Are you planning to buy a new laptop? From my experience I can say it’s not an easy task. The type of the laptop to buy is not an obvious answer. That’s because there are different determining factors such as the price category and the different types of laptops to choose from the market and their features… It’s simply not possible to get a direct answer in regards to which laptop is the best choice.
Timing your purchase of a new laptop
Anyway, there are several aspects you need to consider before buying a new laptop. This depends on your needs, the size you are looking for, the weight, life of the battery, performance, storage options and much more. There is no point of buying a laptop today only to see a better or even a cheaper model hit the market a few months later.
However, it is not possible to wait forever. Apart from the improved features, the pricing of different laptops is equally important. Regarding the budget friendliness it’s worth noting it is now possible to find and get cheap laptops for sale under 200. You simply need to search a lot and most important, to know what you need from your laptop. But, when is the perfect time to acquire a laptop? There is no specific time; you don’t have to panic because there is always a better model yet to come.
No matter when you buy, you can still get the best option. After you have finally made the right choice, you still have an option of improving your new laptop instead of concentrating on when you could have purchased if you waited for six whole months. The point is, if you bought a laptop when you badly needed one, then you didn’t miss out on anything. In fact, you did purchase your laptop at the right time.
The factors listed below will enable you to select the perfect laptop for your own use
- Size
- Quality of the screen
- Quality of the keyboard
- Battery usage
The size of a laptop matters a lot. You will definitely want to pick a laptop that is useful to the kind of tasks you want to do with it. Remember that you can’t upgrade the size of a laptop later, so if you buy the wrong size, then you have to live with it whether you like it or not. Generally, laptops sizes mostly begin from size 11.6 inches and go up to 17.3 inches.
Another factor to consider in regards to size is its portability. If you intend to carry your laptop around, you may want to get a smaller sized laptop. These types of laptops are thinner and lighter than their larger counterparts. If you are using yours in the office or around the home then you can just choose the larger one and enjoy the features that come with a larger one. So, choose wisely and avoid later regrets.
This is equally important. Remember you will be staring at your laptop screen for hours. Therefore, it is better to get a screen that is comfortable to look at and use. Other things to consider are whether you want your new laptop to have a touch screen. Actually, touch screens have become quite common these days. They also have the ability to make some tasks easier for you.
However, they also tend to add glossiness to the display and this can be very undesirable. If you like gaming, watching content or even editing images and video content, then you might have issues with a touch screen and maybe opt for a laptop without a touch screen.
Viewing angles are also important. A laptop offering the widest viewing angles is the best to use for your own comfort. It is advisable to take time and go to the store and see the screen for yourself. Alternatively, use multiple reviews to get a good overview of the product.
You should get a laptop that has a comfortable keyboard to enable you to have long typing sessions without issues. A keyboard that packs in every key can lead to poor overall user experience especially when you are looking for specifics such as arrows or delete keys. A keyboard with a comfortable layout with full-sized keys should be a perfect choice. You should ensure there are some spaces around the arrow keys.
Also, ensure that the keyboard is backlit. This helps when typing because you have an easier view of the keys in dimly lit environments. Just like the screen, trying before you buy will be the best.
It is essential to determine the duration the battery is expected to last under normal circumstances. Ensure you have clear clarifications from the manufacturer on the standard of battery usage life when using the laptop in all power modes.
How often should you buy a new laptop?
There are several factors that determine if it is necessary to buy a new laptop or the time is not yet. It could be for the necessity of improved performance or additional functionality features. Basically, it is advisable to replace your laptop at least every four years.
Another factor to consider would be if the laptop seems slow for your needs. If that’s the case, then it would save you a lot of trouble if you get a laptop that serves your needs without struggle and waste of time. You can also consider changing your laptop simply because you want to upgrade to a more recent operating system such as the latest version of Windows.
If you notice that internet is gradually starting to load more slowly, you may consider replacing your laptop. However, some issues that cause a laptop to be slow can be rectified without necessarily purchasing a new machine.