Buying a new laptop: what is the best choice for you?
A good laptop will last for years, but eventually there comes a point where you need a new one. Radar lists eleven points that you have to take into account when you buy a new laptop.
The choice for a new computer mainly depends on what type of user you are. Do you mainly use a computer for surfing, arranging your banking affairs and word processing? Then you are also great with a less powerful computer. If you also use your computer to perform heavy calculations, play heavy games or edit videos, choose a computer that is a lot more powerful under the hood.
Desktop, laptop, tablet or something in between?
First of all you have to ask yourself whether a laptop is the best choice for you. If you only use the computer at home, a desktop (fixed computer) can also be an acceptable alternative. The advantage of a desktop is that you can always expand the computer so that it becomes faster and you can get a faster computer for the same money. The disadvantage is that you don't just take a desktop on the road. In addition, a desktop at a fixed location often takes up a lot of space.
Another alternative to a laptop is a tablet. Tablets are usually simpler to use, generally have a long battery life and are also less heavy than a laptop. You pick up a tablet more easily to view something. The disadvantage of a tablet, compared to a laptop, is that word processing or doing your administration is a bit more difficult.
for more: Laptops on Rent in Delhi
Then there is also a category of products that sit between a laptop and tablet. These are, for example, laptops with a touchscreen, where you can completely flip the screen. This gives you the conveniences of a laptop and a tablet. However, such a so-called hybrid laptop is a bit more expensive than a regular laptop. This intermediate form is also much less comfortable to hold than a tablet.
Windows (Microsoft), MacOS (Apple) or Chrome OS (Google)
The choice for an operating system is primarily a matter of taste. In terms of functionalities, Windows and MacOS both have their own advantages and disadvantages, but the basics are good for both. However, there is a lot more choice from Windows laptops, from cheap plastic models to luxury competitors for Apple's laptops.
An alternative to Windows and MacOS is the Chrome OS operating system from Google. This is a very light operating system that mainly revolves around the internet browser. You can also install Android apps on some models, but they are often not well developed for use on laptops. In terms of functionality, Chrome OS is therefore limited, but there is a low price in return.
The correct screen size and other aspects
Laptops with a screen diagonal of 10 to 17 inches (25.4 to 43 centimeters) are the most common. Choose a format that works well for you. The advantages of larger laptops are that the keyboards are more extensive and the screen is more pleasant to look at. Larger laptops are usually heavier and the battery life is shorter due to the large screen.
You can also purchase a separate screen or keyboard. This means you always have a large screen and extensive keyboard at your disposal at home, but you can still buy a laptop that you can easily take with you. If you only use it on such a keyboard and screen, you could of course also consider whether a desktop computer is no longer suitable for you.
In addition to the size of the screen, it is also important to look at some technical aspects of the screen. A screen with more pixels (or a higher resolution), looks sharper and can be used more versatile. Furthermore, laptops usually have screens with TN or IP technology. Tn is a bit cheaper than ips, but ips generally offers nicer colors and also looks nice from a corner.
Touch screen or not?
You can traditionally control a laptop using a keyboard or mouse. However, nowadays you see more and more laptops with a touchscreen. This also allows you to perform actions on your computer by tapping your finger on the screen. The touchscreen generally comes into its own when you can completely flip the screen.
At the moment you can only use a touchscreen on some Windows laptops. However, few programs have been optimized for this functionality. Moreover, a touchscreen is at the expense of your battery life and you spend more money on the purchase of your laptop.
How long does the battery last?
There are several factors that influence the battery life of a laptop. The most important of these is of course the size of the battery. This is usually measured in watt-hours (Wh). Basically, a larger battery naturally ensures a longer battery life.
Yet the reality is a bit more complex, because it makes a lot of difference how economical the components in the laptops are. A large screen, a fast processor and other aspects can considerably reduce the battery life. Manufacturers sometimes promise a certain battery life in hours, but it is better to look for independent reviews to get an idea of how long the model will last in practice.
Which connections do you need?
