(THE CONVERSATION)Laptops, or notebooks as they are also called, are some of the most important pieces of equipment you can own, from remote work to education and recreation.
It’s important that you know what makes a good laptop when looking for a new one for work, study, or entertainment. With so many choices available in the market right now, it can be daunting to choose the right one. But really zeroing in on a few key features can make the decision a whole lot easier.
Performance (Processor & RAM)
The two components that typically define a laptop’s performance are its processor (CPU) and the amount of Random Access Memory (RAM) it has. These two components determine how well your laptop can manage multitasking and heavyweight applications.
Processor (CPU): The CPU is your laptop’s brain. You then look to an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 for general everyday work like web browsing, word processing, and media streaming. Though, if you need something a little more powerful — video editing, gaming, or software development, for example — the new Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processors might be for you.
RAM: This helps your laptop multitask. In 2025, 8GB of RAM is the minimum for smooth multitasking. If you use memory-hungry apps a lot — particularly for creative tasks, gaming, or running virtual machines — it’s best to go with 16GB or more.
Battery Life
The most important thing for a good laptop, one of them, is the long battery life. A good battery life laptop means, you can work for hours without the worry of re-charging it. This means a lot to people who are on-the-go with their laptops in class or in work.
Minimum battery life: For normal use, this is approximately 8-10 hours on a single charge. If you want a laptop with a better battery life (10-20 hours) then it should be great for those who do travel or are on the go like students or working professionals.
Efficiency: Look for laptops that have energy-efficient processors (Intel’s U-series chips or Apple’s M1 and M2 chips, for instance), so battery life can last as long as possible.
Display Quality
A decent screen can fmake your laptop experience a jump-cuts better, be it working, watching movies or gaming. Here’s what to consider when assessing a laptop’s display:
Resolution: Go for a Full HD (1920×1080) display for a crisp, clear image. For clarity, you can choose QHD (2560×1440) or 4K (3840×2160) resolution, as they are easily available but consume more battery and can be more expensive.
Panel Type: Get IPS (In-Plane Switching) which has better color reproduction and higher viewing angle than the cheaper TN (Twisted Nematic) panels. If you’re into content creation or simply need rich colors, then there’s an answer good for finding out: Opt for an IPS screen.
Brightness and Color: If you intend to use your laptop for design or photo editing, look for a screen with high brightness (300 nits or higher) and accurate color reproduction (for example, 100 percent sRGB coverage).
Storage (SSD vs. HDD)
The storage in a laptop is vital to its speed, too, especially how fast it loads apps, games and files.
SSD (Solid State Drive): SSDs are exponentially faster than typical hard drives (HDDs), enabling your laptop to boot quickly and launch applications much more smoothly. Minimum 256GB or 512GB SSD for general use For storing large files or gaming, 1TB SSD or SSD + HDD.
HDD: The cheaper option, but much slower and less efficient than SSDs. All of these are mainly meant for mass storage (files, videos, etc.) but now-a-days they are fading out from most of the you’ll see in laptops.
Keyboard and Trackpad
Therefore, the keyboard and trackpad are an absolute prerequisite for ease of use and productivity. If you do a lot of typing, the keyboard matters a lot — it needs to be comfortable and responsive.
Keyboard: A good keyboard is essential for any laptop; look for one with full-sized keys, with decent key travel, and with a backlight for ease of use in lower light conditions. If you do a lot of typing, look for a laptop with a mechanical keyboard for better tactile feedback.
Trackpad: A sizable and well-responding trackpad is also crucial for seamless navigation. Ensure that the trackpad supports multi-touch gestures, and the surface is smooth and accurate.
Portability and Design
An important factor to consider for those who travel often or need a laptop for on-the-move work is the design and portability of a laptop. Laptop has a slim and lightweight design for easy portability.
Weight: If you want to be able to pack a laptop to a place other than home at all, consider one that weighs less than 5 pounds. 3. PortabilityTraditional laptops falls in between 2 to 3 pounds.
Build: Choose a laptop that has quality material construction like aluminum or magnesium alloy that feels, and is, more premium and long-lasting. Laptops with a plastic body tend to be cheaper, but metal body designs tend to be more robust.
Thinness: Most top-level laptops need to be ultra-slim and have powerful hardware. If portability is your primary concern, look for a laptop under an inch thick.
Connectivity and Ports
A laptop can be the best or the worst [device] depending on how well it covers your needs. A good laptop should have enough ports and other means of connectivity to work with various accessories and devices.
USB Ports: Minimum of two USB-A ports for wired peripherals (keyboard, mouse, etc.) and USB-C ports for modern devices Thunderbolt 3/4 ports are great for fast data transfer and external monitors.
HDMI: If you plan on connecting your laptop to an external display, consider getting one with an HDMI 2.0 port.
Wireless Connectivity: Look for a laptop that supports Wi-Fi 6 (for fast internet speeds) and Bluetooth 5.0 for taking wireless accessories.
Operating System (OS)
The second most important aspect of a good laptop is a good OS — short for operating system. The most popular operating systems are as follows:
Windows: Windows laptops are highly adaptable and run a greater range of software than other laptops, so they can be used for most types of work, gaming, and entertainment. Microsoft Windows 11 — Last updated: March 2023 The Windows 11 operating system comes with new elements like a centered taskbar as well as enhanced integration with Microsoft Teams.
macOS: If a sleek design and strong performance on creative tasks is your thing, then you’ll probably want to consider a MacBook that runs macOS. It’s famous for its intuitive interface and seamless integration with its other products.
Chrome OS: For browser, emails and light productivity only, you might be fine with a Chromebook. These are running Chrome OS, a lightweight and efficient operating system with much less software support than Windows and macOS.
Security Features
When it comes to safeguarding your data, security is a key consideration. Most modern laptops sport protections that keep your information safe.
Fingerprint Scanner: A lot of laptops have an integrated fingerprint reader for easy one blemish login.
It also suggests a simple webcam cover as an extra layer of protection against unwanted eyes.
TPM (Trusted Platform Module): Choose laptops with TPM for hardware-level security features, which is useful when handling sensitive information.
Price-to-Value Ratio
Lastly, a laptop must have a pricing that should be on par with the quality and features. And although the highest-end models might offer more power and high-end design, there are lots of laptops available for a low price, which will do a fantastic job of performing day-to-day functions.
Budget laptopsShare similar specs to Chromebooks, but typically run Windows and have less battery life.
Mid-Range Laptops: Good enough for gaming, photo editing, and general multitasking.
Power laptops: More for heavy workloads, gaming, video editing, and professional uses.
Final Thoughts: Discovering the Perfect Laptop for You
The best laptop for you will be a matter of knowing what you need and want. Considering essential aspects like performance, battery longevity, display quality and storage will help you make the right choice for your work, play and everything in between.
Ultimately, find the kind of laptop that aligns with your priorities — power, portability, versatility, etc. Get the right laptop, and you’ll not only have a device that meets your current needs but that will serve you well for the years to come.”