Choosing the right laptop can be tricky. There are so many choices in terms of size, setup, design, and cost, making it hard to decide. You don’t want to rush into buying one because it’s an important investment that should last a long time.
This guide will help you understand what’s important when picking a laptop. We’ll also give you some suggestions to make sure you choose the right one from the start.
Key takeaways:
- Get a processor that suits what you do, like Intel Core i3 for basics, i7 for regular stuff, or i9 for heavy tasks.
- Make sure your laptop has enough memory (RAM) to run smoothly—4GB for basics, 8GB for normal stuff, and 16GB or more for extensive jobs.
- If you play games or design stuff, you might want a laptop with better graphics, like Nvidia GeForce or AMD Radeon.
- Go for a solid-state drive (SSD) over a regular one if you want your laptop to work faster and not break as easily. SSD laptops are 2 to 35x faster.
- If you can, get a laptop with better specs, it stays useful for longer as software updates and needs change.
If you pay close attention to these details, this guide can help you find the perfect laptop for your needs.
Processor (CPU) need for your needs:
The processor (CPU) is basically your laptop’s brain; it controls everything that ranges from how fast your apps load to how well your laptop functions with different tasks at the same time.
For this reason, you need to get the right one for what you want it to do.
Newer processors are faster and more efficient than older ones, but it’s not about getting the latest model—you need to match the power of the processor according to your usage.
Casual users:
If you are going to only play casual games on your laptop, watch videos, browse the web, check your email, and still play some casual video games, then a Core i3 from Intel or a Ryzen 3 from AMD will suffice.
Frankly speaking, these entry-level processors can get most of your daily used tasks done without breaking the bank.
For example, an Intel Core i3-13100 is a 13th-generation chip, with the “13” indicating its generation. This will outperform a 10th-generation Core i3 due to improvements in speed and efficiency.
Students & Light work Professionals:
If all you need to run is productivity applications, such as running Microsoft Office and Google Docs or Zoom for meetings, or simply light photo editing, it’s a good idea to settle for a mid-range processor—the Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5.
These processors are made for heavier multitasking, so you won’t have issues jumping between apps because that won’t slow down your system.
The newer generations like the Intel Core i5 13th Gen or AMD Ryzen 6000/7000 series bring more speed and are more energy-efficient, so your laptop will do a better job and even last longer on a battery.
For instance, an Intel Core i5-13500 is part of Intel’s 13th generation; that makes a huge difference in the performance over 11th or 10th Gen Core i5 chips.
Gamers & power users:
For such demanding tasks as you would do for gaming, video editing, graphic designing, or programming, a CPU like Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 will be much more efficient. These are fast and very capable of multitasking for producing without disruption demanding software applications. If you’re that game-is-life guy doing 3D rendering, then it’s best you opt for an Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9. They are engineered for heavy workloads and could easily manage complex programs.
Intel Core i9-13900K Intel is considered a powerhouse for users who need top-tier performance at all costs, while demanding tasks can’t be prevented. Meanwhile, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X will be outstanding to process for creators as well as for gamers.
Apple’s M1 and M2 Chips
If you’re going to get a MacBook, then the M1 and M2 chips by Apple are great alternatives to Intel and AMD processors.
Apple’s silicon is known for incredible performance and efficient power usage.
The M1 is the first generation of Apple’s chips and the M2 is faster and more efficient. The M1 Pro, M1 Max, or M2 Pro/Max versions are better suited for professionals who will make heavy applications such as video editing or 3D modeling.
It is optimized for MacOS with seamless performance and outstanding battery life.
For instance, the MacBook Pro equipped with the M2 Pro has performance equal to what top-of-the-line Intel and AMD chips can muster but consumes much less energy, perfect for professionals who need power but portability is also a priority.
Memory (RAM) needed for smoother multitasking:
When you’re searching for the best laptops in 2024, one important aspect to consider is RAM. RAM holds temporary data for the apps you use on your laptop. The larger the RAM, the more data it can handle, allowing your laptop to run smoother.
You can think of RAM as your workspace. If your workspace is small and cramped, things can get messy. The same applies to RAM; with less RAM, you can’t perform many tasks simultaneously. You may struggle to open multiple tabs in your web browser, and your laptop might freeze up.
Casual users (4GB RAM):
4GB of RAM is usually sufficient for running basic tasks such as web browsing or streaming. However, it is generally too limiting for multitasking and running resource-intensive applications, especially on Windows. Chromebooks, however, handle 4GB quite well since their base operating system is relatively light.
Everyday users (8GB RAM):
For the average user, 8GB of RAM is ideal. It should be sufficient for running multiple browser tabs, handling office applications, or performing light photo or video editing. This configuration offers a good balance of reliability and affordability, making it suitable for students and professionals alike.
Power users (16GB RAM):
If you’re a major power user—such as a gamer or a professional working with memory-intensive software like video editing tools, coding environments, or virtual machines—16GB of RAM is appropriate. This amount of RAM allows for smooth performance, even when handling complex tasks or large files.
High-end users (32GB RAM and above):
For those who engage in high-end work, such as 3D rendering, machine learning, or large-scale video production, 32GB of RAM and above is necessary. This capacity provides enough memory for complex applications, which can be very resource-intensive.
Considerations for future needs
Furthermore, some notebooks, particularly ultra-thin models like MacBooks, do not have expandable RAM. If you anticipate needing more RAM for your work over time, it’s wise to invest in a device that offers sufficient RAM at the time of purchase. This foresight can help you avoid performance bottlenecks in the future.
Storage needed for different users:
Storage determines not only how much space you’ll have for files, apps, and media but also significantly affects the speed of your laptop.
