"What is the ultimate laptop for me?"

I should imagine you’re asking yourself this question, which is why you have come to this page looking

for answers.Fear not! This ultimate laptop buying guide will hold your hand through the process of

discovering your perfect laptop.

Beginner or pro, everything you need to know it’s all broken down into bite-sized chunks. No mumbo-

jumbo, just the facts! In this article, we will cover everything you need to look out for when purchasing

the perfect laptop.

With that, let's get started!

What is the best operating sytem?

Operating system:Operating systems are the backbone of a computer, they allow you to run any

programs and applications on your device.

The exact programs and applications you are likely to use will dictate the operating system that is right

for you.

Thankfully, we have created a handy overview of each operating system so that you can get a feel for

what they have to offer. Try to keep in mind the intent of your laptop.

Is it going to be a work-only laptop? Or would you prefer a balance of work and hobbies like gaming and

art?

Whatever the case, your new laptop awaits!

Best for work

If you’re looking for the best operating system (OS) for you to use at work, we recommend

Windows. Windows offer the best compatibility with applications, you will struggle to find an

application that isn’t compatible with Windows.

Windows is the most popular OS overall, meaning that if you wish to communicate with someone

outside of work, you can do so with ease.

To add to this, Windows offer some amazing applications that are perfectly suited to laptop-based

work, whether that be: writing, creating spreadsheets, PowerPoints, coding windows, database

management, and so much more!

However, if your work is more creative than spreadsheets and charts, there may be a better OS out

there that better accommodates your needs as an artist.

Best for Creatives

If you want to let your creativity flourish, then we recommend Mac OS. Mac OS is notorious for its

creative software, such as: Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro, which are all optimised for

Mac OS.

This means that if you wish to get the most out of your ideas and put pen to paper or mouse to screen

(not literally though, because that will destroy your screen), then Mac OS is your best bet.

Mac OS has a very user-friendly interface, meaning that there is barely a learning curve to clamber over

(more of a learning mole hill).

Mac OS laptops also come with built-in antivirus software, meaning that your work is safe.

The only exception to this great list is that they can be a bit pricier than most OSs, so be prepared to

fork over around £700+, unless of course you buy a refurbished or open-box product.

Best for Gamers

For gamers, we recommend Windows over all other operating systems.

This is because most gaming platforms, such as Steam, were originally created with a focus on being

compatible with Windows, they were later ported onto other operating systems, but this comes with its

issues.

Most AAA game developers create games exclusively for Windows, completely ignoring Mac OS users.

If you have ever had a console, I’m sure you understand how infuriating it can be to see a game with

“Exclusive” tagged to it. If, like me, you would rather not have a console, PC, and a Mac, then I

recommend you stick with Windows.

Best for a budget or school

If you’re on a tight budget or you want a laptop to bring to school so you can feel better than all those

paper users! Then we recommend Chrome OS.

Chrome OS is a very affordable OS based mostly on web-based tasks.

They are normally the least powerful laptops out there however, big, bulky processors and a large

amount of RAM is unnecessary since all your work is done through your web browser.

Large, expensive components will just increase the price of the laptop without any performance gain,

this is because web browser tasks require little power.

All these positives make Chrome OS perfect for places such as schools, whether they are school-owned

or student-owned, either way, they are very useful. This is again because most of their work is web-

based, as well as the machines themselves being very affordable.

Chrome OS can be seen in a negative light, having poor compatibility and hardware limitations. If you

intend to use applications, make sure you do some research and find out whether Chrome OS is

compatible.

What is the most suitable processor for me?

The answer to this depends on how much of a multitasker you are or how demanding your programs

are. A processor is responsible for processing any instructions, a better CPU will let your laptop process

information more quickly.

Your choice of processor, or CPU (central processing unit), depends on your previous choice of

operating system. Some operating systems only need a limited amount of power to excel, if you were to

exceed this, the increased performance of your machine would be next to nothing.

