Choosing the perfect laptop can be a daunting task, given the myriad of options available in the market today. However, with careful consideration of your needs and preferences, you have the power to find the ideal laptop that suits your requirements. We hope this guide will empower you to navigate the morass of modern laptops with confidence.
How do I know which laptop is best?
Before discussing the specifics, it’s essential to identify your primary use case for the laptop. Are you a student looking for a portable device for note-taking and research or a professional in need of a powerful workstation for intensive tasks? Determining your intended usage will not only narrow down your options but also provide a clear direction, making the selection process more manageable.
Pick Your Operating System
The operating system (OS) you choose for your laptop has a significant impact on your user experience and software compatibility. The three most common operating systems are Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS. Windows offers versatility and compatibility with a wide range of software, while macOS is known for its seamless integration with other Apple devices. Chrome OS, on the other hand, is lightweight and optimized for web browsing and cloud-based applications.
Considering a Graphics Card for Your Laptop
Every laptop comes equipped with a graphics card, also known as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), albeit in varying configurations. Most laptops integrate the graphics card into the motherboard alongside the processor, a setup referred to as “integrated graphics.” For the average user, integrated graphics suffice, enabling smooth HD video playback and casual gaming. By understanding these technical aspects, you can feel more informed and confident in your decision.
However, if you’re a gamer or frequently edit videos, it’s advisable to opt for a laptop with a discrete graphics card. Unlike integrated graphics, discrete graphics cards are separate and significantly more powerful. Leading manufacturers like AMD and Nvidia dominate the market for laptop graphics cards.
Intel-based laptops commonly feature Nvidia graphics cards from the GeForce line, typically Max-Q variants. Max-Q cards are optimized for power efficiency, representing a laptop-friendly iteration of Nvidia’s desktop GPUs. These cards bear names like GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q, denoting their performance level. While newer generations offer enhanced performance, they may compromise battery life to some extent. Despite being approximately 15 to 25 percent less powerful than their desktop counterparts, Max-Q cards deliver ample performance for gaming and video editing tasks.
On the other hand, AMD’s GPU lineup, known as Radeon, encompasses a wide range of options, from high-end Vega and RX cards to the R-series cards, which mirror the Ryzen naming convention. Within the Radeon lineup, higher numerical designations signify greater performance, with the Radeon R9 outperforming the R7 series, which, in turn, surpasses the Radeon 5 series in terms of power and capabilities.
When selecting a laptop, consider your specific usage requirements and prioritize a graphics card that aligns with your gaming and content creation needs.
How Much Processing Power Do You Need?
The processing power required for your laptop largely depends on your typical usage patterns. For everyday tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and light photo editing, we suggest opting for a laptop equipped with an Intel Core i5 10th-generation processor or later. You’ll typically encounter these processors labeled as something like “Intel Core i5-10350U.”
If your budget allows, upgrading to an Intel i7 chip can provide a noticeable boost in performance, resulting in a snappier user experience. However, it’s essential to note that higher-powered processors like the i7 may lead to shorter battery life, so it’s crucial to strike a balance based on your usage needs. Gaming enthusiasts or those engaging in resource-intensive tasks may prefer laptops equipped with i7 or even i9 chips, while an i5 processor is generally sufficient for less demanding activities.
Similarly, for users considering AMD processors, the Ryzen 5000 series offers ample performance for everyday computing tasks. However, upgrading to the Ryzen 7000 series can provide an additional performance boost, albeit at the expense of battery life.
We advise against opting for Intel Core i3 (or AMD Ryzen 3) chips, particularly when running Windows 11. In our testing, laptops equipped with these 3-series chips exhibited frustratingly slow performance, often accompanied by loud fan noise. While suitable for Chromebooks and minimalist Linux setups, Windows users are better served by opting for Intel i5 or Ryzen 5 processors to ensure a smoother computing experience.
Understanding Processor Names (CPUs): Intel, AMD, and Apple
Understanding the processor, also known as the CPU or chip, is crucial when selecting a laptop. There are two primary manufacturers of consumer laptop processors: Intel and AMD.
Intel Processors
Intel offers a range of processors, including the Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, and Core i9. While the Core i3 is the entry-level option, the Core i9 stands as the most powerful. Typically, Intel’s processor names omit the “Core” label for brevity. Intel had plans to introduce a new naming convention using the term “ultra” to denote the most advanced client processor, but this hasn’t been widely adopted yet. For instance, a “Core Ultra” processor theoretically offers superior performance compared to a standard Core chip.
Deciphering Intel’s processor names involves understanding the numeric and alphabetic codes. For example, in “Intel Core i7-1455U,” the “14” signifies the generation (in this case, the 14th generation). The subsequent numbers, such as “55,” indicate performance levels within that chip line, with higher numbers denoting greater power. The letter at the end, such as “U,” denotes the chip’s intended purpose—for laptops, options include Y for battery efficiency, U for power efficiency, H for performance, and HX for desktop replacement.
AMD Processors
AMD’s chip naming conventions are similarly complex. For instance, in “AMD Ryzen 5 8600X,” the “8” represents the generation, while the subsequent numbers denote performance levels. The letter at the end, such as “X,” indicates high performance, with other designations like U denoting ultra-low power for improved battery life.
