English EN
Webshop keurmerk
Check Durable, affordable, refurbished
Check Ordered before 12:00 noon, delivered tomorrow!
Check Checked for more than 30 points!

Buying a Laptop: Which Laptop is Right for Me?

When purchasing a laptop, it’s important to know what specifications and features you truly need. Whether you're looking for a laptop for everyday use, study, or intensive graphic applications, making the right choice makes all the difference. In this article, we’ll guide you step by step to determine which laptop best suits your needs and budget.

Blue screen of death

Which Laptop is Right for Me?

The ideal laptop depends entirely on what you want to do with it. Are you looking for a laptop for browsing the internet and watching movies? A less powerful laptop is usually sufficient. However, if you want to play games, edit videos, or do 3D work, you'll need a more powerful laptop, such as a gaming laptop with a separate graphics card and an Intel Core i7 or AMD processor.

When buying a laptop, you should pay attention to the operating system (such as Windows, MacOS, or Google’s operating system) and the specifications that match your usage. Whether you're looking for a student laptop, a business laptop, or a laptop for on the go, the laptop choice helper will help you find the best laptop for you.

What Should You Pay Attention to?

When choosing the right laptop, it’s important to pay attention to different specifications such as the processor, memory, and graphics card. These components determine the performance and suitability of the laptop for your use, whether it’s for everyday use, gaming, or video editing.

The Operating System

The operating system is an important aspect when choosing a laptop. Most people choose Microsoft Windows because it’s the most common on almost every laptop.

Apple offers macOS, which is ideal for users who prefer the Apple ecosystem. There are also laptops with Linux or Google's operating system, ideal for those seeking more customization.

The operating system determines how you’ll use your laptop, so pay close attention to which version suits you, whether it’s a Surface laptop, a lightweight laptop, or a more powerful gaming laptop.

Screen Size (How Many Inches)

The screen size of a laptop determines the size of your display and is important when choosing a laptop. Most laptops range from 11 to 17 inches. A smaller laptop (11-13 inches) is convenient for on the go, while a larger laptop (15-17 inches) is ideal for home or business use.

When buying a new laptop, it’s important to consider which size is best for you based on how you want to use your laptop. Whether you’re looking for a laptop for video editing, gaming, or everyday use, the size plays a significant role in comfort and usability.

The Processor

The processor is one of the most important components of your laptop because it determines speed and performance. When choosing a laptop, you should pay attention to the processor, especially if you want to use the laptop for heavy tasks such as video editing, gaming with an RTX graphics card, or business use.

Most laptops have processors from Intel or AMD. For most users, a laptop with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 is sufficient, but for intensive applications, a more powerful processor like an Intel Core i7 might be the best choice. Choosing the right processor ensures that your laptop is suitable for your needs.

The RAM

RAM (Random Access Memory) plays a crucial role in the speed of your laptop. The more RAM you have, the better your laptop can perform multiple tasks simultaneously without slowing down.

When buying a new laptop, it’s important to pay attention to the RAM, especially if you plan to use the laptop for heavier tasks such as video editing or gaming.

For most users, 8 GB of RAM is sufficient, but if you multitask a lot or run heavy software, you should opt for a laptop with at least 16 GB of RAM or even 32 GB. Choosing enough RAM ensures that your laptop runs smoothly and quickly.

The Graphics Card

The graphics card is an essential component if your laptop needs to deliver graphic performance, such as for gaming, video editing, or 3D work. When choosing a laptop, it’s important to pay attention to the graphics card, especially if you want to run intensive graphic applications.

Most laptops have an integrated graphics card, but for a more powerful experience, such as gaming with an RTX graphics card, it’s best to choose a laptop with a dedicated graphics card. This ensures that your laptop is suitable for more demanding graphic tasks and runs smoothly when performing complex tasks.

Required Software for Your New Laptop

The required software for your new laptop depends on how you plan to use it. For word processing and creating spreadsheets, the Microsoft Office suite is a popular choice.

If you choose the laptop for business use, software like Microsoft Teams or a PDF reader may be useful. Additionally, it’s important to secure your laptop with an antivirus program, like McAfee, to protect your computer and files from viruses.

When buying a new laptop, it’s important to consider the software you need to work efficiently and securely.

Are You Going to Use the Laptop for Heavy Tasks?

If you're going to use the laptop for heavy tasks such as editing videos, photos, or gaming, it’s important to choose a laptop with a dedicated graphics card, such as an RTX, and a powerful processor, like an Intel i7 or i9. Additionally, enough RAM is essential; at least 32 GB of RAM is recommended for smooth performance.

When buying a laptop, pay attention to these specifications to ensure that your laptop is suitable for the heavy tasks you want to perform. Choosing the right laptop makes working with heavy software much easier.

Buying a New Laptop for Business Use

If you want to buy a new laptop for business use, it’s important to choose a laptop that’s fast and reliable. An Intel i5 processor and at least 16 GB of RAM are essential to work smoothly through your daily tasks. Additionally, sufficient hard drive space is desired, so you can easily store documents, files, and software.

When buying a laptop, pay close attention to these specifications to ensure you choose a laptop that suits you and handles your business tasks easily. This way, you can work efficiently both at home and on the go.

More Advice on Laptops or Purchasing a Windows Laptop?

Do you want more advice on the different laptops or need help choosing which type of laptop suits your needs?

Feel free to contact us, we’re happy to help you find the right laptop!

About the Author

Curious about the author behind this article?

Medewerker
Full-stack Digital Architect

Angelo van Cleef is a senior developer and IT specialist with over 23 years of experience at DSL-Tech, focusing on development and marketing. Previously, he worked at large companies on long-term projects that spanned several years. In his spare time, Angelo enjoys fitness, hiking, and exploring new world cuisines.

Cookies for website operation (obligatorisch)
Analytical cookies

We use cookies to improve your experience! Do you specify which cookies we are allowed to use and which we are not? For more information, please read our Privacy policy.