Today, you can’t get by without a computer. It’s needed not only to complete your tasks at your job but also to rest while playing at https://ivibet.com/ or watching YouTube. However, you can’t take a desktop with you to work or college, so the optimal choice would be a laptop. Here’s how to pick the right laptop for work and study, focusing on key characteristics and features.
Operating System
To determine which laptop to buy, first decide on the operating system.
Here are the main options:
- Windows. The most popular computer operating system with a vast range of available apps. It’s the most versatile option, and most laptops come with it.
- macOS. This system is only available on Apple devices, which limits your choice of laptops. In general, macOS is similar to Windows, but many apps are unavailable on this platform.
- Linux. A choice for more advanced users who prefer to “tinker” with the system and customize everything to their liking. There are many Linux distributions (software packages) available.
You could also save some money by buying a laptop without a pre-installed operating system, but in this case, you would need to install the OS yourself or seek help.
Display
A quality display is one of the most important criteria. A poorly chosen screen can lead to increased eye strain and discomfort.
Select models with screens of at least 14 inches. Anything smaller can make the interface and text too small, forcing you to strain your eyes or sit too close to the monitor, which can hurt your posture and cause neck pain.
In 2024, we don’t recommend going for a screen resolution lower than Full HD (1920×1080), as a lower resolution will result in blurry images, which is particularly critical when working with text. Also, consider the screen’s aspect ratio. Since the laptop is for study, options with a 16:10 ratio are preferable to 16:9, as they display more information when working in a browser or with documents.
Processor and Graphics Card
Since you need a laptop for school, there’s no need for an overly powerful processor. An AMD Ryzen 5000 series or Intel Core 12th generation chip will be sufficient for study tasks. When looking at chip models, pay attention to the last letter: H stands for high performance, and U indicates energy efficiency with a focus on battery life. Any option will work for browsing and office applications, but if battery life is important, choose a U-series chip.
Every laptop processor has integrated graphics, which are sufficient for editing photos and even running some games. However, if the laptop is needed for 3D modeling, working with CAD applications, video rendering, or other heavy tasks, a powerful discrete graphics card is necessary. A good option would be a model with an NVIDIA RTX 3000 series or newer graphics accelerator.
Apple processors, which are only found in their laptops, deserve a special mention. Their main advantage is excellent energy efficiency, allowing Apple laptops to last much longer than their competitors. Performance is also not an issue, but powerful graphics are only found in Pro and Max models, installed in the most expensive Apple laptops.
RAM and Storage
When it comes to memory, the more, the better. For the normal operation of the OS and applications, at least 8 GB of RAM is required. However, if you plan to use the laptop for several years, it’s better to choose models with 16 GB. It’s also useful to check if the laptop allows you to upgrade or add RAM later, which will let you enhance the laptop over time as needed.
As for storage, pick laptops with SSDs only, as the speed difference compared to a hard drive is significant. The amount of storage depends on your use case. If the laptop is mainly for browsing and working with documents, 256 GB will suffice. But if you plan to install various applications, store photos, videos, or other data, opt for models with 512 GB or more. Keep in mind, you can always buy an external storage device.
Battery Life
Attention should be paid to battery life. In this case, it’s worth choosing models with energy-efficient U-series processors or MacBooks with M chips. It’s worth checking the battery life specifications provided by the manufacturer on their website.
Some laptop models can be charged via a USB Type-C port, allowing the use of adapters for mobile devices — a very convenient feature. Also, check for fast charging support, which can be useful in mobile conditions.
Keyboard and Ports
While working, you often need to type a lot, so choose laptops with comfortable keyboards. The best way to do this is by testing different devices in person at a store. In some cases, having a numeric keypad can be useful if your studies involve a lot of number work.
Also, pay attention to the ports available on the laptop, so you don’t have to deal with adapters. For example, some models only come with USB Type-C, while many accessories and peripherals still use USB Type-A. It’s also handy to have an HDMI port for connecting to a projector for presentations.
Size and Weight
The main advantage of a laptop is its portability. When choosing, consider the weight and dimensions to ensure it’s convenient to carry around. Laptops weighing around 1.5 kg or less and up to 2 cm thick are considered portable.