Laptops

The laptop replaces the desktop computer at home, in the office, and on the go, so its choice mainly depends on where and for what you will use it. Here you will find models from Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, Dell, HP, MSI, Apple, and others – from lightweight ultrabooks for studying and business to powerful gaming machines.

How to choose

• Purpose. For office work, studying, and browsing, a model with a mid-range processor and integrated graphics is sufficient. For gaming, video editing, and 3D, you need a laptop with a dedicated graphics card and better cooling.
• Screen size. 13–14 inches are the most convenient for daily carrying. 15.6 and 16 inches are a good balance for home use. 17–18 inches are for people who rarely move the laptop and want a large screen.
• RAM. 8 GB is the minimum for everyday work, 16 GB is a reasonable choice today, and for gaming, programming, and professional applications, look for 32 GB.
• Storage. An SSD with 512 GB is enough for most people, 1 TB and more are for gaming, photos, and videos. Check if there is a free slot for a second drive.
• Processor. Intel and AMD have models for every class, and Apple laptops and some of the new models with Qualcomm are particularly energy-efficient and last long on battery. For heavy work, look for higher series and newer generations.
• Operating system. Some models come with Windows, others are without an operating system or with Linux – in that case, the system is installed separately.

What to watch out for

• Resolution above Full HD makes text sharper but consumes a bit more battery.
• Thin laptops are lightweight, but the powerful processors in them often run noisier under load.
• Check what ports are available – USB-C with charging, HDMI, and card readers save adapters.
• For gaming models, also check the screen refresh rate, not just the graphics card.
• If you often work outdoors, a matte screen with higher brightness is easier to read in bright light.

Accessories

For the laptop, you will find a bag or backpack suitable for the screen size, a cooling pad for quieter and cooler operation, and a docking station if you connect it to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse at home with one cable.