Top 7 tips for choosing the right laptop

Gone are the days of bulky desktops. Today, laptops have become the front-running technology across the education and corporate worlds. And rightfully so! These devices are mighty powerful, easily portable, and capable of fulfilling most computing needs. Manufacturers have launched several ranges to meet the growing demand for quality laptops. However, choosing between them can cause a lot of confusion. Follow these seven laptop-buying tips to make this process a little easier:

1. Understand the needs
The very first step to take is to recognize one’s needs. What is the main purpose of getting a laptop? Is it meant to handle heavy-duty gaming and video editing, or be a trusty companion through one’s projects and assignments? Knowing these needs can help one narrow down their options. Certain things to watch out for at this stage are as follows:

Operating system
Knowing what operating system is required for one’s needs is essential. This majorly depends on the software one uses and the systems it runs on. The four major OSs to choose from are Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Linux.
Processor
One also has to look for a processor suited to their needs. This component is the “brain” of the computer. It houses the processing power and instructions for the laptop to execute tasks efficiently. Look for the right unit for one’s workload.
Screen quality
For those who intend to be on the laptop all day, it is also important to find a comfortable screen. Screens with a glossy finish (most touch-screen laptops) reflect light, which can hurt the eyes. The screen’s resolution is also important, especially for those looking for a premium viewing experience. For regular usage, a full HD screen with 1920×1080 pixels works superbly.
Graphic card
All laptops are equipped with a graphics card. When bundled with the motherboard, they are known as integrated graphics. This may not be enough for those with heavy gaming or editing needs. In such cases, opting for a laptop with a discrete graphics card, which can provide a more refined viewing experience, is advisable.
RAM
Random-access memory (RAM) is essential; the bigger, the better! The laptop uses RAM to store data while the processor runs its tasks. For most average users, 8GB of RAM is generally enough. However, upgrading to 16GB or more promises enhanced performance.
Storage
The laptop becomes a storehouse for all of one’s data, whether photos, videos, documents, or more. Hence, looking for a laptop with a decent hard disk capacity is important. Experts recommend opting for at least 256 GB of SSD storage for regular users. For gamers and heavy users, opting for 1TB devices is advisable.

2. Set a budget
Setting a reasonable budget range based on one’s needs is vital. Consider factors such as one’s current financial situation and future monetary needs. Several financing solutions, such as loans and monthly payment plans, are also available at retailers. Waiting to shop during the sale season is a good idea to save money or find a better deal.

3. Consider a 2-in-1 laptop
Get two for the price of one by investing in a hybrid laptop-and-tablet model. These devices can be found in two different styles: detachable screens completely separate from the keyboard and laptops with hinges that can be turned 360°.

4. Look for the right size
The laptop’s size can impact its portability. Popular choices are as follows:

11-12 inches
Although they provide maximum portability, top manufacturers rarely offer them.
13-14 inches
These laptops offer a decent screen size and generally weigh 3 pounds or less, making them easy to carry.
15-16 inches
This popular option is ideal for those who do not plan on lugging their laptop around. These devices can weigh anywhere from 3 to 5.5 pounds.
17-18 inches
This is a growing category of devices meant to serve heavy-duty or workstation tasks.

5. Check the battery life
This is not a stressor for those who plan on sitting close to an outlet. But battery life can be a deal-breaker for individuals who would like to use their laptops on the go. Look for a laptop that provides at least 7 hours of power, with 9+ hours being an ideal choice. Check out third-party and customer reviews to learn more about a device’s battery.

6. Test the laptop
Yes, laptops also need to be tested before purchase. When buying at the store, fiddle with the keyboard and mouse pad of the model on display. This can help give a realistic understanding of what laptop handling would look like. Next, check whether the brand offers the opportunity to test laptops. Here, focus on the laptop’s software, hardware features, and functioning. Compare it with other similar laptops to find the best fit.

