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LAPTOPS

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43 views2 pages

LAPTOPS

Uploaded by

sch.gela.files
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Computer Specs Explained – What to Look for in a Laptop

When you’re choosing a new laptop or desktop computer, it’s important to understand the specs and
features you’ll see listed by each model. That way, you can be sure to choose the right laptop for your
own particular needs. As the pandemic has sent a lot of us home, our computers need to be able to help us
work from anywhere, not just the office.
Knowing what processor to go for, how much RAM you’ll need and whether or not you require a
graphics card are all questions will have a bearing on your setup, and your budget.
We explain some of the key components to look for when picking up your new laptop.
What are Good Laptop Specs?
Processor – The brains of the laptop, the better the processor, the faster your computer will run. For a
dependable laptop, an Intel i3 is fine, but an i5 will guarantee good speeds. Laptops with i7 chips cost a
lot more, and are more suited to those running design software. Most computer-based jobs won’t
need too powerful a processor, since text/spreadsheet documents aren’t too intensive, but film editors or
graphic designers will need a computer with a bit more of a punch.
Screen – Size and resolution of screen will have a big impact on your experience. It’s best not to go
smaller than a 13-inch screen, though you can live without 4K displays unless you’re a professional
designer or photo-editor. Full HD resolution is fine.
Storage Space – The amount of space you can use to store your files. It’s best not to accept less than
256GB for a solid state drive (SSD, which helps laptops run faster), or less than 1TB for a traditional hard
drive (not as fast, but more generous with the storage).
RAM – Used for juggling multiple applications at once. More RAM can give you a speed boost. These
days, 8GB RAM is the minimum to aim for. 16GB or 32GB is only needed for high-end machines.
Graphics card – An additional graphics card is used for things like image editing. If you only need to
browse the web, email and stream video, you can live without an advanced graphics card.

Processor
An integral part of the laptop, the processor will determine how powerful your computer is. There are two
main players in the laptop space, Intel and AMD, although the vast majority of the models you’ll find on
store shelves with feature an Intel chip. These typically come in the flavour of i3, i5, i7 or i9. In the most
basic terms, the bigger the number, the better the processor.
An Intel Core i3 processor will be fine for anyone not looking to do much on their laptop outside basic
tasks. But, for those needing raw power and a chip that can handle heavy workloads, the i7 is the best
choice. It’s also important to check the generation of your Intel processor. Receiving regular upgrades, an
i7 processor from 2014 is a totally different beast to one in 2021. Know the latest generation of Intel
when shopping around (most devices are on the 10th, with 11th gen chips available in high end products),
and don’t get duped into picking up something that is already dated.
While AMD may have struggled with its offerings in the past, its latest Ryzen processors can certainly
hold their own against Intel, providing a viable alternative at a cheaper price.
The processor, effectively the brains of the laptop, is seen by many as being the most important part of a
laptop, and while that’s true to some degree, it’s also important to match it to hardware that will allow it
to work to the best of its abilities, such as RAM and a graphics card. Don’t just buy the most powerful
processor you can find and expect to be set.

Looking for the ultimate laptop for school or college? Check out our dedicated guide to school and
college laptops.

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