Planning to buy a new laptop? Here are the 10 things you should keep in mind!

Making the decision to upgrade your computer and buy a new laptop is not something to be taken lightly. Not only does it come costly, but it also affects your professional and personal life, in the long run, because our laptops have become a crucial part of our everyday life. The big importance of  that decision makes the process of making it harder and even more confusing. We -at Yajny- recognize that and understand it, which is why we have made you a list of things to keep in mind while picking out your new laptop so this way you will have a better ability to filter your choices and limit your options.

1. Your Budget

This may not have been on the top of your list of priorities, but this point is of crucial importance nowadays. This is due to the huge gaps found currently between laptop prices as they range from thousands to tens of thousands. Therefore, before you start your laptop hunt, you should have a specific budget in mind which you can not exceed.This way, you won’t blindly purchase a laptop over your budget and don’t know what to do about it later. Because we all know, buying used electronics even if one day after purchase cuts a big part of their prices. So you better stay on the safe side and stay within your budget.

2. Your usage

Your usage needs and pattern take a huge role in deciding which laptop to get. For example, if you need the laptop for standard office work, such as using the Microsoft Office programs, surfing the internet, or managing a database, then you’ll need a laptop with a strong processor, high RAMS and flexible keyboard. However, you won’t need a device with a high graphics card or a large internal storage space.

On the other hand, if you need a laptop for basic entertainment purposes such as browsing the internet or watching online videos, you will need a device with a medium process, a large internal storage space, and a high-resolution screen.
However, if you are an online gamer or you will be using your laptop in any sort of media production where you use Photoshop or video editing programs, then you will need a laptop with special features. In such case, your laptop must have an extremely strong processor, very high RAMS, and of course, a high-resolution screen.

3. Size and weight

A lot of people don’t consider this point before purchasing a laptop and then end up regretting it. Because the weight and size of your laptop play a huge role in your comfort while using it.
Thankfully, most companies now produce laptops in all sizes and weights. You can find devices as light as a feather with a 10-inch screen, and you can find laptops with screens as wide as 21 inches. The average laptop size varies usually from 13 to 16 inches.

You also have to keep in mind that there’s a strong relationship between the laptop’s size and its hardware and price. For example, it the device is small and light yet has strong and advanced features, such as Ultrabook, its price is going to be quite high. However, if you want a small device with mediocre potentials suitable for just surfing the internet or using social media channels, you can find it at a more affordable price.

4. Operating Systems

As we all know, Windows is the most popular and most used operating system worldwide as it meets all the possible needs of its users. Especially if you are a gamer since Windows is the only operating system that supports all types of games.

However, Windows is not the only operating system out there, there are a lot more systems that are gaining recognition every day, here are a few:

Mac OS: Mac OS is the operating system that is used in and exclusively supports Apple devices. All Apple users around the world find it easier and more convenient to use as it is quite advanced and capable of meeting all types of usage needs, except in gaming, of course. Mac OS supports all Apple devices, from Air Mac Pro.

Linux: Linux is a free and open-source operating system, and it is actually one of the most used open-source operating systems in the world. In fact, Android itself is powered by Linux. The way it works as a software is that it acts the middle man between all the other software on your computer and the hardware, which makes it especially favorable by most developers and tech enthusiasts.

Chrome OS: Powered by Google, Chrome OS is specialized mainly in office work and finalizing procedures online. The devices that support Chrome OS tend to be usually lighter and cheaper your average laptop. However, something to keep in mind is that if you don’t have access to fast internet, you won’t be able to enjoy most of its features.

5. Hardware

Of course, considering the software does not mean ignoring the hardware specs. In fact, while looking for a new laptop, one of the most important things to keep in mind is the device’s hardware features, such as the processor, RAM, internal storage, and battery.

Something you probably already know is that the higher the processor gets, the better. Take it as a general rule through your laptop hunt. Intel’s new generation multi-core processors will give you better performance and less battery consumption compared to older generations or other productions. Also, a laptop with high RAMS will make your device’s performance faster and more efficient.

As for the internal storage space, of course the bigger it gets, the better and more advanced your device will be as it not only grants faster performance, it is also highly convenient on the long run. But of course the bigger the storage space gets, the more expensive your device will gets, the same goes for high processor and RAMS.

On the other hand, batteries don’t need to play as huge a role in your laptop making decision. Because, the battery life doesn’t only depend on the battery size -although important-, it depends on the processor’s generation and operating system of the laptop. So, sure, try to get a laptop with a large battery, but don’t make that your most crucial priority, because not only is it not that important, it also makes a huge price difference.

6. Graphics Card

First thing first, you should know that graphics cards and processors in laptop computers are weaker than those of desktop computers. Although, they play the same role in both devices, those of a laptop are produced weaker in performance than those of a desktop computer depending due to the difference in consumption needs and hat insurance.

Now a graphics card should and probably is your first concern while buying a new laptop if you are a professional online gamer or work in media production. This is why it could be quite a confusing process to decide on a device. You can get some help through professional graphics cards comparison websites to analyze the difference between the different types of graphics cards and their features, we -at Yajny- highly advice with the GPU Boss graphics card.

However, if you are neither a gamer nor a visual artist, then built-in graphics card, such as Nvidia or AMD should work just fine with you.

7. Screen Resolution

The size and resolution of your laptop’s screen are huge factors in you feeling comfortable while using the device. The higher your screen resolution is the more fun and easier on the eyes it gets, especially if you will be using this laptop in a lot of gaming or watching movies or shows. So make sure you look for a device with a high-resolution screen so you don’t end up regretting your purchasing decision.

8. Hybrid Computers

Hybrid computers are the computers that exhibit features of both analog computers and digital computers. Most companies have started producing Hybrid computers starting with Microsoft’s Surface until Google’s Chrome Book. Hybrid computers are considered to be perfect for regular and basic office work, surfing the internet, and watching online videos because they’re lightweight and easy to use.

9. Company & Model

Do you ever find two identical laptops, the same features, the same abilities, but there’s a huge price gap between them because of the difference in model and production company? That’s because the make and model of your laptop actually make a difference, it is not just for show.

For example, you can find two devices with the same features, but one of them is made of plastic and the other is made of metal, or the keyboard or touchpad are made of different materials in one of them. These are the kind of things that could subtly change from one model to the other, and also cause their prices to be different.

We also can’t ignore the post-purchase services and technical support availability which differ from one company to another. Your laptop insurance coverage is something you paid good money for, so make sure you pick a company that provides an official technical support center in your city, or at least county. Otherwise, you will have paid your money in vain.

10. Reviews

Other people’s reviews and evaluations can play a huge role in your decision-making process because it gives you a clear vision of the laptop’s user experience from the user’s perspective, not the manufacturer. You easily check the reviews of your wanted device through Google or YouTube, all you need to do is type (the name of the company + the laptop’s model + reviews), and you will find hundreds of reviews, comparisons, and evaluations on your future laptop. This way, you will be able to get a clear picture of all the pros and cons of your wanted device based on a real user experience which will give you a big nudge towards making your purchase decision.

Now, you are ready to make that big decision and pick out your new laptop with a rested mind. All that is left to do is enjoy it!