Published on Sunday, July 6, 2025

Laptop Buying Guide

Screen Size

When you see a laptop advertised as 13-inch, 15-inch, or 17-inch, that number refers to the diagonal measurement of the screen. It's the single biggest factor in determining the overall size of the laptop.

Choosing the right size is a trade-off between portability and usability. Think about how you'll use your laptop most often. Will it live on a desk, or will you be carrying it around all day?

13-14 inches: These are the most portable options. They're lightweight and easy to slip into a backpack, making them ideal for students, frequent travelers, and anyone who values mobility above all else. The trade-off is less screen space for multitasking.
15-16 inches: This is the sweet spot for many people. It offers a comfortable amount of screen real estate for juggling multiple windows and applications, while still being portable enough to take on the go without much hassle. It's a great all-rounder for business, everyday use, and even some gaming.
17 inches and larger: These are desktop replacements. They offer a massive, immersive screen that's fantastic for high-end gaming, video editing, and serious content creation. Their size and weight make them much less portable, so they're best for users who need maximum screen space and power and don't plan on moving their laptop often.

Memory (RAM)

Think of Laptop Memory, or RAM (Random Access Memory), as your computer's short-term memory or digital workspace. It’s where your laptop holds all the information it needs to access quickly, like the apps you have running, the browser tabs you have open, and the document you're currently editing.

The more RAM you have, the more tasks you can juggle simultaneously without your laptop slowing down to a crawl. It’s the difference between a small coffee table and a large workshop bench. A bigger bench lets you spread out more projects and tools at once, making your workflow smoother. Insufficient RAM is a primary cause of a slow, frustrating computer experience.

Here’s a simple breakdown of how much you might need:

8GB: Considered the baseline for a modern laptop. It's enough for everyday tasks like web Browse, sending emails, and streaming video. However, you might feel it slow down if you open too many browser tabs or applications.
16GB: The sweet spot for most users. This amount provides a smooth multitasking experience, allowing you to run multiple programs like Chrome, Spotify, and Microsoft Office at the same time without issue. It's our top recommendation for the average student or professional.
32GB: Ideal for power users, serious gamers, and creative professionals who work with photo or video editing. This gives you plenty of headroom for demanding software and large files.
64GB and up: Primarily for specialists like 4K/8K video editors, 3D artists, and engineers using complex modeling software. For general use, this is excessive.

Our advice: Don't skimp on RAM. For most people, 16GB is the perfect amount to ensure your laptop stays fast and capable for several years. Since the memory in many modern laptops is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded later, it's wise to get what you need from the start.

Refresh Rate

A laptop's refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), tells you how many times the screen updates with a new image each second. Think of it like the number of frames in a flipbook; a higher number means smoother motion. While once a niche spec, it now impacts everything from scrolling web pages to gaming.

Choosing the right refresh rate depends entirely on what you do with your laptop. A higher number isn't always better for everyone, as it can consume more battery life. Here’s a breakdown of the common options:

60Hz: This is the long-standing standard for most laptops. It’s perfectly adequate for general tasks like Browse the web, writing emails, and watching videos. You won't notice any issues if this is what you're used to, but it can look a bit choppy in fast scenes compared to higher refresh rates.
90Hz: A noticeable step up from 60Hz, 90Hz provides a smoother, more fluid experience when scrolling through documents or websites. It's a great middle-ground that enhances the feeling of responsiveness without the higher cost or battery drain of faster screens.
120Hz: This is where things get buttery smooth. At 120Hz, motion on screen is significantly clearer. For gamers, this is often considered the entry point for a serious gaming experience, reducing motion blur and making fast-paced action easier to track. Even for non-gamers, the enhanced smoothness is a premium feature you can feel.
144Hz & 165Hz: These refresh rates are squarely aimed at serious gamers. The jump from 120Hz is less dramatic than from 60Hz, but for competitive games like first-person shooters, the extra frames can provide a slight edge, making enemy movements appear clearer and more precise.
240Hz: This is the pinnacle of refresh rates, built for esports professionals and competitive enthusiasts. At this level, the screen is updating so quickly that it provides the most immediate visual feedback possible. For most users, the difference between 165Hz and 240Hz is minimal, but for elite gamers, it can make a critical difference.

SSD Storage

Your laptop's storage, specifically its Solid State Drive (SSD), is like its digital closet. It's where all your files, applications, photos, and the operating system itself are kept. Unlike older, slower hard drives, SSDs are incredibly fast, which means your laptop boots up in seconds, apps launch instantly, and files transfer quickly. The main question is, how big of a closet do you need?

