What is important when choosing a laptop? Choosing a laptop - how to buy a good laptop. Average price range
Are you planning to buy a laptop and don’t know which option from those on the market to choose? Due to the huge selection of laptops from different manufacturers and models on the market, it is not so easy to choose the most suitable one.
It should be noted that if your knowledge in the field of electronics is, to put it mildly, not very good, then the question of how to choose a laptop and what to pay attention to will be very difficult for you. To solve this problem, we suggest you use our recommendations. In this article, you will find out which laptop is suitable for work and which for gaming or watching movies.
First of all, you should not choose a laptop only by the brand name, focusing on its advertising and popularity, since a lot depends on its technical characteristics.
Choosing the right format
The very first step when choosing a laptop should be choosing the screen diagonal. If you have not yet decided which diagonal will suit you, stop your gaze at the 15.6-inch model range. All of them have the greatest versatility, so they are perfect for both office work and entertainment in the form of games, watching movies or photos. This format is classified as medium; in addition, there are small-format models with a diagonal of 10-13″ and large-format (17-19″).
Previously, all these models were equipped with a device for reading CD discs, however, recently, in order to reduce the cost of their devices, many manufacturers have refused to install disc players in budget models.
As for the standard set of connectors, as a rule, laptops are equipped with 2-3 USB ports, D-Sub (VGA) and/or HDMI video outputs and an RJ45 network port.
When you are thinking about how to choose a laptop for use not only at home, but on business trips, at school, etc., it is better to take a closer look at models with a 13-inch screen diagonal. The dimensions of the device allow it to be carried even in a regular bag. However, when this format seems large to you, you can choose a smaller format model: 10.1″, 11.6″, 12.5″. These options are optimal for daily commutes to work, as well as for travel.
It should also be said that for the small size of the device you may have to pay for low performance, weak hardware and inconvenience when using stationary.
The next format will be devices with screen diagonals of about 17.3″, 18.4″ and more. This type of gadget can rightfully be classified as the most massive and heaviest. Devices are mainly purchased by companies for stationary office use. Due to their heavy weight and low battery life, they are not suitable for moving long distances, but the large screen diagonal is ideal for office work.
Based on the above, we can say that if the choice of a laptop is not based on your specific preferences, devices with a diagonal of 15 inches will be most acceptable for you.
Laptop families
Before choosing a laptop, you also need to determine what tasks you need it for. To make it easier to choose a device, their manufacturers divide laptops into families: multimedia, universal, gaming, business, and ultrabooks. Typically, each family has laptops of various formats. Therefore, after you select the screen diagonal, you can determine which laptop and from which family will suit you best for your tasks.
Laptops for movies and music
Multimedia laptops are characterized by a striking design, including glossy surfaces, with a large number of color options and patterns). In addition, they have high functionality, which is enough to perform a wide range of tasks (watching videos, taking photos, listening to music, etc.).
As a rule, such models have a large number of configurations, and their cost can be completely different. Regarding the hardware of the device, to perform the simplest tasks you will only need an entry-level processor and a discrete video card.
Laptops for gaming
As for fans of computer games, their choice of laptop should be a device with an advanced processor and a powerful video card, thanks to which they can play their favorite games at the highest settings. Such laptops are characterized by the presence of a powerful cooling system, an optimized keyboard with durability, backlighting and additional options. In addition, they are equipped with high-quality gaming acoustics.
Laptops for work
Business laptops, as a rule, have an inexpressive and calm design (matte surface, gray or black body color, as well as strict outlines of the body). The vast majority of these devices do not have additional multimedia elements (volume control and playback controls). The emphasis in such devices is on the strength of the structure, which can withstand loads during constant use. In addition, the devices are equipped with an ergonomic keyboard and a set of connectors for use in the corporate sphere.
Ultrabooks
As for ultrabooks, their main difference from other varieties is high performance and excellent battery life. They are thin and light weight. Today, the market offers models with diagonals from 11.6 to 15.6 inches. Laptops have an exquisite design, using inserts made of carbon fiber, glass and other materials. Practice shows that the main buyers of such laptops are wealthy people, people who want to show others their high position in society and respectability. However, it is worth noting that thin device cases do not allow placing a discrete video card in them, so a built-in video accelerator is installed in the processor.
Universal laptops
In addition to these varieties, there are also a wide range of universal laptops on the market that can be used equally for work and study, and you will decide for yourself which laptop to choose.
Laptop configurations
So, you have decided which laptop is good for you in terms of format and device type, then you will need to decide on the specific hardware configuration. This is the most important stage in choosing a laptop, since its power and operating speed will depend on the components inside the laptop.
