When choosing a new laptop, it’s important to first consider a few key factors. You want it to function best for your particular needs and purchase one that will be worth your investment. In general, most laptops support a wide range of uses, but as you’ll see in the following chapters, some work best for specific careers or hobbies. A new laptop is something you’re potentially going to spend a lot of money on and that you’ll want to have for many years. Discounted laptops may tempt you, but sometimes spending a little more for better functionality is worth it. And although there are a lot of multi-purpose laptops, some models support specific demographics, like gamers, students, families, and artists, or professionals with particular tasks, like design or travel. Take a few minutes to think about what functionality you require from your new laptop, then find specific chapters detailing models that support your necessities. If you need some help, try our quiz below that will point you in the right direction! Answer the questions and calculate how many times your answer connected to each letter - A, B, C, D, E, F.
Now that you’ve taken the quiz, tally your results by calculating how many times your answer is associated with each letter. Whichever letter had the most answers relates to the type of laptop you should consider! If you answered...
Now that you have an idea about what type(s) of laptop you’re looking for, you can start your search! This eBook will help you decide which laptop is most suitable for you, your uses, and your desired functionality. Within each category, we give you 2-3 of the best options currently on the market. Each option will support its category, but will also have specifics that make it best for particular uses. Some laptops will overlap, as many fit a wide variety of uses and functionality. Our goal is to offer a few different choices with a range of perks so that you get the laptop that will be most beneficial for you. We want your purchase to be well worth the investment. Let’s get started!
Specs: i9 Intel Processor (9th gen), NVIDIA® GeForce RTX, Magnesium Alloy Body, Up to 32GB memory, Up to 512GB SSD, Up to 1TB HDD If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line gaming computer, this is it. Its brand has been manufacturing the best gaming laptops for a long time now, and it’s well-deserving of its reputation. As a bonus, this laptop supports several upgradable options so you can customize it to your needs. This is great if you want to build up your laptop for your specific gaming interests while starting with a trustworthy foundation.
Specs: i7 Intel Processor - 8 core(10th gen), NVIDIA® GeForce RTX SUPER™, FHD Matte or OLED 4K Touch, Up to 512GB SSD, Up to 1TB HDD What makes this such an attractive option for gamers is that it’s known to be the thinnest and lightest gaming laptop on the market. This is great for anyone who lacks space or plans to move the laptop around to conferences or friends’ houses. This perk is unique for gaming laptops, as they tend to be much bigger and heavier than others. Each Razer Blade is created from a single block of aluminum, which keeps it light at just 0.70" thick.
Specs: AMD Ryzen™ 9 processor, NVIDIA GTX 1660Ti, Non-glare FHD (Pantone Validated) Display, Up to 32 GB memory, 512GB SSD, and 1TB HDD If you’re looking for a high-quality gaming laptop but can’t spend a lot, this is the best option. It’s more affordable than others but still offers a great gaming experience. It’s also universal, as it can be used for both work and play. Its design is more subtle than other gaming laptops, so it looks more like a professional computer used for gaming, rather than the other way around.
Specs: Retina Display, i7 Intel Processor - Quad-Core, Up to 4TB of Storage, Up to 32GB of Memory MacBooks have a reputation for being expensive, but if you’re going to use them for designing, they might be the best investment. This model is the newest MacBook and fits the brand’s superb reputation with its user-friendly interface. Another perk about Macs is that they offer specific design applications (like Sketch, for example) that aren’t available with other brands. Users also love Macs for the extended battery life and their ability to easily integrate with other Apple devices and external displays. As a designer, this might make your work a bit easier with these particular features.
Specs: ii7 Intel Processor - Quad-Core (10th Gen), Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, Up to 32GB of RAM, Up to 2TB SSD For designers or artists, this is a fun and versatile 2-in-1 option, as it can be used as a tablet or laptop. Artists love it because of the touch-screen feature, which allows you to draw or create mock-up designs easily, especially when using its Surface Pen with design applications. Although its base price is similar to a MacBook, you get a lot more out of its basic package, including a superb battery.
Specs: i9 Intel Processor - 8 core (9th Gen), 4K UHD InfinityEdge anti-reflective, Touch Screen, NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1650, Up to 2TB SSD, Up to 64GB Memory As far as home computers go, this Dell is one of the best all-around performing laptops. It has a strong body, so you don’t have to worry as much when kids are using it! It has great graphics, a decent battery life (despite its dynamic screen), and a 720p webcam, so it’s very versatile when it comes to its use. A couple of other perks include its large trackpad (easy to use for kids and older adults) and its anti-reflective touch screen (great for lounging outside and not worrying about sun glare).
