GUIDE/TIPS TO BUYING A GOOD LAPTOP IN 2016

Good day readers,

Today we will be looking at some tips that will help and guide us on how to buy a good laptop as many laptop users don’t know what they really should go for when there is a need to buy one. The specification/configuration of the laptop matters a lot if you want to buy one for a specific purpose and not just for buying sake.

The HUGE and #1 factor is Use. What you plan on using the laptop for. Are you a Video Editor, Engineer, a Photographer or a Gamer? Do you know the kind of laptop specification that suits your profession? These are the few things you will be able to learn in this article. 

I hope it will be deep enough for you.

Without wasting much time, below is the list of the main configuration to look out for when in the quest to buying a new Laptop.

#1 - Processor/CPU:

This is the Brain of the computer system which executes all the instructions from the software. You need a decent powered Processor/CPU for longevity. Usually laptops come with either Intel Processors or AMD. But I will advice you go for a laptop with Intel processor. We have Intel Core i3, i5 and latest i7 Processors. Core i3 is suitable for everyday needs with lesser gaming and intensive tasks. Core i5 on the other hand is medium level and most laptops come with Core i5. Any program can be run smoothly on Intel Core i5 processor e.g. gaming and other programming tasks. If you have enough money, you can always go for Core i7 and that’s only if you are going to frequently use it for Video layer rendering, 3D modelling hence it won't be much useful for daily needs including gaming.

#2 - RAM: 

This is the memory of the computer system and the size to some extent determines how fast your laptop will be when running multiple tasks. 2GB or above is sufficient. To be able to run intensive tasks (extreme gaming), you can go for 6GB or 8GB RAM. 

#3 - Display:

If you are a gamer or you are planning on streaming videos, you might want to go for a 17 inches screen and if you want to be typing and all, a 13” screen is as good or normal screen that comes with the laptop.

#4 - Graphic Card (GPU - Graphical Processing Unit): 

Most laptops have inbuilt Intel Graphics. It is suitable for small games. But at advanced level, GPU can be used for many other purposes. If as a gamer you play lots of medium-to-high graphics games, I suggest you go for a laptop with 1GB or 2 GB external graphics (additional Intel or inbuilt graphics). Though, it is not the size that matters but how good that GPU is. Look for a latest card, and 1GB latest card might be far better than 2 GB old Graphic Card.

#5 - Hard disk Size: 

This is really not a huge factor, but something to consider. It is one of 2 things, if you are not concerned with hard drive size, you can always go for 320GB or 500GB at most but if you are VERY concerned, then 1TB is suitable if not more. 

#6 - Operating System: 

When it comes to OS (Operating system), Windows dominates in this area though Apple’s Mac OS is another common choice. If you are new with computers, buy windows and you can later upgrade and install Linux/Unix if you know how to use it. If you are a student and looking for experiments, some laptops come with Linux pre-installed. But having Windows Operating System might be useful. Each of this Operating System has its pros and cons and has a use regardless of what others may lead you to believe.

NOTE - Apart from the above list, you can also check out some peripherals like Bluetooth, Wireless Wi-Fi, Webcam, and Battery among others, all come with almost every laptop, but make sure you look out for them before proceeding to buy a laptop.

You have questions? Kindly use the comment box below and be sure to get an answer ASAP.