With the wide range of options available, choosing a Windows laptop can be a challenge. However, if you make your requirements clear beforehand, it’s not quite that difficult. Since you are about to buy a laptop that you will enjoy for a long time, it is important to consider all the important aspects in order to buy the right laptop.
To help you define your needs and requirements, we’ve put together a list of questions to ask yourself when looking for the perfect Windows laptop.
1. How much do you want to spend on a laptop?
Windows laptops come in a wide variety of price ranges, some are affordable for people on a tight budget, others cost thousands of dollars. Setting a budget up front will help you better filter the devices that are within your budget and meet your needs.
Therefore, before you start looking for a laptop, you should decide how much you can afford to spend. Once that is decided, move on to the next step.
2. What do you want to use your Windows laptop for?
After deciding on the budget, ask yourself what you want to use the laptop for. Do you want a laptop for your business, work or school? Do you want a laptop for specific needs, such as Gaming, graphic design, etc., or do you want to get a multipurpose device that you can use for many tasks?
Your purchase goal also affects other factors that you need to consider in the next steps, such as: B. the battery life of the device, hardware specs, how portable it should be, the brand you choose, etc. So brainstorm carefully about your needs and determine what you plan to do with your laptop.
This step also decides which apps you want on your PC on day one. For example, will your laptop be useless to you if it doesn’t have a word processor installed? If so, it might be worth looking for deals that come with Office pre-installed or a few months of Office 365 included in the price.
A clear definition of your needs can eliminate the need to buy a laptop if you can see reasons why you don’t need a laptop. Instead, you can opt for another device.
3. Which hardware specifications are most important to you?
Once you have determined the purpose for purchasing a laptop, you should analyze how powerful the hardware should be to meet your needs. Is there a specific purpose you want your laptop to serve? In this case, you may need to prioritize some hardware components over others to keep your system running efficiently.
For example, if you’re buying a gaming laptop or planning to do graphics-intensive work on it, make sure the GPU is powerful enough to handle the workload. Likewise, buying a laptop for work or study doesn’t necessarily require a GPU, but rather a more powerful RAM and processor. Based on this, list the specifications your device needs for optimal performance.
Check out our guides on what to consider when choosing a laptop as a programmer or student if you are looking to buy a device for these purposes.
4. How long should the laptop battery last on a single charge?
Even the best laptop in the world can’t do its job if the battery doesn’t last long and dies at the worst possible moment. With the first three factors in mind, you should be asking yourself how long the laptop should last on a single charge so that you don’t have to charge it frequently.
In cases where you cannot leave the device connected to a power source for long periods of time, such as when traveling, you should aim for a device that can last a full day on a single charge. In contrast, battery life shouldn’t be an issue if you intend to use the device primarily at your desk, e.g. B. at work or at play, where you can plug it in every use.
However, make sure the battery lasts at least long enough to survive a power outage or an outdoor trip.
5. What size and weight of laptop best suits your needs?
Portability is another factor to consider when purchasing a laptop. The lighter and more compact a laptop is, the easier it is to move around. If you carry your laptop in your bag all the time, you should get a lightweight and compact laptop that can easily fit in your backpack.
Specialty laptops like slot machines tend to be heavier and have wider displays, making them bulkier and more difficult to transport. Therefore, consider the size and weight before making your purchase when considering the impact portability can have on the way you use the laptop.
6. Which brand should you choose and what warranty options are available?
Laptop brands cater to the needs of different target groups with their laptops. However, not all manufacturers specialize in each category; Each of them is known for making the best laptops for a specific purpose. For example, gaming laptops from Acer, Asus, MSI, and Gigabyte gain competitive advantages over their peers.
Therefore, based on the purpose for which you need the laptop, determine which brand specializes in designing laptops for that category and select the brand accordingly.
Additionally, you should consider how reliable the brand’s warranty options are. By choosing a laptop with a good warranty, you can rest assured that your money is well spent and won’t have to deal with independent repair shops if your laptop breaks. Make sure the laptop you buy is guaranteed for at least a year or two.
7. What type and number of ports do you need on your laptop?
Just as a laptop that will last, is from a reliable brand, is highly portable, and features high-end hardware is essential, your device should have the ports you need. Ethernet, HDMI, and USB Type-C ports are some of the must-have ports on your laptop. If your use case requires these ports, choose a laptop that has these ports.
Of course, you can always purchase external adapters to connect devices to ports that your device doesn’t support. However, this increases costs and takes up space on your desk.
How to master the purchase of your Windows laptop
The decision to buy a laptop isn’t something you make every day. By now you should know better what to look for in a laptop that perfectly suits your needs. By listing your needs after answering the above questions, you can better filter out the right device and make an informed decision.
Buying a new laptop isn’t always a one-time purchase; In fact, you need to buy additional accessories to maximize the potential.
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