For example, if you own a laptop that uses Chrome OS, you only need a small amount of processing

power to get the most out of your laptop. The two biggest processor brands out there are Intel and

AMD, both known for having certain advantages over each other, which we will make you aware of so

you can see which one suits your taste.

Intel Processors

Intel processors are known for their perfect balance of productivity and gaming capabilities.

Intel processors are the fastest laptop CPUs, this is because most laptop users are interested in a

balance of certain tasks and hobbies rather than just one.

Where Intel CPUs really shine is in their instructions-per-clock (IPC) and single-thread clock speed. Don’t

worry if you don’t fully understand what those mean, it just means Intel's CPUs are faster at completing

tasks than most rival AMD CPUs.

AMD Processors

AMD is more focused on multitasking and gaming. Their processors tend to offer more value for money.

They are also more power-efficient than Intel processors, which is obviously very useful in a laptop.

AMD is also known for having better graphics than Intel due to its integrated Radeon graphics, relieving

the need for a dedicated graphics card in most cases.

It is important to mention that AMD and Intel processors are very similar in performance output, with

Intel having the edge in recent years.

Now that we have an understanding of the top brands available, what CPU should you be looking for

depending on your OS?

Chrome OS

Chrome OS doesn’t require any behemoth-type processors. In fact, a lot of the time, the weaker the

better, as it reflects on the price.

We recommend an Intel i3 processor for most, as it is a good all-rounder.

However, if you are more into multitasking and prefer to take your laptop out and about, you may

prefer a Ryzen 4000.

These processors are perfect for most tasks and will serve you well.

If you’re really in search of performance, you should settle on an i5 processor, which will be capable of

high-performance multi-tasking situations.

Windows OS

Unlike Chrome OS, Windows has much more scope for the processing power you have available (it must

be a wide window).

Just to show you the variety of processors and how they suit certain tasks, here’s a rundown.

Intel:

• Intel Core i3: The Core i3 series is an entry-level option for basic computing needs, web browsing, and light productivity tasks.

• Intel Core i5: The Core i5 series offers a good balance of performance and affordability, making it suitable for general computing tasks such as, productivity work and casual gaming.

• Intel Core i7: The Core i7 series provides a balance between performance and cost. It is well-suited for multitasking, content creation, and gaming.

• Intel Core i9: This high-end processor offers excellent single-threaded performance and is suitable for demanding tasks such as high-end gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering.

AMD:

• AMD Ryzen 3: The Ryzen 3 series offers an affordable, entry-level processor suitable for those who have basic tasks such as web browsing and light productivity tasks.

• AMD Ryzen 5: The Ryzen 5 series provides a good blend of performance and value for mid-range users. It is suitable for general productivity tasks, gaming, and content consumption.

• AMD Ryzen 7: The Ryzen 7 series offers a strong balance of performance and affordability, making it suitable for gaming, multimedia editing, and multitasking.

• AMD Ryzen 9: This high-end processor from AMD provides excellent multi-threaded performance and is suitable for demanding tasks such as content creation, 3D modelling and heavy multitasking.

Mac OS

Mac OS is quite a simple one, considering Mac OS is only supported by Apple products that only use

Apple components.

Apple’s laptops use a series of processors that Apple has named Apple Silicon.

Apple's silicon processors are custom-made with high performance and great power efficiency. This is

thanks to their experience with the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

The Apple processors are quite recent, having been officially released in 2020, so we have yet to see

how far or how long Apple will take this route.

So far, we have been introduced to the Apple M series. Naturally, in true Apple fashion, both processors

are much better than others.

The M1 made massive strides in performance and battery life upon its release. However, there are now

more powerful additions to the M1.

The M1 Pro and Max bring a whole new level to Apple chips, being ahead of the competition. The M1

Max is 70% faster than the M1.

To go even further beyond the rest, Apple has an M2 range that also includes an M2 Pro and Max,

which just blows the competition out of the water.

