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6 things to consider when choosing a laptop for students and professionals

6 things to consider when choosing a laptop for students and professionals

A laptop is no longer a luxury but a necessity for everyone, especially students and professionals. The latest models have many advanced features and applications that improve productivity. Of course, they serve as a tool for entertainment as well. However, with so many options in the market, how does a person decide which one will work best for them? Here are a few things to consider when choosing a laptop.

Operating system
One of the first things to finalize when buying a laptop is the operating system (OS). Four different kinds of OSs are currently available in the market, and each has strengths and limitations:

Windows
Windows is one of the most popular and reliable options. It works especially well if anyone needs to use applications to organize data, edit office documents, or make presentations for a meeting. The OS also has an email application that is popular worldwide. After buying a Windows laptop, customers can choose from several other software products.

macOS
Here’s another famous OS one cannot skip when buying a new laptop. MacOS’s biggest strength is that it comes from a renowned brand. The brand uses its own powerful chips, which are often preferred in the market. While this product is not the most affordable, one can choose from various models.

ChromeOS
While ChromeOS laptops are usually affordable, the limitation is that one may be unable to run certain applications from other OSs. It is sometimes possible to install popular third-party apps, but many ifs and buts are attached to that. Anyone looking for a budget-friendly laptop to get their work done using web browsers may consider this product. There are several options within the ChromeOS laptop range, so check them all.

Linux
Manufacturers can install this OS on any laptop hardware. While this makes it very compatible, it should be noted that Linux does not support certain popular third-party apps from other OSs.

Graphics card
When checking the specifications of laptops, one must pay special attention to the graphics card. In most laptops, this card is called integrated graphics and is part of the motherboard and processor. Usually, a basic graphics card is sufficient for students as long as they can stream HD videos for education and entertainment and play games in their free time. However, full-time gamers and video editors cannot compromise on the graphics card. Such professionals must learn its specifics so that they work without interruption. Graphics cards from well-known brands are generally reliable and provide excellent performance, so one should look for these brands when shortlisting laptops.

Ports
While ports may seem unimportant, they help connect the laptop to other devices like monitors and projectors. Therefore, one should always check for ports. A charging port, a USB C and USB A port, and a microphone jack are usually sufficient. These ensure the laptop can connect to other devices while charging. The laptop’s description usually lists the number and types of ports available, so one will not struggle to find this information.

Storage and RAM
These two components greatly influence the decision-making process of students and professionals choosing a laptop. The right storage and RAM ensure the hardware’s performance is not compromised. Generally, students only need a little space to store coursework but need good RAM to ensure the laptop works fast and efficiently without wasting time.

When choosing RAM, one should look for DDR4 RAM, which is the best in the game right now. While DDR5 RAM options are also available, they have limited users and are mostly found in gaming or video-editing laptops. When it comes to storage, SSDs (Solid State Drives) are better than spinning drives. Depending on their need, one can choose 256 GB or more. But remember, the higher the storage and RAM, the more expensive the laptop. This is true for other specifications as well. Therefore, individuals should assess their needs thoroughly and not invest in more RAM or storage than required.

Brand
Choosing a brand is a very personal decision. Some are fixated on certain brands and pick no other option, even if it requires them to compromise on their specifications a little. However, some finalize their specifications and then search for models in a particular brand. Everyone will have a different approach, so one must understand what works best for them before heading to the store. Also, setting a budget is important because some brands are more expensive than others.

Accessories
One must always check the chargers and accessories they use with the laptop. Experts recommend refraining from relying on cheap, non-branded chargers. An expensive device like a laptop deserves the right accessories to ensure a hundred percent performance. Non-branded chargers can damage the battery and, in turn, cost a lot of money to fix. Usually, the laptop’s description states which accessories are compatible with the device. Students and professionals must read this information carefully before investing in any new laptop.

Since a laptop is a relatively long-term investment, one should not buy it in a hurry. Checking the features and specs and researching will help one pick the right model and avoid being disappointed later.

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