What Type of Laptop Should I Buy? A guide to buying a laptop based on specific needs

Ever wonder what type of laptop you should buy? Laptops are an essential tool for both personal and professional use. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Moreover, buying a laptop can be tricky for some, especially if you’re not an expert nor an enthusiast at the least. But don’t fret, you can still buy the perfect type of laptop for you. Here is a guide to buying a laptop based on your specific needs.

Tips on Buying a Laptop

Step 1: Determine your needs

The first step in choosing the right laptop is to determine your needs. Before you start shopping, it’s important to determine what you’ll be using your laptop for. Will you be using it for work, gaming, or just browsing the internet? This will help you narrow down your options and find a laptop that meets your specific needs. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What is the primary purpose of the laptop?
• Will you be using it for work, entertainment, or both?
• Do you need a laptop with long battery life?
• Do you need a laptop with a large screen size?
• Do you need a laptop with a dedicated graphics card?

Once you have answered these questions, you will have a better idea of what you need in a laptop.

Step 2: Consider the specifications

Once you know what you need your laptop for, it’s time to consider the specs. Some of the most important specs to look at include the processor, RAM, storage, and graphics card. Make sure you choose a laptop with specs that are appropriate for your needs. Here are some of the key specifications to consider:

• Processor: The processor is the brain of the laptop. It determines how fast the laptop can perform tasks. Intel and AMD are the two main processor manufacturers.
• RAM: This is the memory of the laptop. It determines how many applications can run simultaneously. 8GB of RAM is sufficient for most users.
• Storage: It is where all your files and applications are stored. SSDs are faster and more reliable than HDDs.
• Graphics Card: A dedicated graphics cart is necessary for gaming and video editing. If you don’t need a dedicated graphics card, then an integrated graphics card will suffice.
• Battery Life: If you need to use your laptop for extended periods without access to a power outlet, then you need a laptop with a long battery life. Look for a laptop with a battery life of at least 8 hours.
• Portability: Laptops come in a variety of sizes and weights, so it’s important to choose one that is comfortable for you to carry around. If you’ll be using your laptop on the go, you may want to choose a smaller, lighter model.

Step 3: Set a budget

Laptops can range in price. Determine your budget before you start shopping and look for laptops that fall within your price range. You can get a decent laptop for around Php 25,000, but if you need a high-end laptop, then you should expect to pay more.

Step 4: Research

After setting a budget, the next step is to research. Before you make a purchase, be sure to read reviews from other customers. Compare specifications of different laptops. You can also ask for recommendations from friends and family. This will give you an idea of what to expect from the laptop and help you make an informed decision.

Bonus: Look for deals

Finally, be sure to look for deals and discounts. Many retailers offer sales and promotions throughout the year, so you may be able to find a great laptop at a discounted price.

Choosing a Laptop Based on Specific Needs

Gaming

Choosing the right gaming laptop can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re looking to buy a gaming laptop, it’s important to consider factors such as the processor, graphics card, display, and storage.

When it comes to gaming, you’ll want a processor that can handle the demands of modern games. Intel Core i7 and i9 processors are great options for gaming laptops. In addition, the graphics card is responsible for rendering images on your screen. For gaming, you’ll want a dedicated graphics card that can handle the demands of modern games. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30-series and AMD Radeon RX 6000M-series are great options for gaming laptops.

For a gaming laptop, you’ll also want a display that has a high refresh rate and low response time. A refresh rate of 144Hz or higher is ideal for gaming laptops. When it comes to storage, a laptop with plenty of storage is ideal. You’ll want to choose a laptop that has a Solid-state drive (SSDs) as these are faster than traditional hard drives. Look for a laptop with at least 512GB of SSD storage. As for the Random Access Memory (RAM), you’ll want a laptop with at least 16GB of RAM for gaming.

Gaming laptops are notorious for having poor battery life. Look for a laptop with a battery life of at least 6 hours. However, we all know it’s still better to keep it plugged in to enjoy a continuous smooth gaming experience.

Here are some laptops you can consider buying if you want to use it for gaming:

If you’re in a tighter budget, you may take a look at the best gaming laptops under Php 50K in the Philippines.

Editing

When it comes to video editing, you need a laptop that has a powerful processor, high-quality graphics card, and ample storage space. It is better to go for a processor with a minimum of 6 cores to take productivity to the next level.

It is also important to consider the software you plan to use and whether or not the specifications of the laptop you are planning to buy can handle the demands of the software.

Pick a GPU with at least 4GB memory for better encoding and rendering, aim for 256 to 512 GB storage to avoid frame drops and opt for a minimum of 16GB RAM to ensure your laptop runs smoothly. Furthermore, a laptop with a UHD screen resolution for better color grading and crisp image quality is also ideal in a laptop for editing.

Here are some of the best laptops for video editing:

Designing

Choosing the right laptop for designing is crucial to ensure that your work is efficient and effective. A laptop that is not designed for graphic design may not have the necessary hardware to run the software required for designing. This can lead to slow performance, lagging, and other issues that can hinder your productivity. In addition, a laptop that is not color-accurate can lead to incorrect color representation in your designs.

When selecting a laptop for designing, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Operating System: Both Windows and Mac OS are suitable for graphics design. However, mac OS is known for its color accuracy and high-quality displays.
• CPU: A fast and powerful processor is essential for running complex design software. A quad-core or extreme series processor is recommended for graphic design.
• RAM: The more RAM your laptop has, the better it will perform. A minimum of 8GB of RAM is recommended for graphic design.
• Storage: A SSD (solid-state drive) is ideal for a designing laptop as it provides faster read and write speeds.
• Display: A high-resolution display with accurate color representation is essential for graphic design. A 15-inch or larger display is also recommended.

Moreover, another feature you might want to look into when planning to purchase a laptop for designing is color accuracy. A laptop with color-accurate display is essential for graphic design. Look for laptops with 100% sRGB or Adobe RGB coverage.

Based on the factors discussed above, here are just some of the laptops we can recommend:

Work from Home

Working from home has become a norm for many people, and having a reliable laptop is essential for productivity. Here are some of the best laptops for working from home:

MacBook Pro 14“

This premium model provides an amazing user experience and packs tons of processing power to handle nearly any workload. It has a sharp, bright, 120Hz mini-LED display, a spacious and tactile keyboard, and a gigantic easy-to-use touchpad. It also has one of the best webcams and speaker systems on the market. The battery lasts around 12 hours of light use, allowing you to work in different rooms or even out in your backyard without dragging the power adapter around.

ASUS Vivobook 15X OLED

So, whether you need a laptop for gaming, editing, designing, work from home, or any other purpose, there is a right and perfect laptop for you.