Laptops

What to look for in a laptop?

With so many options out on the market, choosing a laptop can get a bit confusing.

We'll break down the options for you, so you can make a better (and hopefully more informed) decision!

Processor

The processor of your laptop determines its speed and power.

A more powerful processor will make your laptop faster, more responsive and generally easier to use. More expensive processors, such as Core i7's, have more cores at their disposal, meaning they can do more work simultaneously without delay.

It's important to choose a processor that fits your needs. If you're doing video editing or gaming, a powerful processor with 4+ cores is almost a requirement.

However, for basic tasks like word document editing and browsing, a lower-end processor such as a Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon will probably suffice.

Good

Intel Pentium & Intel Core i3

• Typically dual (2) cores
• Fine for basic tasks, but nothing too demanding
• Can only play light, simple games

Better

Intel Core i5 & Core i7

• From 4-6 cores, with hyperthreading
• Great for multitasking with multiple applications running
• Better at video editing and gaming

Best

Intel Core i9

• From 6-8 cores, with hyperthreading
• Built for multitasking and demanding applications
• Suitable for almost all scenarios

Memory (RAM)

Memory is used to store running programs, so you can use Spotify and browse the internet at the same time.

The more memory (or RAM) you have, the more applications you can have running at the same time.

Applications like Photoshop, any video editor and even Google Chrome can use a lot of memory, so if you're planning to do heavy multitasking or content creation, more memory is better.

We recommend: 8GB

Most laptops these days ship with at least 8 gigabytes of RAM.

This is enough to ensure a smooth experience even with multiple web browsing tabs and other applications open.

DDR4 for Gaming

Memory speed will impact your integrated graphics performance.

If you're using an integrated GPU, you'll want faster dual-channel DDR4 memory (3200Mhz ideally) to ensure optimal graphics performance.

Display

The display plays a crucial role in shaping how you use your laptop.

Resolution, panel type (IPS, TN), refresh rate, colours and viewing angles all affect the experience of using your laptop.

Budget laptops will typically have less vibrant, lower-resolution screens than their more expensive cousins. Display quality is particularly important if you view a lot of media, where a dull, washed out screen can really hamper your enjoyment.