Things to Consider Before Buying A Laptop: With the numerous numbers of laptops available on online store these days, deciding which would be the best match for your budget may be a minefield. It’s challenging enough to keep up with the constantly evolving array of product specs. Laptops differ substantially in terms of CPU speed, graphics capabilities, size, storage capacity, and RAM, among several features. Furthermore, your laptop requirements may differ significantly from those of others, adding to the complexity.

To make the process easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of ten criteria that you can use as a checklist for what to look for. Finally, spending the time to investigate your new gadget will ensure that you don’t make an expensive mistake and acquire a laptop that’s perfect for oneself.

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Important Things To Consider Before Purchasing A Used/New Laptop

1. Budget: This is by far the most crucial item to remember when buying. After all, your options are constrained by your financial resources. But don’t be frightened! Laptops are now available in a variety of pricing ranges. You can obtain small, simple gadgets at a reasonable price. However, there are enormous machines out there that will do everything you ask. Between the two, there’s a jumble of computers of all shapes and sizes.

When you know how much money you have, it will be much easier to limit down your options. Then, based on the available characteristics and your requirements, you may select the best gadget for you.

2. Laptop Brand: There is no doubt that every laptop brand is known for a particular thing. Take for instance, Apple Laptops are known to be best when it comes to programming because they are faster with nicer user interface.

In that same way, Dell, HP, Lenovo etc are known to be good in different ways too. So you have to look out for that too. You must also understand that some laptops are known for some downsides too. I am not going to discuss that in details here. However, i encourage you to do thorough research about the ups and downs of every laptop brand before deciding on what brand to go for.

3. Battery Life: Because you’ll be moving about a lot during the school day, a laptop with a long battery capacity should be among your top priorities. If you use your pc in class, it can be challenging (and perhaps disturbing) if you run out of battery and have to seek for an outlet during a lecture. While you may pack a large-capacity power bank to charge your gadgets, the extra weight and size will be inconvenient.

However bear in mind that when looking at battery specs from a producer, you should always take them with a pinch of salt. This is because manufacturers put their products through rigorous testing in a lab or in ideal operating conditions. Before making a decision, read or watch a couple of reviews that demonstrate a laptop’s real-world performance.

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4. Weight and Size: If you will need an easily portable laptop, make sure to check its weight and dimensions. After all, you must transport books, notes, your smartphone, pencils, and other items to and from school.

As a result, its mass and density may play a role in your decision. If you frequently travel between school buildings, for instance, a lightweight 13″ laptop with just enough power is better to a large 17″ gaming laptop that would exhaust you at the close of the day.

5. Processing Power: You don’t need to be concerned about technological characteristics if you’re searching for a laptop for basic use, such as word processing and web browsing. For university, a respectable computer with an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 CPU, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD should suffice.

However, if your course necessitates specific software and hardware, such as video editing, 3D rendering, or particle simulations, you need upgrade your gear. Naturally, your budget will play a role, but a strong CPU and GPU will enable you to operate with more intensive apps.

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6. Storage Space: The majority of modern laptops have at minimum 256GB of storage space. While this will do for most students, if you’re interested in video editing, photography, or programming, you should consider obtaining more.

These programs necessitate more space. 1TB isn’t always enough to store all of your data and programs. Consider investing in extra storage space or using a cloud storage service if you don’t want to carry a portable external drive.

7. Ports and a Webcam: Many modern computers, particularly small and light versions, have few ports. And if you’re a student, this is something you should be aware of. Though 3 or 4 USB-C connections may suffice for some, an HDMI port is required for interconnection with a projector or an external monitor. You may also want a few USB-A ports to connect your old gadgets, such as an external mouse.

If your laptop lacks a webcam, you could find it difficult to participate in a virtual conference. It’s uncomfortable to view the individuals you’re chatting to using an external webcam or your phone. Some laptop models don’t come with a built-in camera, so keep an eye out for those.

A laptop with an audio port is also beneficial. When listening to music or conversing with people, your wired headphones will provide clear and sharp audio. However, if mobility is more important to you, you may acquire the connectivity you need with a USB hub with an audio connector.

