Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

The market for laptops (laptops) has changed a lot over the past decade. Laptops are no longer exclusive to the business world anymore, but are now available everywhere, both in schools and in homes. You can replace your desktop computer (PC) with a laptop, use it to watch movies on a sofa, or take it with you to do homework with friends. When buying a laptop, having so many choices can be confusing, especially for first-time buyers. However, you will be much more confident when choosing to buy if you take the time to research and explore and equip a little knowledge. See Step 1 below to learn how to choose the laptop that best suits your needs.

Steps

Part 1 of 5: Determining What You Need

1. 

   Consider the advantages of a laptop. If you've never used a laptop, then considering the benefits it offers is not a bad idea. When compared to a PC, a laptop has a few advantages.
   • You can take your laptop anywhere, even overseas, as long as you bring the charger with you.
   • Many laptops can do almost anything a PC can do.You may not be able to run new games at their highest settings, but most modern laptops can perform a variety of tasks.
   • Laptops do not take up a lot of space when in use and are easier to move. This makes it suitable for small apartments, or for use on the bedroom desk.

2. 

   
   
   Let's consider the downsides. Although a laptop is a highly portable device, it also has some outstanding downsides below. If you really want to buy a laptop, these restrictions are not so bad that you should give up on buying, but you should also be careful when choosing to buy a laptop.
   • Laptops are easier to steal when traveling if you do not look carefully.
   • The battery life is not too long so it can be difficult if you have to work long periods without electricity, like on a plane or on a beach near a resort. If you travel a lot, battery life will be very important.
   • Because laptops aren't as upgradeable as desktops, they also quickly become obsolete. This means that you will probably have to buy a new machine after a few years.

3. 

   
   
   Think about what to use. Since laptops have a wide variety of applications, comparing models will help you focus on the intended use of the machine. If you are only going to use the server mainly for web surfing or writing email, your needs will be a lot different from buying a device to play games on the go or to produce music yourself.

4. 

   Set a budget. It's important to know what your budget is before looking to buy a device or else you'll be tempted by absolutely useless long-term temptations to buy something beyond your means. your. There are many different models of laptops available, and setting a budget will help ensure you are happy with the machine you can afford. And there is nothing stopping you from buying a new machine later because you have used up the full capacity and "depreciated" enough for the current machine! Decide which factors are important to you and adjust them to fit your budget. advertisement

Part 2 of 5: Choose Windows, Mac, or Linux Operating Systems?

1. 

   
   
   Know what options are available to you. The two main options are machine (using the operating system) Windows and Mac, along with Linux for those who are more technically savvy. The main choice depends on what you like and what you are familiar with, but there are a few important things that you need to consider.
   • Choose something you know well. If you are familiar with an operating system, it will be easier to continue using it than trying a new one. But don't let the first operating system you use decide on all the operating systems and computers you buy later.

2. 

   Consider the programs you need. If you use a lot of Microsoft Office products, the Windows PC offers the highest compatibility. It doesn't mean you can't use them on other operating systems, but it will take a bit more for them to work. Conversely, if you're producing music or editing photos, a Mac will provide you with the most powerful programs.
   • Windows still supports the most video games by far, though support on Macs and Linux is steadily increasing.
   • If you don't have a lot of computer experience and will need help, buy a device that your family or friends know well and can help you with. Otherwise you will have to rely on “technical support” service.

3. 

   Consider Linux. Some laptops are pre-installed with Linux. You can try out Linux on your current machine using a LiveCD. It allows you to run Linux on your computer without having to install it.
   • Most Linux operating systems are free, as are thousands of other programs and applications. A program called WINE allows you to run a variety of Windows programs on Linux operating systems. You can install and run these apps just like you would on Windows. WINE is still in development, so not all programs are supported. However, there are still millions of people using WINE to run their Windows software on Linux.
   • Linux is hardly attacked by viruses. Linux is the ideal choice for kids because it is free, its programs are also free, and it's virtually free of viruses. If the kids mess up the operating system, you can just reinstall and start fresh. Linux Mint has the same look and feel as Windows. Ubuntu Linux is the most popular version of Linux.
   • Linux is an operating system that requires the most technical experience to fully exploit its capabilities. You should be familiar with the command lines, and almost anything you need to know can be found online.
   • Linux doesn't support all hardware, and you may have trouble finding drivers that work with Linux.

