Shopping for Laptops
Laptops are portable alternatives to desktop computers. All laptops can handle light computing tasks such as web browsing, sending emails, watching movies, and creating documents. However, more demanding tasks such as video editing and gaming require powerful laptops and notebooks with fast processors and lots of memory.
Types of Laptops
Traditional
Standard models have a clamshell design, with hinges that tilt their screens at comfortable angles.
Hybrid
Hybrid models can transform into a tablet PC when required. A hybrid laptop may be a convertible or detachable unit.
Convertible
A convertible laptop has a 360-degree hinge that allows you to flip the display all the way back when transforming it into a tablet. A detachable laptop has a screen that separates from the keyboard.
Gaming
Gaming laptops have very powerful hardware components to run demanding PC games. Compared to a traditional laptop, a gaming notebook has a dedicated graphics card, a backlit keyboard with programmable keys, and a more efficient cooling system.
How to Choose a Laptop
The most important hardware features to consider are processor, memory, and storage. The most powerful laptop CPUs are the ones in the Intel Core and AMD Ryzen families. Pick a laptop with an entry-level Core i3 or Ryzen 3 processor for basic computing tasks. Mid-range Core i5 and Ryzen 5 chips are fast enough for work and entertainment PCs, while the high-end Core i7 and Ryzen 7 are perfect for gaming and running resource-intensive software.
Unless you’re getting a Chromebook, 4GB is the minimum RAM size to look for in a laptop. Models with 8GB and 16GB of memory handle demanding tasks better. The two storage options available are hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs). SSDs are faster and quieter. They’re more reliable and extend laptop battery life. You’ll find them on high-end Windows machines and MacBook Pro models.
Consider how you’ll use a laptop when choosing one. Browse the extensive selection of laptops available at Lance Trend to find a model with the right set of features for your needs.