For reference, here is a graph demonstrating the sheer speed that's present in some of Apple's current

processors.

What kind of graphics card do I need?

What is a graphics card?

A graphics card is a component that controls the output of your monitor display (it’s what forms the

images and videos on your screen). There are two types of graphics cards you need to know about:

Integrated graphics

Most laptops contain integrated graphics cards, which are essentially built into the processor.

This is because it allows the laptop to be more battery-efficient at the cost of performance. These are

great if you’re just doing some light browsing and not trying to run a AAA game with max settings on.

Although, if that’s what you fancy, then we recommend a discrete graphics card.

Discrete/dedicated graphics card

A discrete graphics card is a separate component with its own memory.

This will increase power consumption, further decreasing battery life.

Discrete graphics cards are more costly, but if you’re planning on playing games or running demanding

programs for video editing, then it’s worth the sacrifice!

What to get?

The two most popular laptop GPU brands that you need to know about are NVidia and AMD.

NVidia is known for their powerful, power-efficient graphics cards. Whereas AMD is better pound for

pound.

In simple terms, if you’re after a very powerful GPU and money isn’t an issue, but if you’re after a

reasonably priced GPU to get your money’s worth, then we recommend AMD.

Luckily, over the years, powerful graphics cards have become more and more affordable, with most

budget GPUs being able to run AAA games at 1440p.

This means that if you’re on a budget, you'll no longer have to worry about not being able to play your

favourite games!

RAM: Is 8GB the perfect medium?

What is RAM?

RAM/Memory (random access memory) allows your device to store and run multiple programs all at

once.

In terms of the amount of RAM you can store, most laptops range from: 4GB to 8GB, 16 GB, and even

32GB.

It is important to check the specifications of your laptop to see if it can handle the amount of RAM you

want to input before going all in, as some laptops can be limited by certain factors.

4GB:4GB is a very low specification, and we only recommend you go for this if you intend to use

Chrome OS and do very light browsing.

8GB: 8GB is very reasonable and, in my opinion, the perfect amount for most people. Fast enough to

carry out most tasks and even casual gaming.

16GB:16GB is the amount that I personally have. This is because I use my laptop daily, running

demanding applications (and playing games whenever nobody is looking).

32GB+:This is reserved for the professionals and gaming enthusiasts of the world. For those who want

to run multiple demanding applications or use VR.

What about storage?

Storage is quite self-explanatory, this is where you will be storing your data.

There are two main types of drives you can store data on, hard disk drives (HDD) and solid-state drives

(SSD).

HDD

Hard drives are cheaper, yet they lack the speed and reliability of an SSD.

This is because they have moving parts inside them, which is what causes the longer wait time. These

parts can also break, which can cause your data to be lost.

SSD

SSDs, on the other hand, are much faster, thanks to the use of NAND flash technology.

Not to mention, SSDs have no moving parts, making them more reliable.

The only catch is that they are more expensive than HDDs.

Thankfully, HDDs are dying out, which has caused the price of laptops with HDDs and SSDs to be

relatively the same.

So how much storage do you need?

Well, that all depends on how you intend to use the product.

32GB: 32GB of storage is very minimal, we recommend that you only go for this if you are on a tight

budget.

You will only find storage this low on Chrome OS laptops, as they are primarily used for web browsing.

64GB:Again, this is very minimal, and you will only find laptops with this level of storage on Chrome OS

or very low-spec Windows laptops.

We recommend 64GB if you are mainly using your laptop for light browsing and don’t intend to store

anything on it.

128GB: This is much more suitable for most if you’re using your laptop for casual gaming or work.

If you eventually need more storage and don’t want to purchase a new laptop, we recommend an

external hard drive.

256GB:This is the amount of storage I personally recommend for almost anyone, as well as the amount

of storage that I personally use.

256GB is the optimal amount for any laptop user. Whether you’re a casual user or a more hands-on

one, this will be more than enough storage for you.

