Performance: What performance do you need?

To ascertain performance, 5 factors you should pay attention to are:

– Processor

– RAM

– Internal Storage

– Graphics Card

– Battery Life

  1.  

Performance of Laptop=Processor + RAM + Internal Storage + Graphics Card + Battery Life

acer nitro 5 reviewEach laptop’s performance is based on these 5 pillars. For example, I need a new laptop and based on these factors and my requirements, I will combine these combinations to decide the configuration for my new laptop: Intel Core i5 Processor, 8GB RAM, 512 GB SSD Storage, 2 GB Nvidia Graphics Card, and 7 Hours Battery Backup.

Before we tell you more about what important components make a laptop’s performance, we would want to ask you a simple question:

– How will you use your laptop?

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Light Use

Simple Everyday Tasks like browsing the internet, and social media, watching movies, listening to music, and doing light office work.

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Medium Use

Performing Office Work like MS Office or Excel, editing documents or photos, presentations, and light gaming. Ideal for students doing research work or multiple tasks at a time.

expensive laptops

Heavy Use

Big Tasks like heavy programming, video editing, content creation, and using heavy applications like CorelDraw, Photoshop, AutoCAD, MATLAB, and Heavy Gaming.

#1 Processor

The Processor is the brain of your computer or laptop. More the powerful the brain, the more performance it will deliver. 

A faster processor means more computations, a better speed of operations. A higher speed processor indicates that more instructions your laptop can handle per second.

Types of Processors:

intel series

intel processors
amd processors

In our research, we found that AMD processors are generally cheaper than Intel’s but Intel processors are generally better performers.

SHOP BY PROCESSOR TYPE

intel atom laptops

Atom

Detachable laptops

Celeron

pentium series laptops

Pentium

best laptop

AMD

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Core i3

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Core i5

core i7 laptops

Core i7

apple macbook review

Best Sellers

#2 RAM

Random-access memory, or RAM, is one of the most important components in all devices, from Laptops/PCs to smartphones. The amount of RAM decides on how smooth and lag-free an experience you get on your laptop.

RAM is the ultra-fast and temporary data storage space that a laptop or computer needs to access right now or in the next few moments. It is the RAM that stores all the open applications, files, and games you are playing.

RAM

Always buy a laptop with DDR4 RAM as it is a more sophisticated and powerful RAM compared to old and obsolete DDR3. DDR4 RAM also saves power, improves battery life, offers high transfer rates, and increased speed and efficiency.

 

SHOP BY MEMORY SIZE (RAM)

best laptop

4 GB

best laptops for computer science students

8 GB

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16 GB AND MORE

#3 Internal Storage

Choosing a laptop with the right amount of storage capacity depends on storage space requirements and speed of storage. Normally, it is referred to as HDD or Hard Disk Drive and is measured in GBs.

But nowadays, SSD Storage (Solid State Drive) are widely used as they offer several advantages over traditional HDDs.

Types of Storage

hdd storage

HDD Storage:

A hard disk drive (HDD) is an old-school storage device that uses mechanical platters and a moving read/write head to access data. HDDs are cheaper and you can get more storage space. However, they are relatively slower as they have moving parts that spin to read data

ssd storage

SSD Storage:

A solid-state drive (SSD) is a newer, faster type of device that stores data on instantly-accessible memory chips. SSDs replace traditional mechanical hard disks by using flash-based memory, which is significantly faster. SSDs are faster, lighter, more durable, and use less energy. SSD storage can start up your windows in a couple of seconds and your heavy applications will also run faster and smoother

sshd storage

SSHD Storage:

Solid-state hybrid drives or SSHDs are a combination of a traditional Hard Disk Drive with a small amount of SSD storage built into one Hybrid enclosure. So an SSHD is a hard drive and SSD in one, which is why it's called a hybrid. For Example, A SSHD Unit can have 128 GB SSD Storage and 512 GB HDD Storage. The Operating System along with applications can be installed on SSD for faster access while HDD Part can be used for storing your files, documents, movies, music, etc.

Always buy a laptop with SSD or SSHD Storage rather than a hard drive, because they offer 5x the performance benefits in comparison to standard HDD-based storage.

