A laptop is one of the most important purchases a person can make. It has become an essential part of our lives and we use it for everything from school work to socialising.
Laptops have evolved over time with new technologies being introduced all the time. They come in various price ranges, sizes, types, colours, shapes, operating systems – the list goes on forever.
It could be overwhelming for many to choose a laptop from among the hundreds of models available, but don’t worry. We are here to help you. Read our buyer’s guide below to learn everything you need to know when purchasing a laptop.
So if you’re ready, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
What are the important features to consider when buying a laptop?
When buying a laptop, there are many features to consider. Here are the most important ones:
Processor: The processor determines the power of your laptop and the faster it is, the better. The main processor types are i5, i7 and i9 which are Intel processors. Apart from Intel processors, there are also AMD processors which are good enough and more affordable than Intel.
- i5 Processor – Good enough for day-to-day tasks like browsing, watching videos and using office applications.
- i7 Processor – Faster than the i5 processor and slightly more powerful in some applications. If you are planning on doing intensive work on your laptop, then this would be a good choice.
- i9 Processor – Only available on high-end laptops, this CPU is faster than the i5 and i7. This processor is designed for gamers and those who prefer performance over affordability.
Memory (RAM): Random Access Memory (or RAM) is an important factor when considering a laptop. The more memory it has, the faster and more responsive it will be. It’s worth looking for 8 GB of RAM as anything lower might slow down your laptop.
Operating System: A laptop basically has two operating systems – Microsoft Windows and Apple MAC OS. Windows is much more common among laptops. If you don’t want to spend money on a Mac, then go for a Windows PC. It’s worth noting though that there are lots of advantages of having a Mac which includes user friendliness, easy navigation and many other great features. There are also some good laptops with Linux and other options as well.
Screen Size: Laptop screens are available in many different shapes and sizes. The most common screen sizes are 14, 15 and 17 inches for laptops, but that does not mean you should just go with the largest option as they can be too bulky and expensive. You might also want a smaller screen for a more portable laptop, but you might not get as high resolution as a 17-inch screen.
Storage Space: There are several types of storage that you can use your laptop with, namely HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive) and external hard drives. If possible, it is best to get an external hard drive because they are easily detachable and more secure than saving on a hard drive inside the laptop.
Battery Life: It’s always annoying when you’re just about to leave and your laptop dies on you. That’s why it’s worth considering how long the battery will last before you buy a laptop – it might have a great screen and a fast processor, but if the battery only lasts for an hour, then it might not be worth it.
Keyboard Layout: The keyboard layout of the laptop is important if you want to type faster. These days most laptops have keyboards that are not separated from the rest of the laptop and there is also a wrist pad at the bottom as well. For better ergonomics, it might be wise to choose one with a separate keyboard so that your wrists can rest on the desk.
Weight: Laptops are available in all different shapes and sizes, so it’s worth considering how much you’re willing to carry around. There are ultra-thin laptops weighing just 1 kg that can easily slip into your bag while larger laptops can weigh up to 4 kg which might be too heavy for some.
Design: There are many different laptop designs available from ultra-thin laptops to laptops with a transparent design so you can show off the hardware inside. If you’re looking for a more unique laptop, then check out the customisable options so you can personalise your laptop the way you like.
Price Range: The price of a laptop can vary depending on what you’re looking for. If you want a cheap laptop for everyday use, then don’t be afraid to look at the budget options available. If you need something more advanced for work, then consider spending more on a laptop that’s packed full of features.
What are the different types of laptops?
There are many different types of laptop computers which can be confusing for some people and it’s important that you find the one that will meet your needs and lifestyle. Here’s a list of the major types of laptops and their main features so you can be an informed consumer when searching for your next laptop.
Netbooks – These are considered to be the smallest type of laptop with a screen size of 10 inches or less. Some have smaller screens but have removable keyboards making them more portable.