Here you can go one of two ways: meticulously study the characteristics of modern laptops, or, if you have enough money, opt for the most expensive configuration. The second option will bring you a very powerful processor and a powerful video card. In addition, you will have at your disposal the best-capacity hard drive and a wide range of communication interfaces.
True, anyone who does not have enough money or is looking for a way to save on buying a device should pay attention to a number of factors:
CPU
What type of processor is used in the laptop. At the moment, the most current processors on the market are Intel Core i5 or AMD A8. If your budget is limited, Intel Core i3, Pentium or Celeron, as well as AMD A2/A4 are suitable for you.
Video card
If a good processor accelerator from Intel or AMD is built into the video card, this will significantly reduce your financial costs, and thanks to discrete adapters from ATI and NVIDIA, you will be able to play games that require large resources.
WI-FI and Bluetooth
Are there wireless modules such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth? As practice shows, almost every laptop is equipped with a Wi-fi module. As for Bluetooth, not every device can boast of having it, but not all users need it.
Connectors on a laptop
The presence of a large number of nests. You need to choose a device with the number of USB ports you need, as well as a card reader and HDMI for connecting to LCD TVs.
operating system
Is there an operating system installed on the laptop, and which one? It often happens that if a laptop belongs to the budget class, then manufacturers often install Linux or MS-DOS on it. This makes the device cost a little less. It's no secret that a licensed Windows OS costs a lot of money. And installing a pirated version of the software threatens criminal liability, so few office equipment sellers will do this. The best option would be to buy a laptop without the Windows operating system installed and install it yourself after purchase.
RAM
The amount of RAM is very important; it should be said that there is never too much RAM and the more RAM the device has, the faster it will work with various software. If you don't have enough RAM, neither a fast processor nor discrete graphics can help you out. Today, taking into account the large amount of different information, the minimum amount of RAM should be 4 GB. If you buy a laptop for gaming, video processing or working with graphics, then at least it should be at least 8 GB.
HDD
The same applies to disk memory, since the larger the hard drive of your laptop, the greater the amount of information it can store. Therefore, the minimum amount of hard disk space should start from 250 GB. It is typical that laptops with SSD-type solid-state drives work much faster than their peers with HDDs, but they have a higher price and limited capacity.
Battery and battery life
The battery is another very important parameter that you should pay attention to when choosing the best laptop. This means that the larger the capacity it has, the longer the device will work while away from the power source. True, the battery capacity greatly affects the weight of the equipment, and the larger it is, the heavier it is.
The type of matrix will also be important. True, the overwhelming majority of budget and mid-price range models use TN+Film matrices with viewing angles of 90-160°. Of course, the ideal option would be an IPS or MVA matrix (178°x178°), but you won’t see the first one very often, and the second one will be very expensive. The weak side of the TN+Film type matrix is the small viewing angles, unlike IPS or MVA 178° by 178° matrices, and also the fact that their quality can be very different. The advantage of IPS or MVA matrices is excellent color rendition and full RGB color depth - 8 bits per channel (24 bits). This ensures a large number of colors and their shades, as well as increased brightness and contrast. Therefore, experts recommend testing it thoroughly before purchasing any laptop in a store. For these purposes, ask the seller to show you various pictures on the screen. After this, turn off the laptop and after a 10-15 minute break, ask to run special software to check the matrix for dead pixels. For these purposes, you will need to carefully examine all the colors, but this is the only way you can identify dead pixels.
It is worth noting that if you really like computer games and are buying a laptop just for gaming, you will be better off looking at desktop computers, since they have higher performance and a more reasonable price.
Having looked through the most popular sites and online stores, and read the comments of experts regarding a particular laptop model, you can easily decide on the most suitable option. Moreover, regardless of your budget.
When choosing a laptop on an online store website, go to the laptops section and first select only those parameters that are critical to you. For example, the diagonal and minimum size of the hard drive. This filter will allow you to immediately remove products that do not suit your needs from display. After that, sort the products by popularity and rating and read reviews and comments.
The laptop has already moved from the category of luxury to the category of necessary things, just like a mobile phone once did. What should you pay attention to when buying a laptop, what parameters? You are buying a laptop computer that will be convenient to carry with you. The compactness and lightness of the laptop will be important to you, and only after that its configuration.
Ergonomics
Manufacturers offer ultra-thin models, thin, standard and special-purpose laptops. What lengths do manufacturers go to ensure that the laptop is the thinnest and most compact? First of all, little-used peripheral devices, such as a DVD/CD drive, are removed, and the latest energy-saving technologies are used. The logic is simple: the more technologically advanced the device, the more compact it is, the less it heats up and the less space the cooling system takes up.
