Laptop adverts are full of numbers. Only a few of them decide whether the laptop will feel fast for the next four years. This guide is for Windows laptops, which most people buy; a note on Macs and Chromebooks is at the end.
The four numbers that matter
| Part | Minimum worth buying | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| Storage type | SSD (never a hard disk, HDD) | SSD |
| Storage size | 256GB | 512GB |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB | 16GB |
| Processor | Intel Core i3 / AMD Ryzen 3 of a recent generation | Core i5 / Ryzen 5 |
The SSD matters most. A laptop with a hard disk will feel slow no matter what processor it has. If an advert does not say SSD, ask.
4GB of RAM is not enough for Windows 11 with a browser open. Avoid it even if it is cheap.
Processor generation matters more than the letters. An old Core i7 can be slower than a new Core i3. Search the exact model (for example "i5-1235U") to see how old it is.
Other things to check
- Battery life: look for real reviews, not the advert's claim. For a student, at least 6 hours of real use is worth having during power cuts.
- Screen: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) is much sharper than 1366 x 768. An IPS screen has better colours and viewing angles.
- Weight: under about 1.6kg if you carry it every day.
- Ports: USB-A for flash drives, HDMI for projectors, and ideally USB-C charging.
- Keyboard: try it if you can. You will type on it for years.
- Windows licence: it should come with genuine Windows installed and activated. Check in Settings, System, Activation.
What you will use it for
- School, office work, browsing: the minimums above are fine.
- Engineering, architecture, video editing, games: 16GB RAM, a Core i5 or Ryzen 5 or better, and often a separate graphics card. Check your course or software's stated requirements.
- Programming: 16GB RAM and a good keyboard matter more than graphics.
New or used
A good used business laptop (Lenovo ThinkPad, Dell Latitude, HP EliteBook) is often better built than a new cheap consumer laptop at the same price. If buying used:
- Check the battery health report. See laptop battery and overheating.
- Confirm it has an SSD and the RAM stated, in Settings, System, About and Task Manager.
- Check every key, the ports, the webcam and the charger.
- Ask for a written warranty, even 30 days.
Macs and Chromebooks
- MacBook Air models with Apple's own chips are fast, last all day on battery, and hold their value, but cost more and some specialised Windows software will not run.
- Chromebooks are cheap and simple, but depend on the internet and cannot run Windows programs. Check your school or job does not require Windows software before buying one.
Protect it
Buy a surge protector along with it. See protecting devices through power cuts.