Ultrabooks – These are designed to be thin, lightweight and have a longer battery life than most laptops.
Chromebooks – These laptops run on Google’s Chrome operating system and are designed to be used while connected to the internet. They are low-cost options and can be good for people who only need basic computing functions.
2-in-1s – These laptops are designed to be used as both a tablet and laptop computer.
Traditional Laptops – This is the most common type of laptop. It has a full keyboard, larger screen size and they are generally more powerful than tablets or other types of laptops. They are more expensive and will cost you more money.
What accessories do you need for your laptop?
Once you’ve purchased your new laptop, you will also need accessories to help protect it and increase its functionality. Accessories can include:
Hardshell Case/Cover – This will protect your laptop from any accidental damage and can also help keep it clean.
Screen Protector – A screen protector will help keep your laptop’s screen from getting scratched or damaged.
External Battery – If you plan on using your laptop for long periods of time, then an external battery is a must. This will help keep your computer charged and allow you to work without having to worry about it dying.
Mouse – A mouse can be helpful if your laptop doesn’t come with one already or if you prefer using one over the touchpad.
What are the best laptops available in India?
There are many different types of laptops available on the market making it difficult to determine which one is the best for you. However, we have compiled a list below of the best laptops available in India so you can make an informed decision about which laptop is right for you.
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- Weighing just 1.6 kg, this laptop offers excellent portability, making it an ideal companion whether at home or on the go. Its sleek design ensures it easily fits into your bag, allowing for hassle-free transportation. Engineered for mobility, you can conveniently take your device wherever your work or leisure activities require. Enhance productivity while maintaining comfort with this efficient laptop.
- Equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor from the 12th generation, this laptop ensures smooth and efficient multitasking. With its advanced computing capabilities, it is suitable for processing various tasks without any lag. The 8 GB of DDR4 RAM further supports seamless operation, enabling you to run multiple applications simultaneously. Whether you are working on complex tasks or simply browsing the web, this laptop delivers consistent and reliable performance.
- Featuring a 35.56 cm display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, this laptop offers a crisp and clear viewing experience. The Full HD screen enhances visual clarity, making it suitable for both work and entertainment. Enjoy movies, video calls, and more with vibrant details and accurate colours. The screen's quality ensures a comfortable visual experience, reducing strain during extended use.
- Offering robust connectivity features, this laptop is equipped with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth v5.1 for faster and more stable connections. The wireless options ensure seamless internet browsing, data transfer, and peripheral pairing. Stay connected with ease and enjoy the convenience of modern connectivity technologies integrated into your laptop.
- Processor: 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1235U Processor (1.3GHz Turboboost upto 4.4GHz) , 12MB Cache . Graphics: Integrated Integrated UHD Graphics. Memory: 8GB Soldered DDR4 3200Mhz. Storage: 512 GB SSD, Upgradable upto 1TB. OS and Software: Windows 11 Pro 64 Bit , MS Office 2021. Warranty: 1 year Lenovo On-site Warranty
- This Renewed product is tested to work and look like new with minimal to no signs of wear & tear; the product comes with relevant accessories and is backed by a minimum six month seller warranty; box may be generic
- Lenovo ThinkPad gives fast performance at an affordable price. Laptop Ideal for professionals/students needing best-in-class, slim and light laptop. It's powered with Intel Core i5 8250U 1.6 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost, 16 GB DDR4 RAM along with 512 GB SSD Storage which enhances the overall performance of the machine and 4 MB cache.
- Features like Intel UHD Graphics 620 make it an ideal product to carry out all your tasks in one place.
- It offers Brighter, crisper display with 14-inch HD along with Webcam and Microphone which enhances your video conferencing experience. Pre-installed with Windows 11 and MS Office (Trial Version)
- It encompasses a wide range of slots and ports, it comes along with USB, HDMI, LAN, Power connector,Headphone/Microphone combo jack reader.It also comes with Bluetooth 4.1 making your wireless connectivity easier and faster.
