Contents
Tips To Know Before Purchasing A Laptop
Selecting a laptop to purchase is akin to choosing your partner-in-crime –– whether you’re looking to play around, do serious work, or a little bit of both, purchasing a laptop is one of the best tools around. Unfortunately, the process of buying a laptop isn’t something that’s often clear cut. There seem to be too many different laptops to choose from with no single ‘best’ ranked laptop, as each user has their preferences. Hence, we’re here to provide prospective buyers with several steps to follow before considering which laptop to buy. Here’s where you can buy electronics singapore.
Select Your Preferred Platform
The majority of laptops have either one of the major three operating systems: Chrome OS, Windows, or macOS (for MacBooks). Though it boils down to personal tastes, here is a quick wrap-up of what each platform has to offer.
Windows is by far the most flexible OS, running on more laptop models than either Chrome OS or Mac OS X, and is home to a diverse array of notebooks ranging from just under $150 to a few thousand dollars, and offers features from fingerprint readers, touch screens, to dual graphics chips. Plus, with the recent release of Windows 10, Windows can boast of several improvements: such as being able to switch between desktop and tablet modes, a powerful Cortana digital assistant, a new and improved Start menu, stylus, and being able to search email using your natural language. Hence, it’s no surprise that Windows 10 is so popular with business users, gamers, researchers, and students!
All MacBooks currently come with Apple’s latest operating system: the macOS Catalina. Though it provides users with similar functionality to Windows 10, Catalina offers a fresh interface that features an application dock and Siri, instead of the Windows start menu and Cortana. Furthermore, Apple users can unlock functions by purchasing the Apple Watch and Apple Pay, which allows them to perform financial transactions, and access calls or texts from their phones. Whilst the macOS comprises the touchscreen ability, macOS Catalina can bring iPad applications, secondary iPad display support, and new accessibility developments over to the MacBook.
As compared to heavy players Microsoft and Apple, Google’s OS is refreshingly simple and secure –– but way more limited than its competitors. Though the user interface looks similar to Windows, the main application used is the Chrome browser. Despite many of the ‘web applications’ used don’t work particularly well offline as of now, Chromebooks are now improving to run Android applications. Chromebooks are an affordable option for the mainstream user, and are particularly popular with schools and parents, as their durability makes it harder to infect with malware. If you decide to purchase a Chromebook, choose one with at least 4GB of RAM and 16GB of storage, a 1920×1080 resolution, and in 4K.
Deciding If You Want a 2-in-1 Laptop
Most PC laptops are hybrid devices. This means that they can alternate between the original clamshell mode, a tablet mode, and other modes such as a stand or tent mode. 2-in-1s often come as detachable with screens that are removable from the keyboard, and flexible laptops that can bend 360 degrees when changing. Each type of 2-in-1 laptop offers a different experience: detachable cater towards providing users with a tablet experience, whilst bend backs offer more of a laptop experience.
Choosing The Correct Size
Before jumping into the prices or specs, decide the extent of the portability of your new laptop. Laptops come in a range of display sizes, with each size catering to a certain type of need. Laptops from 11 to 14 inches are generally thin and light, providing users with a perfect balance between portability and usability. 15 to 16-inch laptops are the most popular amongst users who want a large screen and aren’t carrying their laptops around much. 17 to 18-inch laptops are perfect for users who want laptops with powerful processors to play resource-guzzling games, or workstation productivity.
Know Your Ergonomics
If you’re planning to use your laptop often, ensure that the keyboard provides solid feedback, adequate key travel of 1 to 2mm plus adequate typing space between the keys. Remember to look out for an accurate touchpad whilst you’re at it –– you want to avoid jumpy cursors and overly-sensitive multitouch gestures. Remember to purchase a laptop that has a pointing stuck between G and H for business laptops –– this would allow you to navigate the starting page with minimum fuss.
How To Choose The Right Specs
There are several main components to keep a note of. The CPU, RAM, Storage Drive, Display, Touch Screen, Graphics Chip, Ports, Connectivity, and DVD/Blu-ray Drives.
Finding the Right CPU
Known as the “brains of the computer”, choosing the right CPU can play a significant role in your laptop’s performance. For example, the Intel Core i9 processor enables faster and stronger performance than any other chip and is exclusively available on premium workstations, laptops, and high-end gaming rigs. On the other hand, the Intel Core i5 has a good balance of both price and performance –– suitable for the everyday mainstream user.
RAM
Though there are some $250 laptops that come equipped with just 4GB RAM, you’ll need to get a laptop with at least 8GB of RAM. 32GB is more than enough, and those with 64GB are reserved for power users.
Storage Space
How your storage drive performs might be of even greater importance than the CPU. If you don’t require large storage space, consider getting a laptop that has a solid-state drive (SSD) over one with a hard drive. It’ll help your laptop run at a speed three times faster than a normal hard drive.
Display Screens
The higher the number of pixels, the more content can be displayed, and hence the sharper and sleeker it will look. Though most laptops have a measly 1366×768 display, we recommend spending that extra dollar for a 1920×1080 display, otherwise known as Full HD, or 1080p. Do remember to check the quality of your display as well –– we want to look for an RGB color rating of more than 100%, and brightness above 300 nits results.
Graphics Chip
For the everyday mainstream user that does not play PC games, do high-resolution video editing or render 3D objects, an integrated graphics chip would work just fine. There are low and high-end graphic chips: low-end gaming or workstations have the Nvidia MX250 or GTX 1650 GPUs, whilst mid-range laptops have RTX 2060 or 2060, and high-end models have RTS 2070 or 2080 GPUs.
Presence of Ports
Though the presence of ports is not a decisive factor when purchasing a laptop, it’s helpful to at least get the required connections for your system, rather than having to slog around external dongles. Whilst the majority of mainstream laptops currently have USB 3.0 ports and HDMI out for the video, an increasing number of laptops have begun adopting USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 ports. Purchasing a laptop with Type-C is a must, as you’re able to connect to universal chargers and docks. Other useful ports include headphone jacks, Ethernet (if you’re a gamer), and SD card slots.
Strong Connectivity
We live in a time where being digitally connected 24/7 is a need, not a want. We recommend purchasing a laptop with Wi-Fi 6 support, which offers increased theoretical throughput and a stable connection. Plus, you might want to check out Bluetooth 5 too –– it offers even better connectivity with Bluetooth-enabled smart devices, such as headphones.
Battery Life Is Important
You must find a laptop with at least seven (ideally at least eight) hours of endurance so that the device can last through your usage. To double-check the laptop’s battery life, look for third-party results from objective sources.
Budget Wisely
Whilst you’re able to purchase a functional laptop for under $200, spending that extra cash would let you get a device with a higher build quality, stronger performance, and sharper displays. Ranging from $150 to $250 would be the Chromebooks or low-end Windows systems such as the HP Stream 11 –– these are suitable as secondary computers or given to kids. Most people take laptops from $350 to $600 with respectable specs and memory space; however, these don’t come with an SSD, long battery life, or full HD display. Notebooks above $600 are adorned with premium designs and are both portable and powerful. High-end gaming devices and workstations can cost up to $3,000.
Conclusion
Don’t forget that your laptop is only as reliable as the company that is behind it! You might want to gravitate towards notebooks made by 2020’s reigning champions Apple, Razer, and Dell. Do take into consideration the different areas you want to focus on –– be it design, value, price, performance, speed, etc –– and have fun choosing the laptop of your dreams.