Think of storage capacity as the total space available. Choosing the right amount is crucial to avoid the headache of running out of room. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

256GB SSD: This is the bare minimum. It's workable if you primarily use cloud storage (like Google Drive or iCloud), stream all your media, and only need a few essential applications for school or work. Be warned: after the operating system and a few key apps, space gets tight very quickly.
512GB SSD: We consider this the new baseline for most people. It provides a comfortable amount of space for your operating system, all your essential software, and a healthy collection of documents and photos without feeling cramped. You'll have room for a few games or larger programs as well.
1TB SSD: This is the sweet spot for power users, gamers, and budding content creators. A terabyte (TB) gives you the freedom to install a large library of games, store hefty video project files, and download media without constantly worrying about managing your space. It's a great choice for future-proofing.
2TB SSD: Now we're in professional territory. A 2TB drive is for serious gamers with massive libraries, professional video editors, or anyone who works with extremely large datasets. It's for users who want to keep a significant amount of their work and entertainment stored locally for instant access.
4TB SSD: This is the peak of internal laptop storage. It's a premium option for ultimate-performance seekers and digital packrats who want to carry their entire digital life with them without ever needing an external drive. This is for professionals with the most demanding storage needs and comes with a significant price tag.

Our recommendation: Don't buy a 256GB laptop unless your budget is extremely tight and your needs are very light. For a smooth and hassle-free experience, aim for at least 512GB. If you're a gamer or creator, 1TB is a worthwhile and often necessary investment.

CPUs

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the brain of the laptop. It determines how fast your computer can think and process tasks. When looking at CPU models, a higher number generally means more power and better performance, but also a higher price and potentially shorter battery life.

Think of it like the engine in a car. You don't need a race car engine for your daily commute, and a small engine would struggle on a racetrack. Choosing the right CPU depends entirely on what you plan to do with your laptop.

Intel CPUs

Core i5 / Ultra 5: This is the sweet spot for most people. It's perfect for everyday use, like Browse the web, watching videos, using office software, and light photo editing. It offers a great balance of performance and price.
Core i7 / Ultra 7: Step up to an i7 if you're a power user. This is ideal for more demanding tasks like serious gaming, video editing, or running multiple demanding applications at once. It provides a noticeable performance boost over the i5.
Core i9 / Ultra 9: This is top-of-the-line performance for professionals who need the absolute best. Think 4K video editing, 3D rendering, and high-end gaming. For most users, an i9 is overkill and comes with a premium price tag and more heat.

AMD CPUs

Ryzen 5: The direct competitor to Intel's Core i5. It's an excellent choice for mainstream users, offering strong performance for daily tasks and even some gaming at a competitive price.
Ryzen 7: A great alternative to the Core i7. It excels at multitasking and is a fantastic option for gamers and content creators who need a powerful and efficient processor.
Ryzen 9: AMD's high-performance CPU, competing with the Core i9. It's designed for the most intensive tasks and is aimed at serious enthusiasts and professionals who demand maximum power.

Apple Silicon

M3 / M4: The base M-series chips are incredibly efficient and powerful, making them fantastic for students and everyday users. They handle daily tasks with ease and offer phenomenal battery life in models like the MacBook Air.
M3 Pro / M4 Pro: A significant step up for more demanding work. These are suited for creative professionals, developers, and those who need to run more intensive applications. They offer more processing cores and better graphics performance.
M3 Max: This chip is an absolute powerhouse for the most demanding professional workflows, such as complex video editing, 3D animation, and heavy-duty compiling. It's designed for users who push their machines to the limit.

Qualcomm CPUs

Snapdragon: Traditionally found in smartphones, Snapdragon CPUs are now appearing in laptops, particularly those focused on long battery life and constant connectivity. They are best for lighter tasks like web Browse and using cloud-based applications, often found in ultra-portable Windows laptops.

Resolution

Laptop resolution refers to the number of tiny dots, or pixels, that make up the image on your screen. More pixels mean a sharper, clearer, and more detailed picture. Think of it like the thread count in sheets; a higher number results in a smoother, higher-quality experience.

When you see terms like 1080p or 4K, they're describing the screen's dimensions in pixels. A higher resolution is great for watching movies, editing photos, or fitting more windows on your screen at once, but it can also drain your battery faster and may require a more powerful graphics card for smooth performance, especially in gaming.

1080p (Full HD | 1920 x 1080 pixels): This is the standard for most laptops today. It's perfectly sharp for everyday tasks like Browse the web, writing emails, and streaming video. For most people, 1080p is the sweet spot between clarity, performance, and price.
1440p (QHD | 2560 x 1440 pixels): A noticeable step up from 1080p, QHD offers a crisper image with more detail. It's a great middle-ground for gamers who want sharper visuals without the performance hit of 4K, and for professionals who appreciate the extra screen real estate for multitasking.
4K (UHD | 3840 x 2160 pixels): Offering four times the pixels of 1080p, 4K screens are incredibly sharp and vibrant. They are ideal for creative professionals like video editors and photographers who need to see every detail in their work. While amazing for media consumption, 4K demands a lot of power and can significantly impact battery life.
Retina Display: This is Apple's term for its high-resolution screens. It isn't one specific resolution but rather a label indicating the pixel density is so high that your eyes can't distinguish individual pixels at a normal viewing distance. Modern MacBook screens typically have resolutions between 1440p and 4K, delivering a very sharp, 'Retina-quality' experience.

