Buying a laptop can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
Follow our simple laptop buying guide to help you choose the right laptop for your needs without getting confused by the many different brands and models available online and in stores.
1. Identify what you’ll use it for
Start by thinking about what you’ll use your laptop for, for example, will you mostly use it for:
- Browsing the Internet (reading newspapers, online banking and shopping on websites like Amazon)
- Email (staying in touch with family and friends)
- Video Calls (like Zoom or Skype)
- Photos and Videos (storing and sharing photos safely with loved ones)
- Gaming (playing popular games like Candy Crush or Solitaire, or downloading gaming apps for your children or grandchildren).
If these are your main needs, you don’t need a high-powered laptop. A simple, basic model like an Acer, HP, or Lenovo laptop will work just fine.
2. Consider the size and weight
Laptops come in many different sizes, so we will always ask our customers how they’ll be using it to determine the best size and weight for them. For example, will you use it at a desk or on your lap?
The most common laptop screen sizes are between 13 to 15 inches.
A 13-inch laptop is lighter and easier to carry, while a 15-inch model offers a larger screen that may be easier to see if vision is an issue for you.
If the laptop will stay mostly at home, a larger screen could be more comfortable for viewing and you don’t need to worry about the weight of transporting it around with you.
3. Choose an operating system (OS)
An operating system is the term for the software that runs the laptop. The main types are:
- Windows (Microsoft) – this is one of the best-known operating systems and it’s widely used.
- Mac (Apple): this is known for being user-friendly and secure, but tends to be more expensive than other operating systems.
- Chromebooks (Chrome OS): this is good for basic use and it’s affordable, so it’s a great option if you mainly need your laptop for web browsing and sending and receiving emails.
If you’re used to a particular system, that may guide your choice.
Again, this is something we discuss with our customers to decide on the best option, as well as providing full training on their chosen operating system so they feel comfortable and confident using it.
4. Think about laptop battery life and storage
We recommend choosing a laptop that can last at least 6-8 hours on a single charge so you don’t have to worry about recharging it or keeping it plugged in all the time – this will be detailed on the product page which we can look at together.
Storage is where your laptop keeps files and programs. If you’re just browsing, emailing, and keeping photos, a hard drive of 256 GB of storage should be fine.
You don’t need much storage, unless you plan on saving a lot of videos and photos – in which case, the higher the storage size the better. This is something we can talk through and make a decision on together.
5. Consider the price
Budget is another major consideration when choosing the best laptop for your needs.
There are reliable laptops available in every price range. For basic use, you can find good options between £300 to £600. Apple laptops tend to be pricier, so if you’re on a budget, consider Windows or Chromebooks.
6. Look at other features you need from your new laptop
Decide on the key features you need your laptop to have to meet your needs.
For example, does it have a good webcam if you’re planning to do lots of video calls?
Does it have a touchscreen if you prefer this functionality?
Would you like a 2-in-1 laptop screen where you can fold the keyboard away and stand the screen up to watch TV shows or follow online yoga classes?
Does your laptop need a certain number of ports to plug in your USB to connect to your phone or tablet and share photos?
Get support to choose the right laptop
Choosing a laptop is easier when you focus on what you need most and ignore extra features that can make things more complicated.
With this guide, you’ll be better prepared to pick a laptop that’s just right for you.
Do you need help deciding which type of laptop is the best buy for your needs? I’m Simon, an IT specialist based in Clitheroe, Lancashire.
I can help you choose, set up, and secure a new laptop to suit your needs and make sure you feel confident using it to its full potential.
If you’re based in the Clitheroe area, I’ll come to you and provide support in the comfort of your home.
If you’re not local to me, I can provide remote support.
Contact me to discuss your needs.