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Laptop Buying Guide
We know that when you’re picking out a laptop it can be tough. There’s so much to think about, how do you know you’re getting the right one? That’s where we come in! Our useful buying guide will take you through all the different types of laptops, their features, and their functions to make sure you find the perfect one for you.
Things to know
Resolution
A screen’s resolution is made up of thousands of tiny dots called pixels, and more pixels means better images. You’ll want a high resolution if you use your computer to play games, edit videos, or watch movies. But for basic stuff like work, social media and online shopping, a low resolution option is all you need.
Refresh Rate
A laptops refresh rate tells you how many new images (or frames) they can draw every second. 60Hz is equal to 60 frames per second, while serious players usually opt for 144Hz or higher. The faster a refresh rate is, the more frames it can draw per second. That gives you a much smoother picture with much more realistic movement. It’s an advantage in games like shooters and sports where reaction time is really important.
Input
Input is a techy name for the ports on your computer. There’re a few different types for sharing data, sending audio-visual info, or even charging up your phone. It’s always worth checking which ports your devices have, so you’ll have no trouble connecting them.
Processor
The processor is your computer’s brain – it’s what makes apps and hardware tick.
It does all the clever stuff to make your computer work, and tells things like your RAM and storage what they need to do when you use them. You’ll need a powerful processor if you want to run lots of things at once. But for email and web browsing, a less powerful one will do the trick.
Storage
Storage is where your computer saves apps, files, and all the data it needs to work, including the operating system. There are a few kinds of storage to choose from, and they all come in different sizes. Some start up and load apps really fast, while others have lots of space for saving big files.
RAM
Your computer's short-term memory is also known as RAM. It stores all the info that your apps need to work properly when you launch them. If you just want to send emails or do some shopping online, you won’t need as much – 4GB of RAM is enough to handle the basics, while 8GB is ideal for multitasking. But for more demanding apps and games you’ll want 16GB or 32GB of RAM, while 64GB and up is usually only needed for professional video editing and 3D modelling work. Apple also has their own type of RAM called Unified Memory that lets the processor and graphics card access the same resources for a more streamlined experience.
Battery
Battery life gives you an idea of how long your laptop can run from a full charge without needing to be plugged in again. It keeps you connected on-the-go and runs more smoothly when it doesn’t desperately need recharging. What you’re doing on the computer has an effect too, for example streaming videos uses more juice than editing a doc. The longer the battery life, the more freedom you’ll have from cables.
Operating system
Operating systems are essential for making your computer tick along smoothly, looking after jobs like managing files, running apps, and connecting with any external devices. They keep everything running seamlessly and working together, so you can focus on what’s really important – your growing to-do list.
Guides and advice
Best laptops of 2024
If you’re always on the move and need a lightweight computer that can keep up, you’re in luck. We’ve put together a guide of the best laptops of 2024 to help you find the perfect portable partner.
Land a laptop deal
Head over to our laptop deals page and check out some of the amazing offers on our huge range of top brands.
FAQs
- What key things should I look for in a laptop?
This depends on what you will be using your laptop for, but in general it’s best to look specifically at the processor, memory, storage and graphics. If you’re looking for a laptop for general use, you only really need to focus on the processor and storage space. But if you want a laptop for gaming or creative tasks, you’ll also need enough RAM and a powerful enough graphics card to run certain programs and games.
- How do I know which laptop is right for me?
All of our laptops offer different things, so it’s just about finding the one that does what you’re looking for. Windows laptops are very familiar to most people; Chromebooks can be great for students who enjoy the mobile-like interface; 2-in-1 laptops are perfect for those that like to get creative; Macbooks give you a premium experience in a sleek package; and gaming laptops are quite literally made for games.
- What size laptop screen do I need?
This depends entirely on what you want to do with your laptop. Generally, a larger screen is better as it allows you to see more, but there are benefits to different screen sizes. A 12-14” screen is quite compact and is useful if you need a laptop that’s ultra-portable. If you want a laptop for general day-to-day use, then 14-16” is the standard, but if you need a laptop for creative work or gaming, 16+” allows you to see more and fit more on screen at once.
- What is a 2-in-1 laptop?
A 2-in-1 laptop combines a laptop and tablet into one device. They can be really powerful, while still being portable and flexible, so they’re ideal for working on-the-go. Usually, they have detachable keyboards or a touchscreen that folds all the way back. That means it’s easy to hold, and you don’t need to be sat at a desk to be productive - you can walk and still do what you need to.
- What should I look for in terms of battery power?
With a laptop, ideally you want the battery that will last for several hours at a time. Battery life on laptops can range from 4 hours up to 20 hours, but it depends on what you’re using your laptop for. Battery life will drain quicker when gaming as opposed to browsing the web, for example. If you need to stay portable for longer, its worth getting a laptop that can last for around 10 hours.
- How much storage do I really need?
The amount of storage you need depends on what you use your device for. 128 GB is good for a phone or a tablet, but for laptops, it’ll slow down if you start to fill it. 256 GB is plenty for general use on a laptop, while 500 GB is better for work or gaming. If you use your laptop/PC for heavy duty work like video editing and digital art or you’re serious about gaming, then you would be better with 1TB.
- How do I connect my laptop up to other devices?
There are several ways to do this. If your laptop and the device you want to connect is Bluetooth compatible, then you can transfer files and information wirelessly. Another way to keep connected if by having your device and laptop both connected to the same cloud storage – allowing you to easily access files on both. The most common way to physically connect a device to your laptop is by using the USB port, as this port is on nearly all laptops.
- What connections/ports should I look for?
The most common port to look out for is USB. Most other devices such as mobile phones, MP3 players and memory sticks will all come with USB attachments, so it’s very useful to have a laptop that you can connect them to. Another port to look out for is the Thunderbolt. It can be used for high speed data transfer and for transmitting high-definition video. A useful port to have because of how versatile it is.
- What makes a good laptop?
A little bit of this depends on what you’re using the laptop for, but if you’re looking for a workhorse then it can be broken down into a top processor & RAM, high amounts of SSD storage, and a high-quality screen.
A good indication of these things is the number included. Processors go up i9, while RAM goes up to 32GB (though anything from 8GB onwards is good). It’s the same with SSD storage, the higher the number, the faster your laptop will be and the more it will store. As for the screen, WQXGA is a good resolution while LED, IPS or OLED are indicators of a quality screen too.
- What is a Chromebook?
A Chromebook is a new type of laptop that uses the Chrome operating system from Google. The interface of the laptop is highly accessible and can be compared to the look and feel of a smart phone. Chromebooks are also internet-based so all tasks are done and all data is stored online. This makes Chromebooks perfect for students who want something that’s accessible and modern.
- What is the difference between a Chromebook and a laptop?
Both Chromebooks and laptops look very similar, but you can see the differences when you turn them on. Most laptops use Windows as an operating system and have a hard drive, but a Chromebook uses Chrome from Google for a unique experience and doesn’t have a hard drive. Chromebooks are internet based, and so all tasks are done and all data is stored online.
- What is a notebook?
A notebook is a type of laptop that is smaller, more portable, and more focused on the basics than regular laptops. Notebooks are ideal if you want to do basic computing without having the weight, size and complexity of regular laptops.