Last update on 2024-12-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- 【6-core 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U】 8 threads and 10MB L3 cache deliver high performance and instant responsiveness. The Intel UHD graphics help you dive into crisp, stunning visuals.
- 【Upgraded memory and storage】 8GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB SSD help you undertake improved multitasking with ample of storage and higher-bandwidth memory. Now, create, browse, and work as you please.
- 【Micro-edge display】 The 15.6-inch, FHD, micro-edge, EPEAT registered, ENERGY STAR certified, 250-nit, and anti-glare display helps you see more of what’s on your screen in great quality.
- 【Effortless connectivity】 Wi-Fi 5 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.0 help you be unstoppable with fast speeds. Experience reliable connectivity with 1 x USB Type-C, 2 x USB Type-A, and 1 x HDMI 1.4b ports.
- 【Long battery life】 Fast charging 0% to 50% in 45 mins, up to 7 hours and 45 mins of battery life and up to 10 hours and 45 mins of video playback help you stay productive without frequent charging.
- 【Micro-edge display】Delight in intricate details on the 15.6-inch, FHD, anti-glare, and micro-edge display. Along with 250 nits, it offers stunning clarity, enhancing your viewing experience.
- 【Intel Core i5-1334U】Elevate your display experience with Intel Iris Xᶱ Graphics. Whether for work or entertainment, enjoy captivating visuals that redefine your computing journey.
- 【Upgraded memory and storage】Enjoy swift multitasking with 16GB DDR4, ensuring efficient application handling. The 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD provides ample storage for a seamless work experience.
- 【Intel Iris Xᶱ Graphics】micro-edge; Full-size, backlit, soft grey keyboard with numeric keypad, HP Imagepad ; Realtek Wi-Fi 6 (1x1) and Bluetooth 5.3 wireless card; 1 USB Type-C 5Gbps signaling rate (supports data transfer only and does not support charging or external monitors); 2 USB Type-A 5Gbps signaling rate; 1 AC smart pin; 1 HDMI 1.4b; 1 headphone/microphone combo
- 【Long battery life】Power up to 50% in just 45 mins with HP Fast Charge. The 3-cell, 41Wh battery sustains productivity, reducing the need for frequent charging.
Last update on 2024-12-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Processor: 13th Generation Intel Core i5-1334U (Up to 4.60GHz, 10 Cores, 12MB Cache)
- RAM: 16 GB: 2 x 8 GB, DDR4, 2666 MT/s & Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display & Keyboard: 15.6" FHD WVA AG 120Hz 250 nits Narrow Border & Backlit Keyboard
- Software: Pre-Loaded Windows 11 Home with Lifetime Validity | MS Office Home and Student 2021 with lifetime validity| McAfee Multi Device Security 15-month subscription
- Ports: 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port + 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C data only, 1 USB 2.0 port, 1 headset jack, 1 HDMI 1.4 port*, 1 M.2 2230/2280 slot for solid-state drive, 1 SD 3.0 card slot
![Dell [Smartchoice] Core i3-1215U, 12th Gen (8GB RAM/512GB SSD/FHD/Window 11/MS Office' 21/15'(38 cm)/15 Month McAfee/Black/1.69kg Laptop](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41IMroAyzVL._SL160_.jpg)
- Processor: Intel Core i3-1215U 12th Generation (up to 4.40 GHz, 10MB 6 Cores)
- RAM & Storage: 8 GB, 1 x 8 GB, DDR4, 2666 MHz, (2 DIMM Slots, Expandable up to 16GB) & 512GB SSD
- Software: Pre-Loaded Windows 11 Home with Lifetime Validity | MS Office Home and Student 2021 with lifetime validity| McAfee Multi-Device Security 15-month subscription
- Graphics & Keyboard: Integrated Onboard Graphics & Standard Keyboard // Display: 15.6" FHD WVA AG 120Hz 250 nits Narrow Border
- Ports: 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 1 USB 2.0 port, 1 Headset jack, 1 HDMI 1.4 port, 1 SD 3.0 card slot, 1 Flip-Down RJ-45 port 10/100/1000 Mbps
Last update on 2024-12-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Processor : AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS Mobile Processor 3.1GHz (20MB Cache, up to 4.5 GHz, 8 cores, 16 Threads) delivers fast and responsive performance for demanding tasks such as gaming, content creation, and multitasking.
