If you are looking to buy a new laptop, be careful … there are a lot of things to consider before the machine. From battery life, screen size, USB ports to processor technology, there are many factors to consider before deciding on the perfect laptop.
This article shows you what I consider to be 8 important factors in deciding which laptop to buy.
1. How will you use the laptop?
If you want the laptop for sending emails or word processing, you are obviously not interested in a machine with the best processor and 4GB of RAM.
If you want the laptop to be portable, you would go for an ultraportable model rather than a robust and bulky one. If you need it for video editing, the processing power becomes extremely important, plus you probably need a Firewire port as well.
Therefore, it is critical to consider the intended use of the laptop before deciding which model to buy.
2. Consider the weight of the laptop
One of the most important factors is the weight of the laptop. If you need the laptop wherever you go, getting a heavy desktop replacement is a bad idea. Instead, you want an ultraportable.
Also, remember to compare the travel weight, not the system weight. The travel weight is effectively the laptop itself plus the power adapter (usually around 0.75 pounds) and an optical drive. The sheer weight of these things can add significantly to the overall package.
3. Think about battery life
One of the most frustrating things about laptops is limited battery life. Make sure you choose a machine with the best battery life (minimum 4 hours). Remember that a smaller laptop also comes with smaller batteries, and these don’t last as long as a large battery in a bulkier system.
4. Bigger equals stronger
If you are considering a rugged laptop as a purchase option, then a heavier machine is almost certainly your best option. A small system with tightly integrated components is likely to break down compared to a bulkier unit with room for additional bracing.
Add to that the rugged exterior, and here you have a wonderful laptop winner. I last checked that this unit cost around $ 1500.
5. Do you need high resolution?
Many high-resolution laptop screens are its selling points. However, you need to consider whether you really need that extra resolution. If you have an imperfect view, a lower resolution WXGA (1280 by 800) might be better than WUXGA (1920 by 1200).
6. Transreflective versus entangled
This point is important. Many laptops these days come with trans-reflective displays that are glossy in nature. Some people don’t like that (myself included), especially if the laptop is used for business / professional settings. In those cases, you’ll want a matte or anti-glare screen.
7. Do you need an extended warranty?
The extended warranty is generally considered a “money gain” for the seller. You have to think if you really need it. For individual owners, there is the comfort of knowing that if the laptop breaks early in its life, you will get a new one to replace it. However, the flip side is that the laptop performs perfectly well for many years, diluting the advantage of its extended warranty.
8. What is the price of the battery?
One of the most easily damaged components of a laptop is, surprisingly, the laptop battery. You may want to check the price of the battery for the laptop you want to buy. They are not cheap, usually between $ 100 and $ 150 for a new one.
You should also protect the life of the battery by fully charging it, unplugging it, letting it drain, and recharging again.
Conclution
I hope this article has given you a good idea of the factors to consider when buying a laptop.
Many people I know do not think carefully about these factors before buying and regret when the laptop is delivered. So make sure you know what you want before shelling out the cash for that laptop. So until next time, good luck and happy shopping!