512GB+: 512GB+ of storage is perfect if you’re into highly demanding games or other related tasks that

take up lots of space on your laptop.

This will also come in handy if you’re a photographer or video editor and cannot justify buying an

external hard drive.

Keep in mind that if you buy a laptop with 2000GB of storage or more, the price will be much higher

than other laptops on the market.

Types of laptops and screen sizes

When it comes to the size of the laptop, this can drastically influence the price and specifications of

your laptop.

The bigger you go, the more expensive your laptop becomes, so make sure that you justify your reasons

for getting a larger laptop.

On the other hand, larger laptops allow for better components, which may be of use to you if you

intend to run highly demanding programs.

Businesslaptops

Business laptops, as the name suggests, are tailored for work purposes.

These laptops offer some great positives for Excel gurus, things like large amounts of RAM and powerful

processors will help you run all those lovely spreadsheets that you need to keep open at all times.

Business laptops also include very good protective software, which makes them perfect for protecting

work-related passwords and documents!

If you want a good laptop for work that’s around 14” to 15” with a very long-lasting battery, then a

business laptop may be your best bet, provided you have the extra cash to pay for one, as they can be

more expensive due to being more niche than your average laptop.

Standard

The old reliable, a standard laptop is great for most tasks because it is diverse, with so many different

components and sizes available to choose from.

A perfect choice if you’re not interested in focusing your laptop on one area.

2-in-1

2-in-1 laptops are very interesting. In fact, they interested me so much that I bought one myself.

They are essentially a hybrid of a laptop and a tablet. By flipping or detaching the keyboard, you’re left

with a tablet.

These are great for creative people who need both a laptop and a tablet for work or school.

If your job relies on you being heavily creative and creating creative pieces of work, then a 2-in-1 is

perfect!

Ultrabook

An Ultrabook is a high-end laptop with great specs for those who want the closest thing to a desktop.

Ultrabooks offer great battery life and amazing lightweight portability.

They are essentially portable desktops, which makes them very popular, as most find that laptops

struggle to keep up with the applications they use.

Ultrabooks come in many sizes, ranging from 10 to 18 inches.

If you’re looking for what is essentially a very portable desktop, then ultrabooks are the perfect match

for you.

Gaming laptops

Gaming laptops are focused mainly around gaming (crazy, I know).

This means that they need the most updated components on the market.

Because gaming laptops use the latest and greatest processors and graphics cards, they can be quite

expensive.

They also offer large screens (around 15–17-inch screens) with great resolution and very large colour

palettes.

This is all at the cost of the battery life, which on some models can be a measly 2–3 hours.

If you compare this to the 9–10-hour battery life of most laptops, it really puts into perspective how

poor the battery life is on some of these gaming laptops.

However, if this isn’t a concern of yours and you’ll spend your time near a plug while gaming, then a

gaming laptop is what you need.

What can I expect from my budget?

Under £200

These are the most cost-effective laptops out there, which means you’ll be sacrificing a lot of

performance and compatibility.

To add to this, you will only find laptops that support Chrome OS and potentially some very low-spec

Windows options at this price.

You will only really find laptops with specs such as 4GB of RAM and 64–128 GB of storage.

However, the biggest inconvenience is that most laptops will have an i3 or even an Intel Celeron

processor.

We recommend you only purchase one of these if you barely use your laptop and only use it for

incredibly light tasks such as browsing the web.

This is also a great laptop for kids to get started with due to its simplicity and good security.

£300 to £600

This is a more reasonable budget, and you will find that your options open drastically.

You’ll be able to get some pretty good Windows laptops at this price, with some decent specs too.

Most laptops in this range offer 8GB of RAM and around 256GB of storage.

Not to mention a satisfactory i5 processor. This is very reasonable, and we recommend that if you’re

looking for a laptop for normal, day-to-day use, you pick this budget.

£600 to £900

This, in my opinion, is the best budget for a laptop because you have access to all laptop types and

nearly all laptop brands.

