Before buying a laptop, read on to make sure you make the right choice.
THE WEIGHT
If you are in the market for a laptop, then you are considering moving it, even occasionally. Depending on the use you will make of it, your machine must be more or less light to facilitate its transport.
If the average weight of a laptop is around 3 kilos, know that a device is considered ultra-portable if its weight is between 2 and 2.5 kg.
On the hybrid laptop side, the weight is around 1.5 kg.
ERGONOMICS
For a laptop to be comfortable in use, its ergonomics must satisfy you. For this, the keyboard and the touchpad must offer you a pleasant feeling: do not hesitate to carry out a laptop comparison in-store, and remember to check the spacing of the keys. Some keyboards are also backlit and allow use in the dark.
Note: the presence of a numeric keypad represents absolute additional comfort.
The screen is also an important component for more comfort. Size, of course, has to be taken into account, but that’s not all. The LCD panel of a screen is available in matt or glossy version: a glossy screen offers better colors but makes outdoor use more complicated because of the reflections that this type of panel generates. The brightness and contrast of the screen should also be considered, especially if you plan to use your machine for a long time.
If you are a fan of new things, the touchscreen laptop will allow you to interact directly on the screen using your fingers. The 3D screen, making its appearance, is synonymous with new sensations for video game enthusiasts.
THE PROCESSOR
Processors can have 1 to 4 cores for laptops: Mono Core, Dual Core or Quad-Core. The greater the number of cores in a processor, the more efficiently the computer will simultaneously support several programs.
The technology of processor is an essential element in the choice of a computer: some chips are intended more for tasks requiring high computing power (video games, photo editing?), Such as the Core i5 and i7 from Intel, there or others are ideal for office automation and reduce consumption (e.g., Pentium Dual Core, Core i3).
The operating frequency, expressed in GigaHertz, is also considered in determining the final power of a laptop computer.
Good to know: unlike other components, a computer’s processor cannot be changed.
RAM
Also known as RAM, RAM is expressed in Gigabytes. Its function is to store the data to be processed by the processor temporarily. Also, a high RAM improves the power of the computer to offer more speed when performing tasks.
If you are only using your laptop for office automation, 4 GB of RAM will be sufficient. On the other hand, if you like to play, prefer a model equipped with a RAM of 8 GB or more.
Note: Additional RAM modules can be installed on the computer to improve performance.
THE GRAPHICS CARD
Another essential component of a laptop computer, is the graphics card. That guarantees the display performance of the machine. Just like processors, there is a multitude of graphics card models with very different performance. Some allow the latest games to run simultaneously with graphics set to their maximum level, while others will require compromises at this level.
If it is difficult to compare graphics cards with each other, the type and quantity of onboard memory can indicate the type of card-present in the computer. Indeed, for office use, a graphics card with Shared memory (which uses the computer’s main memory) will be sufficient. We recommend a graphics card with a dedicated memory of at least 512 MB for video game enthusiasts.
However, just like for the processor, it will be necessary to consult a sales advisor for more information on a specific chip’s performance.
THE HARD DRIVE
A laptop computer’s hard drive is used to store the various files and programs present on the machine. While most laptops have a hard drive with a maximum capacity of 500 GB, some models offer up to 1 TB of available space. It is also possible to find portable computers containing two hard disks to increase their storage capacity.
The most recent computers have special storage spaces, called “SSD”. These elements are composed only of memory chips, and therefore no longer use any mechanical part. An SSD is generally 5 to 6 times faster than a hard drive and allows you to start your computer and programs in seconds.
BATTERY
Battery life is a very important criterion in choosing a laptop intended for mobile use. The power of the battery, expressed in AH (ampere/hour), and the number of its cells (often between 2 and 8) provide some information on the autonomy of a computer.
In general, the more efficient a battery, the heavier it is. It’s up to you to make your choice according to the battery life and the laptop’s weight, depending on the more or less nomadic use you will have of your machine.
CONNECTIVITY
In addition to the various connectors, current laptops also offer WIFI compatibility to connect to the Internet wirelessly. A Bluetooth chip makes it possible to connect the computer to other devices, such as a smartphone, always wireless.
Rarer, but also available on specific models, the SIM card slot offers communication in 3G/4G.
