With the introduction of the smartphone and the emergence of the smartwatch in the last decade or two, the tech landscape has changed dramatically. However, one thing that has stayed consistent for a long time is the computer, particularly the best laptop, which is still at the core of many people's digital lives.

Purchasing the best laptop, on the other hand, hasn't necessarily become any easier. Buying a laptop may have grown more complicated as a result of technology advancements that allow for 2-in-1s (laptops that also serve as tablets).

While buying the best laptop can be challenging, 313 Technology’s guidance makes it just a little bit easier. Read on to find everything you need to know when it comes to buying a laptop.

 

Basic Laptops

A simple laptop does not convert into a tablet, is not as slim and powerful as an ultrabook, and does not include gaming-specific capabilities.

Of course, just because simple laptops lack sophisticated capabilities doesn't mean they're not worthwhile purchases. If you don't require specific features such as a detachable display, buying a computer without them could save you money.

Basic laptops are a fantastic choice for students, individuals buying a laptop as a secondary computer, or those who simply don't want to spend a lot of money on a laptop because they are less expensive than some of the other types of laptops on this list.

Because of its versatility, the 2-in-1 laptop has quickly become one of the most popular varieties of best laptops. 2-in-1s are devices that can be used as both laptops and tablets, allowing them to be used for everything from watching TV in bed to working at a desk.

2-in-1s are a great choice for those who like the idea of a device they can use to do various things, such as watching movies yet working on a desk space the next minute. They’re also convenient for those who frequently travel, as they fit comfortably into tight spaces, perfect for those ever-shrinking economy plane seats.

 

Ultrabooks

Ultrabooks are typically considered the leading edge of laptop design and are also quite powerful.

This category is perfect for folks who want a powerful device that they can carry with them on the move. It is often thin, portable, and lightweight.

 

Gaming Laptops

Gaming laptops are a little thicker and bulkier than their consumer-focused counterparts, but the extra space allows manufacturers to fit more powerful CPUs, larger batteries, and sometimes even dedicated graphics processors, or GPUs.

Gaming laptops frequently include high-resolution displays as well as adequate ports for external monitors, gaming mice, and keyboards, among other features.

 

Business Laptops

Business laptops, which can also be Ultrabooks or 2-in-1s, strive to achieve a compromise between performance and portability.

If you're someone who flits from meeting to meeting, you'll want a laptop that's light but tough enough to handle endless spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations. Time is, after all, money. At the same time, you'll most likely want something tough and capable of dealing with life on the road.

 

Operating Systems

The operating system (OS) of a computer, which is simply the software that runs on it, determines how a laptop user interacts with it.

Those who are part of Apple's ecosystem and utilize gadgets such as the iPhone and Apple TV are probably better off with a computer running macOS. Others, particularly those who grew up with Windows, will opt to continue with it. Google's Chrome OS, on the other hand, may appeal to individuals who require a simple operating system.

  

Laptop Specifications

While the form factor and operating system are critical, the characteristics under the hood have a significant impact on overall performance.

A laptop with stronger hardware would most likely function faster and for longer periods. Improved performance, on the other hand, comes at a larger cost. 313 Technology has a list of the most important best laptop specs to consider.

 

Laptop Design

While a laptop's performance is determined by its internal specifications, its design can make or break your productivity.

Design encompasses your display, ports, keyboard, trackpad, and pretty much everything else visible without busting open the chassis, so it's not just about fashion. As you shop for the best laptop from 313 Technology, keep the following design elements in mind.

 

Other Key Considerations

The most important factors to consider when purchasing a new laptop are described above, but there are a few more to consider. We'll go over them in more detail below.

 

Weight

Weight is a result of size—you can't get away with buying a 17-inch laptop without carrying around a little additional weight, around 4 to 10 pounds to be precise. On the other hand, a 13-inch laptop could weigh anything from 1.5 to 2.5 pounds. Finally, for a heavier gaming laptop, 15-inch models range from roughly 2.5 pounds to up to 6 pounds.

 

Battery Life

Because laptops are designed to be portable, their battery life is crucial. The size of a battery is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), but its longevity is determined by several factors. Of course, your usage habits have the greatest impact on battery life. Streaming Netflix or YouTube (or Google Stadia) consumes significantly more battery than ordinary Word processing. Before purchasing a laptop, we recommend reading reviews to see how long the battery lasts.

However, when you purchase a laptop, there are numerous factors to consider. 313 technology will assist you. For starters, consider the type of laptop you want: a basic laptop, a 2-in-1, a gaming laptop, or a business laptop. Then consider the operating system (OS) you wish to use on your new laptop (Mac OS, Chrome OS, or Windows). The specs under the hood (RAM, storage, and graphics) are the next step, and they are directly related to your use case. Finally, consider unnecessary features like ports, display quality, and weight.