Which peripherals do you want to be able to connect to your laptop? For example, if you want to transfer the photos from your digital camera, an input for SD cards is pretty handy. You need several USB inputs for a separate mouse, a separate keyboard or a hard disk. Note the type of USB. Many accessories still work with USB-A, while laptops with only USB-C ports appear. Also read: What is USB-C and what is the use of it? If you want to connect an external screen, an HDMI port is not a luxury. You can also connect a screen via some USB-C ports, but not with many. With HDMI you know for sure.
Hard Drive
In terms of storage space on your computer, there are two common types of hard drives. A hard disk (Hard Disk Drive or HDD) is the older version that is much slower than Solid State Disk (SSD). SSDs have become much cheaper in recent years and nowadays almost all laptops are equipped with them. Some laptops do have a smaller SSD to install the programs with, in addition, a large HDD where you can store everything for which you do not need fast storage, such as your documents and photos.
Random access memory
The working memory (random access memory or RAM) is the short-term memory where the computer stores everything it needs to do at that moment, such as the operating system and the programs that you have open.
For basic use, 4 GB is sufficient, but if you have multiple programs or internet tabs open at the same time, 8 GB is wiser. Only if you do a lot of heavy things with your computer, such as (extensive) photo editing, or run games alongside your other programs, is the jump to 16 GB worthwhile at the moment.
Processor
The computing power in a computer comes from the processor. An average user is comfortable with an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5. With very light use you can also use an Intel Core i3. Intensive laptop users can best opt for an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor.
Graphic processor
Some laptops also come with an additional graphics processor from Nvidia or AMD. In daily use, this does not make your computer faster. Only if you want to play games or do heavier video editing, such a graphics processor really adds something.
Wifi
In terms of Wi-Fi, opt for the Wi-Fi standard 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5). With older WiFi standards, the maximum internet speed is also lower. Newer laptops also offer Wi-Fi 6, which is a bit faster. These laptops do not cost more than models without this newer wifi, so it is so handy to have. Then your laptop can last a few more years. You can read more about WiFi here:
Read more:
7 things to look out for when buying a new computer
The choice for a new computer mainly depends on what type of user you are. Do you mainly use a computer for surfing, arranging your banking affairs and word processing? Then you are also great with a less powerful computer. If you also use your computer to perform heavy calculations, play heavy games or edit videos, choose a computer that is a lot more powerful under the hood.
Desktop, laptop, tablet or something in between?
First of all you have to ask yourself whether a laptop is the best choice for you. If you only use the computer at home, a desktop (fixed computer) can also be an acceptable alternative. The advantage of a desktop is that you can always expand the computer so that it becomes faster and you can get a faster computer for the same money. The disadvantage is that you don't just take a desktop on the road. In addition, a desktop at a fixed location often takes up a lot of space.
Another alternative to a laptop is a tablet. Tablets are usually simpler to use, generally have a long battery life and are also less heavy than a laptop. You pick up a tablet more easily to view something. The disadvantage of a tablet, compared to a laptop, is that word processing or doing your administration is a bit more difficult.
for more: Laptops on Rent in Delhi
Then there is also a category of products that sit between a laptop and tablet. These are, for example, laptops with a touchscreen, where you can completely flip the screen. This gives you the conveniences of a laptop and a tablet. However, such a so-called hybrid laptop is a bit more expensive than a regular laptop. This intermediate form is also much less comfortable to hold than a tablet.
Windows (Microsoft), MacOS (Apple) or Chrome OS (Google)
The choice for an operating system is primarily a matter of taste. In terms of functionalities, Windows and MacOS both have their own advantages and disadvantages, but the basics are good for both. However, there is a lot more choice from Windows laptops, from cheap plastic models to luxury competitors for Apple's laptops.
An alternative to Windows and MacOS is the Chrome OS operating system from Google. This is a very light operating system that mainly revolves around the internet browser. You can also install Android apps on some models, but they are often not well developed for use on laptops. In terms of functionality, Chrome OS is therefore limited, but there is a low price in return.