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8. Display: If you’re like the majority of us, you’ll likely spend hours each day looking at your laptop screen. As a result, choose a laptop with a bright, easy-to-read screen. Keep in mind that shinier displays tend to reflect ambient light, so keep that in mind. Also, keep in mind that touch screen laptops have a glossy screen, so consider the benefits and drawbacks.

Screen resolution is also crucial, depending on how you want to use your laptop. A full HD screen measures 1920×1080 pixels. This will provide excellent image quality as well as plenty of space for your windows to be visible.

Finally, while looking at laptop screen possibilities, it’s a smart option to visit a computer store and see them in person. Technical specifications do not always accurately reflect the actual customer experience.

9. Future Expandability: If you intend to maintain your computer for the duration of your academic career, gadgets that allow you to upgrade its components should be considered. You can’t expect to update a laptop’s CPU or graphics card. However, having the ability to update the RAM and storage is always a plus.

This manner, if you need to install more demanding software in the future, you can expand its capabilities. Adding a stick of RAM to your computer might sometimes help it operate quicker. If any of these components break, you can replace them rather of purchasing a new gadget.

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10. Software: When you get a new laptop, it usually comes with Windows, macOS, or Chrome OS pre-installed, but that’s about it. To make your computer genuinely functional, you’ll need productivity tools and more, and an office suite is a must-have for every student.

While Google’s office suite is free, it is frequently used online. Consider Microsoft Office 365 or one of the many Microsoft Office alternatives if you want to enjoy a more stable offline experience. Furthermore, many offer student discounts. Canva is another useful student software. While it’s free to use, you may save money on the pro version by enrolling in their student program.

11. Keyboard: You’ll need a laptop with a comfy keyboard if you plan on typing for lengthy periods of time. You don’t want to acquire a keyboard with every key imaginable because this might lead to a bad overall user experience when looking for certain keys like the arrow or delete. A keyboard with a comfortable layout, full-sized keys, and some space surrounding the arrow keys is ideal. When you let off of the keys, they should have enough travel on the downstroke and fast response.

Check to see whether the keyboard is lighted as well. On the surface, it may appear to be a minor point, but illuminated keys make it a lot easier to visualize when typing in low-light situations.

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12. Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi): This is a wireless networking technology that enables connections to the Internet for computers, smartphones, and other devices. It is a trademarked phrase for  IEEE 802.11x standards.

A laptop’s Wi-Fi speed should be taken into account while purchasing it. A laptop that supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), or Wi-Fi 6E, an extension of the regular Wi-Fi 6, is recommended for quick internet connectivity, though Wi-Fi 6E is not currently present in all devices.

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13. Hard drive: This ought to be viewed as the brain of every device, much as the Central Processing Unit (CPU) is regarded as the heart of every gadget. This is because all permanent computer data is kept on the hard disk.

The hard drive or hard disk is an electromechanical data storage device. There are three common types of hard drives: the Solid State Drive (SDD), the Hard Disk Drive (HDD), and the Solid State Hybrid Drive(SSHD).

In choosing a laptop, it is crucial to understand the kind of hard drive that is appropriate for the activity you wish to complete. However, it is advised to choose an SSD-equipped laptop over an HDD-equipped one since this will ensure a quicker laptop with three times the speed.

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Conclusion

It’s alluring to acquire the laptop of your dreams. Getting the greatest laptop money can buy is a no-brainer if you (or your parents) have significant funds. After all, computers are long-term investments that can last for many years.

If you’re on a budget, though, you’ll have to prioritize which features are most essential to you. Do you think mobility is more important than screen size? Or are you looking for a device with a long battery life? Consider your course, activities, and way of life. From there, you’ll be able to choose which laptop is ideal for you.

Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka ACMC

Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka, ACMC, is a lawyer and a certified mediator/conciliator in Nigeria. He is also a developer with knowledge in various programming languages. Samuel is determined to leverage his skills in technology, SEO, and legal practice to revolutionize the legal profession worldwide by creating web and mobile applications that simplify legal research. Sam is also passionate about educating and providing valuable information to people.