Thin and light gadgets are designed for those who use a computer not in the office, but in a car or airplane. These could be journalists, businessmen, emergency services employees whose activities require mobility. Thin laptops are very elegant and therefore loved by girls. The laptop should be stylish, just like you, so you should pay a lot of attention to its appearance.
In a computer store
When you come to the computer salon, look at the shelves and mark the laptop that you liked the most. Listen to what the manager tells you about him. If you look only at the price list when purchasing, you can buy an expensive but unpresentable laptop.
What criteria to pay attention to when choosing a laptop
Mobile processor differs from a desktop processor with lower power consumption and advanced energy-saving technologies that extend battery life. The essence of energy-saving technologies is that, when powered from the mains, the computer works at full capacity, and in offline mode - at half capacity or even less. The majority of laptops are powered by an Intel processor. Its competitor AMD also has suitable options, but they run fewer devices. The standard processor has 4 cores. The more cores and their frequency, the better, but batteries can be used up faster.
When asked how much should be random access memory, a counter question will arise: why? If you want to work in Windows 10 64bit and heavy software packages, then you need at least 8GB of memory. If there is a shortage of it, the programs will start, but will work very slowly, and the operating system will create . In this case, the HDD motor will rotate all the time, wasting battery energy. You can buy an inexpensive laptop with a memory capacity of 2-4GB and buy additional memory for it separately.
IN laptop video system monitor included. Ultraportable laptops typically have 12-14 inch screens, while regular ones have 15-19 inches. Visually choose the most suitable size for yourself in terms of ease of use and compactness. As a rule, laptops are purchased to solve office problems.
You should pay attention to the power of the video card only if you are going to play modern 3D games (simple toys and online games will almost always work). But I want to warn you that a powerful gaming laptop will be too expensive. In addition, due to overheating during gaming, laptops often fail. Therefore, it is better to buy a computer with a powerful video card just for gaming. If there is a slot for an external video card, it is easier - it can be replaced.
Energy consumption does not depend on the size of the hard drive, so it should be as large as possible. Choose a hard drive with a capacity of 500 GB or more, this is quite enough for average needs. Laptops use 2.5″ hard drives with reduced power consumption. Solid-state hard drives (SSDs) will provide sharp results, but their capacity is smaller and they cost much more.
Network adapters allow you to connect to a corporate network, transfer files to your hard drive, print documents on a network printer, and access the Internet. A Wi-Fi wireless adapter is required in laptops. But there may not be a network card for a wired connection with an RJ-45 connector, due to space saving. Today, a wired connection is rarely used, and then mainly by technicians. But the built-in 4G modem can pleasantly simplify life when you use the mobile Internet. If you don’t have a modem, you’ll have to buy one separately and carry it with you.
It is important to have slots for reading flash cards(SD, microSD). Even if you do not use such cards, you may have to read information from other people's memory cards. Also pay attention to a sufficient number of USB ports. There should be at least two or three of them.
Modern laptops may also have additional interfaces, for example connector. Check the availability of eSATA and USB 3.0 connectors for connecting high-speed devices, if you have them.
Additional features, such as a webcam with a built-in microphone for use in Skype, Viber, Whatsapp, a fingerprint scanner, a digital S/PDIF output for connecting to a digital receiver - if any of this is needed, then do not forget to check, then it will be too late .
Important for every laptop battery life. Inquire about actual battery life beyond what's listed in the specs and see if it's right for you. Please note that this time will decrease over time.
Advice: don't buy used laptops. They often break down or are sold already repaired or with dead batteries.
For dessert today, a video about a jumping man
A laptop is an item of daily use, used at home and at work. Are you thinking about purchasing a laptop, but are unsure which model is right for you? There are many options on the market, in different sizes, colors and with different functionality, which makes it difficult for us to choose. This article provides tips on how to choose the right laptop to suit your needs.
First of all, make sure that the laptop has the features you are looking for. If you haven't owned a laptop before, it may be a good idea to buy one, so let's take a look at how it can benefit you.
Compared to a desktop PC, it has its advantages (and disadvantages):
- Thanks to its compact size, you can take the laptop with you on trips, just don’t forget to take the power supply.
- They are offered at more attractive and competitive prices.
- Many laptops have the same functionality as personal computers. There are inexpensive models for home that can replace a PC.
- They take up much less space and can be easily carried.
However, there are some disadvantages - they can be easily stolen if you do not take care of their safety during the trip. Their charge only lasts for a few hours and therefore they need to be charged. Over time, the hardware of any computer becomes obsolete and, most likely, in a few years you will have to upgrade. If in the case of a desktop computer you can replace some component yourself, then in a laptop, even to fix the most minor problem you have to contact a service center and pay for repairs.