SHOP BY STORAGE TYPE

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HDD Storage

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SSD Storage

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SSHD Storage

SHOP BY STORAGE CAPACITY

intel atom laptops

Up to 500 GB

pentium series laptops

500 - 999 GB

best laptop

1 TB & MORE

#4 Graphics Card

A graphics card is a dedicated chip installed within most computing devices to display graphical data with high clarity, color, quality visuals, high definition, and rich graphics.

A better graphics card significantly improves a laptop’s performance and gaming ability. The card can also improve the computing experience by playing videos better and freeing up memory.

nvidia graphics card

Integrated vs Dedicated

Integrated

Dedicated

Nvidia graphic series
Source: amazon.in
amd graphic series
Source: amazon.in

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LAPTOPS WITH DEDICATED GRAPHIC CARD

#5 Battery Life

This is the last aspect that impacts the performance of your laptop. If you are the one who is usually traveling, then you definitely need a laptop with a bigger battery for long hours of usage. 

battery life of laptop

SHOP BY BATTERY LIFE

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Up to 4 Hours

lenovo ideapad s145

5 - 7 Hours

expensive laptops

8 - 10 Hours

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11 Hours & More

Display

The next important aspect while choosing your laptop is the right display selection i.e the right screen size, screen resolution, and the type of display. 

For instance, a widescreen display is of utmost importance if you are a gamer. However, the same may not be the case for a business owner.

best buyer guide for laptops

#1 Screen Size

The laptops’ screens come in different sizes. The most popular and common screen size is 15.6 inches. But some people also prefer other screen sizes like 13 inches, 11 inches, or even 17.3 inches for gaming purposes. So, it all depends on your need and purpose.

SHOP BY SCREEN SIZE

Detachable laptops

Upto 12.9 inch

intel atom laptops

13-14 inch

best laptop

15-16 inch

pentium series laptops

17 inch & more

Pro Tip: 15.6 inches is the standard size but if you need a laptop to carry a lot or for traveling purposes, then consider buying a laptop with a display between 11 to 14 inches.

#2 Resolution

In addition to the display size, the resolution is the key factor that one needs to consider. The most common screen resolutions are HD Ready, Full HD, and 4K.

Higher Screen Resolution= Sharp, Clear, and more pleasant to the eye.

HD Resolution

Full HD Resolution

4K Resolution

Pro Tip: If you are looking for a cost-effective laptop with good visuals and graphics, then consider buying a laptop with Full HD Resolution.

Other Factors to Consider

  • Touchscreen

    Nowadays, laptops fall into the category of 2-in-1 laptops. Touchscreen laptops enable you to edit directly on the screen with the help of a stylus, scrolling, controlling with fingers, and zooming in and out. This works in the same way as on some tablets or smartphones.

  • Refresh Rate

    The refresh rate of a display is the number of times per second that the image refreshes on the screen. For example, a 60Hz display will update the screen 60 times per second. Overall, the refresh rate determines how smoothly motion appears on your screen. The standard refresh rate is 60Hz. If it is lower, your screen may not be able to keep up with the fast-paced graphics of games or heavy applications.

  • Matte vs Glossy Display

    Glossy displays have more vivid color and contrast. Colors appear more intense and saturated, while blacks appear deeper. However, light shining on the display can cause extremely noticeable reflections. Matte screens have an anti-glare coating applied to them, so they’re much better at preventing reflections. Matte Displays are best suited for people who do a lot of work on a laptop.

  • IPS vs Non-IPS Screen

    IPS, also known as In-Plane Switching typically have wider viewing angles, and suffers less color washout, thus allowing 2-3 people to huddle around your screen without any loss in brightness or colors. If you are on a budget, then you can simply go with a Non-IPS screen. But GrabthisGadget recommends you always pick IPS for great viewing angles and the best visual experience.

Design

The design of a laptop includes various physical components and features that make it a portable and compact computing device. 

There are basically 5 Types of Laptop Designs: Basic Laptops, Thin and Light-Weight, Touchscreen, 2-in-1 Laptops, and Gaming Laptops.

convertible laptop

#1 Basic Laptop (For Everyday and Light Weight Use) 

Basic laptops have a standard design with a screen that folds down onto the keyboard and mouse pad. These are entry-level or budget-friendly laptops that are designed for basic computing tasks such as web browsing, email, word processing, and multimedia playback.