The correct screen size and other aspects
Laptops with a screen diagonal of 10 to 17 inches (25.4 to 43 centimeters) are the most common. Choose a format that works well for you. The advantages of larger laptops are that the keyboards are more extensive and the screen is more pleasant to look at. Larger laptops are usually heavier and the battery life is shorter due to the large screen.
You can also purchase a separate screen or keyboard. This means you always have a large screen and extensive keyboard at your disposal at home, but you can still buy a laptop that you can easily take with you. If you only use it on such a keyboard and screen, you could of course also consider whether a desktop computer is no longer suitable for you.
In addition to the size of the screen, it is also important to look at some technical aspects of the screen. A screen with more pixels (or a higher resolution), looks sharper and can be used more versatile. Furthermore, laptops usually have screens with TN or IP technology. Tn is a bit cheaper than ips, but ips generally offers nicer colors and also looks nice from a corner.
Touch screen or not?
You can traditionally control a laptop using a keyboard or mouse. However, nowadays you see more and more laptops with a touchscreen. This also allows you to perform actions on your computer by tapping your finger on the screen. The touchscreen generally comes into its own when you can completely flip the screen.
At the moment you can only use a touchscreen on some Windows laptops. However, few programs have been optimized for this functionality. Moreover, a touchscreen is at the expense of your battery life and you spend more money on the purchase of your laptop.
How long does the battery last?
There are several factors that influence the battery life of a laptop. The most important of these is of course the size of the battery. This is usually measured in watt-hours (Wh). Basically, a larger battery naturally ensures a longer battery life.
Yet the reality is a bit more complex, because it makes a lot of difference how economical the components in the laptops are. A large screen, a fast processor and other aspects can considerably reduce the battery life. Manufacturers sometimes promise a certain battery life in hours, but it is better to look for independent reviews to get an idea of how long the model will last in practice.
Which connections do you need?
Which peripherals do you want to be able to connect to your laptop? For example, if you want to transfer the photos from your digital camera, an input for SD cards is pretty handy. You need several USB inputs for a separate mouse, a separate keyboard or a hard disk. Note the type of USB. Many accessories still work with USB-A, while laptops with only USB-C ports appear. Also read: What is USB-C and what is the use of it? If you want to connect an external screen, an HDMI port is not a luxury. You can also connect a screen via some USB-C ports, but not with many. With HDMI you know for sure.
Hard Drive
In terms of storage space on your computer, there are two common types of hard drives. A hard disk (Hard Disk Drive or HDD) is the older version that is much slower than Solid State Disk (SSD). SSDs have become much cheaper in recent years and nowadays almost all laptops are equipped with them. Some laptops do have a smaller SSD to install the programs with, in addition, a large HDD where you can store everything for which you do not need fast storage, such as your documents and photos.
Random access memory
The working memory (random access memory or RAM) is the short-term memory where the computer stores everything it needs to do at that moment, such as the operating system and the programs that you have open.
For basic use, 4 GB is sufficient, but if you have multiple programs or internet tabs open at the same time, 8 GB is wiser. Only if you do a lot of heavy things with your computer, such as (extensive) photo editing, or run games alongside your other programs, is the jump to 16 GB worthwhile at the moment.
Processor
The computing power in a computer comes from the processor. An average user is comfortable with an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5. With very light use you can also use an Intel Core i3. Intensive laptop users can best opt for an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor.
Graphic processor
Some laptops also come with an additional graphics processor from Nvidia or AMD. In daily use, this does not make your computer faster. Only if you want to play games or do heavier video editing, such a graphics processor really adds something.
Wifi
In terms of Wi-Fi, opt for the Wi-Fi standard 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5). With older WiFi standards, the maximum internet speed is also lower. Newer laptops also offer Wi-Fi 6, which is a bit faster. These laptops do not cost more than models without this newer wifi, so it is so handy to have. Then your laptop can last a few more years. You can read more about WiFi here:
Read more:
7 things to look out for when buying a new computer
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