Budget for purchasing a laptop
The budget should be determined in advance. Before you start looking for a laptop, you need to determine how much you plan to spend on it.
There is a huge variety of laptops on the market in every price range, so set your limit to narrow down the models you're looking for. Determine which features are important in a laptop and compare them to your budget.
If you choose a laptop only for working with email and surfing the Internet, then this model will cost less.
If you plan to run games on your laptop, you should consider models with a discrete graphics card. It should be remembered that the more powerful the video card, the more expensive the laptop will cost. When considering video cards, you should definitely find out the processor characteristics.
You should also decide which operating system is preferable for you - Linux, Windows or Mac OS. Her choice, obviously, depends only on you, but there are several nuances here:
First of all, you should choose one with which you are familiar. If you have previously used one operating system and are accustomed to it, it will be easier to work with it than to master a completely new one for you. Just don't let your first system become your last, so you need to find out the minimum hardware requirements for your preferred OS to run properly.
Choose the operating system that will meet your requirements. You may need programs that your OS does not support, but know that you can run them through an emulator, for example, the VirtualBox utility.
If you are just starting to learn computers, you can choose a system that is familiar to family members or friends and who can help you understand a particular issue. Otherwise, you will need to contact a service center.
OS
Which operating system is better to choose is up to you, and to make it easier for you to make your choice, here are some tips.
Linux OS. Some new laptops come with Linux pre-installed when purchased. Don’t rush to change it to Windows, get familiar with it first, maybe it will better suit your requirements. The Linux operating system is freely available, as are hundreds of programs and applications with it. With the WINE application, you can run Windows programs on a Linux system. The application allows you to run programs, just like in Windows. Linux is virtually immune to threats from viruses. This is an ideal choice for children because there is no need to pay for it, the programs are freely available and are practically not susceptible to virus attacks. The Linux Mint version looks and runs like Windows, and the most popular is the Ubuntu version.
Mac OS can cost more than the laptop on which it is installed. Its biggest disadvantage is the price. However, it is ideal for iPhones, iPods and iPads. This system is relatively easy to use, has received many positive reviews, and is also less susceptible to virus threats. It is also possible to run some Windows programs through emulators.
Main types of laptops
Before buying, think about what size laptop you should choose, which option is preferable for study and work. There are three main types of laptops based on their size and weight - netbook, general purpose laptop and desktop. Although they are all laptop computers, the size has an impact on their features, which can decide your choice.
A netbook is a more compact portable laptop with a screen diagonal of 7 - 13 inches. Its advantages are that it is light, thin, compact and inexpensive. But its functionality is limited, and therefore is mainly used for working with email services and surfing the Internet, since it is endowed with a small amount of memory. They also have limited ability to run modern applications. If you have a question about how to choose a laptop for the Internet, then in our opinion, a netbook is the best option for leisure and work on the global network. According to student reviews, this is literally an indispensable device for studying.
A laptop with a screen diagonal of 13 - 17 inches, has a medium weight and is equally thin, but is equipped with a large amount of RAM. Decide what kind of power you are looking for in a laptop, its amount of RAM and screen size. Among them you can find models with good functionality at an inexpensive price.
The desktop has a screen diagonal of 17 inches. It is more massive, has good functionality and, as a rule, stands on the table instead of constantly taking it with you. But still, this is a mobile computer and its weight is not a big problem for some users.
Resistance to damage
Ask yourself whether it is better to choose a model with a metal or plastic body. Today, the choice of case is a very important issue, and besides, the mass of laptops with a metal or plastic case is practically the same. When it comes to durability, it is definitely better to choose one with a metal body. But you should still consult with the seller, because there are also combined cases made using composite material.
If you need a laptop for work or often take it with you on business trips, you need to choose a model with additional protection.
If you work in difficult conditions, then the best option is to choose a Toughbook type model. These laptops are quite expensive, but they work in extreme conditions - they can withstand high and low temperatures and have excellent shock protection.
Options
Now a few words about how to choose a laptop based on its parameters and what to look for. If you have included several models in your list when choosing, you should compare their characteristics.
Collect information about the processor. Higher quality laptops that process information faster are equipped with Intel, AMD, or AMR processors. You won't find them in cheap netbooks or budget laptops. The performance of your laptop computer depends on the power of the processor. Therefore, if your budget allows, it is better to choose a model with a more powerful processor.