Specs: Up to i7 Intel processor - 4 Core (10th Gen), FHD, IPS Anti-Glare Screen, Up to 16GB RAM, Up to 1TB SSD You may have already heard of ThinkPad, as it’s a staple for computers that are powerful, well-rounded, and have extended battery life. Families with kids will especially enjoy this option, as it’s super sturdy (with the possibility of an even stronger carbon body) and is the ideal laptop for privacy. You can easily disable the camera, and many companies prefer it due to its high privacy and productivity. Lastly, the ThinkPad has a generous number of ports that accommodate the many different needs that you and/or your family may have.
Specs: Retina Display, i7 Intel Processor - Quad-Core, Up to 4TB of Storage, Up to 32GB of Memory Much like its perks for designers, the MacBook Pro is also a great investment for those looking for a high-performing work laptop. Creative companies often give MacBooks to employees because of their excellent functionality. It has a user-friendly interface, it seamlessly integrates with other Apple devices and apps, and has a long battery life, which is great for busy days at work. As a bonus, it’s very secure with an easy process for warranties and repairs.
Specs: Up to i7 Intel processor - 4 Cores (10th Gen), FHD, IPS Anti-Glare Screen, Up to 16GB RAM, Up to 1TB SSD This is a great option for a work computer because it uses Windows 10, which highly prioritizes privacy. You can also easily customize its specs and build off of its foundation to make it work best for your needs. It charges quickly and maintains a long battery life, plus it’s very durable so you can take it anywhere without having to worry. To distinguish this option from the MacBook Pro, Lenovo offers a wide variety of ports, whereas Macs have limited options. Different ports can make work meetings easier when you need to present information, share a screen on an external display, etc.
Specs: Retina Display, Up to i7 Intel Processor - Quad-Core, Up to 512GB SSD, Up to 2TB HDD, 720p FaceTime HD Camera When choosing the perfect travel laptop, weight is key. The MacBook Air is extra lightweight while still featuring a long battery life and a durable exterior, so it can handle constant repacking and moving. You can opt for more storage that accommodates larger files (such as photos and videos), and it features one of the best screens on the market. It’s a great laptop for work and side projects, but the screen and storage will also keep you entertained while on-the-go.
Specs: i7 Intel Processor (10th Gen), LED-backlit FHD, Nvidia MX 250, Up to 16GB memory, Up to 1TB SSD storage This Asus laptop is a great travel laptop with a compact size, exceptional sturdiness (known as “military-grade durability”), and long battery life. You don’t have to worry about moving it around, nor carrying your charging cord with you. It also features a unique design that lifts the keyboard up to create an optimal typing position. This is easier on your wrists, which is especially good for bloggers and writers. A unique perk with this Asus model is that its trackpad turns into a small touchscreen, so you can easily jump back and forth to different programs, much like having a second monitor without the hassle of its size.
Specs: Intel Celeron Processor, HD LED Display, Anti-Reflective, 4GB Memory, 32GB SSD Chromebooks may not offer as much software and flexibility as Mac or Windows, but you truly cannot beat the price for the level of functionality. It’s an affordable option that is lightweight, fast, and still has one of the longest battery lives available. One reason why travelers love this option is that it easily connects with the Android Play Store, so all the apps you enjoy on your phone can also work on your laptop seamlessly. It integrates with your Google accounts, as well, so you can store all your files in one place.
Specs: Retina Display, Up to i7 Intel Processor - Quad-Core, Up to 512GB SSD, Up to 2TB HDD 720p FaceTime HD Camera We have to recommend the MacBook Air for this category as well. It’s an extremely versatile laptop, so you can use it for any discipline, whether it be design, computer science, liberal arts, etc. As a school-friendly company, Apple offers a decent discount for students and teachers. It’s lightweight, durable, and features a long battery life and a lot of storage. But what students love about Macs is that they can connect to other Apple products and onto larger displays thanks to its Thunderbolt 3 feature.
Specs: Up to i7 Intel Processor (8th Gen), UHD IPS, Glossy Touch Screen, Up to 16GB Memory, Up to 1TB SSD, 720p HD Camera Students will love the features of this laptop, especially when writing papers or taking notes in class. It has a user-friendly touch screen display and a unique design as it can fold 360 degrees, so it can be used much like a tablet. It’s portable, lightweight, and thin, but still maintains an 8-hour-long battery life. Aside from operating great for school, it’s also a decent laptop for entertainment purposes, like streaming and music, which students love.
