5 Things To Consider Before You Buy That Laptop
Do you know what to look for when buying a desktop computer (aka pc – personal computer) or laptop? It’s a lot easier than you might think. Note, this post is for a basic daily use machine for personal or business. This post is not for gamers or any use that would require a high-end machine. Rather, it’s what to look for in a basic everyday use pc/laptop.
Having a background in IT/IS (information technology/information systems), I often get consulted by friends and family when they’re looking for a new computer or laptop.
I thought I’d take some time and write down what I recommend that others look for in any machine they’re considering when purchasing.
Understand the purpose for the machine
Before I discuss the five things that I would look for when buying a new machine, I always ask them to describe what they want to use it for. For most of them, they let me know that they want to use it for emails, internet browsing, and/or keeping records for themselves (not even their business per se).
Anyone seeking to use it for gaming, photo/video editing, design, and/or CAD (computer-aided drafting) work, I let them know that those requirements are going to be different than a basic machine.
For the majority of those I’m speaking with, they’re looking to purchase a laptop over a desktop. So, the remainder of this will be geared toward laptops. However, some of the information could also pertain to pcs.
The Operating System
The first thing that I talk to them about is the operating system. There are two primary operating systems in the marketplace: iOS (Apple) and Windows (Microsoft). Of course, there are other operating systems (most notably Linux). But these are the two primarily represented in both new and used laptops.
Because each operating system has its own benefits and drawbacks, I ask them what they’re wanting to pay for it. For the most part, they prefer to pay less than $500. That means Apple devices are out of the question. Most of them (desktop and laptops) start at $1,000-$1,200 and go up from there. Since Apple users are often diehard for Apple products, used ones aren’t as easy to find as Windows devices. Because they’re looking for a laptop, we don’t discuss iPad Minis or refurbished iPads.
Therefore, Microsoft will be the primary operating system they’d be looking for. Plus, for the vast majority, it’s the one they’re most familiar with. Keeping that in mind, I ask them to look for the appropriate version. Currently, as of the writing of this post, that would be Windows 10 or 11.
You can still find older operating systems, including Windows 7 (no longer supported), and Windows 8/8.1 (which were not very good). Unfortunately, some have likened Windows 11 to Windows 8 (and other less than desirable operating systems released by Microsoft). I’ve even seen some used laptops with XP installed on them (an operating system that hasn’t been supported for nearly a decade – 2014). I suggest that they stay away from those.
The amount of random-access memory (RAM)
Through the process of elimination, it’s often decided that Windows 10 is the OS they’re looking to purchase. That being the case, it’s important to select the appropriate amount of RAM. According to Microsoft, the minimum required amount of RAM is 2 GB (gigabytes) for the 64-bit version (1 GB for the 32-bit version). But that’s the minimum amount required.
With anything, the minimum amount is often not the preferred amount. I recommend they look for a laptop that has at least 4 GB but no more than 8 GB. You can get more than 8 GB. But, unless the rest of the hardware is included to support it (motherboard, video card, etc.), in my opinion, it’s a waste of money.
The type of RAM (SDRAM and DDRAM or DDR) is something else to consider. The preferred version, based on speed, is either DDR3 or DDR4.
When it comes to memory, for the purpose of this laptop, the majority of the programs that will be used (i.e., email, browser, spreadsheet, word processor, etc.) won’t require a lot.
The hard drive size and type
When it comes to the hard drive, there are two main categories to look for: type and size. There are currently two types: SATA (serial advanced technology attachment) and SSD (solid-state drive). The big difference between the two is that the SSD has no moving parts but holds less data. An SSD is a digital chip (similar to RAM). Therefore, it’s often faster than a SATA drive, but SATA holds more data.
By deciding on the price, might also determine the type. SSDs are ideal for pc gamers (due to their response time). But SSD will usually cost more for the same size.
The size indicates how much space will be available. Most of the time, those who I’m speaking with don’t need more than 250 GB. Both SSD and SATA come in that size. So, the choice often comes down to price. And it will be significant.
In terms of storage, another thing to consider is an external hard drive. If price is a sticking point because of the size of the hard drive, consider getting a lower internal amount and purchasing an external one at a later time.
The central processing unit (CPU) speed
Another thing to consider, before you buy that laptop, is the CPU speed. Anymore, the CPU speed is pretty satisfactory. Even in low-end laptops. It’s still something important to consider though. The speed of the CPU is defined in gigahertz (GHz). I still remember when they were in megahertz (MHz). Thank goodness that’s a thing of the past. To put it into perspective, a gigahertz is 1,000 times faster than a megahertz.
I typically recommend between 2.9 – 3.4 GHz. No less than 2.8 GHz and not necessarily more than 3.6 GHz. The difference between 3.0 GHz and 3.4 GHz can actually be quite significant, in both speed and price. But the quality of the speed is really based on the processor itself.
There are different speeds and different types of processor units. The most common are the dual and quad cores. Though it’s not unheard of to find a Penta-core (5-core), Hexa-core (6-core), or Octa-core (8-core). It’s often believed that the more cores the CPU has, the faster it will process. Well, that’s not always true.
What is true, a quad-core (4-core) will typically cost more than a dual-core (2-core). Even if the clock speed is the same doesn’t mean they’ll process at the same speed. And more cores tend to use more power. Which implies a shorter battery life. When making the final decision, the number of core processors might be something to consider.
The screen-size
And last, but not least, is the screen size. This may or may not be important when buying a laptop. It depends on the user, what the laptop will be used for, etc. It’s mostly about personal preference. Typically, they don’t get larger than 17” diagonal display.
Larger screens make it easier to see, but they also take up more space. This means they don’t always fit as nicely in a carrying case (when traveling).
At the same time, you don’t want something too small. It’s like goldy locks, you just got to find the right one.
My first laptop had a 17” screen. It was huge. At the same time, I don’t want a 10″-11” micro screen. For me, a 14”-15” screen is just right. But, in the end, it comes down to personal preference.
Another thing to consider is whether or not it’s a touchscreen. They can be quite useful and convenient. These will typically cost more, but I wouldn’t count them out. Though, I’ve never had one, personally.
In summary
When selecting a laptop, I typically start with what it will be used for. Next, the manufacturer and operating system. A quite significant price tag differentiates the different manufacturers. Then, the hardware aspects of the laptop. The RAM, CPU speed, and hard drive space. Finally, the screen size.
That’s pretty much everything I discuss when looking to buy a new laptop.
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