In practical terms, the performance disparity between Intel and AMD chips is negligible for everyday tasks like web browsing and document editing. However, AMD chips often outperform Intel counterparts in graphics-intensive tasks due to superior integrated graphics performance.
Apple Processors
Apple utilizes its processors, such as the M1, M2, and M3, in MacBook, iPad, and iPhone devices. The naming conventions are straightforward, with higher numbers denoting newer and more powerful models. Within each chip line, variations like Base, Pro, Max, and Ultra cater to different performance needs.
Understanding these processor specifications will help you make informed decisions when choosing a laptop or other devices.
How Much RAM?
Random Access Memory (RAM) is essential for multitasking and overall system performance. When choosing a laptop, consider the amount of RAM required for your typical usage scenarios. For basic tasks like web browsing and word processing, 8GB of RAM is sufficient. However, for demanding tasks such as video editing or gaming, opt for 16GB or more for optimal performance.
How Much Storage Space?
Storage space is another critical factor to consider when choosing a laptop. Solid-state drives (SSDs) – offer faster boot times and application loading compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). Determine your storage needs based on the size of your files and applications. A minimum of 256GB SSD is recommended for most users, but you may opt for higher capacities if you work with large media files or software.
What Kind of Screen?
The display is your window to the digital world, so choose wisely based on your preferences and usage scenarios. When selecting a laptop, consider factors such as screen size, resolution, and panel technology. For productivity tasks, a Full HD (1920×1080) display with IPS technology provides sharp visuals and wide viewing angles. Gamers may prefer higher refresh rates and lower response times for smoother gameplay.
Check Your Ports!
Ensure that the laptop has an adequate selection of ports to accommodate your peripherals and accessories. Common ports to look for include USB Type-A and Type-C ports, HDMI, Ethernet, and headphone jacks. Additionally, consider the presence of legacy ports such as VGA or SD card readers if you require compatibility with older devices or media.
Webcam and Other Worries
With the rise of remote work, and virtual meetings, the quality of the webcam and microphone has become increasingly important. Evaluate the webcam resolution and audio quality to ensure clear communication during video calls and conferences.
Your laptop needs to come equipped with a webcam. Surprisingly, even in 2024, there are laptops available without them. Many laptops feature 720p webcams, especially those in the lower price range. While this resolution is acceptable for occasional use, if you rely heavily on video conferencing tools like Zoom, you might find a 1080p camera more satisfying.
Another critical aspect to consider is the laptop’s hinge. Assessing this can be challenging when purchasing online. If feasible, visit a local store such as Best Buy to physically handle the model you’re eyeing. Attempt to open it with one hand; this seemingly trivial action can become quite bothersome if your laptop needs this capability.
There are additional factors worth pondering. Can you comfortably carry it with one hand? Will it endure the rigors of daily commuting in a backpack? Consider the size and functionality of the trackpad—are the buttons conveniently positioned, and does the layout suit your preferences? Take note of any unconventional keyboard layouts that might affect your typing experience.
Ensuring your laptop meets these criteria will enhance your overall user experience, whether you’re attending virtual meetings or tackling everyday tasks.
Additionally, consider other features such as keyboard comfort, battery life, and build quality to enhance your overall user experience.
Make Your Choice
Armed with the knowledge of your requirements and the essential factors to consider, you’re now ready to choose the right laptop that meets your needs. Take your time to research, and compare different models, read reviews, and seek recommendations from friends or experts if needed. Remember to prioritize features that are important to you and weigh the trade-offs between performance, portability, and price. With careful consideration, you’ll find the perfect laptop that enhances your productivity and creativity.
Where to Purchase Your Laptop
One of the most challenging aspects of buying a laptop is navigating through the various purchasing options available. Unfortunately, there’s no one-stop-shop for finding the perfect laptop—it’s always a bit of a hunt. You can opt to purchase directly from the manufacturer’s website or explore major retailers.
Manufacturer websites, such as HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, Samsung, and Dell, can sometimes be overwhelming, especially when each possible configuration is listed separately—a practice that most manufacturers adhere to. On the other hand, many retail websites employ pricing strategies that may seem deceptive. For instance, Lenovo often lists inflated “list” prices but offers perpetual discounts on their products. Thus, it’s wise to shop around. Even if you ultimately decide to purchase from the manufacturer, it’s worthwhile to compare prices on platforms like Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg, and B&H.
When comparing laptops, pay close attention to details and carefully review the specifications listed on each page. Ensure you’re comparing models with the same specifications, such as RAM capacity, to make an accurate comparison. As someone who frequently hunts for deals to share with WIRED readers, I find it beneficial to jot down the desired configuration on paper and cross-reference it with each store’s listings to verify consistency.
Additionally, don’t overlook the importance of warranties. Having a warranty in place provides peace of mind in case of unexpected issues. Warranty options vary widely depending on where you purchase your laptop. Personally, I’ve had positive experiences with warranties from both Lenovo and Dell. However, it’s essential to note that not all warranty services are created equal—I’ve heard mixed reviews about Microsoft’s warranty service. Comment here.