG and Apple MacBook are worth checking out, especially if you like macOS.

4. Screen Size, Weight and Portability

After deciding on your purpose, budget, and brand, it’s essential to consider screen size, weight, and portability as part of your tips for buying a laptop. The screen size usually reflects the intended use, so choose one that fits your needs. Larger screens tend to increase the laptop’s weight and reduce portability. For instance, a journalist on the go would struggle with a 20–25-inch screen laptop. If you travel frequently, a 13 to 15-inch screen laptop is perfect for on-the-go editing. Larger screens can be cumbersome to carry. For home media consumption, a 13-inch screen might not suffice, making a larger screen a better option.

Weight is also an important factor. Technological advances have made larger laptops lighter, but if portability is a priority, opt for a lightweight model. Keep in mind that lighter laptops often come with smaller batteries. Therefore, if you find a laptop with a large screen that remains lightweight and offers good battery life, it’s certainly one of the top tips for buying a laptop you should consider.

5. Traditional or Hybrid Laptop

Laptops now come in various categories, with the main type being traditional and hybrid laptops. Traditional laptops are the standard models, while hybrid laptops can have detachable screens that turn into tablets. The Lenovo YOGA series is a great example of hybrid laptops. Your usage will determine if you need a hybrid laptop like the YOGA.

6. Processor and RAM

Two main hardware components in a laptop are the processor and RAM. Consider these carefully before buying a laptop:

Processor:

The CPU, or Processor, determines the speed and performance of any computing device. Choose the best processor within your budget because, unlike RAM and hard drives, you can’t upgrade the processor later. Ensure the processor meets your need for the next 2-3 years.

RAM:

RAM is the lifeblood of your laptop’s programs. The amount of RAM determines how many programs you can run simultaneously. While RAM doesn’t directly affect speed, having too light can slow down performance. For most users, 8GB of RAM is sufficient, but if you run intensive applications, consider 12GB or more.

7. Storage Space

Laptops come with two types of storage: larger hard disk drives (HDD) and smaller, faster solid-state drives (SSD). Although SSDs are smaller in size, their read /write speeds are much higher than HDDs. Budget laptops usually don’t include SSDs, but ensure the laptop has an SSD slot for future upgrades.

8. Battery Life

Battery life is crucial, especially for those who use laptops on the go. Check the battery life of any laptops you consider, whether new or second-hand. For instance, my laptop stays plugged in all day, and I only use the battery when the power goes out. If you need to work for long periods without plugging in, battery life is essential. Frequent travelers and journalists often prefer MacBook Air or MacBook Pro due to their long battery life. The latest MacBook Air offers up to 12 hours of battery life. Gaming laptops, on the other hand, typically have poor battery life due to high-performance components.

9. Warranty and Support

Top-brand laptops come with excellent support and warranties. Regardless of the price, you should get at least a 6-month warranty. Whether you buy a budget or gaming laptop, ensure it comes with the stand warranty.

10. Other tips for buying laptop

Before buying a laptop, check the following additional factors:

• Platform: Choose between Microsoft windows, macOS, and Chrome OS based on your purpose and personal preference. Linux-based laptops are also available for open-source enthusiasts.
• Touchscreen: A touchscreen is a luxury feature for most users. However, if you need it, ensure the laptop has this keyboard.
• Keyboard: Keyboards vary widely. For example, if you’re buying a laptop for blogging, check if it has a full-size keyboard.
• Display: For general tasks, a normal display will suffice. However, if you do graphics work or similar precise tasks, you’ll need a high-definition display.

In summary, choosing a laptop involves considering your purpose, budget, brand screen size, weight, portability, type (traditional or hybrid), hardware (Processor and RAM), Storage, battery life, warranty and additional features. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select, you can select a laptop that best meets your needs and ensures a satisfying user experience for years to come.

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