Buying a new laptop 2019
Exciting! Buying a new laptop in 2019 can be a bit overwhelming with all the options available. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision:
Determine Your Budget
Before you start shopping, decide how much you're willing to spend. Laptops can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Set a budget and stick to it.
Identify Your Needs
Consider how you plan to use your laptop:
- Basic tasks: Web browsing, email, word processing, and streaming. You can opt for a budget-friendly option.
- Productivity: Office work, video editing, and gaming. You'll need a more powerful laptop with a better processor, RAM, and storage.
- Gaming: High-performance gaming requires a powerful laptop with a dedicated graphics card.
- Creative work: Graphic design, video editing, and music production. You'll need a laptop with a powerful processor, plenty of RAM, and a high-resolution display.
Key Features to Consider
- Processor: Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 (8th or 9th gen) or AMD Ryzen 3, 5, or 7.
- RAM: 8GB or 16GB (expandable to 32GB or more).
- Storage: Solid-State Drive (SSD) for faster performance, or a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) for more storage.
- Display: Screen size, resolution (HD, Full HD, 4K), and touch capabilities.
- Graphics: Integrated graphics (Intel Iris) or dedicated graphics card (NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon).
- Operating System: Windows 10, macOS, or Chrome OS.
- Battery Life: Look for a laptop with a battery life of at least 8 hours.
- Ports: USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and an SD card slot.
Top Laptops to Consider
- Budget: Acer Aspire 3, Lenovo IdeaPad 330S, or HP Envy x360.
- Mid-range: Dell XPS 13, HP Envy 13, or Asus ZenBook 13.
- High-end: MacBook Air, Dell XPS 15, or Razer Blade 15.
- Gaming: MSI GF63, Acer Predator Helios 300, or Razer Blade 15.
Tips and Tricks
- Check reviews: Read reviews from reputable sources like CNET, Laptop Mag, or PCMag.
- Compare prices: Check prices from different retailers and online marketplaces.
- Warranty and support: Look for laptops with good warranty and support options.
- Upgradeability: Consider laptops with easily upgradable RAM and storage.
- Try before you buy: If possible, try out a laptop before purchasing to ensure it's comfortable and meets your needs.
By following these guidelines, you'll be well-equipped to find the perfect laptop for your needs and budget in 2019. Happy shopping!