What to Look for When Buying a New Laptop - 5 Key Things to Consider Before Purchasing

Hey there readers! Welcome to yet another article. We are surrounded by technology, and the speed at which technology is growing and expanding is sometimes overwhelming and hard to keep up with.

By the time you buy a new device and get to grips with it, they're already advertising the next big thing out there; keeping up with this insane trend is not just expensive but is often impractical.

Therefore, in this article, we will try to bring you up to the pace when it comes to upgrading your old, worn-out laptop, and buying a new one. Whether you are a power laptop user always looking for the hottest and most powerful machine out there, a tired gamer wanting to get rid of that laggy piece of crap on your lap, or just another average Joe looking for the latest yet affordable laptop to use, this article is for you.

So, power up your processors, boot up your operating systems, sharpen your cursors, and let's click our way to laptop procurement glory.

Know Your Needs

The most important thing to consider before even planning to buy a new laptop is to ask yourself what it is that you want to achieve with your new device; what you actually need it for; and how much you are willing to pay for your ideal machine that suits your needs and requirements. Some of the key things that you must work out before buying a new laptop include the following:

• Workload, and nature of work - Manufacturers of laptops and smart devices often create multiple models with varying specifications, features, and facilities to suit the various work and technical demands that a consumer might have. Working out exactly how you would use your new device would help you save time and a lot of money in the long run.

• Know your performance objectives - Depending upon the nature of your work, hobbies, or profession, the performance requirements vary from person to person. Having a clear understanding of which performance parameters are important to you will not only make the selection process for a new laptop easier but will also help you find a device that will serve your needs for years to come.

Know your Budget

After you have successfully worked out your needs and requirements, the second key step before buying a new laptop is to work out how much money you are willing to spend on the new machine before buying it.

The ideal thing to do is to work out which components of your new laptop are essential and which components and features are the ones that you are willing to sacrifice if the machine you want does not fit the bill when it comes to your pocket size. Sure, you want to buy something new and fancy that is up-to-date and attractive. However, you may find yourself saying, “Do I really need that extra camera? Or those 2 additional USB type-C ports?”. When faced with such a situation, we recommend that you first clearly understand what you’re getting in terms of price versus value.

How much does a particular feature or add-on mean to your practical machine usage? Once you work out a list of must-have features versus a maximum threshold of money you're willing to pay for those features, finding your ideal new laptop becomes a lot easier.

Know your Ideal Specifications

When it comes to technical specs, there is a whole lot that you need to consider, and you might find yourself in a situation where you just can't see why one device that has seemingly all the same features and specifications, costs more than the other. Do not despair, we have you covered. When it comes to technical specifications, here are a few that you must know and work out before you can even hope to find your ideal new laptop.

• Which operating system are you comfortable with? As a laptop user, you may enjoy using Windows or Mac, but this simple consideration also impacts the price tag that your new device will hold. Since you are accustomed to using a particular OS, migrating to a new one, even on the most advanced and highly-priced machine, would leave you puzzled and frustrated. So, be careful and choose a machine that supports the OS you like.

• How much processing power do you really need? We recommend choosing a processor with enough power to provide you with a smooth, multi-layered, high-quality user experience, whether offline or online. You don't need to worry about the various models, generations, and minor capabilities that differ among processors to do this. All you need to consider are two things. First, your processor should be able to support the latest OS, software, games, and graphics. Secondly, it should have stable physical as well as virtual cores, and ideally should be fast and should not heat up too much no matter how long you use your device or how much processing load they have to handle.

• How much is storage capacity ideal for you? When it comes to storage capacity, you must consider how much primary storage is enough to effectively manage your users and data. You need to find out which combination of primary storage and RAM will not only fit your budget but will also guarantee the fast and smooth operation of your machine.

• Add-ons and features. Almost all companies provide built-in accessories and devices to further attract customers and, in doing so, make you spend more money for minor differences.

Know Your Options

Now you're all set to go online and check out the various options that coincide with your needs, price, and specifications. We recommend compiling a list of possible models and manufacturers and comparing them side-by-side to find out the best fit for you before actually going to the market.

Don't Get Star-struck

You have done all the maths, you have compiled a list of possible best-fit laptops, and now it's just a matter of choosing one of those possible options. We recommend that you choose the one that has the best value for you and avoid getting starstruck by advertisements, promotions, and sales reps. The last thing you want is to buy a high-end gaming laptop that you use just for PowerPoint presentations and vice versa.

The Bottom Line

So there you go, a list of 5 key considerations and practical steps you can follow to find your ideal laptop and save hundreds of dollars and valuable time in the process. We hope this article helps you find that all-important device you love to carry around with you instead of your friends because it doesn’t judge you and doesn't nag at you all day long. As always, we will see you again in the next article. May the force be with you!