4. 

   Understand the pros and cons of a Mac. Macs and Windows machines have fundamentally different experiences, so if you plan to switch between the two, you may experience a lot of confusion. Mac has a very user-friendly interface, and is a powerful media production support operating system.
   • Macs connect seamlessly with iPhones, iPods, iPads, and other Apple products. Apple's new products are also fully supported by Apple Support.
   • Macs are less prone to viruses than Windows PCs, but you still need to be wary.
   • You can emulate Windows on a Mac with Boot Camp. To do this, you need a valid copy of Windows.
   • Macs typically cost much more than comparable Windows or Linux models.

5. 

   Consider the new Windows laptop models. Laptops / netbooks (small notebooks) running Windows are reasonably priced, and there are a wide variety of manufacturers to choose from to meet all your needs. If you haven't used Windows in a while, you will find that it is a lot different now. Windows 8's Start screen not only contains programs, but also has areas to display new content (news or sports) in place of the old Start menu (these are called "Live Tiles" - The tiles are constantly updated with news). Internet Explorer 10 also features a file scan for viruses and malware before the user downloads it.
   • Unlike Macs, Windows machines are manufactured by many different companies. This means that the quality of laptops varies greatly. It is important that you consider what the manufacturer offers in terms of price, features and support, and then read reviews and other sources of information about the reliability of the product by the manufacturer. Export that offers.
   • Windows laptops usually have more customization options than Macs.

6. 

   Browse the Chromebook. Besides the three main operating systems above, you also have a few other options. One of the most popular and growing options is the Chromebook. These laptops run Google's ChromeOS operating system with completely different features from the options above. This device is designed to connect regularly to the internet and comes with a subscription to online storage with Google Drive.
   • There are quite a few different Chromebook models available for sale. While HP, Samsung, and Acer all have a low-cost model, Google makes the more expensive Chromebook Pixel.
   • ChromeOS is designed to run Google web apps like Chrome, Google Drive, Google Maps, and more. This machine is best suited for users who are too familiar with Google.
   • Chromebooks cannot run applications designed for other operating systems, including most games and office application programs.

7. 

   Test the operating systems. Try out as many different operating systems as you can in the store or on your friends' computers. Let's see which operating system suits your best habits. Even with the same operating system, you will feel very different from the keyboard and touchpad, etc.

Part 3 of 5: Choosing a Machine Model

1. 

   Consider the size for the laptop that suits you best. Laptops come in many different sizes / weights: netbooks, laptops, or laptop replacements. Although they are collectively referred to as "laptops," their end usability varies widely and can affect your choice.
   • There are a few important things to consider when it comes to laptop size: weight, screen size, keyboard design, performance, and battery life. Usually you can see netbooks as the cheapest but smallest option, while a regular laptop will have to balance the elements to suit you better.
   • Portability is a major concern for laptops. Larger screens mean heavier machines and harder to carry. Take into account the size of your bag when choosing between models.

2. 

   Decide if you want a netbook. Netbooks, also known as mini notebooks, ultrabooks, or ultraportables, are small laptops with portable screens measuring 7 "-13" /17.79 centimeter (7.0 in) -33.3 centimeter (13.1 in). These machines are compact and light in size, often suitable for sending and receiving email, browsing the web or doing simple work over the web because of their modest memory. Since netbooks often don't have as much RAM as laptops, their ability to run complex applications is very limited.
   • The keyboard on a netbook is significantly different than that on a standard-sized laptop. Make sure to give it a try before you choose to buy, as typing on a new netbook is awkward at first.
   • Tablet hybrids are now available. These machines have detachable or rotating keypads, and often use sensor screens. Consider buying them if you find yourself needing a tablet but can't afford an iPad.

3. 

   Consider the standard laptop. These machines have a screen size of 13 "-15" /33.3 centimeter (13.1 in) -38.1 centimeter (15.0 in). They are medium weight, thin and light, and have a large memory capacity. How to choose the size of the device completely depends on your personal preferences such as screen size and how much RAM you think is necessary (See next section).
   • Laptops come in many different designs and sizes. They are getting thinner and lighter thanks to technology improvements. You will find that Macs don't necessarily have to be that thin. If you choose a Mac, consider your travel needs when choosing different models.

4. 