Specs: Up to i7 Intel Processor (8th Gen), FHD or 4K Ultra HD Molecular Display, Touch Screen, Up to 16 GB Memory, Up to 256GB SSD If you need to pull an all-nighter, this touchscreen option is your best friend—its battery will last up to 12 hours! As with the other Chromebook mentioned, it won’t have all the software for design and engineering features like Windows and Mac. But, it’s still a great option for students as it integrates straight into your Google accounts, and it still runs the common programs students use regularly. Families also love this one because of its high-quality webcam, so students can keep in touch via conference calls.
Specs: Up to i7 Intel Processor (8th Gen), FHD Display, Nvidia MX 130, Up to 16gb RAM, Up to 512GB SSD, Up to 1TB HDD If you have a wide range of different needs, it may be best to find an all-around, well-performing, multi-purpose laptop. This ASUS variety is an excellent option at an affordable price. It’s thin and lightweight, so it’s very mobile, yet offers powerful performance with its i7 processor. You can easily use this model for work, travel, or home. Plus, it has dedicated graphics for both designing and gaming.
Specs: AMD Ryzen 4000, AMD Radeon Graphics, FHD IPS Display, Up to 24GB Memory, Up to 1TB SSD, Up to 2TB HDD Much like the ASUS option above, this Acer model provides a strong, multipurpose laptop that has the ability to host a variety of activities. The biggest difference is that Acer uses AMD processors instead of Intel or Nvidia, which is a bit more powerful. This means gamers will love this laptop as much as students and families. It also features a large storage capacity and higher than normal memory, which is great for designers and travelers who work with larger files.
All of the suggested laptops above are excellent options—you truly can’t go wrong with any of them. However, when it comes to making a final decision, you may be stuck choosing amongst some common features that can leave you scratching your head. Mac vs. PC? Large vs. small screen size? Built-in graphics card? Let’s dive into some of the most common components and discover what they are and whether they’re right for you. Some have very specific benefits to certain categories (like travel and gaming) while others serve all users. Some (like the age-old Mac vs. PC debate) will come down to personal preference and general needs.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) helps keep you and your laptop safe when using the internet, and it’s beneficial to everyone and every computer. It protects your personal information and hides your IP address, so you have greater access to websites and media. You can safely and confidently browse the web, stream videos, send messages, share files, etc. There are many free versions of VPNs, but it’s best to pay for high-quality, trustworthy service to stay secure. It doesn’t have to be expensive, though! Right now (until June 30, 2020), one of the best VPN services, IPVanish, is running a special promo at a considerable discount. You can get a $5 MonthlyPlan for life, which is a savings of 59%, forever! This type of deal isn’t common with these high-quality VPN services, so it’s a limited deal and won’t be around forever.
Any laptop is prone to hackers and security breaches. Macs are less vulnerable than PCs, but even they can be hacked. It’s best to use security software to keep your new laptop safe. There are several on the market, but PC Matic is one of the best and offers an excellent plan at a great price. It’s important to choose a security program right away. The longer you wait, the more vulnerable your computer and personal information are to hackers. And once they get in, they can damage your computer and slow it down for life (it can be tricky to rid your computer of viruses without having to start from scratch. Protect your computer!
Time tracking software is a must for those who use a laptop for work-related purposes. If you work from home or have meetings off-site and need to keep track of your time (or manage your employees’ time), then having a reliable time tracking system is essential. Time Doctor is one of the best. Not only does it allow you to track time, but it also allows you to take periodic screenshots for accountability, track web usage, generate reports, and even manage payroll. Plus, it’s compatible with all devices and operating systems.
If you’re a designer or traveler, you probably have a lot of large files to store. Keeping them on your laptop will take up a lot of space, plus you want to back them up with an online storage system, such as pCloud. Even with Google Photos and iCloud, you can run out of storage. pCloud is recommended because it offers two different plans for 65% off! That is huge. Plus, it connects with everything else you use, including Google Drive, Dropbox, Instagram, Facebook, OneDrive, etc., and it has exceptional security features.
Although not essential, touch screens are particularly helpful for kids and families. The screens tend to be higher in quality, which makes it easier to clean and is often scratch resistant. They’re also great for those using their laptops for design, as it can be easier to navigate without a mouse or trackpad, and you can draw, use design tools, and annotate documents. One downfall, however, is that touch screens tend to make the laptop heavier.
Again, each category has its own best programs. For example, if you purchased a laptop for design purposes, you’ll want to install some graphic design programs to use. If you’re a traveler, however, you’ll want applications for image editing and making videos. Below you’ll find a good starting point for PCs.