Brands

Choosing a laptop brand is about more than just a logo; it's about what that company values and specializes in. Some brands are known for their premium build quality and sleek designs, others for their powerful gaming machines, and some for their reliable and secure business laptops. Think about what you'll be using your laptop for the most, and that will help guide you to the right brand.

Here's a look at some of the most common laptop brands and what they're generally known for:

Apple: Known for their iconic MacBook Air and MacBook Pro lines, Apple laptops are praised for their premium design, user-friendly macOS operating system, and excellent performance, particularly with their own M-series chips. They are a favorite among students, creatives, and professionals who value a seamless user experience and a strong ecosystem of interconnected devices. While they come at a premium price, their build quality and longevity often justify the investment.
Dell: Dell offers a wide range of laptops catering to various needs and budgets. Their XPS line is a direct competitor to Apple's MacBook Pro, offering high-end performance and stunning displays in a sleek Windows-based package. For everyday use, the Inspiron series provides reliable performance at a more affordable price point. Dell is a solid choice for those who want a dependable Windows laptop with plenty of customization options.
HP: HP is another major player in the Windows laptop market, with a diverse lineup of devices. The Spectre series is their premium offering, known for its stylish 2-in-1 designs and high-end features. The Envy line provides a good balance of performance and style for a more mainstream audience. HP is a great option for those looking for a versatile and well-designed laptop.
Lenovo: Lenovo is highly regarded for its business-focused ThinkPad line, which is legendary for its durability, excellent keyboards, and robust security features. For consumers, the Yoga series offers innovative 2-in-1 designs, while the IdeaPad series provides a range of options for everyday use. Lenovo is the go-to brand for many professionals and anyone who prioritizes a top-tier keyboard.
Asus: Asus has a strong reputation in the gaming community with its Republic of Gamers (ROG) brand, which produces some of the most powerful and feature-rich gaming laptops available. They also offer a range of stylish and innovative ultrabooks in their ZenBook line. Asus is a great choice for gamers and users who appreciate cutting-edge technology.
Razer: Primarily known for its gaming peripherals, Razer also produces high-end gaming laptops under the Blade brand. Razer Blade laptops are praised for their sleek, all-metal designs and powerful performance, often being compared to a "gaming MacBook." They are a top choice for gamers who want a premium and portable gaming experience.
Samsung: Leveraging their expertise in mobile technology, Samsung's Galaxy Book series offers ultra-light and thin laptops with stunning AMOLED displays. They are designed to work seamlessly with other Samsung Galaxy devices, creating a connected ecosystem similar to Apple's. Samsung is a great option for those who own other Samsung products and want a lightweight laptop with a gorgeous screen.
Microsoft: As the creator of Windows, Microsoft's Surface line showcases the operating system's capabilities in a range of innovative form factors. From the tablet-like Surface Pro to the traditional Surface Laptop, these devices are known for their premium build quality, high-resolution touchscreens, and seamless integration with Windows. The Surface line is ideal for those who want a pure Windows experience in a premium and versatile package.

Display Tech

The screen is your window into your digital world, and the technology behind it makes a huge difference. There are a few main types of display panels in laptops, each with its own strengths. Understanding them will help you pick a screen that looks best for what you do, whether that's gaming, creative work, or just Browse the web.

OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) is the top-tier display technology. Each individual pixel creates its own light. When a pixel needs to be black, it just turns off completely. This creates perfect black levels and an infinite contrast ratio, making images look incredibly vibrant and lifelike. Colors on OLED screens are exceptionally vivid and accurate.

Best for: Content creation, watching movies, and anyone who wants the absolute best picture quality.
Keep in mind: OLED laptops are generally more expensive. There's also a slight risk of 'burn-in' over time, where a static image left on the screen for too long can leave a faint ghost behind, though modern laptops have features to prevent this.

Mini LED is a newer technology that dramatically improves on traditional laptop screens. Think of it as a supercharged version of a standard LED-backlit display. It uses thousands of tiny LEDs for backlighting, grouped into hundreds of dimming zones. This allows for much more precise control over which parts of the screen are bright and which are dark. The result is deeper blacks and higher brightness than standard screens, though not quite at the 'perfect' level of OLED.

