Laptop Buying Guide: Top 5 Key Features and Specs to Consider

Are you looking for a new laptop? There’s a world of choice out there and it can be hard to settle on the right one! The first thing you ne...

Are you looking for a new laptop? There’s a world of choice out there and it can be hard to settle on the right one! The first thing you need to do is consider your budget for the laptop. Is it possible to get a decent laptop for around $200? We believe it is if you look carefully. You also need to think about what you’re going to use it for. If you’re a hardcore gamer you need to spend more than that, but if it’s just for casual use, you’ll find some great bargains.

As laptops make up a massive market share of the computer hardware market there is fierce competition, so let’s have a look at 5 features you should consider when searching for a laptop.

5 Key Laptop Features and Specs to Consider when Buying

1. CPU

The technical stuff can get boring but it’s worth looking at the CPU in your chosen laptop. Many industry commentators advise that you stick to Intel Core Processors – i3, i5, and i7 – as they are proven and reliable and will provide enough power and ability for most requirements. You’ll find the information in the specifications.

2. Physical Size

How small – or otherwise – do you want your laptop to be? There are many different screen sizes ranging from 11.6” to 17.3” – with options in between – and the difference can be very noticeable. The larger screen will be better in some cases, but a bigger device means more weight so if you’re looking for a lightweight laptop you may need to compromise on screen size.

3. Screen Quality and Type

Check the specifications carefully and make sure you have a look at the screen in action before you buy it. You want an HD screen for the best picture quality – 1920x1080 pixel resolution is what to look for – and you also have the choice of a touch screen. These are good and add another dimension, but a lot of people don’t like the way they look. If you want more detail on this we recommend you read the review online as it is very informative.

4. Comfortable Keyboard

A laptop keyboard will feel a lot different from the one you use with your PC, so it is important that you try out a few and choose the one you feel comfortable with. Some can be very small – especially those on the notebook models with smaller screens – and may leave you error-prone if you intend to do more than the average amount of typing, so do take your time with this decision.

5. Memory

Look for at least 8GB of RAM if you are a regular user and 16GB of RAM if you are a power user or use the laptop for gaming, and more if possible. RAM is the physical memory you will use for storage and you’ll be surprised how quickly it fills up. You’ll find some sensibly priced laptops with decent memory if you look around. Be careful to check as quite often the same model of laptop can be offered with different RAM options, and you need the most you can get for the best performance. Try and use this as a bargaining point if you can, and you might get a great deal!

Conclusion:

The above are the five main factors we think you should consider, but this is by no means an exhaustive list. You may have a particular color you want or maybe loyal to certain brands, and there is plenty to look at among the better-known brands (and some bargains to be had on the lesser-known too). Take some time to draw up a list of your ideal specification, and search until you find the one that is nearest to that at the best price.