Introduction

There is a lot to consider when it comes to purchasing a notebook or laptop device.  We have provided a list of key features that may help to select a device that best fits your needs and provides value for money.

Operating system

The very first choice you will have to make, is whether you want to use Apple MacOSX operating system or Microsoft Windows operating system (or for the more adept computer expert there is always Linux to experiment with).  If you own an Apple iPad or Apple iPhone device (running Apple iOS operating system) you will already be somewhat familiar with the Apple ecosystem.  If you have used a Microsoft Windows computer up until now there is a good chance you will want to continue using a computer running the Microsoft Windows operating system.  Either way, the choice is yours.

Form factor

There are a number of different devices that come close to what is considered a laptop or notebook.

Laptop / Notebook

Historically, a laptop was a little larger, designed to be a replacement for a desktop that could still sit in your lap. Notebooks were simply a little smaller than laptops – something you could carry around anywhere, synonymous with a paper “notebook”. Nowadays however, there is no distinction. Manufacturers will use the terms notebook and laptop interchangeably; and it’s rare to see the term laptop used at all now.

Ultraportable

These are the new breed of “ultra-portable notebook” – typically weighing less than 1.5kg, and extremely thin. The word was invented by PC manufacturers as a direct response to the Apple Macbook Air, the first true “ultrabook”. Despite the thin profile of ultrabooks (less than 2cm), screen sizes can often rival “normal” notebooks – anywhere from 11 to 15 inches. Most are equipped with solid state hard drives – these are silent, lighter, and much faster than regular HDDs, giving an “instant on” feel that avoids lengthy boot-up times.

Tablet

A tablet computer, commonly shortened to tablet, is a mobile computer with a touchscreen display, circuitry, and battery in a single device. Tablets come equipped with sensors, including cameras, a microphone, and an accelerometer, and the touchscreen display uses the recognition of finger or stylus gestures replacing the usage of the mouse and keyboard. They usually feature on-screen, pop-up virtual keyboards for typing. Tablets may include physical buttons for basic features such as speaker volume and power, and ports for network communications and battery charging. Tablets are typically larger than smartphones or personal digital assistants.

Build quality

When purchasing a notebook or laptop it is a good idea to visit a shop and have a closer look at the device.  Just by holding it in your hands you will be able to tell more than just by looking at a device in a brochure.  If you don’t have an opportunity to check out the device in person, know that you can still check product pages and user reviews for comments about look, feel and build quality.

Case

You can learn a lot about a laptop by handling it. Hinges and clasps should feel sturdy enough to withstand daily use. Test the lid and body — typically made from plastic or aluminum — to see if they are adequately rigid and lightweight.  Some laptops have a mat rubberized coating which feels pleasant to the touch and prevents the laptop from sliding or slipping out of your hands when handling.

Keyboard & Trackpad

The most impressive specs in the world don’t mean much if the laptop you’re shopping for doesn’t have good ergonomics. Does the keyboard have solid tactile feedback and enough space between the keys? Is the touchpad smooth to operate or jumpy?  The mouse buttons should provide a satisfying click and not feel mushy.  You should be able to zoom in and out with ease, as well as select text with the touchpad without the cursor skipping around.  If you’re familiar with multi-touch (pinch to zoom, swipe, etc.) test the touchpad to make sure gestures don’t activate accidentally as you get close to the edges.  If you rely number data entry be sure the machine you select has a numeric keypad.

Touch screen

Windows 8 / Windows 10 offers advanced touch screen capabilities.  It is recommended to purchase a laptop or tablet with a touch screen where possible.

Components

Processor

Most devices come with either an Intel or AMD processor.

Intel® Processors

Intel’s processors are at the heart of every modern MacBook and the majority of Windows laptops. Most prevalent are Intel’s Core™ series of multicore processors:

• Core i7: Intel’s top-of-the-line consumer processor. The choice of “power users” like hardcore gamers, graphic designers, photographers and videographers. It excels at serious multitasking and high-demand multimedia creation for projects in 3D or high definition.
• Core i5: Mid-grade Core processor and one of the most common Intel processors currently in use. Powerful enough for most computing tasks, and multitasks well so you can stream the big football game while looking up stats and sending e-mails.
• Core i3: The entry-level Core processor, more than adequate for everyday e-mail, Internet and productivity tasks. It’s also fine for common activities like listening to music.
• Core M: A processor designed for ultraslim devices, providing plenty of power for day-to-day surfing and e-mailing without being a major drain on battery life.

In low performance budget laptops, you’ll also see Intel’s Pentium and Celeron processors. These are adequate for basic e-mail, Internet and productivity tasks, but their speed and multitasking capabilities are limited relative to those of the Core family.  If you’re spending over $500, demand at least an Intel Core i5 CPU, which is capable of increasing its clock speed dynamically when you need more performance. Power users and gamers should settle for no less than a Core i7 system, preferably a quad-core chip.

AMD® Processors

AMD has two categories of processors that are most common:

FX and A-Series: Like Intel’s Core chips, these processors include a graphics processor built into the same chip. In order from top-of-the-line to entry level, they include:

• FX: Best Buy-exclusive powerhouse for serious gaming and heavy multitasking
• A10: AMD’s flagship chip, with blazing quad-core speed and exceptional graphics performance
• A8: Improved graphics performance enables immersive 3D gaming in HD
• A6: Smoother video streaming and enhanced photo quality
• A4: Responsive performance for music, photos and video

E-Series: Similar to Intel’s Celeron and Pentium processors, these are value-oriented chips with limited speed and multitasking capabilities. They’re appropriate for basic computing tasks like e-mail, Web surfing and word processing.

