Finding the ideal laptop depends on your primary uses and preferences. While some might favor tablets for their portability and touchscreen interactivity, others need powerful processors for heavy productivity or complex software applications.

Your purchase should take into account several key elements, including how much memory (RAM) the laptop offers, haptic feedback trackpad support and overall price point. We hope that our buying guide can assist in selecting a laptop tailored specifically to meet your unique needs.

Platform

There is a range of laptop platforms on the market today, from traditional desktop replacements to 2-in-1s featuring both clamshell and tablet modes. Determine your needs before selecting an ideal platform.

Processors (also referred to as chips) account for most visible performance differences between laptops. Look for Intel Core “i” series processors or comparable AMD chips as they tend to provide noticeable increases in speed.

Other key considerations for selecting a laptop include storage capacity and connectivity options. Your storage requirements depend on what types of files and data you plan on keeping on it, such as photos, videos, documents or games; more storage may be necessary if using it for media editing or coding.

Operating system selection should also be taken into consideration; you could go with something safe like Microsoft Windows or more adventurous such as Chromebook(tm), running Google’s ecosystem, or macOS on an Apple MacBook(tm). Finally, be mindful of brand and manufacturer warranties coverage to make an informed decision.

Size

Size matters when selecting a laptop; those who work from home or an in-office environment such as an office desk tend to prefer larger display sizes while mobile workers may need something smaller and lighter.

Laptops are usually classified in stores and online by screen size. Starting at 11 inches and rising up to 17 inches, users have various choices when it comes to selecting their next computer.

To determine the size of your existing laptop’s screen, it is essential that you know its width and depth measurements. Width refers to how wide a space between one edge of the screen and its opposite edge is, while depth refers to distance from top surface of laptop down towards its base.

If you need an external monitor connected, a laptop with a wide screen may be best; otherwise, portability may suffice if all that’s required is web content access.

Specifications

Specifications of a laptop determine how quickly it can run applications and handle complex tasks, with graphics chip (GPU) essential for gaming or video editing purposes. Furthermore, dedicated GPUs often offer superior performance over integrated GPUs when selecting laptops to use for these purposes.

The keyboard is another essential factor to keep in mind when purchasing a laptop computer. A good keyboard should feel comfortable, provide spring or tactile feedback, and feature keys of appropriate sizes. Since keyboards are such an integral component of modern computing systems, it is vital to invest sufficient time comparing various models before making your decision.

Operating systems should match your needs: Windows(tm) can help with daily productivity and gaming, while Apple(r)’s macOS(r) offers comprehensive support for media creators ranging from musicians to graphic designers.

Ergonomics

Ergonomic features of a laptop such as its keyboard and touchpad can have a considerable effect on user experience. If you plan to do a lot of typing or navigation, look for one with tactile feedback keys with ample key travel (the distance they move when pressed) as well as sufficient spacing between keys for maximum typing comfort and responsive touchpad features that respond smoothly and instantly to finger gestures.

Work sampling is an approach used to collect random data to gauge how frequently workers engage in activities that might strain their bodies and help managers assess which risks occur most frequently and identify areas for improvement.

EHS encourages all employees to become educated on ergonomics and evaluate their workstations to reduce injuries. You can use our ergonomic self-evaluation tool as a starting point, or visit the CDC’s Ergonomics in the Workplace page for additional resources.

Battery Life

When it comes to choosing a laptop, brand and customer support are two critical aspects that ensure quality products. Search for an established manufacturer with positive reviews and a strong track record to find a model within your budget constraints.

If PC gaming or content creation are among your hobbies, a high-performance laptop with advanced hardware and software features should help boost productivity. Otherwise, if web browsing and basic tasks are your main needs, a cost-effective model might suffice just fine.

Assess the storage options available to you when choosing a laptop to determine the space requirements of storing data and applications. Consider whether a traditional hard disk drive would suffice, or you need an SSD (solid state drive).

Consider what connectivity options your laptop provides before making a selection decision. Legacy ports, USB-C connections, audio jack and an SD card reader may all be necessary depending on your working style or preference; some models even feature wireless connectivity so you can stay connected while working away from home or the office.

Budget

The laptop market offers many choices, ranging from high-end gaming laptops to lightweight computers designed specifically for students. Selecting an appropriate model depends on assessing your requirements against its features and making a comparison between models.

If you use your laptop for work purposes, having a fast processor and plenty of RAM (random access memory) are crucial components. A large screen with enough room to display spreadsheets and documents comfortably is also helpful; an ergonomic keyboard with sufficient essential travel increases productivity further while having access to dedicated graphics chips can make high-end tasks such as video editing easier and gaming much simpler.

If you’re on a tight budget, search for an inexpensive laptop that still provides usable performance. Consider investing in either a Chromebook running Google’s browser-centric operating system, or an entry level Windows computer with limited storage. Additional ports like USB 3.0, audio jacks, HDMI output and SD card readers would prove invaluable as well.