- Storage : 512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD | Memory : 16GB DDR5-5600 MHz Support Up to 32 GB Expandable 2x DDR5 SO-DIMM slots [Disclaimer : Rated speed of RAM module. Actual memory speeds may vary by CPU configuration]
- Graphics : 4GB GDDR6, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop GPU, Up to 1675MHz at 60W (75W with Dynamic Boost)
- Display : 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 16:9, 144Hz, 250 nits Brightness, Anti-Glare Display, Display output : 1x HDMI 2.1 TMDS, Keyboard : Backlit Chiclet Keyboard 1-Zone RGB
- Battery : 48WHrs, 3S1P, 3-cell Li-ion, Fast Charging : Recharge from 0-50% in 30 minutes
- Processor : Intel Core i5-12500H Processor 2.5 GHz (18M Cache, up to 4.5 GHz, 4P+8E cores)
- Display :16.0-inch, WUXGA (1920 x 1200) 16:10 aspect ratio, 60Hz refresh rate, 300nits Brightness| Keyboard : Backlit Chiclet Keyboard
- Graphics : Intergrated Intel Iris Xᵉ Graphics
- Memory : 16GB DDR4 RAM| Storage : 512GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD
- Battery : 42WHrs, 3S1P, 3-cell Li-ion
Last update on 2024-12-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5-5625U, Hexa-Core Processor with AMD Radeon Graphics. Maximum Power Supply Wattage 45W
- Visibly Stunning: Experience sharp details and crisp colors on the 15.6" Full HD display, 16:9 aspect ratio, ultra-slim design and narrow bezels.
- Internal Specifications: RAM - 16 GB of Dual-channel DDR4, 2 SODIMM sockets; Storage - 512 GB SSD NVMe solid-state drive storage (expandable up to 1TB) to store your files and media
- Ports: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type A), 2 x USB 2.0 (Type A), 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type C), 1 x DC-in jack
- Keyboard: 100-/101-/104-key keyboard with independent numeric keypad, international language support
- Powerful Productivity: Latest 13th Generation Intel Core i3-1305U Processor delivers unmatched speed and intelligence, enabling impressive creating, productivity, and gaming experiences. With Turbo Boost Technology, get up to 4.5GHz for your high-demand applications. Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI
- Visibly Stunning: Experience sharp details and crisp colors on the 15.6" Full HD display, 16:9 aspect ratio, ultra-slim design and narrow bezels.
- Internal Specifications: RAM - 8 GB of Dual-channel DDR4, 2 SODIMM sockets; Storage - 512 GB SSD NVMe solid-state drive storage (expandable up to 1TB) to store your files and media
- Ports: one Type-C port, two USB 2.0 Type-A port, and one USB 3.2 Type-A port.
- Keyboard: 100-/101-/104-key keyboard with independent numeric keypad, international language support
Last update on 2024-12-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
Whether you’re a student, businessman, or gamer, there is a laptop out there that is perfect for you. Do your research and figure out what you need the most in a laptop and then go out and find the best one for your needs. With so many different models to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect one for you.
If you’re still not sure what type of laptop is right for you, then try reading some reviews or speaking with a salesperson. They will be more than happy to help you find the best laptop for your needs and budget.
Thank you for reading! We hope this article was helpful in giving you an idea of what to look for when you’re ready to buy a laptop. Remember buying a laptop can be a big decision to make, so take your time and try not to do any impulse buying.