Things to Think About When Buying a Laptop: A Savvy Guide

Things to Think About When Buying a Laptop: A Savvy Guide

People ask me all the time what kind of laptop they should get, Dell, Lenovo, HP, etc.? How big should the display be? How much storage or RAM is enough? Unfortunately, the answer isn't that simple. Here are some things you should consider before your next laptop purchase.

I always suggest that you think about why you want or need a new laptop and what is driving you towards getting something new. Do you plan on using it for business or personal use? Maybe you need a laptop so you can make sales presentations. Or, maybe a good gaming laptop so you can play with your buddies on line.

The next step is to decide how much you want to spend. This will give you a good starting point to find a laptop with the features you need, while staying within your price range. With all the bells and whistles available, it is best to decide this beforehand.

If you are looking for a laptop, there are a lot of hardware options to get familiar with to ensure you choose the perfect system for you. Here is a list of things you should consider.

Storage

Storage shouldn't be much of a problem. If you keep most of your data in the cloud and don't plan to keep a lot of files locally, a SSD or small HDD in that case should be fine. However, if you do plan to keep a lot of music, videos or other important files locally, the more storage the better!

(RAM) Random Access Memory

RAM is a little different. Every piece of software running on your computer and the operating system (typically Windows) stores data in RAM to function. The more RAM you have, the better and faster your software will function. In most cases, RAM can be added down the road as well and is usually pretty simple to install. To run Windows 7 or 8, 4 gigabytes is a comfortable minimum.

Battery Life

Battery life is one of the most crucial things to consider when picking a laptop that's going to be used regularly on the go. If you are seeking a desktop replacement, meaning you'll mostly just leave it on your desk, then battery life isn't quite as critical. Otherwise, make sure to pay attention to how long a laptop's battery will last.

Screen Size

Typically, 15-inch and 17-inch laptops are large enough for watching videos or playing games. Smaller notebooks, measuring 10 to 14 inches, may be a bit small for watching movies, but are light weight and easy for people on the go. keep in mind the smaller displays are often lower resolution. Resolution is the total number of pixels contained in the display. The higher the resolution, the better the picture.

Processor and Graphics

The computer's processor determines how efficiently it can run programs, and basically do everything we expect it should do. Processors get faster and more efficient each year. Most Windows-based computers run on Intel or AMD processors. Quad-core processors deliver more powerful performance, but even dual-core processors are up to the task of playing high resolution video and running system-intensive programs like Corel Draw or Adobe Photoshop.

The GPU or Graphics Processor, is important when it comes to high definition video and playing games. Most laptops use integrated graphics rather than dedicated graphics chips. Integrated chips are less powerful, which also means less battery intensive.

Size and Weight

Typically the larger the display, the heaver the laptop. 17-inch laptops are not the best for mobility and add a lot of weight to your bag. If weight is important to you consider choosing a laptop with a smaller display. A 17-inch laptop weighs about 7-8 pounds on average.

Do you need a CD/DVD or Blu-Ray Drive?

When was the last time you burnt a CD or DVD? Do you plan to watch a lot of movies that would require an optical drive? A lot of laptops these days do not come with an optical drive, instead people are utilizing services like Netflix for movie watching or DropBox to transfer files. Keep in mind having an optical drive adds a little extra weight to your laptop, if you don't think you need one, you might consider skipping it all together.

Other things to consider

Security: There are a variety of security features available such as finger print readers and security slots. Keep in mind, these features can add additional cost to your purchase and do not guarantee your data will be protected from all the cyber crooks out there.

Available Ports: USB; HDMI; Ethernet; and SD Card Readers are some of the options available in today's computers. Make sure you consider that devices you will be connecting before making your purchase.

Expand-ability: If you plan on keeping the laptop for a few years make sure to see how expandable or customizable it is. You might want to add some additional RAM down the road or even upgrade storage.

Warranty: It never hurts to have a good warranty in place. Be sure to review the fine print on coverage. Total coverage warranties are expensive, but may be worth it in the long run.

Ultraportable Laptops for Kenya’s On-the-Go Professionals

As a self-proclaimed laptop aficionado (and occasional coffee spiller), I’ve scoured various digital shops to bring you the best information about ultraportable laptops. Whether you’re a Nairobi-based entrepreneur, a digital nomad in Mombasa, or just someone who likes to work from the comfort of their favorite matatu, this article is your golden ticket to laptop enlightenment.

Why Ultraportable?

Picture this, you are sipping chai at Java House, plotting a killer PowerPoint presentation and suddenly, inspiration strikes! You need a laptop that can keep up with your caffeinated genius. Enter the ultraportable. These sleek, featherweight wonders are like the Usain Bolts of the laptop world—fast, nimble, and always ready for action.

The Top Contenders

1. Dell XPS 15: The Powerhouse

Dell XPS 15

The Dell XPS 15 is the laptop you never knew you needed. It’s got the brains (10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor) and the beauty (that 4K OLED touch display will make your retinas sing). Plus, it weighs less than what you would think. Whether you’re crunching numbers or binge-watching Kenyan vlogs, this laptop has your back.

Key Features:

  • Performance: Fast as you need and more it has a processor speed of up to 4.50 GHz
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650—perfect for light gaming or pretending to work while watching cat videos.
  • Battery Life: Up to 25 hours (yes, you can binge-watch an entire season of whatever series you love without recharging).

2. HP Spectre x360: The Shape-Shifter

HP Spectre x360

The HP Spectre x360 is like a chameleon. It flips, it folds, it is just a wonder to look at. If you need it as a laptop? There it is! If you need it as a tablet it is possible. It’s the Swiss Army knife of laptops, exactly what you need if you want a laptop that can do more than you thought it could.

Key Features:

  • Performance: 11th Gen Intel Core i7—smooth multitasking for when you’re juggling emails, spreadsheets, and your side hustle.
  • Display: That 13.5″ OLED screen is so vibrant, it practically does the Azonto dance.
  • Security: Fingerprint reader and webcam privacy shutter (because we all have secrets).

3. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon: The Workhorse

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon means business. It’s the laptop equivalent of a no-nonsense auntie who always has a solution for your problems. Need to draft a proposal? Done. Want to binge-watch Tik Toks endlessly? It won’t judge.

Key Features:

  • Durability: Military-grade toughness (it laughs at coffee spills).
  • Keyboard: Typing on this feels like composing a love letter to your Wi-Fi router.
  • Connectivity: Thunderbolt 4 ports for zippy data transfers.

In Conclusion

So, my fellow hustlers, whether you’re conquering the concrete jungle or the online space, choose your ultraportable wisely. Buying a new laptop shouldn’t be a painful process. If you keep all of these things in mind and weigh them against your budget and needs, there are plenty of options on the market today to fit anyone’s requirements. Remember, a good laptop is necessary for you in this day and age. Good luck and happy hunting!

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