Best for: Gamers and creative professionals who want excellent contrast and bright, punchy HDR (High Dynamic Range) performance. It's a great middle-ground between standard displays and OLED.
Keep in mind: It's a premium feature, so expect to find it on higher-end laptops.

IPS (In-Plane Switching) is the most common type of display you'll find in good-quality laptops. It's the workhorse of the display world for a reason. IPS panels are known for their excellent color accuracy and, most importantly, their wide viewing angles. You can look at the screen from the side without the colors and brightness shifting dramatically. This makes them great for sharing your screen with others or for creative work where color consistency is key.

Best for: Just about everyone, from students to business users and casual gamers. It offers a great balance of quality and affordability.
Keep in mind: While colors are great, the contrast isn't as good as OLED or Mini LED. Blacks can sometimes look more like a dark gray, especially in a dim room.

TN (Twisted Nematic) panels are the oldest of these technologies and are typically found in budget or specialized high-performance gaming laptops. Their main advantage is speed. TN panels can have the fastest response times and highest refresh rates, which is a major benefit for competitive, fast-paced gaming where every millisecond counts. However, this speed comes at a cost.

Best for: Hardcore competitive gamers on a budget who prioritize speed above all else.
Keep in mind: The color reproduction and viewing angles are noticeably worse than IPS panels. Colors can look washed out, and they will shift significantly if you're not looking at the screen head-on. For most people, an IPS display is a much better choice.

GPUs

The graphics card, or GPU, is what creates the images you see on your screen. For everyday tasks like Browse the web or writing emails, almost any modern laptop's built-in graphics will do just fine. But for more demanding activities like gaming or video editing, a powerful, dedicated graphics card is essential. Think of it as the engine for visuals; the more powerful it is, the smoother and more detailed your games and videos will be.

When you look at graphics cards, you'll mainly see names like NVIDIA's RTX and AMD's RX. The numbers that follow tell you about the card's power and how new it is. A higher number is generally better. For example, an RTX 4070 is more powerful than an RTX 4060.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series: These are currently the top dogs for gaming and creative work.
- RTX 4050/4060: Great for playing most modern games at 1080p resolution with good settings. They offer a solid balance of price and performance for casual to mid-level gamers.
- RTX 4070: A significant step up, ideal for high-refresh-rate gaming at 1080p or for smooth 1440p gaming. It's a sweet spot for many serious gamers.
- RTX 4080/4090: These are the most powerful options, built for enthusiasts who want to play games at 4K resolution with all the visual bells and whistles, like ray tracing, turned on. They are also fantastic for professional content creators who need to render complex 3D scenes or edit high-resolution video.
AMD Radeon RX 7000 Series: AMD offers strong competition to NVIDIA, often providing great performance for the price.
- RX 7700S: A capable mid-range card that competes well with the RTX 4060, perfect for solid 1080p gaming.
- RX 7800M: This is a more powerful option that challenges the RTX 4070, delivering excellent performance for 1440p gaming.
Intel Arc: Intel is a newer player in the dedicated graphics space. While their first generation had some teething issues, their latest cards are becoming a viable budget-friendly alternative for 1080p gaming, though they may not always match the raw performance or driver stability of NVIDIA and AMD.

Ultimately, the right graphics card depends on what you plan to do with your laptop. If you're a serious gamer or a creative professional, investing in a more powerful GPU like an RTX 4070 or higher will make a world of difference. For more casual use and lighter gaming, an RTX 4050 or 4060 will serve you well without breaking the bank.

Operating System

The operating system (OS) is the core software that runs your laptop. It manages all the hardware and software, and it's what you interact with every time you turn on the device. The OS you choose will define your daily experience, from the look and feel of the interface to the programs you can run.

Think of it as the personality of your computer. Each one has its strengths, so the right choice depends entirely on what you're used to, what you need to do, and what other devices you own.

Windows: The most popular and versatile OS on the planet. If you need to run a specific piece of software, especially for business or PC gaming, chances are it runs on Windows. It offers the widest variety of hardware choices from countless brands like Dell, HP, and Lenovo.
Best for: Versatility, business, and gaming.
macOS: Found exclusively on Apple's MacBooks. Known for its clean, intuitive design and strong security features. It's the top choice for creatives due to its excellent performance with design, video, and music software. If you already own an iPhone or iPad, you'll appreciate the seamless integration.
Best for: Content creation, students, and users in the Apple ecosystem.
ChromeOS: A simple, secure, and fast operating system built around the Chrome web browser. Laptops running ChromeOS (called Chromebooks) are fantastic for tasks you do online—writing documents, Browse, streaming video, and using social media. They also run Android apps. Because the OS is lightweight, Chromebooks often have great battery life and a lower price point.
Best for: Students, everyday web Browse, and budget-conscious buyers.