Buying guide: How to choose a laptop in 2021?

Buying a laptop is not an easy task. Depending on what you need it for, there are certain aspects that you need to consider. No matter if you need a high-quality laptop or one that is not as multi-featured, you still need to take into account its operating system, design, and technical proprieties before deciding.

Whether you are a student or a full-time worker, laptops are more convenient thanks to their portability, flexibility, and ease of use compared to desktops. Nowadays, laptops have become even thinner and less heavy, without losing any of their benefits in terms of features or battery life. But with so many on the market and tech companies constantly designing new ones, how can you know what laptop to choose to fit your budget and preferences?

From the software, interface, processor, or storage space of a laptop- we will be looking at all of them to help you decide what matches your needs most.

Decide on the operating system

The operating system software of a laptop, or any device, is the communication pathway between the user and the hardware. The OS of your soon-to-be laptop is in charge of running and executing all the laptop tasks. Moreover, it is the interface of the device, meaning that the laptop's display will be different depending on the type of OS and the availability of apps and programs. So how do you know which OS to choose?

Windows OS

It is the most common OS as it can run on most devices. Most workplaces or educational institutions choose to work with Windows to allow for broad compatibility with other software applications. What's more, there is a low probability that a person has never used a device with Microsoft OS, so it might not be new, uncharted territory for you either. It is familiar, easy to use, and straightforward. You also have many more options of laptop providers to choose from, as this OS isn't assigned to only one type of laptop. If you are a gamer, this might be the preferred choice as it has been used for this reason for many years, and it focuses on gaming availability. In terms of privacy issues, Windows 10 OS users have expressed their concerns regarding data collection. As a response to this, Microsoft revealed the type of data Windows 10 collects and that the reason behind it was to improve the OS. Although transparency is vital, it isn't enough. In order to tackle this, the company created the Windows Diagnostic Data Viewer.

Mac OS

If you are an Apple enthusiast, then chances are a MacBook is your preferred choice for laptops. Like any Apple device, the company's laptops run on an in-house specific operating system. Mac OS is entirely made to work on Macbooks. Such exclusivity can mean reliability and fewer technical issues. Also, if you value minimalistic design and are looking for a more friendly interface, this could be your choice. Additionally, it is the go-to option for creatives, so if that is your area of work or study, you might find a match in Mac OS. If you haven't used it before, it is crucial to consider this OS has an entirely different interface. Nevertheless, given that Mac OS doesn't have compatibility with other software or apps, the device running this OS might encounter issues. For instance, you might have downloaded an app that is incompatible with Mac OS and is working in the background. This issue is able to freeze the screen of your laptop or desktop until you remove the app in question from the "Login Items" list.

Chrome OS

Similar to Mac OS, Google's Chrome OS solely operates on Chromebooks. Being a newcomer, it doesn't have a solidified fanbase as the operating systems mentioned above. Chrome OS has a different focus, as you cannot run apps such as Adobe or Microsoft Office on a Chromebook. On the other hand, it operates similarly to the Chrome web browser, only using online apps. Google Drive works well on it, so if you don't need many programs, a Chromebook is an inexpensive and helpful choice. As it doesn't run many apps, its battery is long-lasting compared to other laptops. Since it is still relatively new and with unusual features, some privacy issues occurred on Chromebook due to a bug that could expose user location. However, this article has more information on how to protect yourself from this bug by disabling the guest account feature, so that your privacy is protected. to: However, you can protect yourself from this bug by disabling the guest account feature, so that your privacy is protected.

Technical talk

For many, when it comes to technical features, this can be overwhelming, and some people don't even pay enough attention to them. While the tech assistant at any electronics store is usually a savior in helping you choose a good laptop, it might be a good idea to understand the different features laptops can have. This way, you will be better equipped to decide on a laptop that is most suitable for you and is within your budget.

CPU

You might've heard about CPU before but are unsure of what it means. The central processing unit is ultimately the brain, or the engine, of the device. So, it only makes sense you give proper attention to it, as it executes particular instructions.

You should choose the processor depending on the reason why you need a laptop. If you are looking for an inexpensive device to only check emails and use social media instead of any demanding tasks, then you won't need to spend too much on a laptop. In this case, a dual-core processor is enough for what you need. On the other hand, if you need more processing power for university assignments or work, then you should look at a CPU with four cores or above. The more core processor the laptop has, the better suited it is to perform. The recommendation is to choose it depending on the intended usage of the laptop.

Memory and Storage

This is an important aspect when buying a laptop, as no matter why you need a laptop, you will need it to have enough storage for your files. The RAM, or random-access memory, is essential for your device's performance. For a laptop to work well, it is recommended it has at least 8GB RAM memory and 16GB for higher performance.

When it comes to the laptop's storage space on the hard drive, 256GB is the general suggestion. If you need more, there are so many cloud storage apps that will allow you to store all types of files without worrying about deleting or moving them to an external hard drive. You might not need too much storage space, to begin with, in which case a Chromebook might be the preferred choice.

Match the needs to your budget

Now that you have the information you need to decide, it is vital you don't forget to stick to your budget. If you are a business owner or student who is comfortable using a laptop that operates as a web browser, Chromebook is the inexpensive, reliable, and energy-saving choice. On the other hand, if you have a higher budget and you need the laptop to have more features, you might want to choose a device running on either Microsoft or Mac OS with high processing power.