With the popularity of tablets and smartphones becoming prevalent, there is still a certain niche for computers. Tablets and smartphones are limited in their ability to tackle serious work like typing a research paper or playing high-definition graphics video games. These limitations keep computers as a necessity to consumers. There are a variety of colors, sizes, features and prices for computers nowadays. It is important to know which features in a computer are important to you. The first decision that you should decide on, is whether a laptop or a desktop computer is right for you. Our recommendation: A LAPTOP. The portability of a laptop makes it ideal to tackle the toughest products on the road. Here are some tips and guides to purchasing the right laptop for you:
1.) Choose Your Platform:
Chrome OS: Found on cheaper, lightweight laptops, Google’s Chrome OS is the easiest and most secure platform on the market. However, the limitations to this platform are evident. The client interface looks a considerable measure like conventional Windows with an application menu, a desktop and the capacity to drag windows around. The fundamental sort window you’ll be utilizing is the Chrome program and most “applications” are just shortcuts to web devices. For the most part, its just a browser.
Windows: Windows notebooks are generally more affordable than Macs. They also offer a wider range of vendors and manufacturers. Powered by Microsoft, you are able to purchase notebooks with touchscreens and convertible designs. The new Windows 8.1 interface uses a tile-based start screen, unlike its predecessors.
Apple OS: Apple OS is specific for Apple computers, i.e., Apple’s MacBook Pros and Airs. The operating system is pretty classic and easy to use. Although Apple computers are generally priced higher than Windows computers, they also tend to outclass most Windows computers when it comes to design, performance and the touchpad.
2.) Choose the Right Size For You:
Laptops come in a variety of sizes based on your preference. They are sold based on their horizontal screen size. Sizes range from a very compact 11 inches to a much larger 18 inches. Some users may prefer the 11 inch screen because they prefer portability over the size of the laptop. Others may prefer the larder screen space of the 18 inch computer in order to be able to see the screen more legibly.
3.) PC Specifications
Your CPU Processor is like the engine to your computer. The more inexpensive laptops on the market run on AMD E Series or Intel Pentium. Of course, this has slower performance. More expensive tablet / laptop hybrids utilizes Intel’s Core M CPU. It is not as fast as Intel’s Core i3, i5 and i7. If you buy any of these, make sure that you always check to get Intel’s latest generation of the model.
RAM is random access memory, or simply your computer’s memory. Cheaper computers usually have 4GB of memory. If you do a lot of multitasking or you run high-end applications. Gamers should gear towards 16GB of RAM.
4.) Flash Cache and Solid State Drives (SSDs): Any Ultrabook and a few other notebooks come with 8, 16 or 32GB flash caches that you can use for increased performance. While not as fast as an SSD, a Flash cache will help boost load and boot times while allowing you to store all your data on a large hard drive. Solid State Drives cost quite a bit more than traditional hard drives and come with less capacity (usually 128 to 256GB), but they dramatically improve performance. You’ll enjoy faster boot times, faster resume times, and faster application open times. Plus, because SSDs don’t have moving parts such as mechanical drives, failure is much less of an issue.
5.) Display: The higher the pixel resolution, the more objects you can fit on a screen. Your screen will also look sharper. Most standard notebooks come with 1366×768-pixel resolutions. Higher-end laptops may come with 1600×900 or 1920×1080 pixels. Then there are your ridiculous outliers that come with 2560×1600, 3200×1800 or 3840×2160 pixels. Windows 8 is more fun and interactive with a touchscreen.
6.) Traditional Notebook or 2-in-1?: 2-in-1 laptops double as tablets. The screen bends back 360 degrees with the keyboard deactivated. Some 2-in-1’s also come with removable keyboards. The benefit of these, of course, is the ability to choose whether to use your computer as a traditional laptop or a tablet. Or, you could just buy your traditional laptop if you are not as “fancy.” Your choice.
7.) Battery Life: Do not poo-poo on battery life. It is very important for a laptop. The ideal is portability, so you must have a strong battery when you are not near a power source. Look for laptops with at least 4 hours of life. Other laptops offer as much as 6 or 7 hours of battery life. You may also upgrade you battery, but keep in mind that some laptops feature sealed batteries that you can’t easily upgrade yourself.
8.) Choose the Right Brand: Every laptop and PC magazine around rates companies that manufactures computers. And yes, it does matter! Some companies put more love and care into their PCs than others. Always know the top brands out there. Generally, Apple is the best brand out there, followed by Lenovo and ASUS.