The size of the hard drive is practically irrelevant as long as it is able to accommodate the operating system, programs and necessary data. But if you want to save money on external media, the capacity may not be enough to store collections of photos, videos, and more. True, it can be replaced with a larger one, but only at a service center. The speed of reading data from the hard drive also affects the performance of the laptop. It's important to keep in mind that the faster the hard drive, the more power it requires.
Solid-state drives (SSDs) offer much greater efficiency, are quieter, use less battery power, but have much smaller capacities (usually 30 to 256 GB), and certainly aren't cheap. If you're looking for a laptop with good performance, an SSD will do the trick, but you'll have to buy an external hard drive to store photos, videos, and more. Of course, if you are not limited by budget, but having an SSD is the best option.
Decide how much RAM you really need. More RAM can be tempting, as manufacturers increase it in order to hide the poor quality of the processor. Also, if there is too little RAM, it will not be enough to run all applications. In general, the more RAM, the faster the laptop will run. Typical RAM sizes range from 1 to 4 GB. It is better to choose a model with a memory of 3 GB or more. A laptop with 4 gigabytes of RAM will be ideal, but you should make sure that the operating system is 64-bit.
If you plan to run games, then you need a good video card. The laptop should have a discrete graphics card, preferably with dedicated memory for 3D games, although this is not necessary for most games. It should be remembered that powerful video cards consume more energy.
Check the availability of USB ports so that there are enough of them to connect a mouse, printer and other external devices. Check for a memory card slot.
You should check if you have an optical drive. If you plan to burn CD/DVD discs or install programs from them, make sure you have a DVD drive. Some laptops also have a Blu-Ray drive. If you work with multimedia, then it is better to choose this type of drive rather than DVD.
Learn about screen resolution. The more pixels, the higher the cost, but also the better the image quality. Screen visibility in sunlight also follows.
Check the Wi-Fi to make sure the laptop can easily connect to the internet wherever you want.
Check your keyboard. Pay attention to whether the keys and their click feel are comfortable. The same applies to the mouse.
Also, if you find it difficult which laptop to choose, you should seek advice from people who know about this model, look at user reviews, ask questions on forums, etc. We hope our advice will help you choose the right model that meets your requirements.
For many, the cost of a laptop plays a decisive role, while important parameters are overlooked. As a result - regrets after the first days of operation. At the same time, even a famous brand and a high price do not guarantee that you will get what really suits you. Often, even with a huge selection, users are forced to make compromises just to match a couple or three important parameters.
Therefore, first of all, you should decide for what purpose you are purchasing a laptop computer. The size and resolution of the screen, processor, video card and amount of RAM will depend on this.
1 For a non-gamer, any processor will do
The most common formulation of the problem is a machine for working with documents, multimedia and surfing the Internet. For these purposes, it is suitable with average performance and an integrated video card.
When choosing a model, many users are guided by the low price of the device, losing sight of the fact that the computer has an outdated processor with low efficiency. At first, the low-power heart of the computer will demonstrate acceptable speed in office applications and when surfing the Internet. However, as soon as Windows runs an update, virus scan, or simple copying of files to an external drive in the background, the machine turns into a prehistoric turtle.
The Intel Core i5 and i7 CPU models will allow you to have some reserve in computing power - they are used in powerful workstations and. Also, on sale you can find laptops with Ryzen 5 processors from AMD, which have good built-in graphics on board, which are approximately on the same level as the GT 1030.
2 The higher the screen resolution, the better
Recently, manufacturers have been actively exploiting the trend of screens with 4K resolution (3840×2160). In our opinion, it is a mistake to succumb to marketing traps and pay attention to such offers in portable devices. The fact is that the human eye already has difficulty distinguishing pixels on a 23-inch monitor with Full HD resolution from a distance of 40 cm. At 17 or 15 inches, you definitely won’t feel an increase in picture quality. At the same time, a 4K monitor will demonstrate too small elements of the Windows interface and programs, which will only cause discomfort.
It is worth considering that more detailed graphics display in 4K takes resources away from the video card and CPU. Therefore, the optimal screen resolution for a laptop is 1920x1080. If you want more, connect your computer to a large UHD monitor and enjoy the ultra-detailed picture on it. Here's an option for 27,000-30,000 rubles. with an FHD matrix and an Intel Core i3 processor it is quite enough for most needs.
3 Instead of HDD you need to take SSD
Many manufacturers, trying to win the competition, save on additional slots in laptops by installing only one data drive. By choosing such a model, for example, with a fast SSD, you risk being left without a system and without personal data.
The option with one HDD is also not very preferable, because... This type of media today demonstrates very low data exchange rates. Your system will boot slowly, and applications will be irritatingly slow to launch and process data. Therefore, when choosing a device, give preference to a dual disk system SSD + HDD.
