Not all laptops are created equal, and if you\u2019re in the market for a new one, doing a solid bit of research beforehand is required. It’ll make it that much easier for you to make a smart purchase once the shopping holiday rolls around.<\/p>\n
We all pretty much live our lives around our computers \u2014 from work in the morning to Netflix and Zoom calls with friends at night. While finding a new laptop can seem like a big task, that\u2019s why we\u2019re here (our top picks are all below\u2014you\u2019re welcome!). As is the case with any big tech purchase, there are a few basic things you\u2019ll definitely want to consider before you look through our curated list. Of course, everyone\u2019s got their own needs (gamers are going to be looking for a dazzling 4K display, for example), but it\u2019s good for anyone to keep the following in mind: <\/p>\n
Choosing a laptop is mostly dependent on what you’ll be using it for. Beginner laptop owners need something user-friendly and straightforward, frequent travelers need something light with a long battery life, designers<\/u> and gamers need top-notch 4K graphics and quick central processors, and everyone<\/i> needs something that will last. Take stock of what you need and what you’d like your new computer to accomplish. Do you want to be able to zip between browser tabs at lightning speed? Do you want to able to run video games<\/u>? Do you need to be able to switch from a laptop to a tablet at a moment’s notice? Answering these questions will help you narrow down exactly what type of laptop you need, and in turn, what brands you should be directing your attention to. <\/p>\nWhat size laptop should I be looking for?<\/b><\/h2>\n
This will ultimately be decided by two factors: Personal preference and lifestyle.\u00a0On the personal preference front, you really just need to figure out if you want a huge display, or something more portable that you can chuck into your backpack. Lifestyle is where practicality comes into play. If you travel<\/u> often and usually have your computer on your person in some way, you’re going to want to go with something more light and compact. On the other hand, if you’re a huge movie buff or graphic designer who doesn’t normally take their laptop on the road with them, spring for a 15-inch (or bigger) screen.<\/p>\nKeep an eye out for battery life<\/b><\/h2>\n
The whole point of a laptop is that it\u2019s meant to be portable, so having a battery that keeps you ticking along for several hours without needing a recharge is pretty much a must. And there\u2019s more to it than that, too: In terms of the larger-picture battery life, you\u2019ll want to look for a battery that\u2019s meant to last for charge after charge and (hopefully) one that you can replace once it does give out. <\/p>\n
The lighter, the better should be your motto when shopping for a laptop. If you have to carry your computer with you \u2014 whether it\u2019s to summer classes or for travel \u2014 you don\u2019t want something that\u2019s going to make your back hurt by the end of the day. Luckily, laptops are lighter than ever these days, but it\u2019s still worth keeping an eye on the ounces so you don\u2019t wind up with a machine you have to lug around.<\/p>\n
It’s really going to come down to your budget.<\/p>\n
While we\u2019d all like an unlimited budget for tech purchases, realistically speaking you probably have a general range in mind for what you want to spend on this. If you rely on the machine day in and day out \u2014 and it\u2019s not something you only occasionally spend time on \u2014 then getting the computer that\u2019ll get the job done and is built to last is super-important. And while yes, the cost of the latest MacBook Pro might make some people balk, there are plenty of other players in the game these days that bring great-quality machines at less hair-raising prices, like Huawei and Lenovo.<\/p>\n
You should think hard about what you’re going to use your laptop for. If you need a device with lots of power under the hood and ample storage space, aim for something in the $800 and beyond range. If you’re only using your laptop to edit the occasional Google Doc or Excel spreadsheet, then you can probably get away with spending below the $500 mark. <\/p>\n
When it comes to tech in general, you really do get what you pay for. But, thanks to the bar-raising devices that have come out in the last few years, a cheap laptop can actually take you pretty far. It’s all about knowing which one to select \u2014 depending on what you use your laptop for the most, staying stingy might be your best option. (Here are our favorite budget-friendly laptop models under $500<\/u>, and the best under $300<\/u>, for reference.)<\/p>\n
We’ve put together a definitive guide (based on hours of research) to the best laptops on the market. We compare top brands that you probably have in mind like Apple, Dell, and Acer, as well as other huge players you may not have even seen coming like Huawei and Lenovo. Trust us, you’re in good hands.<\/p>\n
Now, read on for our top laptop picks for 2021. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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