7. Don’t follow the crowd
Getting the latest laptop from the most popular brand can sound tempting. However, it is not an assurance that this device will fit one’s needs. Instead of following the crowds, focus on research. Find the best laptop within one’s budget and test it out. Carefully consider one’s needs and requirements before finalizing the purchase.

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7 mistakes to avoid when using a laptop

A laptop is a big investment. Whether one has purchased it for work or personal use, the device should be used carefully. Failing to do so could lead to several issues, such as the system slowing down or the components getting damaged. If that happens, one can not only suffer financial loss but also lose essential data. To prevent that, one must avoid making certain mistakes when using one's laptops. Never shutting it down A common habit that many individuals have when using their laptops is never shutting them down. Thinking they are going to resume their work right from where they left it, a lot of people leave their laptops running with only the screens closed. This could harm the laptop in the long run. Just like sleeping is essential to humans, shutting down the system is essential to laptops and computers. During this shutdown and restart process, a laptop's system takes care of various things - such as installing updates and fixing minor issues. Plus, shutting down the laptop also saves some power. A noteworthy point here is that when talking about shutting down the laptop, it is important to shut it down properly. One needs to give the command for shut down/press the icon and wait till the system turns off. Forcibly turning off the laptop by pressing the power button could also do a lot of harm. It could corrupt files and even damage the hard disk. So, it is better to let the system turn off correctly, even when it takes a while. Not using an antivirus software Accessing the internet can be unsafe unless specific defensive software is installed. It is filled with viruses, malware, and hackers who are waiting to infiltrate an unprotected system. Once the system is exposed to viruses and malware, it is easy for hackers to damage the system and steal private data. So, to keep the system and the files secure, it is crucial to have antivirus software installed. And once it is installed, it is also important to always keep its firewall on. One must also regularly scan the files that they have on their laptop. These few simple steps will completely ensure that the laptop and all its data are safe. Placing the laptop on the lap when using Even though its name says so, a laptop should not be placed on the lap when being used. Laptops should also not be placed on surfaces such as pillows and blankets. This is because these surfaces block all the device vents, which are on its bottom. If these vents get blocked, the processor's heat will not be able to escape, and the laptop will overheat. Constant overheating will eventually cause damage to the internal components and circuits of the laptop. Placing the device on hard and flat surfaces, like a table, will prevent this from happening. Flat surfaces like that of a table ensure that the vents are not blocked and the built-up heat can escape. One can also use laptop fans or cooling pads to place their laptops on. Keeping the laptop plugged in A lot of individuals who use laptops daily for a long time tend to leave their laptops plugged in - meaning, on charging mode. They may feel that by doing so, they are saving the laptop's battery. However, that is not the case. Keeping the laptop plugged in at all times will, in fact, weaken its battery. Its capacity will reduce, and the laptop will begin discharging more quickly. Plus, when the laptop is kept plugged in, it also poses the risk of overheating. Continually ignoring software updates Software update notifications can be quite annoying - especially when one is busy with their work and the system asks for a reboot. In such cases, individuals usually delay the software update. However, the main issue arises when one neglects to approve this update even after their work is completed. Continually ignoring the software updates could lead to system issues. Software updates are meant to fix bugs, improve security, and make the system even smoother and faster. So, if they are never allowed to go through, the system could become slower and vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Handling the laptop carelessly Many individuals are often careless when handling their laptops. Placing heavy objects on top of the laptop, lifting them with their screens, etc., are some things that can severely ruin the laptop. It could break the screen, damage the components, or even the internal circuits. One should also handle other things with care when they are around their laptops. Simple mistakes, such as spilling coffee on the system, could completely ruin it. So, despite how sturdy a brand claims that their laptop is, it should always be handled with care. Not cleaning the laptop Another mistake that laptop users must avoid is forgetting to clean their devices. Over time, with constant usage, the laptop's keyboard and ports can gather a lot of dust particles. If these particles are left uncleaned, they could get into the system and cause damage to the circuits and components. They can even lead to overheating, eventually damaging the internal components. So, it is important to regularly wipe the laptop with a dry, soft, lint-free cloth.