The Best Laptops

When picking the right laptop, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, you want to ensure it has the processing power and memory you need to run your favorite applications and be able to multitask. If you’re a gamer, you’ll want to focus on laptops with powerful graphics cards and high refresh rates. Powerful graphics cards and high refresh rates are a must for advanced games. With many laptops reasonably priced, you can get the right product to suit your needs.

A place to start is with an Intel processor, 16 or more gigabytes of RAM, and 500 gigabytes on a terabyte SSD drive, available for $650.00 and up. Another important consideration is battery life. Look for laptops with long battery life, ideally around 10 hours or more. Having a failure while you are working on an important project is the last thing you want to happen.

Laptop Displays

Screen quality is also crucial. Be sure the laptop you choose has a display with good color accuracy and adequate brightness. If you plan on using it outdoors or in brightly lit environments, look for a laptop with a matte finish or anti-glare coating to reduce reflections. Size matters, so choose the correct screen for your specific needs. Some examples include editing graphics, watching movies, drafting, high-end gaming, or tasks like answering emails, banking, etc. Most laptops today have decent screen resolution. A typical laptop will have at least 1366 x 768 on a 15-inch display or possibly 1600 x 900 on a 17-inch screen. My 15.6-inch Display is capable of 1920 x 1080.

But don’t forget, if you are a gamer, the screen is not your only concern; it will also depend on the integrated video interface within that particular laptop. Lastly, regarding the laptop screen, many manufacturers offer touch screens, which may be helpful in some applications.

Memory and Storage

Not all laptops can support the memory you may require. The memory you can add depends on the operating system, CPU, and mainboard architecture. That is why you need to check the maximum RAM upgrade the model you choose will support. This way, upon purchase or in the future, you will not find that you cannot upgrade your laptop. In today’s market, I recommend an SSD drive. It is easy to find laptops with 500 to 2 TB hard drives today at reasonable prices.

Windows S mode

Operating system flavors are up to you. Some information I can provide regarding Windows S mode may help you decide your operating system choice. Windows S mode is a more secure version of Windows. Windows S mode only allows app installations from the Microsoft Store. Everything you do gets automatically saved to OneDrive. Edge and Bing are your only default options; however, you can install another browser from the Microsoft Store. It is a more secure operating platform, so the decision is yours.

Physical Concerns

More factors to consider when searching for the perfect laptop. A lightweight and slim profile will make it easier to carry around campus, while a sturdy build quality will ensure it can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Does it have all the ports that I need, such as an Audio Jack, Display Port, Mini Display Port, DVI Port, Ethernet Port, HDMI, SD Card Reader, Micro SD Card Reader, USB, USB-C, USB Micro, Thunderbolt, and VGA? Not all laptops have all these ports. If you have a specific need, be sure what you decide on has all the ports you need.

Conclusion

When shopping for a laptop, it’s a good idea to balance performance, battery life, screen quality, design, and price. Do your research, read reviews, and visit stores like Best Buy or Apple to get a hands-on feel for different laptops before deciding. I recommend HP laptops for value, performance, and support.

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