   Consider a laptop replacement for a PC. These have a screen size of 17 "-20" /43.8 centimeter (17.2 in) -50.8 centimeter (20.0 in). They are bigger and heavier, fully functional, and are more likely to be used on a table than carried in your backpack. Although it is more difficult to carry around like the two models above, you can still carry it when needed, and for many people, the machine is a bit heavier. If you're not sure whether to buy this size, consider your desktop or travel needs.
   • Some desktop replacement laptop models are partially upgradeable, allowing you to install new video cards.
   • These laptops are best suited for those who love to play computer games.
   • Larger laptops generally have shorter battery life, especially if you run heavy programs like video games or graphic design programs.

5. 

   Consider the necessary durability. Consider whether you prefer a metal or synthetic plastic case. Today, choosing a chassis mainly depends on personal preferences, because the current case weight is quite equivalent, laptops with durable metal shells are not much heavier than those with plastic shells. In terms of durability, metal casing is a bit more suitable for high impact machines, but it is best to consult your retailer.
   • If you have to take the device to the field or travel to difficult places, you need customized accessories to protect it. Request a stronger display, shock-resistant mounting of the internal components, as well as retrofit for protection against water and dust.
   • If you're a field expert and you really need a durable machine there is a suitable laptop called the Toughbook, which is usually quite expensive but you can run the truck over it or even bake it in the oven. not broken.
   • Most consumer laptops in retail stores are not designed to last. If you need durability, look for a business laptop that is designed with metal or synthetic materials.

6. 

   Note the style. Laptops are themselves very public devices. Just like watches, purses, glasses, and other accessories, laptops have their own style. Make sure the laptop you want isn't something you criticize about, or that you rarely use it when you go out. advertisement

Part 4 of 5: Check the Specifications

1. 

   Carefully look at the specifications of each laptop model. When buying a laptop, you often spend time with the hardware inside the machine. That means you want to be extremely sure that the machine you buy has the configuration you need.

2. 

   Check out the Central Processing Unit (CPU). High-end, faster-processing laptops with multi-core CPUs like Intel, AMD and ARM. These CPUs are not normally used on netbooks or budget laptops. The CPU difference affects the performance in terms of the speed of the laptop.
   • As technology develops, older processors will quickly become outdated. If you buy Intel processors, avoid Celeron, Atom and Pentium chips because they are outdated. Instead, choose to purchase Core i3 and i5 CPU sets. If you buy from AMD, don't buy C or E series processor, you should buy A6 or A8 series.

3. 

   Consider the amount of memory (RAM). Consider how much RAM you really need for your new machine. The amount of RAM memory can be an important parameter to consider. Usually, the applications that you run will be limited by the amount of memory available. Larger applications require more memory to run. In general, the more memory available, the faster your laptop will run.
   • Most standard laptops typically have 4GB of RAM. This amount of RAM is enough for the majority of users. Netbooks may be as low as 512MB, but are now rarer. You can see many models with 16GB or more memory, but if you run a lot of memory-intensive applications that will take that big.
   • Buying a device with lots of RAM sounds tempting, but often retailers put large amounts of RAM in devices to disguise the fact that other components are below average (for example, slower processors. ). Since RAM is easy to upgrade, you don't need to be too calculating about RAM when considering a laptop model.

4. 

   Check out the graphics capabilities. If you want to play the game, check the graphics memory. A graphics card with discrete video memory is recommended for playing 3D games, although most casual games are not required. It should be noted that a discrete graphics card will also consume more battery power.

5. 

   Consider available storage space. The listed hard drive capacity is often inaccurate, as that number does not take into account the operating system and pre-installed programs. Usually the available hard drive space is 40GB less than the number listed (for example).
   • In addition, solid state drives (SSDs) offer much higher performance, make no noise and increase battery life, but have much smaller storage capacity (usually 30GB-256GB at the time). of this article) and also more expensive. If you want the best performance, an SSD is a must, but you may also need to buy an external hard drive to store things like music, photo or video libraries.

6. 

   Check available ports. How many USB ports are available for the device to plug in peripherals? If you plan to use an external keyboard and mouse, then you'll need at least two dedicated USB ports for it. You'll also need ports to plug in printers, external hard drives, portable drives, and more.
   • If you want to connect your laptop to your TV, make sure it has an HDMI port on hand for the best possible connection. You can also use VGA or DVI ports to connect the player to the TV.