Many models have such a “sweet couple” - for example, this one Acer ASPIRE 3:
4 The more RAM the better
This principle is suitable for desktop systems designed to work with complex graphics (including 3D) or for gaming PCs/laptops. Currently, this component is very expensive, which means that extra memory will significantly raise the price tag on a laptop. For office work and surfing the Internet, it is advisable to have at least 4 GB of RAM.
For graphics and games, 8 GB is enough. Complex tasks may require 16 or even 32 GB of RAM. In the latter case, it is important to have and . Before purchasing, ask how the memory is installed - one module or two in equal parts, i.e. in dual-channel mode, which slightly speeds up data processing.
Laptops with good characteristics and memory of 8 GB or more cost from 50,000 rubles.
5 You definitely need a discrete video card
You should not succumb to this axiom and spend extra money on additional power that you will not use in everyday tasks. First of all, answer yourself the question: do you intend to play resource-intensive games on your laptop or process very complex graphics, especially 3D. If not, then for all other purposes the power of the Intel Graphics chip will be more than enough. And you can save a lot on this, because... models with an integrated video chip are significantly cheaper than their counterparts with an additional video module from NVIDIA or AMD.
This one is quite decent HP 15-bs170ur with Intel HD Graphics 5500 you can get it for less than 20,000 rubles.
6 Two USB ports are enough
Another “disease” of many ultrabooks is the limited number of interfaces. Don't underestimate the laptop's capabilities. The ease of working with media and external devices depends on their number. Therefore, when choosing a laptop, give preference to models with 3 or more ports. This will allow you to connect a wireless mouse, keep an external drive connected, and at the same time use flash drives and peripherals with a wired connection.
As for the rj-45 network port, its presence is desirable, but not required. In the modern world of ubiquitous wireless data transmission and control via Wi-Fi, you can do without this port. You won't find it on most ultrabooks. In case of emergency need to connect to the network via cable (twisted pair), you can separately buy a USB Ethernet adapter (about 800 rubles).
7 The main thing in a battery is capacity!
The desire to make laptops thin has led to the fact that they are increasingly using built-in batteries. The specifications indicate only the battery capacity and operating time on a single charge. But the sellers prefer to keep silent about the fact that the battery is built-in.
This design solution has a number of disadvantages: in particular, the battery can only be replaced at a service center, and you can’t take a spare one on a long trip. In addition, if the laptop is stored for a long time without recharging, it cannot be disconnected from the laptop in order to avoid critical discharge.
Therefore, if possible, choose models with a removable battery pack- in addition to the higher capacity, this option has another huge advantage - it can be replaced with a compatible cheaper analogue if it wears out after 4-5 years.
8 Aluminum body is cool
In terms of appearance, the aluminum body really looks modern and prestigious. In addition, metal emphasizes the strength and reliability of the structure. In practice, the aluminum lid and edges of the laptop will eventually begin to collect scratches and burrs, unless you wrap it in a silicone bumper.
A plastic case (if it is high-quality plastic) better withstands accidental impacts and will hide minor scratches. In addition, it is not susceptible to dents on the flat part, which is very critical when carried every day in a soft case.
How to choose a laptop according to parameters
The technical characteristics (parameters) of the laptop, which can be seen in the store next to the price tag or in the online store - in a special field, will help you choose the ideal laptop for home, work or play.Pay attention to the type and frequency of the processor in the laptop
The main component in any laptop or computer is the processor; the speed of operation, as well as energy consumption, will directly depend on it (more powerful processors require more energy for stable operation). The leaders in the processor market are two well-known companies (we think you are also familiar with them): Intel and AMD. In principle, there is not much difference between them; each processor from one manufacturer or another has its own advantages and disadvantages. Processors from Intel are a little more expensive, while processors from AMD are a little cheaper. However, our personal experience shows that Intel processors work a little faster, and in an experiment that lasted for 5 years, they also showed that they are capable of ensuring proper operation of the computer after such a period of time. The same cannot be said about laptops that had AMD processors.
If your choice falls on laptops with Intel processors, we recommend choosing new types of processors, such as Core i7, Core i5 or Core i3. If the manufacturer attracts AMD, then choose the types: Phenom II, Turion II, A6, A8 or A10. Of course, such laptops will be a little more expensive, but you should take into account the fact that computer technology is developing very quickly, so the old model will become obsolete in a year, not only in the moral sense, but also in the physical sense - it will not be able to quickly perform new, more complex tasks.