Not to mention the vast array of components, such as 16GB of RAM, which is perfect if you’re using

your laptop daily for work or other demanding activities.

Both i7 and some i9 processors are available in this price range, or if you’re not a fan of Intel processors,

Apple laptops are now available to you, making choosing a laptop very simple for creatives.

If you’re willing to spend the money and want something to let your creative juices flow, then we

recommend you use the full extent of your budget and purchase an Apple MacBook.

£1000+

At this budget, the world is your oyster. All high-spec laptops are now available.

Gaming laptops with immensely powerful components, such as 32GB of RAM, will allow you to run just

about any game, spreadsheet, or program you can think of.

Processors like the i9 are now available to you. For example, the i9-13900KS, which is considered Intel’s

most powerful processor to date.

Add to this the huge storage available, allowing you to store as many games and applications as you

want, and you have an astonishingly powerful laptop.

This budget is perfect for dedicated gamers, designers, and anyone else in need of a desktop

replacement.

Should I be looking at ports?

The answer to that depends on what you intend to do with your laptop.

If you intend to use various external devices, then ports are a must!

What ports should I be looking for?

Naturally, most laptops have a USB-C or USB-A port to charge your device.

However, if you want to connect your laptop to a projector, monitor, or TV, you will require an HDMI,

DisplayPort, or VGA port.

If you’re into photography, an SD reader is very important, although if your laptop doesn’t have one,

you can always use a USB stick.

If you’re in need of a Thunderbolt 4, then make sure to get an Intel-based laptop, as AMD doesn’t

usually support this port due to certification costs.

Any alternatives?

If you can’t seem to find a laptop with all the ports you see as necessary, then you can always buy a

docking station for your laptop.

This allows you to connect your laptop to many devices due to the large number of ports in these handy

docking stations.

However, if you’re not worried about these things, then save some money and leave the ports.

Should I be recycling my old laptop?

The answer to that question is YES! Recycling your machine is a very positive thing to do, not only for

the environment but also for several other reasons.

Recycling helps retailers extract resources that may be rare, which in turn helps retailers reuse certain

resources to create brand new components for less money.

This helps slow down the need for new resources as they become finite over time. This, in turn,

prevents retailers from needing to set up new dig sites or other resource gathering operations.

For this reason, most retailers provide a free take-back service either inside their stores or online.

This is a free and easy way to get rid of your laptop, and we recommend you use this service if it is

available to you.

What if there is no free, easy take-back service?

However, if your laptop’s retailer does not offer a service like this, then there are other options.

Just one Google search will reveal that there are many computer recycling schemes out there, and most

are free!

However, before you contact your local, free computer recycling company, you must first remove all

your data from your old laptop.

How do I remove my personal data?

This is to ensure that nobody can steal your data for their own use.

If you have a handy tech expert in the family or the friend group, then we suggest you ask them to wipe

your data.

However, if you think you’re confident enough, you can give it a try. Most operating systems have a

simple reset button in settings, whereas others can be more difficult.

Even if you complete this pretty simple step, there is still the issue of the hard drive, which a

professional will still be able to recover your data on.

The solution to this is to hire a professional to wipe all of the data from your hard drive.

If you’re not a fan of paying expensive professionals, then you can always remove the hard drive

yourself and smash it, this also completes the process (not to mention being much more fun).

What’s next?

Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of how to choose the most legendary laptop for you, you

can use it to find the perfect laptop!

Granted, if you’re still a bit stuck and would like some help, we are here to help. Feel free to send us an

SOS via our contact form.

I personally like to start my contact forms with “Please help me!” as the subject, this is sure to scare our

customer service team into frantically reading and replying to your email.

If you don’t like human interaction and would rather just browse, then we have a selection of laptops

available to you.

Whether that be an: Apple laptop, business laptop, gaming laptop, Chromebook, or 2-in-1 laptop, we

have something for everyone!