One of the first decisions when buying a laptop is whether to choose an SSD (solid-state drive) or an HDD (hard disk drive). While both types serve similar functions, they have distinct pros and cons.
HDD users:
HDDs represent older technology that is cheaper but much slower than SSDs and more susceptible to mechanical failures over time.
You can still find HDDs in budget laptops, but they seem increasingly outdated. HDDs use spinning disks to read and write data, which makes them slower for tasks like booting up your system and opening applications.
SSD users:
SSDs have become highly favored in modern laptops. They are up to 30 times faster than HDDs, resulting in quicker boot times, faster loading of applications, and overall snappier performance.
Unlike HDDs, SSDs have no moving parts, making them more reliable and less vulnerable to failure. Most modern laptops now come with built-in SSDs, making them essential for users who prioritize speed and reliability.
Casual users (256GB storage):
If you’re a student or a casual user who primarily works online and doesn’t store large amounts of media or files on your device, 256GB of storage is generally sufficient. This capacity allows for basic tasks like web browsing, document creation, and light media consumption without issues.
Power users (512GB to 1TB storage):
For gamers, designers, or users dealing with large files—such as documents, media files, or games—512GB to 1TB of storage is ideal. This range provides ample space without compromising your system’s speed, ensuring that you can store all necessary files and applications efficiently.
Wherever your budget allows, always choose an SSD over an HDD. The speed improvement and reliability of SSDs justify the extra cost, especially considering how much faster your laptop will perform with an SSD.
What Graphics Card (GPU) do you actually need?
A GPU, or Graphics Processing Unit, plays a crucial role in handling graphics-intensive processes like video gaming, 3D modeling, video editing, and even AI processing.
Your intended use will dictate how much power you need; not everyone requires a dedicated GPU for their laptops.
However, for those who do, it can make a significant difference between a sluggish machine and a lively operating device.
Casual users and students (Integrated GPUs):
Casual users or students will find an integrated GPU to be more than sufficient. Most modern processors come with integrated graphics options, such as Intel’s Iris Xe or Apple’s M1/M2. These integrated GPUs can handle everyday tasks like watching HD streams, light photo editing, and simple graphic design. They are also quite capable of light gaming, especially on newer processors, without significantly draining battery life while providing ample performance.
Power users (Dedicated GPUs):
Dedicated GPUs are essential for gamers and professionals involved in design, 3D modeling, and video editing, as they enable smoother performance, greater frame rates, and faster rendering. If your budget allows, options like the Nvidia RTX 3060 or RTX 3070 can effortlessly handle modern games and software like Premiere Pro or Blender.
Heavy gamers and professionals (High-end GPUs):
For heavy gamers seeking top-tier performance, 4K gaming, or intensive 3D rendering tasks, the Nvidia RTX 4060 and higher models are ideal. These GPUs deliver superior frame rates, ray tracing, and AI-enhanced graphics, making them perfect for demanding applications and professional work.
Conclusion
You might be surprised at how well integrated graphics perform for light gaming or general creative work.
However, if you are serious about gaming or design, it’s advisable to invest in a dedicated GPU, such as the Nvidia RTX 3060 or 3070.
For the best possible gaming experience or high-end creative tasks, consider the Nvidia RTX 4060 or better for optimal performance.
Display: Size, color and resolution
Screen sizes are pretty easy to understand. They’re measured in inches diagonally across the screen. Smaller laptops usually have screens around 12 to 14 inches, while bigger ones can be 15 to 17 inches or even bigger.
The color of your laptop is important because it affects how it looks overall. You want a color that matches your style and job and looks good to you.
For example, gamers often like black or grey laptops with cool designs. But you don’t have to pick those colors if you don’t want to. It’s all up to what you like.
Resolution is another thing to think about. It’s the number of tiny dots on the screen, like pixels on your TV. Cheaper laptops might have HD screens with 1366×768 pixels. Spending a bit more gets you a Full HD or 1080p screen with 1920×1080 pixels. If you’re really splurging, you can go for a 4K screen with 3840×2160 pixels.
What’s best for you depends on what you use your laptop for. If you just do basic stuff like documents and web browsing, HD is fine. But if you work with photos, videos, or games, you might prefer 1080p or even 4K. Gamers also need to think about how fast the screen refreshes.
Battery life: How much do you need to get through the day?
How long your laptop will last when on battery life is a big deal, especially if you’re always on the go.
Casual users & students:
Aim for 8-10 hours. One of the primary benefits of a laptop, apart from the portability aspect, is the possibility to keep working away from home. You want enough battery to get through a school day or a day of meetings without having to run off to look for a charger.
Professionals:
If you are working remotely or traveling, then you need to focus on 10+ hours or more in order not to worry about that battery anxiety.
Gamers & power users:
Presumably, you’ll spend most of your time plugged in, given the nature of these performance machines—consume the battery real fast. Try for at least 5-6 hours when you’re not gaming.
Always check independent reviews for real-world battery performance. What’s promised isn’t always what you get!
Brand matters: Pick the right one
Brands do matter for a laptop not only because of the possibility of impacting performance but also because of customer support, which is usually much better with better brands. If something goes wrong with them, these might also provide proper aid.
Creative professionals would really require these powerful MacBooks from Apple. For general use and business work, Dell and HP will work pretty well because of their good build quality and reliable performance.
Asus and Lenovo enjoy excellent student- and budget-friendly laptops; these don’t give up functionality because of affordability. The budget-friendly models offered by Acer can be used for casual users requiring a decent laptop that might fulfill their purpose.