RAM
Many buyers are mistaken when they believe that RAM is the main characteristic of computer performance. In a sense, this is true, however, RAM (random access memory) will do nothing to improve the performance of the computer if all other parameters are at the lowest level. In addition, you should take into account that RAM can always be added to the computer, because RAM is a small board that is easily inserted into a special connector located under the bottom cover of the laptop.
Hence, choose the laptop that has the least amount of RAM but still has the most potential. For example, only 2 Gigabytes will be inserted, but the motherboard allows you to increase the RAM to 16 Gigabytes. Thus, you will significantly save money when purchasing, or choose a laptop with a more powerful processor, which, by the way, cannot be replaced (at least not as simple as RAM).
If you are purchasing a laptop for work, then it must have at least 2 Gigabytes of RAM. If you are interested in a gaming laptop, then you will need at least 4 Gigabytes, since modern games are very demanding in terms of the technical characteristics of the computer (in our case, a laptop).
By the way, if you have problems installing RAM on your laptop, you can always!
Choose a larger hard drive size!
For those who choose a laptop for home or for gaming, we recommend that you place special emphasis on the size of the hard drive, since all the information you downloaded will be on it. For gamers, a hard drive is important because good, beautiful and realistic games always take up a lot of space on the computer (a game alone weighs up to 20-30 Gigabytes), and this does not take into account the installation files, which will also take up 10-15 GB ( if we are talking about downloading games from the Internet).
At home, a laptop is a universal thing; it is a cinema, a game console, a music center, and a device for accessing the Internet. In addition, several people often use a home laptop. Now just imagine how much information one such device should hold... That's right, a lot!
If you want some innovations in your laptop, then we recommend using an SDD (solid-state drive) instead of a regular HDD. This device differs from the one we are used to in that the speed of file transfer between partitions and folders increases several times. In addition, SDD is more resistant to damage. However, the price of a laptop with such a hard drive will be slightly higher!
When choosing a laptop for gaming, pay attention to the video card
When trying to choose a good gaming laptop, you should first pay attention to the type of graphics controller (or, in simple terms, video card). There are three types of graphics controller in laptops:
- Built-in (the module is built into the system processor);
- Discrete (the video card is a separate device);
- Built-in and discrete.
However, if games are of particular importance to you, or you devote a lot of time to working in graphical environments, such as Photoshop programs, then we strongly recommend that you buy laptops with a discrete graphics controller. It is also pleasant to watch 3D movies on such laptops, as the image is of very high quality.
The third type of graphics controller is very rarely seen on laptops, but they exist. The essence of this type of work is as follows: when working with office programs, only the integrated video card is turned on, and when launching complex graphics (games, films, graphic editors), a separate video card is turned on. This operating principle helps reduce power consumption, which means increasing the battery life of the laptop.
Screen size, dimensions and weight are of great importance
Many buyers forget why they are buying a laptop and therefore choose a model that does not suit their lifestyle. For example, if you are going to use a laptop from time to time while traveling or transport it frequently, then in this case you need a model that will take up a minimum of space, and at the same time this will not affect performance. Therefore, you need a screen with a diagonal of less than 15 inches, the weight should not exceed 2 kilograms, the thinner the device, the better, the surface should not be glossy so that it does not get scratched during transportation. By the way, at this moment many people ask themselves the question: “ Should I choose a netbook or laptop?", for me the answer is obvious - laptop only, since a netbook has a lot of limitations, and if so, then it’s better to take a tablet or smartphone with a large screen, then there will certainly be a minimum of problems with weight and size.
If trips are very rare, then we, on the contrary, advise you to focus on the parameters of the laptop in terms of technical characteristics. In particular, it is better to take a laptop with a large screen - it is more convenient to work on it, play games, and watch movies. Don’t worry about the weight of the laptop; in any case, it will stand on the table, and if you decide to sit on a sofa, chair or bed, we recommend purchasing a special stand. Since holding even a light device on your lap is not very convenient, in addition, the stand will protect the laptop from dust, and your knees will not be hot from a heated computer (they get very hot during prolonged use).
Is laptop operating time important to you?!
Very often, the price of a laptop changes depending on the power of the battery, that is, it depends on how long the laptop can work without electricity. If you are going to use your laptop while traveling or in places where there is no power outlet, then we strongly recommend that you choose a model that has the maximum operating time without recharging. Believe me, this is a very important point for tourists or people working on the road. Sometimes it is better to give up processor power or hard drive capacity, but the computer will work longer. When choosing a laptop based on battery life, in addition to technical specifications, always read real reviews on the Internet. For example, there are a lot of laptops that, according to technical specifications, should work for more than 8-9 hours. In practice, we have not encountered models that managed to work more than 4 (at an average level of activity). Therefore, it will not be superfluous if you immediately purchase a second battery, which you will always have with you if you go somewhere (naturally, it must be charged).