7. 

   Check the laptop's optical drives. If you want to burn CDs or install software from a disc, you will need a DVD drive. If your laptop doesn't have an optical drive, you can still buy an external DVD drive and plug it in when needed. Laptops can also use Blu-ray drives. If you want to watch Blu-ray movies, make sure you choose to buy a Blu-ray drive (sometimes called a BD-ROM) instead of a DVD drive.

8. 

   Consider the right screen resolution. The higher the resolution, the more content the screen can display. The images will also appear smoother in high resolution. Most mid-range laptops have a native resolution of 1366 x 768. If you want smoother images, choose a laptop with a screen resolution of 1600 x 900 or 1920 x 1080. This resolution is usually available on Larger laptops.
   • Check how the laptop screen displays in sunlight. Low-cost displays are often "dimmed" in outdoor light, making their "portable" a bit useless for you.

9. 

   Check wireless features (Wi-Fi). Your laptop should have Wi-Fi enabled. Almost every laptop comes with a built-in wireless card, so you probably won't notice this. advertisement

Part 5 of 5: Entering a Store (or Website)

1. 

   Do some research. Whether you buy it out of the box or buy it online, you want to make sure you know as much as possible about the laptop you plan to buy or the configuration you need. This will help you understand what you are buying and will not get information from the sales reps.
   • If you plan to buy from a store, print the information about the device you want to buy, or keep the information in your phone. This will help you narrow down and help you focus on what you need.

2. 

   Find a suitable retailer to buy the machine. Today there are many places where you can buy a laptop. From massive stores to tiny computer stalls, or from Craigslist to Amazon, there are many different places of sale, all with varying prices and quality of service.
   • Major stores or computer specialty stores are the best places to try out models before you buy. If you are going to buy it online, go to your local computer / electronics store and try to take some samples, then bring your notes home.

3. 

   Check warranty. Most laptop manufacturers provide a warranty for their products. This warranty service may vary, and some stores offer additional warranties for a fee. Conversely, if you buy a used device on Craigslist, chances are it is out of warranty.

4. 

   Understand the risks of buying a used, recertified, or refurbished device. It is important that the machine has a good warranty and is purchased from a reputable distributor. Refurbished, durable business laptops can be a burden. The risk is that the machine has not been used properly and is not in good condition. If the price is right, and especially if there's a one-year warranty, then the risk is greatly reduced.
   • Don't buy discounted stock in stock laptops unless there is plenty of warranty period left from a reputable dealer. These machines were most likely in constant use, as well as being full of dust, fingerprints, or being repeatedly beaten by bored kids or unused users.

5. 

   Take good care of your laptop. Although it depends on the brand and model of the laptop, a well-cared laptop will last a few years longer before you have to invest in a new machine. Take the time to clean and maintain the laptop to keep it running smoothly for years. advertisement

Advice

• Search the web for sites where you can read reliable customer reviews. Learn from the experience of others.
• Most of the more well-known brands of laptops come bundled with software applications, called bloatware. This type of software is usually popular software. Most of them are quite simple. Laptop manufacturers put them in the machine to earn more. They buy the license from the copyright holder to put them on the machine in order to increase competition. Too much boatware affects your computer's system performance, so you need to check each program to see if they are necessary. If not then you should remove them as soon as possible.
• Visit sites like Consumer Reports to find out how computers are compared in different categories.
• Great deals usually come from online purchases, but can also appear in stores that sell laptops in bulk.
• Chromebooks should only be used if you are always connected to the internet. If you buy a laptop just for work, not for multimedia, then Chromebook will be your choice.

Warning

• If you bought a used device from online auction sites like eBay, read on everything. See if there is a problem with the machine. Read user feedback. If it is not a new device, you should only buy it if the price is very good, and make sure you do a clean install. You never know what the old owner has installed on the machine and you are at risk of buying a used machine that you know nothing about. Make sure you can return it if something goes wrong.
• Most of the better deals come from online shopping.
• Make sure you are satisfied with your laptop before you buy it. In most stores, if you bought the device and used it, you will no longer receive a refund or exchange.
• Factory refurbished laptops that are sold directly on the manufacturer's site are usually not expensive and come with a warranty, but how much you profit will depend on your profits.
• If you choose to purchase the device online, you may incur additional delivery charges.