Regardless of your brand preference, buying a laptop is a significant investment. The smooth operation of this device is critical to your academic life and even entertainment.
Given the impact a laptop can have on your life, it is imminent that you know what to look for in your PC. Does it have enough storage space? What kind of ports are supported? Is it compatible with your preferred software?
As you can see, there are many considerations. In this guide, we’re going to examine which features make the ideal laptop for your needs.
The operating system
First, you want to narrow down the operating system (OS) you want. Your options vary significantly in this regard.
For one, when choosing a Windows or Chromebook operating system, you can choose from a selection of laptops in all price ranges. On the contrary, if you go for a macOS, you’ll want to pay at least $ 1,000.
While budget is a primary concern, you may already prefer one of the operating systems based on the user experience and the availability of the apps. For example, you will surely be able to search EssayHub for write my essay online inquiries from any device. But if you need access to Final Cut Pro, you’ll have to invest in macOS itself.
Computing power
The better the processor, the faster your computer is.
If you’re just using word processors and web browsers, you don’t have to look for a 6-core processor. However, as a design or graphics student using programs like Adobe or AutoCAD, it is best to upgrade to a processor with a clock speed of at least 2.4 GHz or higher.
The same goes for the GPU. You need more processing power to run programs like Rhino or Revit on your laptop.
R.A.M.
In simple terms, random access memory (RAM) determines the number of software you can smoothly run on your system without hindering the smooth transitions and processing.
If your learning strategies involve using a lot of programs, it is better to look for RAM that is the equivalent of 8 GB. If possible, expandable RAM would be beneficial so that you can upgrade in the future if necessary.
warehouse
While some students prefer to store essentials on their laptops, others opt for more internal storage. Most newer laptops use SSDs, which are faster and more reliable than traditional hard drives. But these could be more expensive.
Alternatively, you can use materials that you only use occasionally, such as: B. Save your movie collections and Dan Chaon e-books to an external hard drive. If required, cloud services are also available, with which you can access your data from anywhere via a secure Internet connection.
Screen and size
Size should be a top priority for students who frequently carry their laptops around. If you need a sleeker, thinner design, you may have to compromise on some features like USB ports or large screens.
This also depends on your field of study. Those who prefer larger screens for 3D modeling and entertainment than just reading a visual analysis essay will find it best to opt for larger laptop screens. If your budget allows, your best bet is to go with 4k screens for the best color accuracy.
Connectivity ports
As the number of devices we use continues to grow, make sure that the device you choose has the correct types and numbers of USB ports. If you want a thinner laptop model like Macbooks or Ultrabooks, you’ll have to be content with the USB-C ports. A slightly thicker model could have USB-A ports.
Beyond the USB devices, you should also consider whether you need an HDMI port or a Thunderbolt that you can use to connect your laptop to a secondary monitor. If you use cameras a lot, you may also need an SD card slot. Fortunately, no matter what type your laptop is, you can always buy an adapter to accommodate more ports.
Touchscreen support
There was a time when you had to choose between a laptop and a tablet. With the 2-in-1 PCs, you can now customize your computer to suit your needs. Touch screens have become more common, even with some budget designs. The only exception is a Macbook.
Those who prefer Windows to MacOS can check out the 2-in-1 models that will suit your college needs.
Wrap up
As technology advances, laptops only get faster and cheaper over time. Therefore it is not always possible to “future proof” your laptop. So, opt for something that suits your current needs. After all, in a few years, you will most likely be upgrading your computer.