Memory (RAM)

There is not much to say about laptop memory other than ‘more is better’.  A minimum of 2GB is required for basic computing, but 6GB or more is recommended if you’re into graphics and advanced photo or video editing. Most laptops have 4GB–8GB pre-installed, and some have up to 32GB. If you think you might need more memory later, choose a model that lets you expand the memory.

Storage

Traditional hard disk drives offer larger storage capacities, but add to a laptop’s weight and thickness while generating heat and noise. Alternatively, solid state drives (also known as SSDs or flash storage) are much lighter, faster, cooler and quieter than hard drives — but they’re also much more expensive per GB, so typically provide less storage space. Some laptops feature a hybrid drive, which combines a hard drive with a solid state drive for the benefits of both.

Hard Disk Drives

Traditional, mechanical hard disk drives are the most common type of storage because they’re relatively inexpensive and offer huge capacities. However, they also add significantly to a laptop’s weight and thickness, and generate both heat and noise. They come in two standard speeds: A 5400 rpm drive is sufficient for day-to-day Web surfing, e-mailing and document creation, but a 7200 rpm drive transfers data more quickly and may be worth considering if you regularly work with large files.

Solid-State Drives

Solid-state drives, also known as SSDs (or, in Apple’s case, “flash storage”), are many times faster than hard disk drives, but typically offer far less capacity. SSDs also offer tremendous advantages in physical size, weight and power efficiency, along with negligible heat production and noiseless operation, making them an ideal choice for ultraslim, ultralightweight laptops. And unlike hard disks, SSDs have no moving parts to wear out.

I would recommend purchasing a laptop with Solid State Drive when possible as this significantly improves system performance.

Battery

Manufacturers’ battery-life claims range from just a few hours up to 12 hours or more.  Laptop enhancements — such as increased processing power, larger and higher resolution screens, faster hard drives, or the addition of an optical drive — will drain your battery more quickly.  I recommend purchasing a laptop with a 6 or 9 cell battery depending on your requirements.

Screen size

• 11 to 12 inches
  The thinnest and lightest systems around have 11 to 12 inch screens and typically weigh 2.5 to 3.5 pounds. However, at this size, the screen and keyboard will be a bit too cramped for some users.
• 13 to 14-inches
  Provides the best balance of portability and usability. Laptops with 13 or 14-inch screens usually weigh between 3.5 and 4.5 pounds and fit easily on your lap while still providing generously-sized keyboards and screens.
• 15 inches
  The most popular size, 15-inch laptops are usually quite bulky and heavy at 5 to 6.5 pounds, but also more expensive.  If you’re not planning to carry your notebook around often or use it on your lap, a 15-inch system could be a good deal for you.  Some 15-inch models have DVD drives, but this is quickly becoming redundant with the use of USB hard disks and memory sticks.  DVD drives take up a significant amount of space inside a laptop plus you’ll save weight if you skip it.
• 17 to 18 inches
  If your laptop stays on your desk all day every day, a 17 or 18-inch system could provide you with the kind of processing power you need to play high-end games or do workstation-level productivity.  Laptops this size can pack in high-voltage quad-core processors, power-hungry graphics chips and multiple storage drives. Just don’t think about carrying these 7+ pound systems anywhere.

Different display technologies yield different colors and brightness levels. Many laptops employ LED backlighting, which can display bright colors without draining the battery. If you plan to use your laptop to watch movies and shows with a friend, choose a display with an IPS panel for wider viewing angles. Screens with a glossy finish generally provide richer colors and darker blacks, while matte displays will reduce glare if you frequently work outdoors or near windows.

Connectivity (Ports)

Laptops typically provide several options for staying connected to the Internet as well as to other devices. Most laptops provide the latest wireless standards plus Bluetooth capabilities so you can easily sync your smartphone, speakers and other portable devices.

Keep an eye out for the following ports that are commonly used for connecting to TVs, cameras and other devices:

• USB 2.0: Connects external drives, gaming controllers, smartphones, MP3 players and other accessories.
• USB 3.0: Transfers data faster than USB 2.0, but only when used with USB 3.0 devices.
• USB Type-C: Provides faster speeds and versatile power, featuring connectors with identical ends that plug in upside down or right-side up. Adapters allow for video as well as backward compatibility.
• Thunderbolt: Ultra-high bandwidth for fast data transfer between devices featuring a Thunderbolt or MiniDisplayPort connection (Apple devices mainly).
• HDMI: Connect a projector or display HD media on your flat-screen TV.
• Media-card slots: Transfer photos from your digital camera or camcorder.
• Webcam: Typically used for video chat or taking pictures.
• Bluetooth: Sync your smartphone, speakers and other portable devices.
• Wireless network card (“wifi”): Connect to wireless networks to access the internet.  Useful in combination with a mobile phone hotspot when travelling.
• Wired network card: Connect to wired networks to access the internet. Some (ultraportable) laptops sacrifice a wired network connector in favour of wireless network connectivity.
• 4G LTE modem: Connect directly to the cell phone network to access the internet.  Requires a SIM card from a telecoms provider and a prepaid or monthly voice and data plan.