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Learning how to choose a laptop computer can pose a significant challenge, as the needs of each consumer can vary quite a bit. So it stands to reason that any laptop buying guide needs to help you figure out how to match your needs with the strengths of a particular laptop model. You can start with the best laptops under 500.
To find the best laptop you need to first begin by gaining a better understanding of laptop terminology. Following that, you need to set a budget, so that you’ll be sure to avoid overspending, which can be easy to do when shopping for a laptop or notebook.
Price Range: $500 to $2,500 Aimed at: Business and general computer needs Key Features: Most common type of laptops, runs Windows 10 OS, works well with Microsoft Office apps, some touchscreen options available, runs most software packages
The best windows laptop will be able to run the Windows operating system, which is the most common OS available in computing. Windows laptops are also the most common type of laptop in the market, so you can find a large range of prices on a Windows laptop, as well as a large range of features.
Price Range: $800 to $3,000 Aimed at: Those looking for an easy-to-use laptop that excels in video and digital image processing Key Features: Very easy to use, good graphics technology, good image editing and video editing features, extremely thin units, can run Windows.
A Macintosh laptop is one manufactured by Apple, running the Macintosh operating system. Several different versions are available, offering a variety of screen sizes. Although Macintosh laptops from several years ago may not have been good business computers, the newest Mac laptops can equally perform business and multimedia computing tasks.
Price Range: $200 to $500 Aimed at: Computer users with basic needs, those on a tight budget, computer users who don’t run complex software Key Features: Ease of use, low price, fast performance
Chromebook laptops run the Google operating system. They’re designed as basic computers that run cloud-based software and apps, rather than traditional software that you might find on a Windows computer. Even the best Chromebooks don’t have much computing power, but they do offer strong battery life and a low price. One caveat, though, is they need to connect to the Internet to be fully functional, though they can operate sans WiFi.
Price Range: $750 to $3,000 Aimed at: Computer users who want the best features of both a tablet and a laptop Key Features: Touchscreen displays, detachable screen section, 360-degree rotating hinge, high price
A touchscreen laptop provides the ability to use the unit just like a traditional laptop or to use the screen section like a tablet. A touchscreen laptop also may be called a hybrid laptop or a two-in-one laptop, but only if the screen detaches or folds in such a way to accommodate a tablet like experience. Most of the time, these high-priced devices run Windows.
Price Range: $1,200 to $3,500 Aimed at: Gamers and business users running high-end software Key Features: Top-end processors, high-speed graphics processing, large amounts of RAM, large screen sizes, high prices
The best gaming laptops have enough processing power to allow them to run high-end gaming software, which requires top-end speed to meet the performance needs of gamers. The latest graphics cards allow these machines to render the graphics quickly enough for realistic game play. Large display screens are important with these laptops too. Some people running high-end business software may turn to gaming laptops, seeking their high levels of performance. However, battery life and size might be an issue.
Price Range: $500 to $2,000 Aimed at: Computer users who want lightweight units that offer long battery life in a Windows machine Key Features: Solid-state hard drive storage, thin form factor, lightweight units, long battery life, average price points
An ultrabook is going to offer the best battery life you’ll find in a laptop, perhaps as high as 10 or 12 hours. The best ultrabook laptops are very thin units that don’t weigh much. They originally appeared as a Windows alternative to the thin Mac laptops on the market at the time.
Price Range: $200 to $2,500 Aimed at: College students who need reliable machines that offer a good value Key Features: Ease of use, reasonable price, good reliability, good battery life
Finding the right laptop for college students requires some knowledge of how the student will want to use the computer. Some college students will want the simplicity and strong battery life of a Chromebook, while others need a two-in-one device with a touchscreen. A student who is taking notes in class on a laptop needs a different device than one who is studying photography or videography, for example.
Price Range: $200 to $500 Aimed at: Basic computer users who don’t need to run advanced software Key Features: Basic Wi-Fi connectivity, good price point, Chromebooks are common in this price range
An inexpensive laptop doesn’t have to be a machine that is a disappointment. While you’re going to find only basic laptops under $500 price range, including a lot of Chromebooks, these machines will work great for accessing the Internet, for Web-based games, and for social media.
Set a Budget: With so many different laptops on the market, one way to narrow the number of options you have to consider is to set a budget and stick to it. By ignoring any laptops that exceed your budget, you will have an easier time making a choice.
Understand the Platforms: When considering laptops, you’ll want to make sure you select the best platform and operating system for your needs. Windows laptops will have the most versatility, running the most types of software. Macintosh laptops are available from Apple and are easy to use, especially if you are using other Apple products, such as iPhones. Chromebooks run the Google Chrome OS, which is the most simplistic operating system available in laptops.
Touchscreen Needs: One of the most popular trends among laptops is the inclusion of a touchscreen display with the unit. Some of these types of touchscreen laptops then can be used as a combination tablet and laptop. Some of these types of two-in-one laptops may offer a screen that detaches from the keyboard to make the tablet features even easier to use. But if determine during your research that you don’t need a touchscreen in your laptop, you can save some money.
Overdoing the Features: While it may be tempting to select a laptop with the best CPU and graphics card capabilities available, along with large amounts of RAM and the latest technologies, you’re going to need a large budget to accommodate this type of laptop. Think about what type of computing you’ll be performing with the laptop, and you might find you don’t need to purchase the best components. Gamers need top-end features, while those who own a laptop for basic Internet usage can save money with lesser components.
Small Devices, Big Hands: You should test the keyboard of any laptop you’re considering to make sure it fits your hands well. A small laptop may have a keyboard that’s smaller than normal, so you should test the laptop for feel.
Off Brands: Perhaps the best advice a laptop buying guide can provide is to make sure you don’t purchase an off-brand laptop. Stick with the best laptop brands, and you’ll have a much better chance of finding a unit that’s reliable. If the price for a particular off-brand laptop is too good to be true, it probably is.
CPU
RAM
Graphics Processing
Storage
Screen Size
Operating System
Optical Drive
Ports
Battery Life
Keyboard and Touchpad
Although it may seem as though there’s a lot to learn when comparing laptops, once you have the basic terminology down, you should be ready to find the best laptop to meet your needs. The key is taking a bit of time before you begin the shopping process to understand exactly what you need in a laptop.
If you need some help in how to choose a laptop and in figuring out what you want in a laptop, read through our list of the best laptops for 2018 as a starting point. These laptops have plenty of great features that should be able to help you figure out exactly what you need in your next laptop.
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