These laptops generally have less powerful hardware and fewer features compared to more expensive models, but they are more common, typically affordable, and offer good value for their price.

Pro Tip: While basic laptops may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, they can still provide a good computing experience for users who only need to perform basic tasks. They are also a good option for students, casual users, and those on a tight budget.

#2 Slim and Light Weight Laptop (For People on the Go) 

These laptops are typically below 1.7 kg in weight and usually have a display size of 14 inches or lower. Thin and lightweight laptops are designed to provide a balance of portability and performance, making them ideal for users who need to work on the go or in limited spaces.

Pro Tip: Thin and lightweight laptops are a great choice for users who need a portable and powerful computing device. They are ideal for professionals who need to work on the go or students who need to carry their laptop around campus.

#3 Touchscreen Laptop 

A touchscreen laptop is a type of laptop computer that has a display screen that can be interacted with through touch. This means that you can use your fingers or a stylus to navigate through the interface and perform tasks like opening apps, typing, scrolling, and zooming in and out.

Touchscreen laptops are popular among users who want a more intuitive and interactive way to use their computers. They are especially useful for tasks like drawing, graphic design, and note-taking, where precision and accuracy are important.

Pro Tip: Overall, if you prioritize touch interaction and have a budget that allows for a touchscreen model, a touchscreen laptop could be worth buying. However, if you don’t plan to use touch inputs frequently or have a limited budget, a non-touchscreen model may be a better choice.

SHOP BY DESIGN

hp 15s 12th gen i5

Basic

thin and light weight laptop

Thin and Light Weight

touchscreen laptop

Touchscreen

#4 2-in-1 Laptops

A 2-in-1 laptop is a type of laptop computer that can function as both a traditional laptop and a tablet. This type of laptop typically has a hinge that allows the screen to be rotated or detached from the keyboard, allowing it to be used as a standalone tablet.

There are two main types of 2-in-1 laptops:

  • Convertible laptops

    These laptops have a hinge that allows the screen to be rotated 360 degrees, which allows it to be used in a variety of modes, such as laptop mode, tent mode, and tablet mode.

  • Detachable laptops

    These laptops have a screen that can be completely detached from the keyboard, allowing it to be used as a standalone tablet.

Pro Tip: 2-in-1 laptops are popular among users who want the convenience of a tablet for tasks like reading, browsing the web, and watching videos, while still having the productivity features of a traditional laptop for tasks like typing, editing documents, and running software programs.

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Convertible laptops

Detachable laptops

Detachable laptop

#5 Gaming Laptop

A gaming laptop is a type of laptop computer that is designed to provide high performance and graphics capabilities for gaming. These laptops are typically equipped with high-end components like powerful processors, dedicated graphics cards, and fast memory and storage.

touchscreen laptop

CONVERTIBLE 2-in-1 LAPTOPS

core i7 laptops

GAMING LAPTOPS

Operating System

The next critical factor when choosing your laptop is the operating system. The (OS) of a laptop refers to the software that manages the computer’s hardware resources, provides services to applications, and enables users to interact with the computer.

A computer’s operating system (OS) is responsible for managing and coordinating various activities and sharing resources of a computer system.

mac vs windows os

Functions of Operating System (OS)

Here are some of the functions of an operating system:

Overall, the operating system serves as the foundation of the computer system, allowing users to run programs, access resources, and interact with the computer.

various type of operating systems
Source: Amazon.in

Pro Tip: If you plan to utilize your laptop for small business or some other professional usage, it might be worthwhile to buy a laptop with Windows 10 Pro which has more cutting-edge security features. 

Pro Tip: Mac OS is generally considered to be more secure than Windows due to its Unix-based architecture and built-in security features. However, they’re significantly more expensive.

Ports and Connectivity

Ports and connectivity are important factors to consider when choosing a laptop. Different laptops have different ports and connectivity options, and you’ll want to make sure that the laptop you choose has the ports you need to connect to the devices and peripherals you use.

ports and connectivity in laptop

Here are some common ports and connectivity options to look for:

ports-and-connectivity
Source: Amazon.in
ports and connectivity

Pro Tip: When choosing a laptop, it’s important to consider which ports and connectivity options you need for your specific use case. Make sure to check the specifications and see which ports and connectivity options the laptop has before making your purchase.