There are a few things to think about when buying a laptop, from its price to its features, to its size. Whatever you’re looking there’s sure to be a laptop model to suit every taste and budget.
Much like mobile phones, once upon a time laptop computers were rare and mainly the domain of CEOs and IT experts. But today, the humble laptop has become almost ubiquitous.
With such a wide variety of models available, it can be confusing trying to work out which one to pick. But by following these tips
Windows or Mac?
One of the questions that most divides computer users is which operating system they prefer to use. It should probably be the first question you ask yourself when buying a laptop, as it will determine which models you have to choose from.
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The principal divide is between those who use Microsoft Windows (available on many laptop models) and those using Apple’s macOS (compatible only with Apple computers).
This choice is mostly about what you’re used to using. If you’ve spent your working life using Windows, then you’ll probably gravitate towards what you know.
Although opting for an Apple laptop will limit your options to Apple computers, macOS is designed to work seamlessly with other Apple systems such as iOS (iPhones) and tvOS (Apple TV).
What do you want to do with it?
Once you’ve decided which operating system you want, take some time to work out what tasks you want to do with your laptop.
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If you just need to send a few emails and catch up on your social media, then a basic laptop will be suitable for you. But if you intend to push your laptop further, using it to play PC games or edit videos, then you’ll need something with better (and more expensive) components.
Price
Like a lot of technology, laptops can generally be classified into ‘entry-level’ models, ‘mid-range’ and ‘high-end’ models, differing in price and features.
Entry-level
If you’re not looking to spend a lot of money and just need something to complete basic tasks, then an entry-level model may be for you. Typically, these will retail for under $500 and will be capable of basic tasks such as web browsing, email and word processing.
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Like anything ‘entry-level’ though, you will struggle with more complex tasks such as video editing and playing games. You’re trading off these features for a lower price point.
Mid-range
As the name suggests, mid-range laptops are aimed at those who need a little more than the basic package, but don’t want to go overboard. In general, these models are aimed at those who use computers regularly, such as families and businesspeople.
Laptops in the $500-$1500 range are generally considered mid-range.
High-end
High-end laptop computers are for those who want the processing power of a desktop, with the portability of a laptop. These models usually contain the same internal components as their desktop brethren.
These types of laptops are for serious computer enthusiasts and come with a price tag to match. Expect to pay upwards of $2000 for models such as these.
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