If the laptop will be used most often at home, then we do not recommend paying extra money for a powerful battery. By the way, over time, any battery can lose its properties if the laptop is constantly kept plugged in.
Installed operating system
The operating systems that are installed on the laptop upon purchase deserve a separate discussion. Let's say right away that we recommend buying laptops without an operating system included. Even though most laptops today are sold without an OS, such cases do occur. Let's explain our position:
- Some not entirely honest stores themselves install operating systems on the computer (not always licensed ones), and then increase the price of the laptop for this.
- When an operating system is supplied from a manufacturer, these are often not the best OS options, for example: Windows Home or Windows Basic, etc. That is, the systems are in some sense incomplete.
- Some stores specifically install Linux operating systems on laptops so that users want to reinstall on the familiar Windows OS.
- A considerable part of factories install Linux distributions on laptops as a standard, since they are free.
By the way, if you need it!
Wi-Fi wireless communication module is a very important modern feature. Previously, to access the Internet, you needed wires, but now you can connect to the Internet without them, just buy a Wi-Fi router (or router) and have a device with a Wi-Fi module (in our case, the device is a laptop). Just imagine how convenient it is - you can move around your apartment (house) with a laptop, absolutely wirelessly. Use the Internet in any room and even on the street (near the house), if your router has such a strong signal.
In addition, wireless Internet is available in some public places (airports, cafes, bars, clubs, etc.). After all, you’ve probably already seen signs that say Wi-Fi. Perhaps today all this seems unnecessary to you, but in a year or two, you yourself will no longer be able to live without such a convenient tool as Wi-Fi.
Using Wi-Fi, you can not only access the Internet, but also send documents to a printer for printing, transfer files to mobile phones or computers, and you can also connect HD receivers and HD players via Wi-Fi. And do all this absolutely wirelessly!
Bluetooth
Of course, Bluetooth technology has lost its former glory and relevance, but the need for this interface will never disappear, since using Bluetooth you can connect phones, smartphones, keyboards, computer mice and much more. Radio communication is carried out at a distance of 10 meters (roughly speaking, this is enough for several rooms).
If you want to purchase a wireless keyboard for your laptop, then the Bluetooth interface will be very useful - it will save you from wires and from purchasing separate adapters. For me personally, Bluetooth is convenient because I can always connect my MP3 player via it and add new tracks to my music library.
3G support
If your laptop has a built-in wireless modem that supports 3G technology, then this laptop model is clearly very fashionable, since third generation cellular networks are not yet fully developed in our country (exists only in large cities). However, the time is not far off when 3G will be in every locality, which will be able to provide you with high-speed Internet access anywhere. Therefore, if you are buying a laptop for 5-10 years or your city already has 3G, then we strongly advise you to pay attention to laptops with 3G support.
Which laptop to choose
Now let's decide on specific laptop models. Since we do not know your budget allocated for purchasing a laptop, we have presented you with 3 different models that have different power and are designed for different tasks. Choose the one that in your opinion is the best (in terms of price and quality).Sony VAIO VPC-F23M1R
- Processor: Intel Core i5;
- The laptop processor frequency is 2400 MHz;
- RAM: 4096 MB;
- The laptop hard drive has a size of: 500 Gigabytes;
- Screen diagonal 16.4 inches;
- Graphics controller chipset (video card) NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M;
- Laptop weight 3 kilograms;
- Price: $1,100.
Lenovo IdeaPad Z570
- This model can have three types of processor: Core i3, Core i5 or Pentium;
- Processor frequencies range from 2200 to 2500 MHz;
- RAM from 4096 to 6144 Megabytes;
- Hard drive from 500 to 750 gigabytes;
- Discrete graphics controller: NVIDIA GeForce GT 525M, NVIDIA GeForce GT 540M or NVIDIA GeForce GT 630M;
- Laptop weight 2.7 kilograms;
- Price: ~$800.
ASUS K55DR
- AMD A6 processor;
- Laptop processor frequency 2700 MHz;
- RAM 4 Gigabytes;
- Hard drive: 500 GB;
- Laptop screen diagonal: 15.6 inches;
- Video card: AMD Radeon HD 7470M;
- Laptop weight 2.6 kilograms;
- Price: $700.
Summing up our article today, we would like to once again focus your attention on the fact that you can’t save money on buying a laptop, because later its parts will no longer be able to be updated, or it will be very expensive, that is, absolutely unprofitable (it’s easier to buy a new one).
